suspension

[tri2fiveis]

I am thinking about upgrading the suspension in my 87' 325is and am thinking about doing the shocks spring and sway bars? could e30 m3 sway bars fit into my car? I would like to keep the ride height about the same.

also would putting the m3 rack and pinion into my car make enough difference to do?

[1985bmw325e]

Buy bilstein shocks.

And yes, the m3 sway bars do fit.


however, the problem with the m3 rack and pinion conversion is that they might place the tires a little forward, causing it to have minimal clearance with the fenderwell.

[MrM3]

the front m3 swaybar mounts to the struts instead of the control arms and is 1mm thinner than the 325is', the rear bar will fit but its only about 1.5mm thicker. in other words, after market swaybars are worth the cost. the M3 steering rack will fit (it will not change caster), but you need a slightly modified steering link and a e36 high pressure hose. the M3 offset control arm bushings is what changes the caster, and it is also a worth while upgrade (do not go urethane). koni sport shocks are the best shocks with in a reasonable price range, bilsteins are pretty good though they lack adjustability and the rebound damping needed to be a decent track damper. the sparco strut brace will make a huge difference and should deffinately be considered if you need to hold off on the sway bars. either way it is a key part to a solid e30.

[spiff325is]

yeah, Mr M3 is right, bilsteins are good shocks, but are really stiff, and are better for smoother roads or track use, where konis you can adjust for on and off track or canyon twisty use..Konis are a lot better in the long run