What struts go best with M3 springs for a vert?

[SC ic]

My suspension is shot, so I need everything new. Decided on M3 springs because I want a slight drop and improved handling. What are the best struts to go with M3 springs? BTW, this will be doing DD duty, not track duty.

Also, what rear strut mounts should I buy, E36?

Thanks.

[Justin B]

I'd just get some bilstein sports and be done with it. I used them with both H&R sport and race springs (current). As for the rear shock mounts, anything beefier than the E30 ones. I think I actually used the E46 (maybe even the vert) mounts when I redid my suspension a few years ago.

[Mossman]

I must say fresh boge/sachs/oem shocks and struts with m3 springs is a nice compliant ride that handles decently. That's what I have right now on my ride, but with e36 m3 brakes and s52 in the works I think i'm gonna go with koni's and something a little bit stiffer but not much. I'll try the m3 springs first.

[MR 325]

Any OEM shock is fine with M3 springs. The only upgrade I would bother with is HD's at most.

[SC ic]

Any OEM shock is fine with M3 springs. The only upgrade I would bother with is HD's at most.

I'm a noob, so this might be a dumb question, but why would you go with HD's over Sports? Are Sports just completely wrong for M3 springs, or do you think they'd just be overkill? Would the drop wind up being the same for HDs and Sports?

[MR 325]

Yes, the sports are just going to cost you more money with no benefit.

The shocks do not determine the ride height, it will sit the same with either one.

[Teaguer]

I agree with Matt that the biggest upgrade you'd want is HD's .
Maybe even go with the Bilstein Tourings as they are closer to OE and all you want is a nice daily .

And just FYI , Sports & HD's have the same EXACT valving ...its just that the Sports are shorter internally to prevent premature bottoming with lowering springs .
This will not be a concern as M springs are a very minimal drop .

[lowlightbw]

:Dsorry to threadjack, but would h&r sports be too aggressive for billy HD's on a DD? Is there a spring out there that has a drop in between m3 and H&R sports in terms of stiffness and actual lowering?? eibach pros?

[SC ic]

Well, I ordered some Bilstein Sports through the group buy ($380 shipped) before MR 325posted. In searching prices, I don't think they are any more than HDs (in fact, HDs are more expensive than Sports at shox.com). Since valving is the same, and my car will sit the same, there shouldn't be any harm in riding on the Sports (as compared to the HDs), right?

[Aerton]

Ok, so if I go with HD's can I use the M3 springs? If so would I buy new M3 springs? I need suspension for my Convertible immediately and don't know what to get.

[Sam Cogley]

Bilstein's website says that the Sports are OK for the M3 springs.