ordering suspension... correct parts?

[DanGillan]

so im ordering my suspension this week, and i just wanted to make sure i've got everything i need for the install.

From AMI motorsports:
-FK High Tech Suspension Kit $595
-shocks
-60/40mm drop springs

From Bavarian Autosport:
-Bavarian Autosport Shock Installation Kit - Front $69.95
-(2) Rear Upper Shock Mount - Convertible (supposedly they're better than the regular ones cuz they are more sturdy, "inexpensive upgrade") $18.95 each


I decided not to do camber plates yet, so besides that stuff, is there anything i will need for parts for the install? By the way, the front shock installation kit is described as...

-

While changing shocks, you may want to replace some common wear parts at the same time. Our shock installation kits include, upper and lower spring pads, shaft protection tubes, and compression absorbers to ensure that you have all the parts you need to complete your project. Complete kit has parts to install both the left and right front shocks. ( Upper strut bearings sold separately) Please note: - Not required when using Bilstein Heavy Duty or Sport shocks

Part Number Description Price
SIKF E30 LATE
Bavarian Autosport Shock Installation Kit - Front 
$69.95


any comments or suggestions? thanks guys

[e30Matt]

I would really suggest you spring for the GC RSM set, because they're lifetime guaranteed. If they ever break, you get a new set of inserts free.

[Digitalwave]

Dude, ditch that Bav Auto shit, its worthless.

[T.Dot E30]

are u ordering from AMI? if so....
is $595 the price on the website? Im pretty sure if u ask for a deal he'll give u 10-15% off

im not sure if it was bcus he knew i was from maxbimmer and ami is a sponser there but i got a little off the website price.

[Brew]

Re: ordering suspension... correct parts?

-Bavarian Autosport Shock Installation Kit - Front $69.95
-(2) Rear Upper Shock Mount - Convertible (supposedly they're better than the regular ones cuz they are more sturdy, "inexpensive upgrade") $18.95 each

I would ditch that stuff and pick up some e46 m3 RSM's. They are stiffer and don't cost any more

[Bill 84 318i]

Yeah, forget the installation kit.

Reuse your spring pads (never seen a worn/bad set in front), reuse your plastic cover things, and get new bumpstops if you need them (chances are that yours are beat to shit).

Don't forget new rear shock mount gaskets (or you can use a silicone bead).

[Brew]

Don't forget new rear shock mount gaskets (or you can use a silicone bead).

Hmm, I wasn't aware that there was gasket on those things. Oh well...

[DanGillan]

yea, i think ill skip the install kit and just order a few bump stops, can I double up on bump stops if i need to? or is that spring pads? where could i order more spring pads if i need them?

brew... where can i get those rear shock mounts your talking about? and is there really a gasket for a rear shock mount? if so, do i really need it? and where can i get it?

thanks guys,

[Brew]

I got my RSM's from www.aplusparts.com

[Bill 84 318i]

yea, i think ill skip the install kit and just order a few bump stops, can I double up on bump stops if i need to? or is that spring pads? where could i order more spring pads if i need them?

brew... where can i get those rear shock mounts your talking about? and is there really a gasket for a rear shock mount? if so, do i really need it? and where can i get it?

thanks guys,

There's no reason to double up bumpstops. Just get the nice clean new factory ones if yours are messed up.

What are you trying to achieve by 'doubling' random parts?

There is a gasket for the rear shock mounts - it goes at the top and sits between the RSM and the body. You can get it wherever you get OEM parts.

[DanGillan]

i would double up the bumpstops or spring pads (i forget which) in order to raise the rear a little bit. the kit makes it look wierd cuz of the low rear arches. i may be wrong, im learning here :)

[Bill 84 318i]

Ah. Yeah, you'd want to double up on your rear spring pads.

5mm pad: 33 53 1 136 385
7.5mm pad: 33 53 1 136 386
10mm pad: 33 53 1 136 387

I those are the numbers. Just double check when you order.

[DanGillan]

so i just double checked the invoices from all the work done right before I bought the car...

looks like the rear upper shock mounts and gaskets were replaced in november, so im not gonna buy those, but i took a look at my existing front strut bump stops, and theyre beat to shit, so ill get the bav auto ones as well as 10mm spring pads to double up in the rear? the guy at bav auto told me on the phone that you cant just stack them, you have to cut the nipple off, is that true? is it a problem? let me know what you think. thanks everyone,

AND!!! i just ordered the FK High Tec Kit from AMI motorsports, they price matched for me, and i got it for $535 + $55 shipping = $590 instead of the listed $595 + $55 shipping = $650 good deal for me!

[Bill 84 318i]

All you have to do is cut off the little raised lip portion of whichever spring pad is gonna be at the bottom of the stack..

[DanGillan]

cool, you the man... thanks