Suspension upgrade

[sleepy]

Hi all,

Going to put the Spax adjustable suspension kit on my 320 this weekend (well will make a start) and wanted to know if there are any other parts i will need to replace whilst doing this ie are there any bushes joints etc that may be ruined swapping suspension over

Any suggestions most welcome

[DrGonzoPOW]

If you can, get some new or newish rear top mounts. And buy some new bump stops and dust shields too. Not much else you'll need

[Jeroen]

After you compress the front springs, check the front strut top bearings. The slightest freeplay will result in a clunk after refitting so if that's the case, bite the bullit and replace with new oem examples. Usually, no other parts required.

[sleepy]

Thanks guys, will check everything you have mentioned. Had quick look under car when swapping wheels over and noticed there is a bush/rubber completely missing from the rear stabilizer

[AndyBaur]

I was looking at the Spax kits too & noticed they did a 40mm drop all round & a 60/40mm drop.

What's the benefit of the 60/40 drop - is it just for looks? My Baur has unknown springs & shocks & looks like it is lower at the front. I'm not sure if the shocks are lowered versions & the remains of the bump-stops sitting inside the spring cup might indicate they are bottoming out.

Apologies for the lack of front wings - new ones are being painted



It's more noticeable side-on. I think I would prefer it level

[cobbler2u]

Myself adnd mate of mine have the same trouble with our baur.
Higher at the rear to the front.
I want a more even look

[TopCat]

the 2002 always was the other way around as standard - and much worse as a consequence!
higher at the front

[e21-Mark]

I like slight nose down stance. I believe it makes more stable under braking too.

[AndyBaur]

I remember the fad for jacking the back of your car up a la American hotrod back in the late '70's.

On the Baur with 15" wheels there was very little clearance at the front & that was with 195/50's rather than the correct 205/50. (See my signature pic below). I'm thinking of going for a set of Lenso BSX in the future so I might have to sort the stance.

[e21-Mark]

I didn't quite mean jacking it up at the rear tbh. Just a very slight nose down look. What width / offset are those wheels? You can get the arches rolled to give a bit more clearance. Lenso rims are questionable quality. Be sure to check them over.

[AndyBaur]

LOL! No, I was just reminiscing about fads & fashions.

Lenso rims are questionable quality.

Are they? I was looking at a set & they seemed ok. my friend has just bought a set forhis E30 cab & he's very pleased with them. True, they won't be as good as BBS but then BBS will cost more than the car!

The Lenso's are 7x15 with an ET20 offset. Dare do some very similar with an ET15 offset.

Would 6.5x14 E30 Bottletops or basketweaves fit without spacers? I know 7x15 E30 Basket weaves need them but I'm not happy putting non-hubcentric spacers on & the hubcentric's are so pricey you may as well get different wheels.

[e21-Mark]

I'm told they buckle quite easily and corrode quickly. As with most things, you pays your money and takes your chances.

[AndyBaur]

Time will tell. Finding straight BBS isn't easy either unless you pay big bucks for new or well reconditioned.

What about my queries on the E30 wheels? I've been offered some E30 14" baskets dirt cheap. There was a FAQ on what would fit.

[e21-Mark]

There are lots of nice rims that'll bolt straight on. You might have to keep looking for a month or two but they'll turn up eventually. MSW crosspokes come in ET13. E30 rims need a spacer.

Inspirational link

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&cl ... 8QOD6-DUDg

[sleepy]

Right guys I've put the spax adjustable suspension on and think I have a problem. Its the tap 222 kit which I believe to be 60/60 lowering...no problems with the ride height but the rear suspension (rod bit of strut) is moving through the top mount bit and hitting the metal below the parcel shelf, why would it be doing this?
I've got it on soft all round and haven't put the rubber caps back over the top mounts but surely that wouldn't stop it?
Hope I've made sense, any thoughts welcome