hey guys I'm looking for a suspension upgrade for my 96 328i vert. so I'm asking you guys for your suspension set ups, and your ideas that work good together.

Bilstein BTS kit, love it! Slight drop and still comfortable ($607).

For any part you're looking for, contact Bill in the Group Buy forum (HERE (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=663066&highlight=bilstein)). He can match pretty much any price you find and he is a very respected vendor on this forum.
:drink1

Bilstein were on when i got my car so i dont know what else i have, i added a strut tower on it though

my cars stock ;)
But If I were to get something, I would do these.

- 96 M3 upper shock mounts
- E46 M3 rear shock mounts
- Bav-Auto lowering Springs
- BTS Shocks/Struts
- 96 M3 Lower Control Arms/ Bushings
- Melye Full Metal Ball Joints
- Eibach Front and Rear SwayBars + RED Euro. Bushings
- Strut Tower Bar
- 3 Series Under brace (along with our stock X-brace ;) :) )

but , That's all IF I was to change my suspension ;)

bilstein sports, GC rsm's, stock springs.

it's PLENTY stiff.....

my cars stock ;)
But If I were to get something, I would do these.

- 96 M3 upper shock mounts
- E46 M3 rear shock mounts
- Bav-Auto lowering Springs
- BTS Shocks/Struts
- 96 M3 Lower Control Arms/ Bushings
- Melye Full Metal Ball Joints
- Eibach Front and Rear SwayBars + RED Euro. Bushings
- Strut Tower Bar
- 3 Series Under brace (along with our stock X-brace ;) :) )

but , That's all IF I was to change my suspension ;)

what under brace you speek of other then the x-brace?

bilstein sports, GC rsm's, stock springs.

it's PLENTY stiff.....

oh, I thought the bilstein sports are for lowered springs
how is the lowering and the ride quality for the setup ?

I used bilstein heavy duty with stock springs, it actually "raised" my car :(

Bilstein Sport.

H&R Sport.

Z4 M RTAB's, Ground Control RTAB Shims, Turner RSM's, Z3 F&R Reinforcement plates, Meyle Control Arms/bal joints.


Love it.

oh, I thought the bilstein sports are for lowered springs.

They are. The suspension stroke is shorter and they are valved accordingly.

oh, I thought the bilstein sports are for lowered springs
how is the lowering and the ride quality for the setup ?

I used bilstein heavy duty with stock springs, it actually "raised" my car :(

stock height. they fixed the issue on the struts that would raise cars slightly.
work great with oem springs, no way I'd want anything stiffer or lower.

stock height. they fixed the issue on the struts that would raise cars slightly.
work great with oem springs, no way I'd want anything stiffer or lower.



The "God" quote in your sig is brilliant. Well said.

stock height. they fixed the issue on the struts that would raise cars slightly.
work great with oem springs, no way I'd want anything stiffer or lower.

so you mean bilstein sports shocks with stock springs would give you stock height ?

Well, I didn't measure everything before and after, but yes, stock height with stock springs and bilstein sports.

Eibach Pro Street-S Coilovers, ~30mm drop front, 15mm rear.
Eiback front drop links.
18" Rims with 235/40 front, 245/35 rear
Powerflex RTAB, front control arms and front and rear ARB bushes.
Standard ARBs, standard breand new top mounts front & back.
Handles like a dream... :D

The "God" quote in your sig is brilliant. Well said.

Can't take credit for it. Morgan Freeman said it in "The Big Bounce"...thought it was pretty accurate :)

hey guys I'm looking for a suspension upgrade for my 96 328i vert. so I'm asking you guys for your suspension set ups, and your ideas that work good together.

I have a 199 328ic, I ran H&R springs from BMP Design, and I run Bilstein Sport shocks all around. the rear springs drop the car a bit much, I would think that a stock M3 rear spring might be a bit better. Just my 02 cents!

hey what's up evoman,I have a green 328ic with 225-40-18 in the front & 255-35-18 in the rear,but the rear is rubbing,do you have any problems with your 245-35-18s rubbing in the rear?

evoman-love your car would that same set-up fit on me 95 e36 the susp. and the rim and tire size (no rub)

By the way, what kind of rims are those!

All stock replacements done this year, feels like a brand new car!

Bilstein/Eibach or H&R.
hey guys I'm looking for a suspension upgrade for my 96 328i vert. so I'm asking you guys for your suspension set ups, and your ideas that work good together.

