Bilstein Sport Shocks w/ BavAuto Performance Springs?

[mbdt7]

I am new to this forum and a noob when it comes to cars, and I'm trying to fix up my 88' 325is. I am on a budget and was hoping that someone could help me out and give me some advice/recommendations on fixing my car. As of right now I was looking to fix my suspension and getting some bilstein sport shocks and lowering the car with Bavarian Auto Performance Springs, is this a good way to go? and if not any other recommendations with a reasonable price.

Thanks in advanced.

[Sagaris]

Check out this spring rate list

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=823843&postcount=32

I am not sure where the BavAuto springs sit and the whole linear vs. progressive rate spring and many other things become a factor.
BUT

I have the H&R Sport springs. I think they are excellent for an "OEM+" compromise of performance and comfort. If you are after looks, running a set of "drop hats" in front gives it a great appearance. A lot of people are looking for more performance or just a more slammed look and will get the H&R Race springs. I personally could not go stiffer than the Sports on the roads I drive on, it would accelerate the chassis fatigue and be a PITA to drive to the grocery store. I personally feel that the Bilstein sport dampers provide too much damping for the H&R Sport springs and I would advise getting a cheaper Koni or KYB which will match a "softer" spring rate better.

Check out the Suspension setup thread here http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=52154

To get an idea of what the car might look like with the different springs that are offered.

My recommendations:

1) Cheap, looks nice, rides nice = Vogtland springs+ KYB/Koni dampers
2) A little more $,Good performance/daily driveability tradeoff = H&R Sport + Koni dampers
3) More expensive, serious performance spring which can make a very capable car with other supporting mods (tires, camber plates, sways etc), = H&R Race + Bilstein Sport dampers.


There will be tons of opinions, hopefully you can sift through some threads online and hone in on what might be the best for your needs. What is stiff for one is cozy for another, what handles well to one handles like a buick to another.

[Luciano36]

It all depends on your budget and your personal preferences regarding how low you'd like to go, comfort, and use of the car. For a DD car that is not going to be raced or autocrossed, on a budget, your choice is OK. I'd get the H&R Sport springs instead though, since they have better reputation. If you want a relatively softer ride, on a budget again, you can get the Eibach Pro-Kit springs or H&R race springs in case you wanna go lower and stiffer. Tons of options out there, and tons of threads covering the subject as well :)
Good luck!

[mbdt7]

Check out this spring rate list

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=823843&postcount=32

I am not sure where the BavAuto springs sit and the whole linear vs. progressive rate spring and many other things become a factor.
BUT

I have the H&R Sport springs. I think they are excellent for an "OEM+" compromise of performance and comfort. If you are after looks, running a set of "drop hats" in front gives it a great appearance. A lot of people are looking for more performance or just a more slammed look and will get the H&R Race springs. I personally could not go stiffer than the Sports on the roads I drive on, it would accelerate the chassis fatigue and be a PITA to drive to the grocery store. I personally feel that the Bilstein sport dampers provide too much damping for the H&R Sport springs and I would advise getting a cheaper Koni or KYB which will match a "softer" spring rate better.

Check out the Suspension setup thread here http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=52154

To get an idea of what the car might look like with the different springs that are offered.

My recommendations:

1) Cheap, looks nice, rides nice = Vogtland springs+ KYB/Koni dampers
2) A little more $,Good performance/daily driveability tradeoff = H&R Sport + Koni dampers
3) More expensive, serious performance spring which can make a very capable car with other supporting mods (tires, camber plates, sways etc), = H&R Race + Bilstein Sport dampers.


There will be tons of opinions, hopefully you can sift through some threads online and hone in on what might be the best for your needs. What is stiff for one is cozy for another, what handles well to one handles like a buick to another.

Thanks this is very helpful, now i have a better idea as to what to look for.

[CW325]

I had the bilstien/BavAuto spring setup and I really liked it. Only reason I got rid of the Bav springs was because I wanted something stiffer and I wanted to go lower.

[mbdt7]

It all depends on your budget and your personal preferences regarding how low you'd like to go, comfort, and use of the car. For a DD car that is not going to be raced or autocrossed, on a budget, your choice is OK. I'd get the H&R Sport springs instead though, since they have better reputation. If you want a relatively softer ride, on a budget again, you can get the Eibach Pro-Kit springs or H&R race springs in case you wanna go lower and stiffer. Tons of options out there, and tons of threads covering the subject as well :)
Good luck!

Ya I was looking to use it as a DD and I'm leaning more towards comfort/performance/and the looks. I don't know if this is a retarded question but for comfortability, would that mean I'm looking for a softer ride?

[Luciano36]

Ya I was looking to use it as a DD and I'm leaning more towards comfort/performance/and the looks. I don't know if this is a retarded question but for comfortability, would that mean I'm looking for a softer ride?

Yeah, a relatively soft ride. For example, Eibach or Vogtland springs combined with KYB dampers will give you a "soft" ride, but it'll never be as soft as stock. The higher the rate, the stiffer the spring, and the "less comfortable" the ride. In my opinion, of course. For example, H&R race springs combined with Bilstein Sport dampers will give you a "stiff ride", low though. Since I own a vert, I'd personally go for a "soft" ride, but others find comfortable what I'd consider stiff.

[CabbE30]

JOM coilovers. Cheap, adjustable, fun, and comfortable.

[CabbE30]

+ Lots of members here have them & are satisfied. Best bang for the buck I believe even though I run IE3's, Bilstein sports & e90 drop hats.