Cabrio Suspension

[collareddrifter]

I'm looking for some recommendations for a suspension on a cabrio.
Right now I'm looking at, Bilstein Shocks, and Eibach Pro Springs. As well as some kind of strut bar. Likely an Eibach.

Can anybody here recommend something better? I understand H&R's springs are out of the question. (they dont work on the cabrio apparently) :confused:

Im planning a complete suspension overhaul, anything else i need? It will be used for daily driving, as well as some auto x. Any help is appreciated. =]

[RED IS 91]

I don't have any suggestion but that woman in your sig is driving from the wrong side ....................:eek:

[gearheadE30]

Never heard that the H&R springs not working before....

E30 M3 control arm bushings make a huge improvement in steering feel, anti-dive, and stability.

[collareddrifter]

I don't have any suggestion but that woman in your sig is driving from the wrong side ....................:eek:

:rolleyes: maybe some people just... like a challenge..


and what is.. anti-dive?

[D. Clay]

Anti-dive and anti-squat are the acceleration and braking equivalent of roll centers in cornering. Anti-dive can be increased by rotating the bushings to raise the rear control arm mount. Actually on a car like the E30 it isn't really necessary to understand or even consider this in modifying the suspension. There's only so much you can do without welding in new suspension pickup points, especially on a strut type car.
I'd suggest driving a few cars with different springs, shocks, sway bars, and bushings to get an idea of what you want. Personal preference is a big factor in all this.

[ducatipaso]

I can toss out there that if you're looking for a mild drop, greatly improved handling without requiring a regular visit to the dentist you could consider the E30 M3 / Bilstein setup that I have.

Transformed the car from the worn out stock setup.

[scottiesharpe]

I have Eibach springs on my cabrio. It handles great, even with the stock boges and bars. However the Eibachs are short soft springs. They bottom out quite a bit on agressive street driving.

[AL GReeNeRy]

I have Eibach springs on my cabrio. It handles great, even with the stock boges and bars. However the Eibachs are short soft springs. They bottom out quite a bit on agressive street driving.

usually aftermarket shocks can help with bottoming out.  the stock ones werent designed to handle shorter springs.

[scottiesharpe]

Very good point. I hadn't thought of the shock travel as being an issue. Thanks!

[Mike 91 318ic]

I've been using Intrax and billy sports for around 6 years now with no problems and good ride quality (firm but not harsh).

M

[bmwpower]

I'm wondering the same thing.

I just bought a 318ic and I'm looking to replace the suspension.

I have the Eibach Prokit plus Bilstein sports on my 325ic, but I didn't think they were available for the 318ic.  Can someone confirm this?  Are they the same parts as the 325ic?

Also, a parts guy told me that the 318ic takes Bilsteins from the 318is.  Is this true?

If I can't get a better suspension setup on the car, I might have to sell it...

[MichaelP]

New guy here, seriously considering purchase of a '91 318 cabrio here in town.

Eibach, H&R and Bavauto don't seem to offer springs specifically for the 318 cabrio. Given the cabrio's added 250 pounds or so over the 318is, would 318is springs be a bad idea? How about using 325i springs instead?

Scotty, which Eibachs did you use?

[scottiesharpe]

As far as I know, all the e30 springs and shocks are interchangable.

I am using springs and shocks from a 318i coupe.

The M3 springs and shocks look exactly the same size, although shorter. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[scottiesharpe]

I'm wondering the same thing.

I just bought a 318ic and I'm looking to replace the suspension.

I have the Eibach Prokit plus Bilstein sports on my 325ic, but I didn't think they were available for the 318ic.  Can someone confirm this?  Are they the same parts as the 325ic?

Also, a parts guy told me that the 318ic takes Bilsteins from the 318is.  Is this true?

If I can't get a better suspension setup on the car, I might have to sell it...

I am selling an E30 M3 5 lug suspention with brakes. You could put that on the car and have an M3 cabrio.
I am also selling a set of ireland "R" springs and bilsteins shocks.

[MichaelP]

I've been using Intrax and billy sports for around 6 years now with no problems and good ride quality (firm but not harsh).

M

Aha. Intrax offers springs specifically for the 318i cabrio (download their pdf at intrax.com) that they say drops the front 1.6" and the rear 1.2". Mike, do you you have a pic of your car? I wonder if you can use HDs instead of sports with those springs.

By the way, I bought the 318i cabrio I mentioned in the post above. I love it. Will post pics soon.