Couple of ? for you PDX guys

[RIP_City]

Hey kinda new to e30 scene been lurking around here a bunch and gathering info. I bought a 89 325i and it needs new shocks. here soon I will looking to get that dealt with just wanted to know what you PDX peeps would recommend for daily driving around our hazardous streets. not looking to go super low so only going with springs and possible bushings for now.
Was thinking Bilsteins but not sure what grade to get? Does anyone know of a good place to get the shocks done that wont rape me. I would do this myself with a buddy of mine who has been dealing with these for years but dont think I will have much time due to work schedule.

When it comes to bushings I have no clue on where or what I would need to get. is there a package or something that is a case by case basis.

Any help here would be greatly appreciated. thanks
B

[LuckyHenriksen]

Go with Bilstein sports and H&R sport springs if you are only looking for a mild drop. I can do the suspension install for you

[RIP_City]

pm sent Lucky.. Noob question but been going through and havent really seen to much mention of the ride quality of this kind of drop. would rather not rattle my teeth out. as its my DD and more into quality and ride over looks.

[Gregolas]

pm sent Lucky.. Noob question but been going through and havent really seen to much mention of the ride quality of this kind of drop. would rather not rattle my teeth out. as its my DD and more into quality and ride over looks.

I have this exact setup. For what you are looking for, you will not be disappointed with the ride quality. I, on the other hand, want more drop in the front. Might have a set of H&R Sport springs for sale soon, just waiting on coil overs.

[LuckyHenriksen]

If you aren't wanting to lower it at all you can just get some good Bilstein factory replacement struts/shocks and use the factory springs

[Keith M]

New shocks will do wonders for the ride. You might want to check into the rest of the suspension and see if anything else needs replacing.
Welcome to the best forum.

[nny403]

For daily driving I suggest Bistein Sport Touring, you can get them in Vancouver from Bartosh Import Autoparts I picked mine up for less than KYB would cost me as a commerical auto shop. I think it was like $310 for the set last August. I second being willing to help out, but for DD run the stock springs. Hit me up at my shop sometime at 122nd & Division Firestone I'm usually around on weekends just ask for Ken. Its MAYBE a 2 hour project and you can do it without realignment although I recommend it. Word to the wise: the front strut inserts on the replacement Bilsteins are taller than the factory threading so bring some sort of large wrench to tighten them down and avoid the clunk.

[e30austin]

If you want to go low, but not have a real rough ride, I suggest finding a set of BavAuto springs. They're pretty soft, but give a nice, comfy ride. As for shocks, I would recommend either Bilstein HD or Bilstein Sport. Just depends on how stiff you want them.

As everyone else has said, installation is fairly simple, if you're mechanically inclined. Just a little time consuming.

Welcome to the forums and enjoy your stay!

[HippyEarly]

I've been on Eibach prokit springs for close to 8 years now. I love them, not supper low but lower than stock. I run 16" rims and have a comfortable ride on any road. Ohio roads are worse than PDX. (and i talk about my 16" rims because i get more sidewall for a better ride imo v. a 17"). A weekend and some friends (R3V) is all you need to do the suspension on your car. Personally never gone to shops aside from specialties like alignment.

Most people will recommend H&R sports and bilstein HD. I think the eibach might be just old school at this point. Both run the same as far as i have seen. Im looking at koni's for my next strut to step up a notch ($$$).

[brutus87]

Konis are also good.

[nny403]

Expensive, but good.

Or, if you want a simple answer that helped me a lot even though I DD the car, look up the rules for Spec E30 racing and build your suspension around that. Can't be a bad way to go.

[EDIT] Incidentally, if you are looking at doing the whole swap may I suggest checking out HorsePower Freaks @ 503-256-5600 x 111 the guy that works there is somewhat of a king at doing quality builds on the cheap used to work for me.

[RIP_City]

thanks for all the input all, I am sure I will more questions in the future.

[smonkbmw]

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-41...uspension.aspx

or

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-20...rt-shocks.aspx