Stock suspension on a '99 M3 Cabrio. My shocks/struts are shot and I'm looking for what would be best. I use the car as a daily driver, but I would like slightly better handling.

Please give me your opinions.

Thanks

Just FYI..if you go back to NEW stock struts/springs, you will get better handling than what you have now, and great daily driveability.

yeah, new stock replacements would be a nice improvement.

bilsteins have a lifetime warranty though, i believe.

I realize that stock would be an improvement. I guess I wonder how it will drive with Bilsteins or others and which would still be good for a daily driver.

I realize that stock would be an improvement. I guess I wonder how it will drive with Bilsteins or others and which would still be good for a daily driver.

you wont be able to notice the difference between stock repalcements and bilsteins because your stock ones are shot anyways.

i have bilstein sports on my 328, and they are fine.

SCCA and BMWCCA auto-x requirements for "stock" cars allow any aftermarket shock, but not springs. That leads me to believe that aftermarket shocks dont necessarily "perform" better, they just might be better quality or last longer. My interpretation of that could be flawed though.

My vote would be Bilstein Sport shocks and H&R sport springs.

I think a coilovers are too harsh for a daily.

I think stock E36 suspension is about as good as a fire pole made of unsanded wood with splinters poking out of it.

I had no intention of changing out the springs. I do have an M suspension if that means anything.

see what the warranty is on cheaper replacements.

if it sucks, get bilsteins.

I think stock E36 suspension is about as good as a fire pole made of unsanded wood with splinters poking out of it.

M3 Series (E36) (1995 - 1999) BMW's second generation M3, and the first M3 to feature BMW's classic inline six motor. Featuring 240hp, a slick shifting gear box, and near perfect weight balance, the E36 M3 was named Car & Driver's "Best Handling Car At Any Price."

M3 Series (E36) (1995 - 1999) BMW's second generation M3, and the first M3 to feature BMW's classic inline six motor. Featuring 240hp, a slick shifting gear box, and near perfect weight balance, the E36 M3 was named Car & Driver's "Best Handling Car At Any Price."

Indeed. However that superb handling comes much more from the geometry and engineering that went into the positioning and mechanical design of the set up...not so much the actual shocks and springs. Furthermore, 60k is a VERY short lifespan for suspension. Thus, I still think OEM suspension sucks moose-balls.


PS - Most car magazines are anything but objective.

I realize that stock would be an improvement. I guess I wonder how it will drive with Bilsteins or others and which would still be good for a daily driver.


You'd be happy with the Bilstein PSS kit.

Doesn't mean «the best handling car at any price can't be improved upon».

Bilstein, KW, and couple I forgot. The usual known German brands.

Of go nuts and get some AC Schnitzer/Hartge coilovers.

Bilstein, KW, and couple I forgot. The usual known German brands.

Of go nuts and get some AC Schnitzer/Hartge coilovers.

OT but I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to see your car with the style 5's on it.

OT but I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to see your car with the style 5's on it.

You mean the M5 reps? or my BBS RC041?

The latter ones are still stocked waiting for summer.

can you even buy aftermarket springs for a e36 vert? I remember about a month ago I wanted to lower my 99 vert, I called every place I could think of and everyone told me that there was no aftermarket springs that would work for my vert. Is this true?

can you even buy aftermarket springs for a e36 vert? I remember about a month ago I wanted to lower my 99 vert, I called every place I could think of and everyone told me that there was no aftermarket springs that would work for my vert. Is this true?

BS. Of course there is.

H&R and Eibach both make springs for e36 convertibles.

There are probably others out there as well.

Contact any reputable aftermarket retailer for BMWs and they can give you a list of options.

I got my springs from bmpdesign.com.

I know lots of people on the UK board run Bodge springs on their e36's. Vert too.

Put Bilsteins and Koni's on. Love em. Corners, the ride, the look, all improved :alright

can you even buy aftermarket springs for a e36 vert? I remember about a month ago I wanted to lower my 99 vert, I called every place I could think of and everyone told me that there was no aftermarket springs that would work for my vert. Is this true?



I have H&R sport springs on my vert and I love them.

Just be careful when you do order springs...don't let some knowledgeable sales rep fool you...vert's DO USE different springs than coupes. Our cars are actually heavier and require a firmer spring to compensate for the weight.

You mean the M5 reps? or my BBS RC041?

The latter ones are still stocked waiting for summer.


RC041's PUHLEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!