Eibach Sportline Springs with Bilstein shocks. 235/35/19's. Because the rears are 19x9.5 I have some rubbin on bigger bumps. Was going to roll the fenders; but bought a 2nd E36 vert, so I'm gonna start over with the suspension.

But I really liked the Eibach Sportlines w/ Bilsteins. no body roll and a surprisingly nice ride. Some of the dips in the road where the car in front of me was ducking and divin' I just crusised through smoothly with no bottoming.

My 2nd E36 has the stock "sport" suspension with the stock sport 16" wheels and feels like POO since I've gotten used to driving with the performace suspension.

I just switched the 19's over to the E36 with the stock sport suspension, so I can tell you how that combo drives tomorrow. (it was quite interesting when I was swapping the wheels to note how much more I had to jack the stock sport vs. the Eibach's.

I've got a set of H&R Street Performance Coilovers on the way that I will replace the stock sport suspension with. I'll also be adding the ground force camber kit when I do that. Will still have to roll the rear fenders on the 2nd E36 that I'm keeping to help accomodate the staggered 19's.

Projects, projects...

drove vert #2 with the 19's and stock sport suspension on it to work today. :(

With the stock suspension (that feels like a minivan to me) It allows so much travel that I'm rubbing the rears on almost any little bump. I guess I need to move fender rolling to the TOP of the list of To-do's. I can't believe they call that suspension "sport".

And my coilovers still haven't shown up yet... I'm looking forward to those now a LOT.

With the stock suspension (that feels like a minivan to me) It allows so much travel that I'm rubbing the rears on almost any little bump. I guess I need to move fender rolling to the TOP of the list of To-do's. I can't believe they call that suspension "sport"..

That because it's old and worn out after being on the car for 10+ years... I have new stock sport suspension and it feels 100x better than the worn out suspension does. I'm sure it can't hold a candle to your aftermarket suspension though!

That because it's old and worn out after being on the car for 10+ years...

EXCELLENT POINT.

Found out that my coilovers will show up tomorrow. Now, gotta hurry up and roll those fenders!

I simply ride on the stock M suspension. All the speedbumps prevent me from lowering it. But the ride is very nice so I'm not complaining.

I have upgraded with e46 M3 rear top shock mounts with Z3 reinforcement plates. These are only a couple of bucks and 2 minutes to install so you'd be dumb not to fit them.

I also had both RTAB replaced with new BMW ones about a year ago. (as one had completely shot).

I simply ride on the stock M suspension. All the speedbumps prevent me from lowering it. But the ride is very nice so I'm not complaining.

I have upgraded with e46 M3 rear top shock mounts with Z3 reinforcement plates. These are only a couple of bucks and 2 minutes to install so you'd be dumb not to fit them.

I also had both RTAB replaced with new BMW ones about a year ago. (as one had completely shot).

Can you tell me some more about the shock mounts and reinforcement plates? I will soon be having those coilovers mounted in my vert and if this is a cheap no brainer, then I will have the shop do this when they're doing the coilover install. But if you could give me the quick explaination (so I don't have to read through the undoubtedly mountains of threads on the subject), I'd appreciate it. Plus, it's very much on topic for this thread!

This is all you need to know.

Will cost you less than $25


http://www.idon-industries.com/bimmer/z3plates.jpg

This is all you need to know.

Will cost you less than $25


http://www.idon-industries.com/bimmer/z3plates.jpg

Thanks. Is this something that I should have the shop do when they do my coilovers, or should I do it myself beforehand? (i.e. would this be something that the shop would be taking off anyway to install my coilovers or would it be something that they wouldn't necessarily be messing with and therefore be something that they'd charge me more labor for?) I don't want to throw it into the coilover install if the shop will charge me more and it's something I'd be better off saving the money and doing myself. Where the pictures says, "Don't forget the gaskets", do those come with one of those two part #'s? Or will the gasket be something that should already be in existence with the stock parts that are currently on the vehicle.

Thanks!

Can you tell me some more about the shock mounts and reinforcement plates? I will soon be having those coilovers mounted in my vert and if this is a cheap no brainer, then I will have the shop do this when they're doing the coilover install. But if you could give me the quick explaination (so I don't have to read through the undoubtedly mountains of threads on the subject), I'd appreciate it. Plus, it's very much on topic for this thread!


Go with turner, ground control, or rogue rear shock mounts. OEM stuff is crap, especially if you're lowering the car.

