’98 323i SE suspension upgrade
Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW 3 Series
Forum Discription: This forum will deal with any issues on the BMW 3 Series (E21, E30, E36, E46, E90, E91 & E92)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=24456
Printed Date: 10-May-2024 at 00:48
Topic: ’98 323i SE suspension upgrade
Posted By: SQR1
Subject: ’98 323i SE suspension upgrade
Date Posted: 22-November-2005 at 09:07
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My car is a little soft and slightly bouncy over big bumps, so I was considering replacing the shock absorbers. Does anyone have any idea which 'make' are good replacements. I don't really want to change the springs and lower the car. I was thinking gas shocks all round maybe: Monroe, Bilstein, Sachs, koni? Anyone experienced these? I want firmer handling (less roll) without compromising ride quality. Thanks
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Replies:
Posted By: Hans Freikit
Date Posted: 22-November-2005 at 09:20
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Never heard of Monroe, but Bilstein and Boge(Sachs) both make very good kit for BMWs. I use Bilstein "Touring" shocks all round on my E36 saloon and the ride quality suits me fine. Konis have a good reputation as more sporty equipment, perhaps more suited to track days etc. For tech questions like this, you should clarify whether your car is an E36 or E46. HF |
Posted By: SQR1
Date Posted: 22-November-2005 at 10:05
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Hi, Thanks for your comments, my car is an E36 saloon
Cheers |
Posted By: Hans Freikit
Date Posted: 22-November-2005 at 10:48
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Happy to help :) Mine is also an E36 saloon, albeit a 328i. Here's how it sits on Bilstein shocks and H&R springs. HF
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Posted By: SQR1
Date Posted: 22-November-2005 at 10:58
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... very nice. The strange thing is mine is a bit higher at the front and about the same as yours at the rear. Maybe the rear springs (only) have been changed on mine, no history of this though. ...ok so I need to do some investigating. If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for your spring kit? I'm trying to gauge the cost of all this. cheers |
Posted By: Hans Freikit
Date Posted: 22-November-2005 at 11:20
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The H&R springs I'm using were imported from the U.S. via understeer.com. They have a very slight lowering effect (something like 10/15mm I think). Cost was something like £140, taking into account carriage charges etc. These are called "OE Sport" springs, which means they are roughly equivalent to the equipment BMW would fit if your car was factory-specced as a "Sport" model (i.e. has M-tech suspension). Cheaper kits are available in the UK, but I really didn't want the drop of 30/40mm that they tend to offer. For a full set of the Bilstein shocks, you're looking at about £25 per side for the rear, and approx £50 per side for the front, so about £150 +VAT from somewhere like EuroCarParts. PM me if I can help further. HF |