Difference in shocks between cabrio and coupe

[dadsbmw]

Is there a meaningful difference between cabrio and coupe in terms of shocks?

I've found a website that has 3 different sets of Koni Sport adjustable shocks for the e30:
1) "Cabrio including m-technik"
2) "excluding cabrio and m-technik"
3) "with OE m-technik suspension"

Is there a substantive difference between them? I know in terms of springs it makes a bigger difference since the cabrio is heavier, and I imagine that on some level this would be true for shocks as well.

Does it matter which set I buy? Would mix and matching sets be an issue? The reason I wonder is the prices vary and you could mix and match a pretty darn reasonably priced set of Koni's.

[dougie30]

in for answers

[jeffnhiscars]

There is a small difference in how they are valved due to the weight difference but I think thats minor compared to the difference your spring choice will make.

More importantly the cabrio sports are not externally adjustable which means you need to pull your struts. That's a non starter for me.

I'm seriously contemplating swapping out the bilstein sports in my cabrio and will go with the sedan konis (8641-1021) since they are externally adjustable.

[dadsbmw]

Thanks for the input. I care not about adjustability as this is my daily driver and I'm basically just going for comfort.

[jeffnhiscars]

Your question was specifically about adjustables but if that doesn't matter just get the STR,s (Orange) for about half the price

[dadsbmw]

Wow yes thanks for pointing that out! I was not super happy at the thought of forking over $500 for overkill shocks!

[GonFern]

Your question was specifically about adjustables but if that doesn't matter just get the STR,s (Orange) for about half the price

Before you do this, makes sure your car is not lowered. I just bought the STRs to pair with H&R springs and they bottom out. if you are stock height you should be OK

[jeffnhiscars]

I actually just ordered a set of STRs w H&R OE Sports which are only a slight drop.ill see how it compares to the same year sedan w same springs and BS Tourings.

[dadsbmw]

I have OE Sports on my car and actually achieved a pretty decent drop. Have you installed this shock/spring combo yet jeff? Im curious as to how this will work out...

[jeffnhiscars]

I have OE Sports on my car and actually achieved a pretty decent drop. Have you installed this shock/spring combo yet jeff? Im curious as to how this will work out...

I just put the car back on the ground after having done the front springs, struts and drop hats. It does need time to settle and due to the need for an alignment I'm not driving it anywhere but to the shop.

My plan is to do a stance comparison since I have 3 87s in the driveway all with H&R springs. The cabrio and 4 dr both have cabrio springs. The cabrio has BS sports and drop hats and sits lower than the 4dr which of course weighs less, has BS Touring dampers all around and does not have drop hats.

The coupe has OE Sports, drop hats and the same BS Tourings and at least for now sits higher than the others. I suspect the coupe will drop down to where the sedan is once the springs settle. It sits on 16" BBS RXs

The cabrio handles like its on rails and is a little rough over pot holes w 16" BBS RKs. The plan here is to replace the bilsteins w Koni Sports.

The 4dr handles extremely well and is very comfortable. Perfect for a city DD with bottle caps

Pics eventually.