Noob Q: springs & shocks for E36 5-lug setup

[funcrew]

On my late-model E30 convertible, I inherited a 5-lug setup from the PO with E36 M3 front and E36 318ti rear. there are a couple blown shocks and I want softer springs, so am planning to replace shocks/springs on all 4 corners. So

Q1: Do I buy individual items for the donor car specs, or will E30 stuff fit? Use small words in your answer, I'm not that smart. Feel free to just post a link if this has already been covered.

Q2: My current race springs/Bilstein yellows are too stiff for this street-only daily driver. I'd like something on the order of sport springs with KYB shocks. Need advise on available combos for more compliant ride.

Thanks!

[e30_325es]

You need e30 springs, e36 m3 struts, e30 (or ti, I think they're the same) shocks.

[MR 325]

Indeed.

[clavinZERO]

Try E30 fitment H&R "Sport" springs with your current shocks. That is a great setup that is firmer than stock, but no where near race stiffness. If you keep your Bilstein Sport shocks/struts, then you will save hundreds of dollars. Swapping the rear springs out is as easy as: lift the rear of the car; unbolt the lower bolts on the rear shocks; and switch the springs; connect everything back up. A real cakewalk. You might spend $250 getting some of those springs. Cheap and easy and they work great with those shocks/struts.

[funcrew]

Thanks to all for the info. Agree with the E30 sport springs. Now, I need some modest-damping-rate strut inserts for the E36M3 struts. Would prefer KYB's but I don't believe they are offered for that application. BTW at least one of my Bilsteins are blown, so new shocks/struts are needed.

So what softer-than-Bilstein strut inserts are available for the E36M3 struts?

[MR 325]

Tim, I think you'll find the Bilsteins to be just fine once you swap the springs out.

I'm putting coilovers on my car so I will have good used front complete Bilstein struts available soon. May sell the rears too and install the E36 rear shocks with extended mounts.

Oh, and let me know about the springs once you sell them! ;)

[mcr_driver]

also rather n00bish but do the JOM coils fit on a e36M front with a Z3 rear just got a 5 lug car and trying to get things sorted out...

[funcrew]

You need e30 springs, e36 m3 struts, e30 (or ti, I think they're the same) shocks.

Bumping my own thread, which is OK no matter what the haters say:

It looks like there are a lot more strut choices for the E36 328i, including Meyle and KYB, that would be softer and cheaper. It the strut fitment/interface identical between the E36 M3 and 328i?