Looking to upgrade my shocks, springs, and anything else...

[Sean]

K. Well, my shocks in my 325 aren't bad. But, I'd love to get it lowered and have it feeling better on the road.

I'm thinking Bilstein Sports and some H&R Sport Springs

However, my question is, my 325 is a 1987, the absolute cheapest version ever. Will I need some new shock mounts too? I'm a little new to this, so, if I wanted to use Bilstein Sport Shocks and H&R Sport Springs, what else should I look at getting? (maybe strut bars, etc?)

I'm still not positive if I'm going to spend the money on this yet, but I'd really like to look into it.

Thanks.

[OOMPH!]

I just did my suspension upgrade. I bought new strut mounts, I think you should......If I had the money I would have bought a sway bar along with it....

[MattM20]

it would be very smart to change the rear shock mounts with bilsteins or any sport shock, you could get some good alluminum rsm's with a lifetime warranty for around $60-80, i also got some Z3 rsm reinforcement plates which are good for extra piece of mind.

i have a 87 also, with H&R sports, and the ride height just looks like the way it should come from the factory, nothing too sporty. the strut brace is a perfect compliment to a new shock/spring setup, well worth the money, i was very impressed with the way the car felt after i installed mine

[Sean]

You have any pictures of your car with the H&R's?

I don't need it real low, but, who knows? :)

[Bill 84 318i]

H&R Sports

Turner J-stocks

Ground Control


And as always, common wear components are good to replace.

[Sean]

Which ones did you like best? I like how low the GC's are though... 8) (But, is that your 318i? If so, wouldn't it go lower for my 87 325?)

[Bill 84 318i]

J-stocks and GC (450f/600r) are close in my book. Both are very fun setups.

The GC is full low in the rear, about 1/2" or so from full low in the front. Good times, but if you want to do GC right, it will be far more expensive than a lot of other setups. Your 325 would sit a tiny bit lower.

[Fred]

Definitely replace the upper strut mounts while everything is out. I still believe that strut bars are more form than function for non-cabrios, but that's just my opinion.

And the 87 325 is not the absolute cheapest version ever.

Fred

[OOMPH!]

i also got some Z3 rsm reinforcement plates which are good for extra piece of mind.

can someone explain this to me? thanks, George

[MattM20]

i also got some Z3 rsm reinforcement plates which are good for extra piece of mind.

can someone explain this to me? thanks, George

they go on top of the rear shock mounts in the trunk...

[OOMPH!]

thanks Matt, where did you purchase them? and how much?
Thanks, George

[MattM20]

thanks Matt, where did you purchase them? and how much?
Thanks, George

i got them from a local BMW E30/2002 specialist shop, but they were more than the IE ones so your better off with those price wise. i think they were like $14 a piece, i only had the guy order them cause i thought he said $14 for both, but i ended up getting them anyway cause he gave me the alluminum shock mounts and urethane bushings for practically nothing

[OOMPH!]

Thanks again Matt.....I guess I'll look over at IE and see what they offer

[e9nine]

I am using e46 cabrio Rear shock mounts and the z3 reinforcement plates... the dealer or your favorite online part supplier has them...Another co. makes reinforced shock mounts (Bill...help me out) I have forgotten their name. Their price is between the combo I have and GCs

[Bill 84 318i]

Another co. makes reinforced shock mounts (Bill...help me out) I have forgotten their name. Their price is between the combo I have and GCs

http://www.jt-designs.com/