Cabrio Suspension Differences

[LuckyHenriksen]

Is there any difference in the front strut housings and rear sub frame between Cabrios and Sedan/Coupes? Can they be swapped back and forth without issue?

[F34R]

I think the tubes are bigger on the housings for the cabby. The Konis were back ordered for the size used in the vert. So I order Bilstein sports and swapped the housings from a 88 sedan to the vert. Worked perfect no issues. This was for a coilover application.

[E30m42cab]

No difference.

[Naplm00]

I think the tubes are bigger on the housings for the cabby. The Konis were back ordered for the size used in the vert. So I order Bilstein sports and swapped the housings from a 88 sedan to the vert. Worked perfect no issues. This was for a coilover application.

This is only true if the car was a 318 otherwise they all the same.

[downernsp]

Early vs. late only difference correct me if I am wrong. Oh unless IX of course.

[LuckyHenriksen]

Ok thanks very much. My cab and my parts car are the same year/model so it should all work out fine

[Cabriolet]

something not mentioned is that cabby's sit very low in the back. like 1/4-1/2 lower than a hard top. idk if it geometry or the weight but the backs are lower.

[LuckyHenriksen]

Its supposedly all the extra weight

[Violet88]

Yea for real, it's something cuz my cab sits lower in the back too

[nando]

something not mentioned is that cabby's sit very low in the back. like 1/4-1/2 lower than a hard top. idk if it geometry or the weight but the backs are lower.

it's an illusion, cabbies have lower rear arches like late models.

[F34R]

This is only true if the car was a 318 otherwise they all the same.

I really did not know, I just called a few BMW shops and they said it takes a larger strut. I never checked when I did the swap. I am going to use those for my track build. So I will let you know in the spring one way or another.

[Violet88]

it's an illusion, cabbies have lower rear arches like late models.

ooohhhh I see!

[e30rapidic]

front swaybars are a little bit thicker and rear springs have a higher rate for the extra weight

[McGyver]

i really dont know if their is a difference, but i have had coupe H&R Race and Billy Sports on my vert for a year now with no problems.

[DavidV]

The struts themselves are reinforced:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...48&hg=41&fg=10

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1218787

-- DavidV :D