My pick for RSM's on street car.
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=JRDRP

Front plate reinforcements & Gaskets (#15 & 16):
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BG93&mospid=47488&btnr=31_0239&hg=31&fg=10

Rear reinforcement plates(#16):
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CN53&mospid=48096&btnr=33_0459&hg=33&fg=45

Found another picture with more part #'s:

http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_techtip/techtips/pics_techtips/rear_shock_mount_large.jpg

But I was advised to skip the paper gasket that could trap moisture and instead use a bead of silicone or something like that...

Rear reinforcement plates(#16):
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BG93&mospid=47488&btnr=31_0239&hg=31&fg=10

Your link was to the diagram for the e36 M3 front again...

Thanks. Is this something that I should have the shop do when they do my coilovers, or should I do it myself beforehand? (i.e. would this be something that the shop would be taking off anyway to install my coilovers or would it be something that they wouldn't necessarily be messing with and therefore be something that they'd charge me more labor for?) I don't want to throw it into the coilover install if the shop will charge me more and it's something I'd be better off saving the money and doing myself. Where the pictures says, "Don't forget the gaskets", do those come with one of those two part #'s? Or will the gasket be something that should already be in existence with the stock parts that are currently on the vehicle.

Thanks!


1. I would drop it off with the shop since it would just mean making work for yourself installing them afterwards. It won't cost you anymore labor....these parts will be simple additions to the suspension install.

2. The gaskets come with the plates (at least mine did). When you get them from your dealer just ask and make sure that they are included. You will have old ones in there but they rot after time and will need to be replaced anyway.

Your link was to the diagram for the e36 M3 front again...



That's because these plates were not installed from the factory on non-M cars.

These plates are added insurance just like the Z3 rear plates.

I currently have them on my car (e36 328i convertoble, not an m3).

Think of it like adding an m3 exhaust on a 325 or 328. They never came with this exhaust but it bolts right up fine.

Found another picture with more part #'s:

http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_techtip/techtips/pics_techtips/rear_shock_mount_large.jpg

But I was advised to skip the paper gasket that could trap moisture and instead use a bead of silicone or something like that...

I've never heard of that. I would use the gaskets as suggested.

I would stay away from that OEM rear shock mount though. The rubber is desinged to really give a lot to provide a supple ride for the original target market. It will wear out very fast with your new aggressive setup.

HMm front reinforcement plates too. Never seen those.

$18 for the "M" cover caps? (#14) Djeez for that piece of plastic!? Luckely I got mine for free :D

That's because these plates were not installed from the factory on non-M cars.

These plates are added insurance just like the Z3 rear plates.

I currently have them on my car (e36 328i convertoble, not an m3).

Think of it like adding an m3 exhaust on a 325 or 328. They never came with this exhaust but it bolts right up fine.

What I meant is that you linked a picture of a FRONT OEM M3 and said that it's what you were using for the REAR Reinforcement Plate.

I was just trying to make sure that you didn't post up the wrong parts link from REAL OEM (because the links you posted for the 2nd one and 3rd one were identical). I am thinking that MAYBE you meant to post up a link for the REAL OEM diagram that showed the Z3 rear?

What I meant is that you linked a picture of a FRONT OEM M3 and said that it's what you were using for the REAR Reinforcement Plate.

I was just trying to make sure that you didn't post up the wrong parts link from REAL OEM (because the links you posted for the 2nd one and 3rd one were identical). I am thinking that MAYBE you meant to post up a link for the REAL OEM diagram that showed the Z3 rear?

Opps! Sorry about that. You're correct! Fixed the original...

Here it is... #16

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CN53&mospid=48096&btnr=33_0459&hg=33&fg=45

I've never heard of that. I would use the gaskets as suggested.

I would stay away from that OEM rear shock mount though. The rubber is desinged to really give a lot to provide a supple ride for the original target market. It will wear out very fast with your new aggressive setup.

Okay, so here's my question:

If the rear E46 Shock Mount was used not only on the normal E46's but also the E46 M3's, is it really going to wear out faster than my wants/needs?

I would *think* a part designed for an E46 M3 might be sufficient; but then again, just because it says M3 on it doesn't mean it's the best application and that aftermarket isn't better.

I mean, it's the difference of $16.50 each for the E46 part vs. $40 each for the Turner parts... So we're not talking about 'breakin the bank', but I'm not one to throw money away either...

