IE3 for my first upgrade???

[pyrobee]

I am thinking about ordering the IE3 springs for my first upgrade on my 318i euro spec. I am just doing some basic mods, and keeping it stock for now with those springs and my thule snowboard rack on top and tinting the windows, and then ordering some 15x7 rims later this summer. Is there anything I should watch out for. I want it pretty low and heard these were the way to go. Should I replace the rear tower mount braces or whatever too?

[pyrobee]

oh and what is the biggest rim I could do with no mods with that suspension I just want to do 15's but have seen some 17's I like too. this is no race car just want a good tight ride, and something of my own.

[Killacortes]

I would get bilstein shocks first. But that's just me

[pyrobee]

get the shocks then the springs? I have almost new shocks. THat is why I was going to wait a little bit then do shocks and tires...but any suggestions are def appreciated.

[Komzorz]

Springs and shocks should be done together so you don't waste time doing a similar operation twice, and also to have a matched set in terms of damping force and suspension travel.

[th3blue]

these springs are a good starting point as long as you have good struts. I have them with bilstein sports and like them.

[MR 325]

I love IE3 springs. Don't install them until you've got some Bilsteins or Konis in there. Stock shocks will ride like shit and blow quickly. If you want your car low I recommend cutting 1/2 or full coil off the front since it's a 318. If you're referring to replacing the rear shock mounts, definitely a good idea while you have it apart.

[pyrobee]

Can someone give me some links to the proper parts for the shock's/struts to put with these springs. I thought about cutting them but I would like the proper drop done.

[CabbE30]

Let me help.
Get the IE3's with Bilstein Sports front and rear. Or you can get Koni's.
Get Rear shock tower mounts. I recommend Ireland Engineering or look on Bavauto.
While you're there, get e90 drop hats (~$30) for the front if you dont want to cut the springs or you can do camber plates (vorshlag/IE). Also, there's nothing wrong with cut springs if they are cut equally/ or if you want to resell them.
I have run 15's, 16's and 17's on this setup.

[CabbE30]

My last recommendation is to search, search, search & read, read, read on this forum. Everything you ever need to know about E30's is on here. You just have to take the time to find it.

[ak-]

What year is the car. I'd hate for you to buy 86+ shocks and not fit the early model housings.

[pyrobee]

I am thinking about cuttin gthe stock springs for now. Just to get a little bit of a stance going. I am working on a small budget. Is there a write up on the proper way to cut these springs, and if I do, how will it affect the ride? I am actually going to run the stock tire and rim which is a 14 I am going for a stock look but a little meaner stance.
It is an 87 but a euro spec car.

[Blackout]

Ride quality will depend on how many loops you take out from the coil. The more the shittier.

[pyrobee]

So how many coils do you all think would not kill the ride to much? Maybe bring it down an inch or inch and a half? How many cuts would that take?

[pyrobee]

I just saw the post above that said a half to full coil? If I do a full coil I basically would cut them all right nderneath where the spring starts above it correct?