H&R vs. IE3 for early E30s

[elguapo84]

Just wanted to gather opinions as to whether I should buy H&R race/Koni SAs, H&R sport/Koni SAs, or IE3s/Koni SAs for my '87 325is, taking into account the higher rear arches. Streetability is a key factor, as this is technically a daily driver that will see the track only once or twice a year. I also don't want a saggy, unlevel look to the car after the springs break in, so this is also a factor. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[JJe30]

I have an 85 and I have the H&R race/billys that I DD and I love it.

[elguapo84]

I have an 85 and I have the H&R race/billys that I DD and I love it.

Do you recommend billys over Koni SAs for H&R?

[JJe30]

I'm not too sure on that. I know Koni makes a really good product.

[Kruzen]

IE3s/Koni SAs > * other than coilovers.

[backtrail69]

The IE3 and the H&R race are equally recomended because they are nearly the same drop and spring rate. The IE3's are alittle cheaper though. I haven't driven a car alot with konis, but my bilstein sports ride really smooth with the H&R race.

Here is a picture of the ride height of my 87 325 4dr w/ trunk tar removed and euro bumpers (only weight reduction). This car is my DD/Auto-X car currently, I drive it like 8-10k miles a year. Very nice ride on the freeway, you can ask Nando if you'd like. He rode with me to Tacoma recently.

[elguapo84]

IE3s/Koni SAs > * other than coilovers.

According to the specs the IE3s lower the car 2" in the front and 1.5" in the rear. Given that my car has the higher rear arches, will this make the gap between the tire and the arch look bigger in the back relative to the front? This is essentially what will sway me towards either IE3s or H&R race. Also, has anyone used the H&R race and Koni SA combo. Thanks for all your help so far everyone.

[E30_pilot]

When i first installed my IE3 and koni s/a on mine..

[smonkbmw]

i guess ill never understand this debate. it all comes down to brand name preference to me. id rather go with the hr because thats what i had on my e36 and it rode great (as does JJe30's car, cause ive rode in it). IE3s are eibachs with the same spring rate and drop. after shipping there is a $10-$15 difference in price so thats not much of a issue there. i dont know on the koni vs bilstein debate. i know that koni is more expensive than bilstein other than that im not sure how they ride.

it seems that the majority of opinions on here is word of mouth. my reccomendation is to get what fits your budget. and if that doesnt work sell it and try the other. i for one am torn between the hr race/bil sports and the full hr coilovers. then again there has been reviews on that cosmos coilover system that pops up on ebay from time to time and people love that also......who knows.

[elguapo84]

i guess ill never understand this debate. it all comes down to brand name preference to me. id rather go with the hr because thats what i had on my e36 and it rode great (as does JJe30's car, cause ive rode in it). IE3s are eibachs with the same spring rate and drop. after shipping there is a $10-$15 difference in price so thats not much of a issue there. i dont know on the koni vs bilstein debate. i know that koni is more expensive than bilstein other than that im not sure how they ride.

it seems that the majority of opinions on here is word of mouth. my reccomendation is to get what fits your budget. and if that doesnt work sell it and try the other. i for one am torn between the hr race/bil sports and the full hr coilovers. then again there has been reviews on that cosmos coilover system that pops up on ebay from time to time and people love that also......who knows.

I guess I don't want this to be a debate as much as individual opinions irrespective of what other people think. Thank you everyone for all your input thus far...any other recommendations/suggestions are greatly appreciated. Also, if you don't mind, tell me what you do/don't like about the aforementioned suspension set ups.

[JGood]

I have H&R sports and Bilstein sports, and have rode in my friends identical car with identical wheels/tires with Eibachs and Bilstein sports. Felt identical, identical drop. Everyone says Eibachs are too soft. Weird, as I couldn't tell a difference, and I'm usually pretty picky with that stuff. I don't know what the actual spring rates are, but they don't feel any different.

I love the way it feels for the street. I will be going for stiffer springs for the track car because my body rolls ALOT, to the point my lip almost touches the ground on sticky tires. I do not have bigger sway bars though (they shouldn't be used to correct body roll anyway, but just sayin...)

[elguapo84]

okay...I'm getting a better idea now...one more question.

For those of you who have ridden in cars w/ IE3s and Koni SAs vs. cars w/ H&R Race and bilstein sports, which is a better bet for the street, or do they feel more or less identical? I want a good race set up for the times I take the car to auto-X or for lapping day, but I want something that won't drive my passengers nuts on the street. If you haven't tested out both set ups, then just tell me your general opinion of whichever one you have tested w/ respect to streetability. Thanks again everyone!

[MikesJo]

I have the H&R Race and Bilstein sports on a 318is. It's really stiff, nice around corners, could be a bit less bumpy. I think if I had Konis the ride would be more comfortable cause of their adjustability? If you have crappy roads where you live, and still want a stiff ride, I'd try the koni shocks and ie3/h&r race springs :).

[PiercedE30]

if you want the ability to go from soft street driving to full stiff for a race day, go with koni's. i have H&R race w/ koni sa's and the koni's are amazing. keep it soft when i drive around and cruise, when i head out to a autox then i bump up the stiffness with the koni's.

[elguapo84]

if you want the ability to go from soft street driving to full stiff for a race day, go with koni's. i have H&R race w/ koni sa's and the koni's are amazing. keep it soft when i drive around and cruise, when i head out to a autox then i bump up the stiffness with the koni's.

how easy (or difficult) is it to adjust stiffness on the Konis? Also, can you post a pic of your car? What size wheels/tires do you have? Thanks.

~Reid