Okay, so here's my question:

If the rear E46 Shock Mount was used not only on the normal E46's but also the E46 M3's, is it really going to wear out faster than my wants/needs?

I would *think* a part designed for an E46 M3 might be sufficient; but then again, just because it says M3 on it doesn't mean it's the best application and that aftermarket isn't better.

I mean, it's the difference of $16.50 each for the E46 part vs. $40 each for the Turner parts... So we're not talking about 'breakin the bank', but I'm not one to throw money away either...


Your concern is a valid one. Short answer: Yes, OEM RSM's will wear out faster than upgraded aftermarket RSM's.

I was under the same impression until I did my research.

The e36 and e46 OEM RSM's are designed to be forgiving to offer a ride quality that the MAJORITY of the market would find appealing. The MAJORITY of BMW buyers do not mod their suspension or even care to know how it works.

With that being said, the soft rubber that absorbs the stress tears and cracks quite fast with aftermarket suspension (stiffer spring rates and dampening/rebound settings).

So, you end up replacing blown RSM's more than you should.

What you want to stay away from are the all-metal track mounts that don't offer any forgiveness. That will ruin your day fast if you drive on the street and hit a pothole.

So, the options you have are go with a aftermarket RSM that will last, or keep replacing blown OEM RSM's every 30-60K.

Keep in mind that the Turner RSM's have a lifetime guarantee. They are a stand-up shop that I have bought from in the past and I have full confidence in their products and customer service.

FK Coilovers

http://www.ugabulldogs.com/bmw/dvrside.jpg

Your concern is a valid one. Short answer: Yes, OEM RSM's will wear out faster than upgraded aftermarket RSM's.

I was under the same impression until I did my research.

The e36 and e46 OEM RSM's are designed to be forgiving to offer a ride quality that the MAJORITY of the market would find appealing. The MAJORITY of BMW buyers do not mod their suspension or even care to know how it works.

With that being said, the soft rubber that absorbs the stress tears and cracks quite fast with aftermarket suspension (stiffer spring rates and dampening/rebound settings).

So, you end up replacing blown RSM's more than you should.

What you want to stay away from are the all-metal track mounts that don't offer any forgiveness. That will ruin your day fast if you drive on the street and hit a pothole.

So, the options you have are go with a aftermarket RSM that will last, or keep replacing blown OEM RSM's every 30-60K.

Keep in mind that the Turner RSM's have a lifetime guarantee. They are a stand-up shop that I have bought from in the past and I have full confidence in their products and customer service.

Thanks to both you and MParallel for all your help. I think that it's going to go like this:

First: Roll rear Fenders.

Then:
H&R Street Performance Coilovers
Z3 rear reinforcement plates
M3 front reinforcement plate & Gasket
Turner Rear Shock Mounts
Ground Force Camber kit

Thanks again... I think I've got it covered now!:thanks:

First: Roll rear Fenders.
Then:
H&R Street Performance Coilovers
Z3 rear reinforcement plates
M3 front reinforcement plate & Gasket
Turner Rear Shock Mounts
Ground Force Camber kit


http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/115633/2/istockphoto_115633_thumb_up.jpg

Okay, last question (I think). Turner has the "repair shop" as well as a "stage one" rear shock mount... I can see why I wouldn't want to go all the way to the solid aluminum, but for the $4 difference, why should I choose the repair shop over the stage one?


3 Series "Repair Shop" Rear Shock Mounts (pair)
Part #: JRDRP
Applications: 1983 - 2005 (E30 E36 E46)
The rear mounts in BMW 3 series fail, no matter what year from 1983 to present, that is a weak point of the suspension. Here's the solution. The 3 Series "Repair Shop" Rear Shock Mounts carry a lifetime warranty and will last as long as you own your car. Expect the same comfortable ride you have with factory mounts. These are an inexpensive alternative to expensive factory mounts.
Price: $39.95
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/suspension/suspension_repairmounts_lg.jpg

Versus:

E30, E36, E46 HD Rear Shock Tower Mounts (Pair)
Part #: 33521132104 (33 52 1 132 104)
Applications: 1984 - 2002 (E30 E36 E46)
This is our stage 1 rear shock mount. Rubber shock mounts will fail - it's just a matter of time. They'll even fail with a stock suspension but even quicker with modified suspensions. But these are a little better than the originals. For even greater strength upgrade to our aluminum mounts. Priced per pair.
Price: $44.00
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/suspension/susp_rstm_standard_lg.jpg

Okay, last question (I think). Turner has the "repair shop" as well as a "stage one" rear shock mount... I can see why I wouldn't want to go all the way to the solid aluminum, but for the $4 difference, why should I choose the repair shop over the stage one?


