Lowering an E21?

[Joe Wright]

Picked up a great E21 a couple of days ago, my first one, really excited and im going to set about restoring her. I will get some pictures on here soon. Although I want to keep the car original I think it would look nicer if it was a bit lower. Can anyone tell me what I need to lower it, is it just lowering springs and thats it or is there more to it. Secondly has anyone got the bits I need for sale. All the best. Thanks very much for your help. Joe

[Reck]

Most people go for a -60mm drop I think - I had a 40mm drop on my old e21... didn't really look much different! You can do it with just the springs, but uprated dampers aren't a bad idea. Might aswell do the strut top mounts while you're there too (I found ebay US were the cheapest for the fronts).

If you've got cash to burn, adjustable coilovers are the way to go. Use the search function to have a look at the options.

Also - Welcome! Where are you located? Get some pics up ASAP.

[Joe Wright]

Hi Reck,
Thanks for that. Unfortunately I don't have cash to burn far from it. Ill look out for some 60mm springs and try to stretch to some dampers and top mounts too. Im in the South East of England just North of London, trying to find some decent E21 specialists round here. I have taken loads of pictures that ill put on here as soon as I find the lead from my Camera.
Love the car and Ive only had it three days!
Thanks again. All the best
Joe

[Reck]

No worries. They're great fun aren't they? I think there are a few members in and around London so someone should be able to recommend a garage. I was a huge novice (still am!), but I've learnt loads from forum members since buying an E21.

There are the front strut mounts I bought...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E21-320I- ... 5d2d2c0d41

Came to about £65 inc shipping, arrived in a week or so. Saved me about £20 over UK prices. The rear strut mounts are pretty cheap iirc, so you can get those from the dealership.

While I was browsing I saw these springs for less than £100 too. Not sure about the brand, maybe someone else can give an opinion. Prolly fine for road use though I would think.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TA-TECHNIX-FE ... 53ec4d94ec

[Joe Wright]

Hi mate, yeah they are great. The build quality is fantastic and it is so great to drive. It's my daily driver and just feels like it wouuld go on and on. Hopefully it will. I looked at my top mounts today and they look pretty new. Im not sure whether to just buy 60mm springs and put them on or to save up and replace the top mounts, springs and shocks as well. To be honest I can really only afford springs at the minute but don't want to make the car worse or do half a job so still considering my options I guess. Saw some Apex and Spax springs, 60mm, 4 of them for around 150. Ill keep looking. Thanks for all your help mate. Hopefully ill get a result soon.
All the best
Joe

[nuke laars]

Hi Joe
I would personally inspect the condition of the bumpstops, bushes, dampers, etc before lowering, because you will only accentuate any problems in the handling and ride.
Sometimes it's worth just saving a little to uprate an refurbish everything that is suspect, running the car stock for a while, especially as the money you plan to use for the springs only may be needed elsewhere if you are on a tight budget. Sounds like a boring response I know, but I've been collecting suspension and brake parts for the last year in order to do everything in one go on one of my cars.
I'm located in North London if you ever need a hand or use tools.

Happy hunting!

[Joe Wright]

Hi mate,
Thanks for that. Sounds like the sensible thing to do.
All the best
Joe

[AndyBaur]

Joe, Hope this isn't too late but a 60mm drop may be a bit much for standard shocks (they'll bottom out). 40mm would be better. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

My 320 appears to have been dropped more at the front than rear. I'm guessing a 60/40 drop. While it seemed fine on 195/50's on 7x15 rims there seems to be less clearance on 5.5 x 13 rims with 185/70 tyres. It feels quite bouncy & uncontrolled so I'm planning on new -40mm springs & shocks all round. Spax seem to be the best value-wise as they do a matched kit.

[Joe Wright]

Hi mate thanks for that,
I am going for 40mm Apex springs, they are recommended on this site by Jeroen so can't be bad. Not sure whether I need to replace the shocks and top mounts though?
Joe

[AndyBaur]

If you're going to the bother of pulling the struts out then you might as well replace the shocks& top mounts unless they are pretty new. You don't want to have to do it twice.

As I suspected, my front shocks are totally shot. I've priced a set of Bilstein B4's at £280. B6's are nearly £150 more.

Consider new bushes all round as they will be knackered too (they degrade with age as well as miles).

[Jeroen]

Agree, do a good check on those top mounts. The slightest bit of freeplay gives you a nice shimmy and knacking noises. They are not cheap but when in doubt, replace. It's a complete waste of time having to do things twice, better right the first time and no issues or doubts for the years to come.

[Joe Wright]

Okay guys,
Thanks very much for that.
Joe