Cheap (Less than $500) moderate drop combos?

[ck_taft325is]

Looking for at most 1.5/1.7 drop. Car's an '88 325i 4 Door. One front and one rear (driver/pass) shocks are a bit mushy. Figure since I have to replace, I'd give it a mild drop. Don't want much, just a bit so it's not "stock". Mainly looking for a decent quality, cheap combo.

Thanks in advance!

[Jean]

There is no such thing is quality and cheap springs+shocks combo for under $500. A set of bilstein sports is just over $400 for a set, springs are $200-300. You'll have to buy used.

[lennon]

jean is right...buy used billy sports and whatever springs. op, its hard to believe you've been here since '07 and are asking this question.

[Philo]

Kyb's and a set of M3 or H&R sport springs. Done and done.

[khnordeen]

You'll have to shop around for used parts to get a price like that.

I pieced my GC/Bilstein kit together from 3 different sellers, all used obviously, and I got everything plus offset M3 CAB's for ~$400.

[StereoInstaller1]

Chris, you need to drive my car.

I LOVE the ride, far smoother than the Billy Sports in my wifes car, perfect height and all that.

You can usually do that same combo for about $500ish total.

Baxters sells B&G Springs, that is where mine came from, and KYB GR2/Gas A just rear setup (no GR2 rears for the E30) Or if you want firmer, bastards also sells their own "High Pressure Gas" (made by gabriel) for less....but they are really harsh, even worse than the Bilsteins!

I should be done with that damn E28 soon, then the E30 comes home. Take it for a spin!

Luke

[Lunner]

Here's my setup:

New Vogtland M3 springs, $190 shipped
New Bilstein HD's in the rear, $140 Shipped.
New KYB's up front, $120 picked up at Carquest.

Altogether that adds to up to about $450 bucks, and I'm happy as a clam with the result. Low, driveable, and affordable.

I got most of that at some sort of a discount though, so you'll have to do some shopping to get those prices.

[ck_taft325is]

There is no such thing is quality and cheap springs+shocks combo for under $500. A set of bilstein sports is just over $400 for a set, springs are $200-300. You'll have to buy used.

If the car was going to see any type of "enthusiastic" driving, I would agree with this statement. And I guess quality is in the eye of the beholder. Eibach pro-kits are about $600.00 or so and include Billie Sports. Thanks for the advice.

Kyb's and a set of M3 or H&R sport springs. Done and done.

Are the Kyb's the uber stiff shocks I've heard about or am I thinking of a different brand? M3 springs are (IIRC) 1.2" drop? That would honestly be just about perfect. I'll have to bug Blunt again...

You'll have to shop around for used parts to get a price like that.

I pieced my GC/Bilstein kit together from 3 different sellers, all used obviously, and I got everything plus offset M3 CAB's for ~$400.

Yeah, which is really one of the only reasons for this thread. Why re-invent the wheel. If someone else has done it, I figure I'd ask ;)

Chris, you need to drive my car.

I LOVE the ride, far smoother than the Billy Sports in my wifes car, perfect height and all that.

You can usually do that same combo for about $500ish total.

Baxters sells B&G Springs, that is where mine came from, and KYB GR2/Gas A just rear setup (no GR2 rears for the E30) Or if you want firmer, bastards also sells their own "High Pressure Gas" (made by gabriel) for less....but they are really harsh, even worse than the Bilsteins!

I should be done with that damn E28 soon, then the E30 comes home. Take it for a spin!

Luke

Luke, I'd love to! This car's not going to be sporty. Heh, the GC/Billie/Camber plates are a lot of what you see here, and I definately agree, one of the best setups, I can't justify it as this car is never EVER going to see track/auto-x duty in anyway. Some people forget that...

Here's my setup:

New Vogtland M3 springs, $190 shipped
New Bilstein HD's in the rear, $140 Shipped.
New KYB's up front, $120 picked up at Carquest.

Altogether that adds to up to about $450 bucks, and I'm happy as a clam with the result. Low, driveable, and affordable.

I got most of that at some sort of a discount though, so you'll have to do some shopping to get those prices.

Thanks a bunch for it. Roughly how low? Roads here are crap-tastic and I don't want my wife to have to worry (as much) about speedbumps and parking lot entries like she does in my 318is.

jean is right...buy used billy sports and whatever springs. op, its hard to believe you've been here since '07 and are asking this question.

There's no other combo but Used Billy Sports and "whatever" springs? Hard to imagine you really being offended at a question because I've "been here since '07".

[StereoInstaller1]

I still don't know where KYBs got their rep. Likely just sack hangers or brand name snobs..KYBs are terrific and WAY smoother than billies, especially the "sports" like Kims car has.

My set has over 70,000 miles on them BTW. Hell, bring the wife, we will roast meat on the grille and hang out!

[Wh33lhop]

I still don't know where KYBs got their rep. Likely just sack hangers or brand name snobs..KYBs are terrific and WAY smoother than billies, especially the "sports" like Kims car has.

My set has over 70,000 miles on them BTW. Hell, bring the wife, we will roast meat on the grille and hang out!

Luke, I'd like to preface this with a profession of my love for you.

Now that we got that out of the way, GR-2s are a stock-replacement strut. That means, they are not meant for lowered cars, and are not valved for stiff springs. I'm very surprised yours haven't blown out yet.

KYB AGX are the shocks that have the "stiff as a board" stigma. I've ridden in my friend's car with AGX and then in mine with Konis, both with comparable springs, and there was no comparison; his car stuck to the stigma. Given, the AGX are adjustable so theoretically he could have them adjusted too stiff and I could be wrong. However, there is a lot more to it than that.

In addition, Bilstein Sports are identical to Bilstein HDs valving wise except they are short-bodied to alter the realm of travel to be more appropriate for a lowered car. So, Sports will not ride any differently than the "standard" HDs if you do not take bottoming out into account.

OP--Bottom line, KYBs may be right for you if you can live with that they most likely won't match up to the likes of Bilstein or Koni on a shock dyno, and from a technical standpoint are the inferior damper. However I can't recommend them if you want a drop as it's to my knowledge that GR-2s are not meant for that. In addition, Billy sports are really not that expensive in the big scheme of things. I'd go in that direction if I wanted a cheap set of dampers.

[Stephen]

ive always wanted tobsee if g60 kybs would work. do it op

[Danny]

I have sports up front and kyb gas a justs in the back. I got them for 8 bucks a piece though.

[StereoInstaller1]

I got the rears in my car (70,000 miles ago!) for $5 for the pair at a pick and pull.

[Van Westervelt]

H&R Sports on my early model sedan with all good bushings etc. Car is smooth and looks great with 16's.

[lennon]

There's no other combo but Used Billy Sports and "whatever" springs? Hard to imagine you really being offended at a question because I've "been here since '07".

:???: im not offended dude. i was saying im surprised you dont know what e30 springs/shocks are available by now. i guess i dont understand the point of this thread when you can price/research items just as easy as we can. anyway, id look for used bil sports and hr race, but thats my personal preference for springs. good luck