Tokico springs/shocks

[riverdale21]

Has anyone heard good things about the Tokico springs/shocks kit for the E30 BMWs? I have the opportunity to get a set for really cheap. Should I shoot for those or for double what I would pay for the Tokico kit get the H&R/Bilstien? I have heard they do really well in Honda/Acura applications but have yet to hear on Bimmers.

[65Matt]

I've heard mixed reviews. People here say they are crap and they blow out. (People spewing these opinions haven't actually had the kit installed) People at roadfly have the kit and say they have them and like them. Supposedly they have a lifetime warranty. I think some of the opinions stem from the idea of putting japanese parts on a german car.

At half the price of a H&R/ Bilstein kit, it's almost worth trying. I've got less than $1500 in my E30. To me, a E30 is a great inexpensive sports car and I'll go cheap wherever I can. To others, their E30 is a project car, restoration, or work of art.

One thing Im trying to find out is if the people that blew their shocks had stock springs or not. I think any stiff shock is going to blow if it's got a weak spring on it.

I am trying to find out the spring rates for the kit. Anyone have some info?

[Jon325i]

I have been using Tokico shocks for a while now.....but not their springs/suspension kit. My car has the adjustable Illuminas on it with H&R Sport springs. These shocks have 5 settings.....#1 being slightly firmer than stock and #5 being very firm. About a year ago I turned my shocks to the #5 setting and just left them there. The ride quality is pretty firm....probably more than most people care for, but the handling is great. The shocks I've been using have roughly 70K miles on them without a single failure.

The Tokico shock you want to avoid (especially if you drive aggressively or do auto-x/track school) is the Tokico "blues". These shocks are utter crap. A friend of mine had these on his '87 325is and they blew out after using them for about a year or so. He tracks his car from time to time so that's probably what killed the shocks.

So my advice: stay clear of the Blues from Tokico. The Illuminas work well with the appropriate springs. I'm not sure how stiff Tokico's springs are, but their adjustable shock is matched well with H&R Sports.

And that is my

Jon

Edit: If you want a source for shocks/springs at good pricing, check out http://www.shox.com

[riverdale21]

For the non-adjustable Tokico's they are $339 with springs, for the adjustable its $529 with springs. The H&R/Bilstien kit from BMP design is $589. I think I will go with the BMP kit. I may not be taking my car to the track that much or auto-x'ing it that much but the peace of mind of having a proven combination under my car will work for me. If you are going to do it then do it right.