ground control upgrade...What order?

[Slowpoke]

I am interested in upgrading the ground control systems in my 325e. The car dose not have any particular handling problems, it just feels old and soft. I have decided on going with a coil over setup and a control arm kit from FPC Euro http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...e30-e30fcakitl . My question is which of these modifications should i do first? I am slightly inclined to do the coil overs first, as one my front shocks appears to be leaking. But I am also sure the various steering parts are also worn. I think the easiest way would be to do both at the same time but that's pretty unlikely. Any advice would greatly be appreciated.

[FunfGan]

If you're not willing to do both at once(which honestly I have no idea why you wouldn't), Id definitely do the bushings first.

[kronus]

That control arm kit is waaaay overpriced. I'm seeing full kits between $150 and $220 on ebay, and the difference between Lemfoerder and something like FCP Groton or Febi (which is what you get in the eBay kits) is not nearly big enough to justify twice the price.

I would get a non-offensively priced front suspension kit and pick up GC coilover sleeves and springs with the spare dough. Then, all you need are shocks and labor to install the fronts if you don't have cutting/welding abilities and supplies. (the rears are super easy, total of 3 bolts per side)

The entire thing can be done in under $1000 of parts if you buy wisely.

[Slowpoke]

@funfgan: I will do both for sure, just don't have the cash to do both at the same time. I could just wait to get all of the parts and then just install at one time. if that's what your suggesting?

@kronus: I agree it is pricey. I did some searching on here and it seems folks have had problems with the ebay kits. I would like to save money, but i am worried about the quality of the FCP stuff, especially with these shitty Detroit streets. I think i am just going to call GC when i am ready to purchase and see what they recommend. I know they are going to push their product, so your suggestions are appreciated. Have you had any personal experience with the ebay kits?

[kronus]

Yeah, I've been running FCP Groton control arms for about 2 years and ~15K miles with no issues. Have you found any place where people show specific problems they've encountered with non-Lemfoerder control arms?

GC will not have any input on control arms other than "use good ones", but they have some sort of issue with Bilstein Sports (like, to the point of the guy refusing to sell me a coilover sleeve kit if I told him I was thinking of using Bilstein Sports), so don't tell them what shocks you are going to use. (They like to push Koni adjustables)

You should have all the parts together, since pulling the struts twice to install the CAs and coilovers at different times is a waste of labor.

[Hellabad]

Always replace worn out parts first. You car will be safe with old stock springs, but it won't be safe with old stock ball joints.

You have to do the fun stuff last.


Jay

[Slowpoke]

@hellabad: Control arm kit first, then coil overs or both at once. Thanks!

@kronus: You've got me thinking about FCP kits. Here are some neg/pos post about them:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=212240&highlight=control+arm+kit

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96529&highlight=control+arm+kit

[einstein57]

I rocked the cheap FCP control arms for over 2 years worth of abuse. The only reason i ended up replacing them is because i was side swiped and it bent one. I kinda like the Meyle control arms because they are machined and allow the CAB to go in easier. I'd check out blunttech for prices as he usually has some of the best prices around. He'll also price match if you find a lower price somewhere.

[cbouchez]

Pretty good $ on the replacing components. I'm in te same boat but waiting to do all at once, installation and alignment done right only once.

[einstein57]

I get lifetime alignments on my cars. I bring it in if a pothole even looks at my car funny.

[Slowpoke]

I'm going to give the fcp parts a try. Thanks for the help!

[Jean]

Lots of problems with FCP parts on bfc forum, but those are e34 parts...some get worn out after only 6 months of use.... sounds like E30 parts are of better quality.