WTB Stock Suspension setup - 1985 318i

[withinward]

Just bought this car and the kid who had it before has it slammed and it rides terribly.

Looking for a stock setup with all the necessary hardware, or at least some springs to start with. 318is springs would be preferable.

Cheers,

T

[drez14]

Stock Spring

I have stock springs from a late 325.(not sure if they are the same)

MAke me an offer if interested.

[Komzorz]

325 springs will be stiffer in the front compared to 318 springs.

[withinward]

It's my understanding that there are two different diameter struts used, 45mm on early 318i & 51mm on later models with each requiring matched springs.

I need to get under the car and find out exactly what was swapped if changing out just the springs...otherwise, an early full 318i setup would be preferable.

[Pdxseth]

I have stock springs for an 85 325 you can have if you want to pick them up


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[withinward]

Sounds great. I need to take a drive anyway. Pm me how we can meet up.

[packratbimmer]

There are two different diameter struts. Springs will interchange but ride height and spring tension will vary. Some early 325e springs will result in a very stiff ride and high ride height. Check the # on the spring and cross reference it on RealOEM. I think there is one spring that crosses over to the early 325iX and the E28 and will be all wrong for an early an early 318i. E

[withinward]

There are two different diameter struts. Springs will interchange but ride height and spring tension will vary. Some early 325e springs will result in a very stiff ride and high ride height. Check the # on the spring and cross reference it on RealOEM. I think there is one spring that crosses over to the early 325iX and the E28 and will be all wrong for an early an early 318i. E

Thank you. The current setup is stock rear struts and late model 325i struts in the front all riding on cut H&R sports with a smaller tire. I just want to go back to stock, maybe with some 318is springs with bilstein's. With a stock IS ride height, maybe a set of sway's would improve handling without risking bottoming out on speed bumps...

What other pieces should I need to replace on the front to prepare for that setup? Tophats?

All help is totally appreciated.

[Komzorz]

You want to improve handling but you want cheap stock springs from the wrong car?

[withinward]

You want to improve handling but you want cheap stock springs from the wrong car?

I want a comfortable ride, with stock ride height or close to it. Are 318is springs not just a little stiffer than stock 318i springs? I would assume so, but haven't researched it yet.

How could adding sways and a nicer strut to stock springs not improve handling? Please explain your thinking rather than just poo-pooing without laying out your reasoning. It would be more helpful.

[withinward]

nobody else wants to chime in here?

[Pdxseth]

I think any factory e30 spring would ride better than cut lowering springs.


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[agent]

I have the OE suspension off my 87iS in my FS thread. Make me an offer.

[thebutcher37]

I have some OEM springs from my 1991 318is.

Let me know if you'd like em. Pm me and I will get you a shipped price.

[SmokeE30]

if it already has the later style 51mm strut housings in there keep them its much seaier to find shocks for. the spring differences is because of the weight of the 4cyl vs 6cyl engines, if i were you i would get some stock springs from a 318 either a 84-85 or a 91, or you can use e30 m3 springs, on a 6cyl car they only lowerr it about a half inch because of the increased weight but on a 4cyl car it would probably be at the stock hieght just a little higher rates so it would handle better, ride quality has more to do with the shocks you use and with the later 51mm houseings you will have the ability to use a variety of shocks. you can cheap out and order some off ebay for 100 for a full set, or i could sell you some billestien hd's i have laying around if your interested in some quality stuff.