1986 325es needs new shocks/struts/springs/whathaveyou

[jgramlich]

So I go in for an oil change and my mechanic tells me both front springs are broken. I haven't had opportunity to closely inspect, but certainly they're effed and I'm going to replace them post-haste. I want to replace it all, struts, springs, bushings, everything between the tower and the knuckle.

But with what?

I got the car a few months ago and I don't see any aftermarket parts on it. It's been pretty well kept and runs great. I'm looking for a suspension feel that might be called "grand turismo" style. Sporty and firm, but for the road, not the track. I want to be able to drive long distances, comfortably, and still take a corner somewhat aggressively. I have no interest in lowering the car at all. I want to drive, not ruin my tires on the fenders.

What should i buy? I'd prefer new, but also not hugely expensive. If I can keep the parts to < $500, great. Really, the cheaper, the better, but if not, I'll deal with it. I looked at Raceland coilovers, but I don't know the difference between "coilovers" and "springs" or even just the difference between shocks and struts (yeah, I'm going to wikipedia in a minute...)...and coilovers seem to be part of the whole lowering/stance thing, which I'm not interested in.

What parts would you get to outfit an e30 in such a manner?

[blunttech]

Email me and id be glad to discuss your options

[Mr. Tasty]

Email me and id be glad to discuss your options

this OP, he is a master at pleasing men

[brianf408]

How would you not know that your springs are broken? The car would be sitting likely be sitting on the front bump-stops and be TERRIBLE to drive... I question the mechanic.

A shock absorber serves to dampen the ride and vehicle body movement upon the springs. A strut serves the same purpose as a shock, but also is the controlling pivotal member of the suspension connecting the control arm to the body. A shock will typically be seen with upper and lower control arms, and a strut will typically just connect the body and single control arm. "Coilovers" are a packaged shock/strut and spring, usually with adjustable height and valving.

As for a suspension setup, Racelands can be decent if you are just driving on the street and not doing any autoX or track racing. I had a set on my Miata and for daily driving purposes they were fine. I still prefer a static height shock and spring though, coilovers really are designed for racing purposes where you will be constantly adjusting height and settings.