M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
DISCUSSION => Suspension => Topic started by: idu29660 on January 14, 2008, 10:51:57 PM
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Since i bought my 318i E30 i've always notice that the rear suspension sags or sits to where the rear tires tuck right into place where as in the front theres alot of space between the tire and the fornt fender. just wanted to know what anyone else thinks and what product anybody has used...
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Since i bought my 318i E30 i've always notice that the rear suspension sags or sits to where the rear tires tuck right into place where as in the front theres alot of space between the tire and the fornt fender. just wanted to know what anyone else thinks and what product anybody has used...
yeah this is normal. look at the line that goes from the top of the front fender to the top of the rear fender, you'll notice that the rear fender is closer to the wheel of about 5-6 inches. this is normal. to get rid of the wheel gap, get a new sport suspension with H&R springs and maybe bilstein sport struts, whatever setup you prefer.
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The design of the 89-91 E30s came with a lower rear-wheel arch. Try looking for pictures of a 1990 and a 1987 E30 and compare the rear arches and you'll see what I'm talking about. It gives the appearance of a sagging rear.
When people lower there car, it compounds the sagging butt look, so a few companies (such as Vogtland) make lowering springs with rake; ie, front -1.7" rear -1.3" as on my car. This way it evens out the fender gaps, with the inclusive aggressive rake look.
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does this have any effect on handling !?!?!?
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Lowering the front of a car will increases front end grip.
It may cause the back of a rear wheel drive car to get unsettled easier but imo the turn in and front end grip outweigh any bad effects it can have.
Even the lowered front stance look is worth it alone:cool:
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I imagine you would not want inclusive rake if you are using your E30 as a designated track vehicle, but the springs you most likely would be using (very high spring rates) in that case do not include rake and lower evenly, leaving you with the 'saggy butt' look.
I haven't noticed any poor handling characteristics due to the slight rake for street use, and also seems completely fine for the occasional trackday. I wanted to get rid of the look, and being my DD decided this was the route to take. I only track this car 1-2 times each season.