SUSPENSION (help me make a decision)

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drifty30

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#1
I'm lookin to buy TRUE coilovers, none of the fake ones. I'm pretty sure that these will fit (im not sure about the e36 318 coilovers) but tell me if you know of any reason why any of these suspensions wont fit on my e30 318is. I'm aware that the m3 control arms are pretty much the same aside from offset bushings and that the swaybars are linked to the strut housings rather than the control arms. I later plan to do a 5 lug conversion to adapt to that problem and have m3 brakes and wheels. Things like wheel to strut clearance can be taken care of, and i dont really expect this to be a complete bolt on upgrade.Pick apart my idea and tell me where i'm wrong.

Here are the links for the suspensions. Please tell me if this will work and help me make a decision.

H&R e36 318
BMW 325 E30
E30 M3
 
B

Big Daddy

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#2
I have a 91 318is with Dinan suspension. None of the parts you reference will direct fit your car. That is one reason that I went with the Dinan suspension. Why do you insist on coilovers, when for the same price or less you can have springs and shocks, which will do the same job if not a better one?
 
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drifty30

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#3
i got that same type of question from a salesperson at a parts company. Which parts in specific wont fit? I want coilovers for adjustability on the track.
 
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drifty30

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that really doesn't help or answer my questions. rather than questioning motives, could someone tell me some information that would lead to a solution?
 
xLibelle

xLibelle

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#6
oh, yeah, right, my bad.
you know, go with what ever class will permit, not to mention wallet but i would just go with upgrade springs (for now), i dont know what brands are good for droping the car what desired measurement, but search for it here because its been answered time and time again.
KYB agx are great shocks. me and a friend got his miata's suspension tuned just right for autox. was amazing how you could tell the difference in over and understeering, as adjustments were made.
 
D

drifty30

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#7
listen i'm not trying to be hostile. thanks for the reccomendation, but i do drifting, autox, and track racing on MANY different tracks, as well as the car being my daily driver. Next time, instead of questioning my legitimacy just add usefull information to the question i asked. I dont just want to drop my car, i'd like to have a flexible spectrum of what my car's handling can be.

i'm starting to think im on the wrong forum if people just make scarcastic remarks when legit questions are asked.
 
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Big Daddy

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#8
drifty30 said:
i got that same type of question from a salesperson at a parts company. Which parts in specific wont fit? I want coilovers for adjustability on the track.
Click to expand...
As i said before, none of the ones you listed because the mounting systems for them is not the same as an e30 M3 or 325, the 318 mounts etc., are different. Simply put I do not know of anyone who makes coilovers for an e30 318!
 
mjbst111

mjbst111

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#9
my man drifty, we wouldn't want to do anything but serve you my friend.

we will make it our first priority to add some usefull information to the question you ask. We will NEVER question your legitimacy again! Forgiviness Please!

You sure seem hostile. They are just answering from what they know. If someone knows they will let you know. dang.

This is just me speaking, it probably doesn't reflect anyone else's opinion here.
I am being sarcastic, you just seem a little on the edge about every response.

It would be quite a feat to find a forum better than this.
 
A

AutoXfreak

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#10
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#10
Ok, this might be helpful.
For the E30 suspention there is no such thing as a true coil over suspention because of the way the springs and shocks are seperate on the trailing arm. How ever if you want the ride hight adjustbility, H&R has the adjustable spring perch for the trailing arm in thier "coil over kit." I understand where you are comming form, If I had the money I would put adjustable ride height on my car for winter driving. However I dont have the money to do so. If you want my overall oppinion I would go with the PSS9 set up. However because of the E30 trailing arm set up they dont offer it for the E30. I have heard though that The H&R set up is a huge improvement, and to be honest I dont know your racing backgound most people dont know and cant set up most of these suspentions correctly so if you want to have a car for all of the activities you listed you need to focus on haveing a consistant handaling car not the head ach of seting up your car every event.

I hope I might have shed some light on your decision or maby I confused you more, but most of these guys sre right, coil over can be more hassle and expense than its worth.
 
B

Big Daddy

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#15
drifty30 said:
still funny that noone is actually able to answer my question with any detail. thanks for the lead on the PSS9s autox.
Click to expand...
What kind of detail do you want? The bolts on coilovers that are NOT made for the e30 are 1.2mm to the left of the center flange mounted .05nm off to the side? In other words they won't fit! Could you rephrase the question?
 
Custom 3

Custom 3

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#18
drifty,

One system you may want to check out is the Ground Control setup. The front is coil-over, and while the rear is not, you still get a great deal of adjustablility. There are also many different shock/spring combinations to choose from. A lot of guys in my local club use their set-up, including the famous Dave Adams. Although since his cabrio is no more, I believe he's moving the GC system over to he 89 M3.

GC has good prices and uses custom Eibach springs, along with Koni and Bilstein shocks (possibly Tokico as well). They also have upgraded shock mounts and a whole slew of other stuff. If you're going for a serious suspension that won't kill your wallet (under $1000), I'd recommend them.

www.ground-control.com
 
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