Suspension Advice for 323iT

[mwc500]

Hi Guys,

I have a 2000 323iT wagon 5spd with the sport package. I really enjoy this car. Its my daily driver. Just did the rear wheel bearings last weekend and noticed the passenger rear coil spring was broken. The botton coil was broke off it so I am thinking about doing a suspension package. What do you reccomend? I am looking for a setup for a daily driver that has to go on some mildly rough roads towards Milwaukee. At 108,000 miles I would not mind replacing the stock shocks also at the same time now. Let me know what you think...

Thanks,
Max

[danewilson77]

H&R cup Kit?



Or go H&R Touring Kit...



Unlike competitors spring and shock kits H&R Cup Kits are not merely a 'matched' spring and shock package but rather a specially engineered 'solution' with springs and shocks being engineered individually in every application. This takes the guess work out of your spring and shock selection and provides you with an application specific precisely calibrated spring and shock set designed to deliver improved handling uncompromised ride comfort and sleek styling in one precision engineered package






They are both $698.10 at www.ECSTuning.com

[mwc500]

I was reading a bit about the H&R coilover kits and trying to determine how they ride compared to the stock sport suspension. Any input from you guys out there?

Thanks,
Max

[danewilson77]

If your super concerned with the ride...you can get the touring, which has a more "stock" feel to it.

[Grim Reaper]

Nothing wrong with just replacing the stock components with stock again. That said H&R Bilsteins and H&R Cup kits are great upgrades to the drive and improve the looks with a slightly lowered stance. I would not go any lower than an H&R sport spring as it will lower the front another 1" from stock sports and that will greatly reduce the ability to deal with all weather conditions up north.

[mwc500]

Thanks for all the input guys, right now leaning towards some OE replacements...

Max

[danewilson77]

OK...let us know if you need help.....good choice....

[kpolito99]

Hey guys-

Just saw this thread and wanted to ask what the op ended up doing?

I have been rolling on an H&R coil over kit in my wagon for a little while and love the look and feel when it is just me in the car.

The suspension is tight but responsive and worth the extra NVH. If I lived alone and always rode in my car alone I would not be writing in this thread.

When I have a full compliment of occupants or am traveling with the car loaded down however I get criticized by my family for destroying the ride quality of my BMW.

Does anyone know how much different the cup kit for the sport wagon might feel? I would hate to swap out the coil over kit for a fixed ride height that includes the same spring rate and dampers.

Thanks

Kurt

[mwc500]

Hi,

Still trying to research the crap out of this so I don't regret any decision I make. I've been down the road of really good suspensions that are a bit on the harsh side on bumpy roads or with a carload. I drive ~86miles/day on some crappy roads out towards milwaukee WI. Currently this is my DD with a carpool so I am once again leaning towards OEM replacement, but still not sure...

Anybody have experience with KYB GR2's?

Thanks,
Max

[danewilson77]

What about this kit....offers a lifetime warranty....



$1392 fro N.A. motorsports. Free shipping.

http://www.namotorsports.net/detail.....001/xref/base

oem bilstein with some new coils may be your best choice if you're the car pool guy and dropping is not important.

Can you provide the link to set you inquire about above?

Also, for a more oem ride...ddmtuning offers the below for $839.00



http://www.ddmtuning.com/products/E4...ion-28-22.html

or..like I said above...the H&R touring cupkit will give you a nice stock ride...with a very modest drop......Ask Nick @ JLeviSW!!!!

[mwc500]

Hey,
I was going to go thru my local auto parts store (bumper to bumper) for the GR2's if I go that route. here is one online vendor selling them http://www.directtuning.com/store/pc-48168-125-kyb.aspx

Not sure what spring combo to go with them, probably like you said the H&R's would be a good choice or even maybe just a set of oem rears, not sure. I'm kind of waiting to see if anyone has any thanksgiving sales coming up here for suspension kits too... maybe on fri.

I am sure I would be happy with the bilsteins too.

Thanks,
Max

[kpolito99]

Well it looks like you are in luck because ECS Tuning is having a sale.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-325...spension_Kits/

Tomorrow I plan to speak with someone at ECS and make my decision. It looks as though I have found a buyer for my coil over kit and I am going to replace it with either the touring or sport cup kit.

If I ever decide to sell my sport wagon, I think the touring cup kit may be the better choice. I just don't want to induce some hideous arch gap after riding on the coil overs for the past couple of years.