Suspension upgrade on my 85 e30..

[alen]

Intending to have it as a 'fairly' comfortable DD with aesthetic and handling improvement, I bought Bilstein sports and Lowtec springs for the car.
The suspension that's on it seems pretty solid, no squeaking, etc.. but I read that with upgrading springs/struts with stiffer aftermarket, I'd have to replace and perhaps upgrade rear upper strut mounts?

What else is a recommended necessity when it comes to upgrading suspension on these cars? I'm not trying to go all out and would like to keep the cost down. I found a few threads here mostly about bushings and found them valuable (vendor comparison, etc) but not sure what all is recommended to replace as a minimum.

[Erick]

Just do the rear strut mounts (or RSMs) and you'll be fine.

It's also wise to later on down the road do bushings, but that's not imperative.

[alen]

thanks. what about springs pads all around? is that an item that wears down and would need replacement at this stage?

[wolfgangstbd]

you dont really need spring pads.. most people take them out to drop the car lower but i guess for least noise and comfortability check your pad and if they are like 80% there your fine

[alen]

just got a chance to look under the car. it seems like the pads will need to get changed.
I'm also new to the e30 and suspension components, but I am definitely thinking of upgrading more suspension components.
Is there a thread which lists all critical links, bushings, balljoints? Also same goes for any diff and tranny mounts. Thanks

[Dissembler]

There really aren't that many things to change on an E30.

Front End-> Replace upper strut mounts with spring/shock replacement
Replace "lollipop" (the circular bushing at back of front control arm)
If you have extra money lying around, buy new control arms because the two ball joints for the subframe and wheel hub mount are not changeable

Rear End-> RSMs with shock replacement
Trailing arm bushings and subframe bushings.
*****If you have poor toe/camber on the rear, don't get eccentric trailing
arm bushings because they are prone to losing alignment. If you need too,
its probably better to pony up for the IE/bimmerworld weld on toe/camber
kits (requires removing/cleaning/welding/painting rear subframe)