Author Topic: shock and suspension questions (Read 3895 times)

BMW2010 · « **on:** May 09, 2010, 11:51:17 PM »

I just recently bought my first BMW its a 95 318iS, and im looking at replacing the shocks and suspension. I want to lower it about 1.2 inches in the front and close to that in the back. Im really just looking for some recomondations. I no bilstein is really good but im on a budget and cant really afford those right now. Do yall know of anything a little cheaper but still good quality?

deekay · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2010, 02:27:28 AM »

they've been an unpopular choice as far as "forum wisdom" goes, but tokico blues & H&R sports on my e30 'vert have kept me happy. i spec'd them out for a 4-banger Z3 because i was doing a 5-lug swap at the same time, but you'll be able to find them for an e36 coupe.

flyinglizard · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2010, 08:46:09 AM »

I have been happy with the Monroe strut insert for most of the German street cars. I cut one coil from the fronts, that gives the minus 1.5-2 in. and struts can handle this new, slightly higher spring rate. Advance sells them with a lifetime deal. Stay away from the sliver KYB, (way to soft, IMHO. ) The Monroes are much better. (I have a stack of pretty new KYB take outs.)
I go straight to Billy and race springs for any track cars . The Billys do work nice on the street, in a smooth, warm climate. HTH, MM

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** May 10, 2010, 10:55:40 AM »

I was considering the Tokicos too. I had an e34 that I bought Bilstein Sports for and it got to be very harsh on winter streets. Handled great though.

I have a used set of Bilstein Sports and lowering springs from a '90 325i that I'll be trying out first though. They're not leaking but I'm not sure if they're good yet.

I also swapped out my worn rear shocks for a pair of used OEM (M-Tech?) Bilsteins...it really helped even with stock springs. Keep an eye out for stock front struts with the really thick Bilstein piston rod...nobody knows what they are...

deekay · « **Reply #4 on:** May 10, 2010, 12:59:59 PM »

Dave: i've heard of people complain that the tokico blues have not been reliable for auto-x duty. my car doesn't see anything more than enthusiastic street use and the occasional ill-advised freeway sprint (got my first ticket in 5 years doing one of these on saturday), and they've been fine for me. i'd let your intended usage make the decision for you.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #5 on:** May 10, 2010, 02:42:00 PM »

I'm no tracker, just looking for reliable and long-lasting stuff. The Bilsteins can get a bit jiggly sometimes. I'll post my findings later, after I get some miles on them.

BMW2010 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 10, 2010, 09:33:48 PM »

thanks yall for your help. im still new at this and im trying to learn about it. I was looking at a Eibach system.... http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EIB-2021-840/?rtype=10 .... if i were looking at something like this. is there anything that yall would recommend for me to also get or is this good for right now?

max123 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 26, 2010, 06:18:58 PM »

Why not just go back to the standard Boge shocks - they are quite a bit cheaper and will last at least 10 years and maintain stock ride quality.