318iS Suspension Advice

[BimmerToad]

Pete,

What type of roads are you going to encounter? One of my engineering professors talked about how horrible the roads were in the Australian outback. Like Rob said, if you're not concerned over the 'slammed' look, I'd highly recommend the sport springs.

Todd

[fabianyee]

I was simply suggesting to wait on sways for a few reasons. It'll be cheaper to do suspension in stages, if $$$ is a concern. Also, if you run with stock sways for a while, you'll get a better feel for the improvement aftermarket units give.

Just a thought though

True enuf. get the springs and shocks sorted out first.
So firstly, you need to decide whether you want stiff or not-so-stiff combo to balance handling and ride composure... But since you said you'll be on fairly good roads so I supposed you want it stiff...

Or you can opt for not-so-stiff combo but add on thicker swaybars to give u a little better ride comfort overall.

[Streetspec_iS]

I was simply suggesting to wait on sways for a few reasons. It'll be cheaper to do suspension in stages, if $$$ is a concern.

what rob speaks is truth. springs and shocks will make a vast difference.

What type of roads are you going to encounter? One of my engineering professors talked about how horrible the roads were in the Australian outback

yeah, i dunno pete. maybe you should look at getting some taller springs, the corrugations in the dirt roads in the red centre can be pretty tuff on a car. maybe look at selling the iS and look into importing an iX from OS. while youre at it, dont forget to change youre air filter frequently. the amount of dust that gets kicked up out bush is terrible. it will eat a motor in a matter of months if you dont take preventative measures. oh, and look out for rogue kangaroos, they have been known to gank e30s while youre not looking.

[peteM3power]

yeah, i dunno pete. maybe you should look at getting some taller springs, the corrugations in the dirt roads in the red centre can be pretty tuff on a car. maybe look at selling the iS and look into importing an iX from OS. while youre at it, dont forget to change youre air filter frequently. the amount of dust that gets kicked up out bush is terrible. it will eat a motor in a matter of months if you dont take preventative measures. oh, and look out for rogue kangaroos, they have been known to gank e30s while youre not looking.

lol, nah in all seriousness guys, I do live in a country town however the roads are quite good as it's not in the centre of AU where there are deserts or anything like and the reason I want it stiff is because there are many great quality mountain roads which are quite smooth and in great condition for nice drives.

Either way, thanks for the advice guys, at this stage, I'll probably wait on sways like most people seem to say and just worry about my mounts and bushings along with the springs and shocks before I do anything else,

Thanks,

--Pete

BTW, please check your PM Jake, thanks, Pete.

[Mystikal]

I was simply suggesting to wait on sways for a few reasons. It'll be cheaper to do suspension in stages, if $$$ is a concern. Also, if you run with stock sways for a while, you'll get a better feel for the improvement aftermarket units give.

Just a thought though

Kind of like when I installed my GC's I put in the GC RSM's at the same time, it kind of feels like I flushed the money away, I have no idea what difference they made. :x

[Rob]

for the record, I really didnt notice a damn thing when I installed my JTD rsms

[peteM3power]

Ok then, thanks for the advice guys, at this stage I'm leading towards waiting on sways for a while after I get bushings/ springs/ shocks.

Thanks,
--Pete

[Digitalwave]

I have done my suspension in stages and let me tell you, bushings and strut bars make a big difference. I have faily stiff springs and shocks, which are the first things I did. They made a gigantic difference. After getting used to that setup I eventually added front and rear strut bars, and urethane control arm (offset) and subframe bushings, and they made the car noticibly stiffer and more responsive.

[318driver]

what springs are you running now TJ?

[Digitalwave]

AP Sporttuning 60mm front 40mm rear.

[318driver]

Do you have a website for them? ive never heard of them. Are you using bilstien sports?

sorry for the jack

[Digitalwave]

Do you have a website for them? ive never heard of them. Are you using bilstien sports?

sorry for the jack

No web site, I don't know who sells them, AMS imported them for me but they can't get them anymore. I really don't know anything about them or where to get them.

I have AC Schnitzer-revalved Bilstein Sports.

[peteM3power]

I have done my suspension in stages and let me tell you, bushings and strut bars make a big difference. I have faily stiff springs and shocks, which are the first things I did. They made a gigantic difference. After getting used to that setup I eventually added front and rear strut bars, and urethane control arm (offset) and subframe bushings, and they made the car noticibly stiffer and more responsive.

Yeah, after what most people have said, I think I'll definately do it in stages - start small and gradually add more.

Do you have a website for them? ive never heard of them. Are you using bilstien sports? sorry for the jack

Nah, that's cool. TJ's car is sweet as and has a very nice stance to it so I am interested in it as well.

--Pete