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DISCUSSION => Suspension => Topic started by: bmw327 on May 03, 2008, 04:40:36 PM

Title: Thoughts on DD setup?
Post by: bmw327 on May 03, 2008, 04:40:36 PM
So the suspension in the little beast ('31 318i) isn't terrible, but is showing it's age somewhat and I'm considering my options for a rebiuild.  I'm using the car as a 4 season daily driver in the northeast, meaning pockmarked roads and all sorts of weather, so I'd rather not rattle my fillings, but would like to upgrade a few things.  

What I'm thinking of is the following:

Stock springs

Bilstein HD's

Upgraded front and rear anti-roll bars  (22mm / 19mm) with appropriate reinforcements

All new bushings (rubber, delrin, or polyurethane?)

Rear upper shock mounts.

The car is already riding on a set of 15x7.5 Ronal LS with 205/55 Yokos (PO installed).

I'd think that this would make a comfy, well damped, but relatively flat cornering car that can handle uneven surfaces without getting jiggly or skating along the tops of bumps.

I don't really care about cosmetics (well, my car IS pretty), but I'm not into lowering springs for their looks.  Functionality is what I find beautiful...

Thoughts?  Better ideas?
Title: Thoughts on DD setup?
Post by: Wise Old Dog on May 03, 2008, 05:09:37 PM
Think about Bilstein touring instead of the HD's. HD's are quite stiff.
Stick with the rubber bushings.
Instead of the 22/19 sway bars, pick up a set of stock sways from a vert or M3. Just a little bit thicker, which is all you need.
Nice wheels and tires, I have the exact same setup.
 
Remember, you aren't building a track car.

I lowered my car, and put Bilstein sports on the front and Koni's on the rear. Now I don't like to drive it in the city because it's too stiff of a ride.
Title: Thoughts on DD setup?
Post by: RED IS 91 on May 03, 2008, 05:35:07 PM
I have bilstein touring class on my car and the ride is nice.Not stiff but firm.
Good choice for daily driver .
Title: Thoughts on DD setup?
Post by: bmw327 on May 03, 2008, 06:06:02 PM
Sounds most reasonable and slightly less expensive as well!  I'm glad I asked. What's the difference in diameter between the cabrio bars and the 318i?