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DISCUSSION => Suspension => Topic started by: a.12912 on June 03, 2008, 06:58:41 AM

Title: Opinions on full suspension upgrade, shocks, springs, strut tops, bushings and much m
Post by: a.12912 on June 03, 2008, 06:58:41 AM
Opinions on full suspension upgrade, shocks, springs, strut tops, bushings and much more….

Quote
It’s time to upgrade the E30 BMW M42’s suspension


After real world opinions from users of the below mentioned components ready for improvement / upgrade. Recommendations and dis-recommendations toward particular components.
 
On the upgrade list is.

   

Other points missed….?

Thanks in advance
Title: Opinions on full suspension upgrade, shocks, springs, strut tops, bushings and much m
Post by: rhogg on June 03, 2008, 04:50:54 PM
Well no real world experience yet because I just went through this and nothign has been received yet let alone been installed.  Here are my conclusions & rationale in case it is helpful:

Shocks:  I went with Bilstien Sports I didn't think I needed anything more. I considered a coil over but the adjustablity would simply confuse me at this point.

Sway bars and mounting upgrades?  I went with Suspension Techniques pretty agressive but not too aggresive.  I wanted to use softer springs as opposed to the hard springs soft bar approach. I am making my own reenforcement plates a la Turner but will likely regret this. Should have ordered their reenforcement kit with the shocks and springs.

Springs, rates, linier or progressive: H&R Sport - moderate drop, well liked, good first step. I have a 91 318i so model specific option was useful. I went with the 91 model versus the older 318i model which provides some rake (lower front)

Full urethane suspension bushings: I am renewing all bushings with stock from Pelican Parts - cheap. Considered eccentric trailing arm bushings but will go to the bimmerworld rear eccentric mounts later if needed or desired.

Front control arm offset bush? brand and type Previously done Offset from Pelican Parts

Adjustable strut tops; street compliance such as K-Mac stage 1 Renewing stock will adjust if necessary

Rear sub-frame camber caster adjustment modification; Irelend Engineering or other  Considering bimmerworld mounts

Other All other rubber shock, and spring perches, Reart subframe bushings are being replaced with new stock.  Rear shock mounts with OEM E46 mounts from Pelican Parts.

These decisions were based on a car that is 98% a daily driver.  I want the car to be tighter with less roll, but still capable of taking rough(ish) roads. I have a 2004 Cooper S and did not want a car stiffer than it. Once suspension work is done, next on the list is driving school and auto cross.  After that adjustabilty will be considered.

I stayed away from urethane because I want to retain a daily driver.  Also  I wanted a minimal approach that I could learn from and then adjust.
Title: Opinions on full suspension upgrade, shocks, springs, strut tops, bushings and much m
Post by: Nick_318is on June 04, 2008, 10:02:34 AM
Shocks:  I have had koni yellows (adjustable) and Bilstien Sports, I have the sports now and I like them and a set for the whole car was much less than the price for a front set of koni's.  The koni ajustability is great for going to the track though.

Springs:  I have Dinan springs, I like they they are still a little on the soft side but the ride is alright.  I have never heard a bad word about the H&R sports, i think they give a nice drop without killing anything.

Sway bars:  I have the Ireland engineering 22/19mm swaybars, i like them but have yet to start really playing with the adjustments, took a lot of roll out of the car but with the softer springs (still better then stock) i'm finding it a very nice compromise.

I would also suggest some m3 offset bushings or get some powerflex bushings (again never heard anything bad about them), they have all the other bushings you would need as well.

I don't have camber plates but its on my list, i hear the Vogtland setup is good.
Title: Opinions on full suspension upgrade, shocks, springs, strut tops, bushings and much m
Post by: batsbats on June 04, 2008, 03:20:57 PM
Over on R3V, in the GB section, there's a C3 Coilover kit for 1500$+.

Along with that, all you would need is good bushing kit.
Title: Opinions on full suspension upgrade, shocks, springs, strut tops, bushings and much m
Post by: a.12912 on June 06, 2008, 08:05:11 PM
hi,

cheers al for the help and suggestions

thanks firstly for the suggestion of the c3 kit, though on attempting to contact them they don't reply? also given where i live it is not allowed to have adjustable hight suspension or modify suspension in the way that is needed to run this kit.

I'm leaning toward the koni, though need to find reputable dealers preferable in the US given the exchange rate.

strut tops still k-mac or alternatively available in Australia noltec.


i will in given time get some local prices on items needed, i will post the information when obtained.

cheers