Advice on suspension

Sunny87 · 06-08-2010, 12:39 AM

Hi, I've recently purchased a 328is with 260xxx kms on it. I'm coming from a 240sx and the car seems comfortable.

The reason why i'm making this thread is because I need to replace my P/S rear shock (not blown) and possibly D/S front shock (shocks are sweating). I'm wondering if I should just replace it w/ a used shocks or purchase raceland coils (only reason b/c of the price).

It would be nice to lower my car SLIGHTLY, but I really don't want to deal with a stiff ride. On my previous car it was lowered on Tein SS and I absolutely cannot go back to a really stiff ride.

So! Should I go stock and have a mix match of aged shocks or should i get cheap racelands?

Thanks in advance for the input.

doogee · 06-08-2010, 04:23 AM

Get a set of Bilstein struts and shocks before you get Racelands.

I'm probably going to start a massive argument saying this, but bilsteins will ride better and out last racelands by a mile.

Sunny87 · 06-08-2010, 12:15 PM

Ah... The only reason why i'm considering Racelands is b/c of the price. While the bilstein may be better, it may cost me more than I would like to spend. I'm not looking for something track worthy. I don't think i'll ever take a car to the track again.

damameke · 06-08-2010, 01:11 PM

Since money is a consideration to you.. go stock and get a low milage used shocks

Upgrading suspension is not cheap and there are various price range and combinations..
go with the one you are comfortable with.. EOD. its your car...

Sunny87 · 06-09-2010, 07:04 PM

Update: K I took it to the mechanic and I actually need to replace the F d/s strut and both rear springs. I'm getting quoted for 500$ w/ labour. Now with this in mind, should i still go the OEM route?

Petinko · 06-09-2010, 10:09 PM

for 500 get a set of the bilsteins and 200 more will have you on a set of HRs... try it yourself its really not that bad.

damameke · 06-10-2010, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petinko

for 500 get a set of the bilsteins and 200 more will have you on a set of HRs... try it yourself its really not that bad.

2nd that option....so for about $700, you get 4 H$R Sport spring instead of 2 rear springs that will eventually breaks ...

Dysantic · 06-11-2010, 12:19 AM

Spend the $300 or so on the racelands. There is all this hate towards the damn things, but I have had them on my car for almost a month now and I think they ride amazingly well for $300 coilovers. I'd like to spend a boatload on nice new suspension for my car, but can't justify spending almost half of what the cars worth on just the suspension. The racelands are amazing for the price.

Dammerung · 06-13-2010, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunny87

Ah... The only reason why i'm considering Racelands is b/c of the price. While the bilstein may be better, it may cost me more than I would like to spend. I'm not looking for something track worthy. I don't think i'll ever take a car to the track again.

Check on bimmerforums. Look for CMUZZY's thread. He sells bilsteins at quite a good price. Im not sure about your model but usually u need different springs for the bilsteins. Atleast I did. Also dont forget all the small parts that go along with the shocks/struts like rubber mounts and guide rods. They can rack upto quite a lot by themselves.

Cheers

Dammerung · 06-13-2010, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damameke

2nd that option....so for about $700, you get 4 H$R Sport spring instead of 2 rear springs that will eventually breaks ...

Thts a good deal.

doogee · 06-13-2010, 07:58 PM

The problem with all these raceland people is they always say the same thing:

"They're awesome! Amazing! I've had them on my car for almost a month!!! Really good quality!!"

Don't praise them just because you own them. If in a year or two, people come back and say ya, they've been fine, then I'll shut my trap. Right now they just seem experimental.

They probably won't last. My buddy has had his for a couple months and they're already being replaced.

Petinko · 06-14-2010, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doogee

Right now they just seem experimental.

They probably won't last. My buddy has had his for a couple months and they're already being replaced.

Agreed! As with anything in life, you get what you pay for. save you're money up for a tried and true bilstein sport suspension. I've had them on every BMW I've owned and I wouldn't upgrade to anything less!

However If you want I've got two new rear Bilstein HD that I dont need .... interest?

dbworld4k · 06-14-2010, 03:25 PM

Whoever is charging you $700 for a set of H&R Springs is bending you over without lube while you smile singing the national anthem during said pounding. Seriously.

A set of H&R lowering springs shouldn't set you back more than 300-400 bucks LOCALLY. Never mind lower US pricing

Petinko · 06-14-2010, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbworld4k

Whoever is charging you $700 for a set of H&R Springs is bending you over without lube while you smile singing the national anthem during said pounding. Seriously.

A set of H&R lowering springs shouldn't set you back more than 300-400 bucks LOCALLY. Never mind lower US pricing

500 for bilsteins and 200 for HRs... 700 total

JunzieB · 06-14-2010, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doogee

Get a set of Bilstein struts and shocks before you get Racelands.

I'm probably going to start a massive argument saying this, but bilsteins will ride better and out last racelands by a mile.

Nah, there's no argument lol. The truth is that these coilovers suck on the track, for spirted driving, or anything most BMW drivers want to do

. As a DD from point A to point B replacement for blown or damaged suspension components on a high mileage car that you won't ever see a retun on if you sell it (If you plan on selling it), it's the way to go!

Op, at the end of the day, you're the only one that knows where your pocket is willing to go. At this point, the mechanic is asking $500 to fix your suspension and you seem to require a lower price (I'm only guessing here so forgive me if i'm wrong). Your options will come down to either low mileage stock struts or $200 coilovers that have about 2 years or more warranty which they will replace if it's problematic.

I say if you know you're only driving from point A to point B and you wont be bombing any tracks or attempting to go sideways anytime soon, throw the damn racelands on and forget what everyone else has say.

Yes we can all argue that the Racelands won't be as high quality, or withstand as much beating as a Koni, Bilstein, Tein, H&R or Gc. But if a $200 setup can get me through two years or even a year and tie me over until i can afford a better setup i'd go for it.

I'll acknowledge that some if not most of the members will genuinely try to steer you in the right direction by assisting you on making a decision you will not regret. Others are just purists talking out of their asses because they believe a $200.00 suspension on a BMW, the holy grail of cars is blasphemous. Keep that in mind when deciphering information posted that will be influencing your decision.

Again, do what you feel is good for you and your overall situation.