Best bang for the buck? Suspension

BMWnoob · 11-20-2009, 10:46 AM

Thinking of getting a suspension overhaul.. not sure about what exactly is needed but assuming spring shocks and more..

what's the best bang for the buck out there? daily driver.. doesn't need to be slammed but nice driveable drop would be nice..

i've read a lot about H&R and bilisteins..is that the best combo? what's cheaper?

richie_s999 · 11-20-2009, 10:51 AM

whats on the car now?

if your happy with the springs and struts change all the rubber bushings new sway bar links, and toss in some bigger sway bars to help with the weight of the vert on turns.

Verts are alot heavier so watch the spring rates if you change them!!

nachos23 · 11-20-2009, 01:00 PM

I love my Bilstein and H&R sports springs/shock/strut combination. Bilstein makes a strut and shock for lowered springs. A little tougher on the big bumps, but quite livable considering the handling improvements you get!! My daily driver too. Put on 40K/yr. Just watch big bumps with a full Timmie's cup..... Dropped front about 1.5" and rear about 1"... looks great too......

H&R makes a good Sports Cup Kit they call it and it's supposed to be excellent as well.... Complete matched kit (struts, shocks, lowered springs)... Stay with Sports package, race is too stiff......

This is what my 330Xi looks like now with the Bilstein and H&R package....

E30M42cab · 11-20-2009, 05:54 PM

For whatever reason, every time I drive a E30 with Bilsteins, it feels too stiff... I don't really know about H&R's as I've never used them. However, I have a vert too, and I can say that compared to my coupe (which has tokico/eibach), my vert is a much nicer set-up. My vert is running on Intrax springs, and Koni adjustable front and rear shocks... I love the shocks. Whatever you buy for springs, make sure they're for a vert, not a coupe or sedan. Verts are heavy!!

BMWnoob · 11-20-2009, 06:29 PM

how much will it run me guys?? i have no idea what my car is currently running.. looks like some unmarked red springs in the back and cut oem in the front to be honest

**Mystikal** · 11-20-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E30M42cab

For whatever reason, every time I drive a E30 with Bilsteins, it feels too stiff...

That's because they have far too much compression dampening.

Konis ride a lot more comfortably.

E30M42cab · 11-22-2009, 04:35 PM

If I remember correctly, Koni adjustables are about $200 each up front, and $140 for the rears. Springs are usually around $250 for a set.

msinger · 11-22-2009, 07:16 PM

i got my bilsteins sports and fk 60/40 cup kit off ebay, paid under $700 combined for both if i remember correctly and the car rides like stock, just lower. when i say that i mean it is a fair bit stiffer, but its perfect for a street ride

cormier · 11-23-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E30M42cab

If I remember correctly, Koni adjustables are about $200 each up front, and $140 for the rears. Springs are usually around $250 for a set.

I got my konis got a lot more brand new, theyre amazing though with the IE st.3 springs....cost about 1000 for it all i believe -- pretty stiff but drivable if youre careful

theblue · 11-23-2009, 02:38 PM

on my E30, I have the bilstein sports with IE stg 3 spring and IE's largest sway bar set... it's perfectly streetable, I wish the rear springs were a lot heavier in fact.

moock · 11-23-2009, 11:02 PM

here are my first impressions the following: H&R E30 Race Springs, Bilstein Sport Shocks, Suspension Techniques Sway Bars. total project cost CAD$2028.31, including labour.

http://www.moock.org/e30/suspension

colin

MisTAmaN · 11-24-2009, 06:42 PM

+1 on the koni shocks and IE stage 3 springs. does anybody got any reviews and/or info on Bavarian auto springs? im a fan of the stock ride but these springs are for all e30's and i got a vert.
i only want that gay wheel to fender gap gone

BMWnoob · 11-25-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisTAmaN

+1 on the koni shocks and IE stage 3 springs. does anybody got any reviews and/or info on Bavarian auto springs? im a fan of the stock ride but these springs are for all e30's and i got a vert.
i only want that gay wheel to fender gap gone

that's all i really want too.. just trying to figure out what's the most reasonable way to achieve it.. if i just change the front springs not knowing what the rear one are am i going to have issues with wear and tear? anything is better then cut springs right?

BMWnoob · 12-21-2009, 10:06 AM

just got a setup of vogtlands springs for a good price... what shocks should i match them up with?

this car is mainly for driving around in the summer..

you think kyb or tokico's will be good or should i invest in blisteins?

325ixE30 · 12-21-2009, 11:19 AM

There's a good reason why tons of E30's rock out on Sport Bilstiens. They are worth the money. (in my opinion)

For new springs, bilstien sports and labour you're looking at about $1,200 to $1,500

For front and rear sway bar kits and labour add another $1,000 or so.