3 Series "Repair Shop" Rear Shock Mounts (pair)
Part #: JRDRP
Applications: 1983 - 2005 (E30 E36 E46)
The rear mounts in BMW 3 series fail, no matter what year from 1983 to present, that is a weak point of the suspension. Here's the solution. The 3 Series "Repair Shop" Rear Shock Mounts carry a lifetime warranty and will last as long as you own your car. Expect the same comfortable ride you have with factory mounts. These are an inexpensive alternative to expensive factory mounts.
Price: $39.95
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/suspension/suspension_repairmounts_lg.jpg

Versus:

E30, E36, E46 HD Rear Shock Tower Mounts (Pair)
Part #: 33521132104 (33 52 1 132 104)
Applications: 1984 - 2002 (E30 E36 E46)
This is our stage 1 rear shock mount. Rubber shock mounts will fail - it's just a matter of time. They'll even fail with a stock suspension but even quicker with modified suspensions. But these are a little better than the originals. For even greater strength upgrade to our aluminum mounts. Priced per pair.
Price: $44.00
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/suspension/susp_rstm_standard_lg.jpg


The stage 1 is simply Turner's knock-off of the OEM RSM. That's going to satisfy customers who are strictly replacing the same parts that have worn out and don't believe in upgrading. IT might be a tad stronger than a BMW OEM RSM, but as you can see by the large amounts of rubber (for smoothing the ride), it's still the same weak design overall. I'm guessing they're more expensive because they are the Meyle style (basically an OEM RSM with a metal flange to disperse the stress inside the rubber). So Turner probably doesn't make those but just stocks them. Remember, OEM style RSM's are designed to offer substantial give to improve ride quality.

The repair shop mounts use a stiffer rubber and less of it. Thus, the rear shock has less room to give in lateral motions. This is good for handling. You want this with a more aggressive suspension setup because more force is going to be put on that RSM. Thus, a RSM that gives less and has stronger materials is ideal for a more aggressive suspension setup.

On top of that...a lifetime warranty on a RSM??? YES PLEASE. If they ever blow out just call and get new ones for free. You can't beat that!

FYI - The guys at Turner are great to talk to. Very patient. You should ask them anything and everything on your mind to feel good about what you end up with.

PS - I have no affiliation with the company.

Hope that helped.

The stage 1 is simply Turner's knock-off of the OEM RSM. That's going to satisfy customers who are strictly replacing the same parts that have worn out and don't believe in upgrading. IT might be a tad stronger than a BMW OEM RSM, but as you can see by the large amounts of rubber (for smoothing the ride), it's still the same weak design overall. I'm guessing they're more expensive because they are the Meyle style (basically an OEM RSM with a metal flange to disperse the stress inside the rubber). So Turner probably doesn't make those but just stocks them. Remember, OEM style RSM's are designed to offer substantial give to improve ride quality.

The repair shop mounts use a stiffer rubber and less of it. Thus, the rear shock has less room to give in lateral motions. This is good for handling. You want this with a more aggressive suspension setup because more force is going to be put on that RSM. Thus, a RSM that gives less and has stronger materials is ideal for a more aggressive suspension setup.

On top of that...a lifetime warranty on a RSM??? YES PLEASE. If they ever blow out just call and get new ones for free. You can't beat that!

FYI - The guys at Turner are great to talk to. Very patient. You should ask them anything and everything on your mind to feel good about what you end up with.

PS - I have no affiliation with the company.

Hope that helped.

http://www.sail-world.com/photos/Alt_848262385_RR1D13C-0093.jpg

I'm also running stock M suspension with a 60/50mm drop. Unfortunately one of the front shocks just gave up on me, so it makes the most annoiyng noises :shifty

It handles pretty well, but it is not as stiff and sharp as i would like...

Koni adjustable shocks, and H&R lowering springs. I think the springs shouldn't go any lower than 1.2 inch's front and 1 inch rear. The shocks are great my brother has the koni's on his crossfire.

I will get a nice coilover set in the future, something Eibach or Bilstein. But it's not on the top of my list as nothing is wrong with the setup really for everyday cruising.

i lowered mine with Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks..
nice height and still comfort