The Cabrio Suspension Thread

[E30Jigzaw]

Anyone know of a way to raise the rear with out getting coil overs ? I am running ie race springs and billstein hds but my rear just sits to low :/

I was suggested of getting another set of rubber cushions and stacking them .. Anyone done this ?

Also wheels are 16x8 and tires are 225-50-16

Thanks

[Fritz_e30]

Hey guys, I hope this doesn't irritate anyone, because i wont get a chance to read this whole thing for a while, and the answer is probably in here somewhere, but I am wondering if anyone can quickly tell me if I can use some JOM coilovers on my vert?

Thanks, Ryan

[mcaden]

My new set-up = Bilstein sports, H&R Cabrio Springs. FWIW, I really like it.

[fporro]

Thanks Alex, when I do it's midnight runs, roads here aren't as sticky, used to canyon carve in Santa Monica mountains on SoCal, that's was lots of fun. :)
Cheerios,
Frank

[AlexHale]

Looked very familiar, just returned from there.beautiful trunk and hardtop fporro, do y'all ever bomb those roads around the island?

[fporro]

What part of Hawaii is your sig?

Makapuu Beach overlooking Makai Pier on island of Oahu

[Bimmerman4Ever]

stupid question but i just picked up a 92 vert, will coupe and sedan specific springs and coilovers still work on the cabrio? what different in the vert suspension that makes them seperate the two anyway??

Weight difference per model / year

Curb weight:
325i 87-88 : 2850 lbs ; 89: 2895 lbs; 90-91: 2811 lbs
325i Cabrio 87-90: 3015 lbs; 91-92: 2988 lbs
325ix 88-91 3010 lbs
318i/is 90-91 4dr: 2657 lbs; is: 2602 lbs; cab: 2867 lbs

[AlexHale]

I'll second that, spring rates might not be ideal, yet, you could buy 2.25 or 2.5 I'd springs from various vendors such as GC, IE, etc.

Cheers,
Frank

What part of Hawaii is your sig?

[fporro]

The vert is heavier, so coupe/sedan springs will drop it more, but may not have the ideal spring rates for your desired performance. For example, my h&r sports for my cabrio is a different pn then the coupe.

I'll second that, spring rates might not be ideal, yet, you could buy 2.25 or 2.5 I'd springs from various vendors such as GC, IE, etc.

Cheers,
Frank

[AlexHale]

stupid question but i just picked up a 92 vert, will coupe and sedan specific springs and coilovers still work on the cabrio? what different in the vert suspension that makes them seperate the two anyway??

The vert is heavier, so coupe/sedan springs will drop it more, but may not have the ideal spring rates for your desired performance. For example, my h&r sports for my cabrio is a different pn then the coupe.

[mrmckie]

stupid question but i just picked up a 92 vert, will coupe and sedan specific springs and coilovers still work on the cabrio? what different in the vert suspension that makes them seperate the two anyway??

[Bimmerman4Ever]

Finally got the H&Rs installed, happy with the results.

I decided not to use the E90 drop hats so if anyone wants to make a fair offer I'll send them out (payment Paypal).

[jeffnhiscars]

Thanks for the info. So why does H&R market cabrio specific springs if they have the same spring rates as the sport springs?

Your zino looks great with the e90 drop hats btw.

Thanks. I threw the drop hats in when I replaced the blown inserts with BS Touring struts (essentially stock replacements) and honestly it did not seem to make much difference so I cant say they contribute a lot to the stance compared to what the new setup does.

Its possible that H&R misquoted me on the rates but I also think mfgs use terms like "sport" or "OE" rather liberally so what may be a sport spring rate fior one model may just be a lowering spring for another. I think you can also have different height springs with the same rate so I wouldn't put too much faith in names and numbers.

What I do know is that the more I drive on this setup the more I like it. I believe the springs are "relaxing" as they seem more "progressive" and not as harsh as they did at first. I drove a friends 2011 135iC the other day and while it has gobs of power the ride was very "distant" and was not half the fun of my e30. I also rode in a brand spanking new Avalon Hybrid yesterday and while its a helluva lot of car for the $44k sticker I cant imagine DDing it or the 135.

Has me wondering if there is a new car out there that I would buy as opposed to taking one of my e30's and throwing a stupid amount of cash at it ;-)

[georgE30]

Thanks for the info. So why does H&R market cabrio specific springs if they have the same spring rates as the sport springs?

Your zino looks great with the e90 drop hats btw.

IIRC the 50407s are 180/380 (or very close)

[jeffnhiscars]

It would be interesting to see the stock 325ic spring rates and the "H&R SPORT CABRIO 50407" spring rates.

IIRC the 50407s are 180/380 (or very close)