Need Suggestions For Lowering Springs/Appropriate Shocks

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • FrustratedMunky
    Grease Monkey
    • Apr 2004
    • 360

    #1

    Need Suggestions For Lowering Springs/Appropriate Shocks

    Hey guys,

    This topic has come up plenty of times but I had to post another thread for my own situation.

    I was originally looking to get H&R Sport/Bilsteins, but considering that my 318IS is mainly for just... leisure driving and not driven too hard, I don't really need it for the super awesome quality of the H&R's. I hear that with H&R/Bilsteins, the ride quality is like night and day, however, the main reason for me putting in springs is more for appearance than anything else. Also, financially, I may need something a little less expensive.

    H&R/Bilsteins will probably run around 1G (CDN) or close to it. I was wondering if there was any other setup where I could get the same drop (About 1.25 - 1.5") without getting high quailty H&R/Bilsteins.

    Also, I've come to realise that the expensive part of the purchase would be the Bilstein shocks. Is there another brand of shocks that are built to ride with such springs that will lower my car about 1.25-1.5"? Also along with this, could you recommend some less expensive springs to possibly go with it?

    I'm a little more concerned about the price of the shocks, considering that is where the majority of the cash is going towards. The springs (whichever ones are purchased) will most likely be about the same price (This is my impression atleast). The shocks on the other hand will be the more expensive half of the package, that's why I'm looking for a cheaper alternative.

    On a side note, I have M3 springs that I bought a while ago that I have been back and forth about if I should install them in the 318IS or not. My impression is that I will get roughly around 0.75" front and rear drop. I might just install them to see if it's low enough for me to be satisfied with. On that note, if I like the ride height, I'd probably like to replace my stock BOGE shocks, so that they won't blow with the M3 springs in (if I do keep them in). Is there a brand of shocks that would be suitable for my situation that would be cheap and would go appropriately with the M3 springs?

    Thanks for your input. I know theres multiple questions in there, but hopefully I'll be able to find out what I'm looking for.
    '91 E30 M42 DIAMANTSCHWARZ
  • nando
    Moderator
    • Nov 2003
    • 34827

    #2
    honestly, I'd go with the quality parts, or forget doing suspension altogether. if you get cheap crap that breaks in a year, you're going to end up spending the same amount anyway. also, H&R sports with bilstiens should ride pretty nicely (not sure what you were implying though).
    Build thread

    Bimmerlabs

    Comment

    • MR 325
      Moderator
      • Oct 2003
      • 37825

      #3
      Seriously, I would go all out the either the H&R Sports or IE Stage 3's with the Bilstien Sport shocks. That's really the best setup.

      I think you'll be unhappy you even did the work if you put those M3 springs, sell them on ebay, you'll make some money towards real suspension
      BimmerHeads
      Classic BMW Specialists
      Santa Clarita, CA

      www.BimmerHeads.com

      Comment

      • hamann318is
        No R3VLimiter
        • Jul 2004
        • 3382

        #4
        IE stage 3 and Koni SAs are simply awesome on mine. I haven't time to even adjust the rears yet.
        The BMW 318 is back. With a vengeance.

        Comment

        • FrustratedMunky
          Grease Monkey
          • Apr 2004
          • 360

          #5
          Dammit, sounds like no ones gonna give me suggestions for cheap alternatives for H&R/Bilsteins or IE/Konis... I get the point. I guess I better just save save save then.
          '91 E30 M42 DIAMANTSCHWARZ

          Comment

          • M-technik-3
            I waste 90% of my day here and all I got was this stupid title
            • Oct 2003
            • 18946

            #6
            cheap suggestion buy the H&R kit on www.bimmerfest.com for $500 or get an FK kit with springs.
            https://www.facebook.com/BentOverRacing

            Comment

            • atmh
              Advanced Member
              • Sep 2004
              • 165

              #7
              I have decided I am going for the IE stage 3 springs, still up in the air about bilstien sport shocks or koni sa's, what are the pro's and cons of each?

              Comment

              • 318driver
                E30 Mastermind
                • Nov 2003
                • 1714

                #8
                check www.tunersport.com and check the sport kits.
                90 325is
                IE stage 3s and refeshed m20....

                Comment

                • Jared K
                  Member
                  • Sep 2004
                  • 58

                  #9
                  I think you want the H&R cup kit, which includes springs and shocks. I don't have it, but I have read that it lowers the suspension a lot but keeps a relatively smooth ride. IE stage 3 springs are stiff, for racing.

                  As the previous posts have said, there is a used H&R cup kit for sale at www.bimmerfest.com. The cup kit is also sold at www.turnermotorsport.com.

                  Comment

                  • Mystikal
                    Moderator
                    Wheel Fitment Expert
                    • Nov 2003
                    • 9602

                    #10
                    FK spring/shock kit. Check it out.

                    Comment

                    • royalflush313
                      R3VLimited
                      • Mar 2004
                      • 2070

                      #11
                      if you really wanna save money, you could get KYB shocks new locally, and get some lowering springs on eBay, im sure you'll find a deal there.

                      I guess it really depends on how much you wanna spend. Maybe you should tell us your budget, and someone here could suggest you a setup that is the most cost-efficient.
                      ~ Go Canucks Go! ~

                      Comment

                      • FrustratedMunky
                        Grease Monkey
                        • Apr 2004
                        • 360

                        #12
                        Thanks guys for the replies.

                        I think I've concluded that I'm going to just throw the M3 springs on there without springpads in the front and leave them on in the rear. Hopefully, that'll satisfy me for... a little bit atleast.

                        I think afterwards, I'll maybe go for an H&R/Bilstein setup when I get the money, but right now I think I should be alright with the M3 springs in. I'll post pictures before and after with them in.
                        '91 E30 M42 DIAMANTSCHWARZ

                        Comment

                        • M42Technik
                          R3V OG
                          • Dec 2003
                          • 9781

                          #13
                          Originally posted by Mystikal
                          FK spring/shock kit. Check it out.
                          Only problem is FK is not bringing more products into America, it seems that they're only going to be selling their products outside of the US, and I've been asking online shops, and they are not sure when they'll get FK products in, if at all...
                          Reminiscing...

                          Comment

                          • DanGillan
                            R3V Elite
                            • Mar 2004
                            • 4061

                            #14
                            thats why you buy FK from canada, i love my FK stuff
                            Dan

                            Comment

                            • royalflush313
                              R3VLimited
                              • Mar 2004
                              • 2070

                              #15
                              FK Canada is nearly non existent.
                              ~ Go Canucks Go! ~

                              Comment

                              Working...