Author Topic: Which Dampers? (maybe springs?)  (Read 7522 times)

Interlocker

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Which Dampers? (maybe springs?)
« on: June 12, 2006, 03:10:54 PM »
Okay, so I've only been driving the car for a few days now, but the dampers are basically just tubes that move up and down right now. ;)

I'd like to at least replace those, and I assume Bilstein HD is the way to go if you keep stock springs?  

I am debating springs, but I don't really want the car too low, as I'd like to keep the fact that I don't have to worry about speed bumps and driveways anymore... that's what the M3 is for.

Would the H&R OEs fit the bill, and if so, would the be best run with HD or Sports?  

Any input is welcome... thanks!

Interlocker

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Which Dampers? (maybe springs?)
« Reply #1 on: June 12, 2006, 04:43:42 PM »
After more looking around, I see that BavAuto actually lists Bilstein HD, Sports and "Touring."  Anyone have experience with those?

Eurospec

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Which Dampers? (maybe springs?)
« Reply #2 on: June 12, 2006, 07:18:19 PM »
Heavy duty bilsteins would be compatible with both stock and H&R sport OE's if you decided to go that route. OE's don't lower much, only about .75-1"

I will be posting pics of this setup on my car after I replace my suspension this weekend.

Interlocker

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« Reply #3 on: June 12, 2006, 08:33:13 PM »
Quote from: Eurospec
I will be posting pics of this setup on my car after I replace my suspension this weekend.


Great!  I'm looking forward to pics and your impressions.

Eurospec

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Which Dampers? (maybe springs?)
« Reply #4 on: June 12, 2006, 11:09:52 PM »
I'm more than certain it will be a night and day difference as my suspension needs replacement.

There are a few others running this particular setup.

Dude8383:





PFunk_Spock on E30tech: LINK

nickmpower

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Which Dampers? (maybe springs?)
« Reply #5 on: June 13, 2006, 11:35:50 AM »
those are either sports or the oe's are no different from sports

Eurospec

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Which Dampers? (maybe springs?)
« Reply #6 on: June 13, 2006, 12:10:29 PM »
Here's another shot from ngaged car, hope he doesn't mind me posting. You be the judge.

M42boy

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Which Dampers? (maybe springs?)
« Reply #7 on: June 13, 2006, 01:45:51 PM »
Damn, that's a pretty car!!!!  

Gotta love Briliantrot!  :D

Interlocker

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« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2006, 10:44:17 AM »
The Bilstein HD and H&R OE Sport combo looks great, and is very tempting.  I may just go with the HDs and leave the stock springs, though.

Is anyone here running stock everything but the HD dampers?  If so, any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Eurospec

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« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2006, 11:57:42 AM »
You could do that. Another option is e30 M3 springs which are slightly stiffer than our springs and provide a minimal drop similar to the OE's. These could be found anywhere between $80-120, depends on the condition.

Also, PMing you some info.

Interlocker

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« Reply #10 on: June 23, 2006, 06:23:36 PM »
Well, as tempted as I was to go with springs as well, timing isn't working out for me, so I'm sticking with the original plan of staying all stock... for now. ;)

I was out instructing at Buttonwillow (in SoCal for non-California listers) and I had to bring the M42 out since the power steering in my M3 (E36) went out last weekend, and that car is a bear to drive without power assist (heavy car with sticky tires = a LOT of work with no power).

I took the E30 out for a session to try to get a feel for the car, and it absolutely does need dampers.  Not just because of the body roll, but when coming out of corners under power, the rear end hops quite a lot so there's traction, then no traction, traction, no traction and so on.  Fun, but not really productive and since my girlfriend will be using the car on track sometimes, I'd rather opt for something the she finds fun too, since this would just scare her as it is now.  Sure was a fun ride while it lasted, though...

Until the water pump started to go out.  Oops!  Came into the pits and hears a lot of noise from under the hood.  Popped it open to see that the fan was moving all over the place, so I had to have it towed to my mechanic (thank god for AAA Premium!!).

Anyway, while it's getting the needed work done, I'm going to put in the Bilstein HDs, so if anyone's curious as to what an all-stock suspension with Bilstein HDs feels like, I'd be happy to write up a review after a few days of driving.  Just say the word!

dude8383

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« Reply #11 on: June 23, 2006, 07:44:30 PM »
You should really pair up some new springs with the new struts/shocks. if anything some m3 springs will be a much better choice than stock springs.

OR...you're just looking for something OEM?


Interlocker

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« Reply #12 on: June 23, 2006, 09:03:45 PM »
Quote from: dude8383
OR...you're just looking for something OEM?



For now I'm just sticking with basically OE stuff.  The M3 is the track car now, so a nice soft suspension is sort of a treat at the moment.  Sure, there's the huge wheel gap and the lower stance looks much better, but the comfort is nice for now, and my girlfriend has been using her E39 525 on track, so I want her to drive this one on track in stock configuration first. Then we'll eventually move to a slightly stiffer spring so she can learn in steps and get a feel for what the changes actually do, but I really want to keep a compliant street ride.

dude8383

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« Reply #13 on: June 23, 2006, 09:14:12 PM »
Quote from: Interlocker
For now I'm just sticking with basically OE stuff.  The M3 is the track car now, so a nice soft suspension is sort of a treat at the moment.  Sure, there's the huge wheel gap and the lower stance looks much better, but the comfort is nice for now, and my girlfriend has been using her E39 525 on track, so I want her to drive this one on track in stock configuration first. Then we'll eventually move to a slightly stiffer spring so she can learn in steps and get a feel for what the changes actually do, but I really want to keep a compliant street ride.


go for the m3 springs, the ride won't be harsh at all.


Interlocker

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Which Dampers? (maybe springs?)
« Reply #14 on: June 23, 2006, 09:19:36 PM »
Quote from: dude8383
go for the m3 springs, the ride won't be harsh at all.


How much lower does that make the car.  I already ordered HDs, and I know they're only supposed to be used with a minimal drop, if any.  I'm also very interested in keeping the factory original front lip.  :D