Time for a suspension overhaul...

[Strelok]

So my recently purchased '87 325i needs an entirely new suspension. I've been trying to figure out what setup to use, and I came across this: http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...3.1&perfCode=P I know H&R is a good brand and lots of people use their springs, but I'm a little worried about those shocks. I originally wanted Bilsteins, and these are just "custom valved shocks" it doesn't even give a brand name.
Opinions?

[HarryPotter]

Don't get a cup kit, get billies or konis, and h&r sports or race springs. If you have money get GC coils.

If you like negative rake get IE springs.

[KenC]

The cup kit springs are soft and low so the shocks are matched to them.

[Nic01101011]

If I had to do it all again I'd go with H&R sports and bilstein sports. Most important thing I think is to replace every single bushing and wear item in the suspension, though.

[Strelok]

OK, what about Bilstein sport struts plus Eibach sport springs (front: 1.6 rear: 1.4)? I want Bilsteins and I like my low ride height but I want to make sure the setup I have is more or less matched and isn't putting unnecessary strain on the struts. That's what's attractive about that cup kit; it's engineered specifically to function together. But I want my Bilsteins...

[KenC]

Cup kit is for show more than anything. It's really low, but really soft.

I'd go with H&R Race + Bilstein Sport.

[iamsam]

i can vouch for the H&R Race + Billy Sport setup. Unless you want to do coilovers.

[Jean]

H&R Sports are too soft and not a good match with bilstein sports honestly. I've had I think 4 or 5 different springs/shocks on the car and H&R Sports with Bilstein Sports are good when the road is smooth, but they bottom easily on pot holes or road junctions. I would go with stiffer springs or coilovers.

Very important to replace all the damn worn out components first (Subrame bushings, Trailing Arm bushings, upper rear shock bushings, front strut bushings, lower control arm bushings (and possibly control arms and/or tie rods if they are old/worn)). Get a good set of tires and alignment. Bilstein or Koni inserts off the shelf are good, it's just when you have soft springs that lower the car you are risking riding on bump stops....same goes if you lower the car too much on soft coilovers. The lower you go the stiffer the rates should be, and off the shelf (not custom valved) shocks can only take so much.

Cup Kits are notorious for being too low and too soft, not only on BMWs, but in general.

[Jean]

Don't get a cup kit, get billies or konis, and h&r sports or race springs. If you have money get GC coils.

If you like negative rake get IE springs.

The rake is not so much due to springs but the way late model cars LOOK lowered since the rear arches are LOW.

[Strelok]

Alright, so I'm trying to order everything from Pelican, but it's saying that the H&R race springs are strictly for the M3. What's the deal with that?

[HarryPotter]

The rake is not so much due to springs but the way late model cars LOOK lowered since the rear arches are LOW.

I know this, it still gives the visual appearance of neg. rake.

They still don't lower the car nearly as much as I like for my taste. They drop it maybe, MAYBE two inches. I need at least no wheel gap for me to be happy.

[Jean]

Strelok - they are not only for e30m3s.

HarryPotter - Function > Form.

[HarryPotter]

Strelok - they are not only for e30m3s.

HarryPotter - Function > Form.

That may be true for some, it isn't for me. I don't race my car anywhere, be it the street the track whatever. So for me to care about such things would be a waste of time and visual appeal. I like the way my car looks regardless if my COG is off.

[Strelok]

I can't seem to find any sites selling race springs advertised as being for 325i's. They all say M3. Is there a difference? Where have other members gotten their springs?

[downernsp]

I can't seem to find any sites selling race springs advertised as being for 325i's. They all say M3. Is there a difference? Where have other members gotten their springs?

Same thing link http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...0&subcat_id=63

Also one should first specify what is over all goel street,street/track, or full race. Like that one can tell you exactly what works. There are a ton of people on this board with all sets. Good luck with decision.