Author Topic: Shock/Spring Decision (Read 8005 times)

Eurospec · « **on:** March 15, 2006, 04:57:23 PM »

I'm in the market for a new suspension. Here's what I had in mind prior to Febi opening up a can of worms, Bilstein HD's with H&R O.E. Sports (credit goes out to Dennis-dude8383). I'd like something that will improve the handling characteristics of the car and at the same time will allow me to drive comfortably without having to worry about busting my oil pan. My intention is NOT to slam my E30 like others have.

Any feedback and or visuals (ie. profiles of your car) would be greatly appreciated.

johna · « **Reply #1 on:** March 15, 2006, 05:52:23 PM »

I have H&R -30mm springs and I recently had a set of Bilstein Sports fitted. The workshop actually fitted Bilstein Heavy Duty by mistake at first which I drove around on for a weekend before they changed them for Sports. So I got to try both. I must say that from a comfort point of view that there wasn't a significant difference. Also note that Bilstein Sports are specifically designed for lowered springs and HD are for stock ride height. With this setup you do have to take care when entering driveways etc or the front spoiler will scrape.

Eurospec · « **Reply #2 on:** March 15, 2006, 06:09:58 PM »

It seems as if there are 3 types of sport springs. Do you know which of the 3 you have?

dude8383 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 15, 2006, 08:05:49 PM »

Quote from: john318isau

Also note that Bilstein Sports are specifically designed for lowered springs and HD are for stock ride height.

the hd's are actually not the same height as the stock shocks. i lined my old shocks up with the hd's and the they were about 1/2 inch shorter. combined with the O.E. springs, i got a little more than an inch.

Febi Guibo · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2006, 09:16:16 PM »

hey man... what wheels and tires are you running? I put new tires and wheels on (ronal 15x7.5 and bfg sport 215 50 15) before I did the shocks and springs.

In terms of handling, the wheels and tires made as much difference as the shocks and springs for normal driving ...I was going from 195 65 14, and they had a pretty high sidewall...

I'm in new york and was also concerned ride height and streetability, but the difference between the sports and OE sport springs is really about .5 - .75 of an inch at most... i had to be careful with my iS lip running at stock height anyway.

The big difference I saw after going to the H&R sports is that I can 'set' the car at turn-in a lot faster than before, eg... get the weight of the car off the control arms and onto the springs at speed.

obviously, looks was a big part of it too... the stance on the sport springs is really nice, in my opinion...

This is a photo another 318is owner who is running 29664 H&Rs was kind enough to send me when I was trying to figure out what springs to get. I won't be able to shoot my car until the weekend, but this is pretty accurate.

Choking Hazard · « **Reply #5 on:** March 15, 2006, 10:32:55 PM »

I got a combined spring and shock (and insert) kit made by bilstein. Lowered the car about like the white one in the pic- maybe 1/2 in higher in the front. I will use this car as daily driver, so I did not really expect the coil-over set up was really practical for me. The kit I got uses Bilstein Sports and M3 spec springs. Its quite firm, but not jarring. I also put on some 5-1/2 x 16 wheels with 205 55 tires so it likes smooth pavement best, but I can tolerate real roads OK.

Eurospec · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2006, 03:06:55 PM »

According to TMS the 50406 H&R's lower 1.0" in the front and .75" in the rear which is slightly less than the 29664's. Any pros/cons to running this model?

Febi Guibo · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2006, 03:47:31 PM »

Hey man, just to chime in again with another highly unscientific opinion....

I was looking for a set of springs more or less matched to my car... but the 50504's, 50406's, and 50404.55's are *very* similar (I had the 50506s and the 50404.55s here in person to compare)...

anyway, they seem like the same springs with different lowering, based on the weight of your car and strut setup. The 29664s were listed for a 4 cylinder car whose weight is much closer to the 318is... they are different looking than the 504xx springs (eg, different number of coils etc.)

not that any of this actually means anything; I just didn't wanna have springs that might have been a hair too tall *and* too stiff for the car.

I would consider the 50404s or the 29964s... I will take photos tomorrow AM and you can judge if the stance looks okay.

Eurospec · « **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2006, 04:08:49 PM »

Guess I'll be joining the 29964 club. Worst case, I'll add some spring pads.

VitaminJ · « **Reply #9 on:** March 25, 2006, 02:26:02 AM »

I have a set of 50404's that Im wanting to get rid of... The ride is amazing and i've noticed a superb increase in handeling quality. However, I'm wanting a littttle bit more drop... Interested??

Eurospec · « **Reply #10 on:** March 25, 2006, 01:10:34 PM »

Quote from: VitaminJ

I have a set of 50404's that Im wanting to get rid of... The ride is amazing and i've noticed a superb increase in handeling quality. However, I'm wanting a littttle bit more drop... Interested??

Definitely, replied to your PM.