What suspension set up to go for?

[max]

Hi, I want to get new springs and shocks, but not sure what to get? I'm going to use Superflex poly bushes though out. I think I'd take handling obove anything, therefore not too low unless it handles better. It will spend all its time on these beautiful UK roads. Maybe a track day if I'm brave?!
Bilsteins B6 I was thinking of? H&R springs?
What have other people got?

[Jeroen]

That would be my choice and is good for fast road use and the occasional trackday, without completely ruining every bit of comfort. Nowadays the Eibach springs for the E21 are available again as well, my favorite but I'm not sure if they're that much different compared to the H&R's. But I'm curious as to what alternatives others will suggest, a full coilover setup is not necessarily better and when not adjusted correctly it may even turn out worse compared to Billies with good springs.

[e21-Mark]

Spax do a complete kit which is pretty reasonably priced. You can get either -35mm or -60mm dependent on how low you want to go. I had -60mm and I found it to be a nice upgrade. It might not have the kudos of Bilstein but I liked what it did. Coilovers are another option I guess, but not everyone wants to mess around with spring rates, ride heights etc. They do have the advantage of being able to be rebuilt when needed though and come up second hand from time to time. You won't go wrong with Bilstein / H&R though although Koni are also worth a look. Maybe set a budget first and see what's an option?

[jimbob]

Apex -40 are nice had them for a while now with standard shocks

[e21-Mark]

I know someone with a set of lowered springs that may well be up for grabs if you're interested?

[Sierpien]

I´m running on a 316

- H&R springs, Bilstein sport (yellow) shocks, -

- Eurometric urethane bushings only in the sway bars front and rear.

- Urethane subframe mountings.

- Front and rear 323i sway bars.

It runs great for fast road and occasionaly track days.

[max]

Thanks for the advise guys.
Mark, give me a shout about those springs. Might be interested. It would be good to save a bit of money here and there, I've got full paint to budget for!
Was your Spax 60mm all round?
Cheers.

[AndyBaur]

I'm in the process of fitting a Spax PSX kit (£382 delivered from Larkspeed) which is claimed to lower the car by 40mm. The shocks are supposed to be adjustable too but I don't suppose I'll make much use of that feature as it's only a 320.

I'm happy to move the old springs on for some beer money when they are off the car (stubborn ball-joints permitting). They are lowered but I don't know by how much. I have photos of the car on 15" wheels if you need to see.

[AndyBaur]

Max - here's my Baur on 7x15 (195/50's all round).



The new Spax -40mm compared with the old. Look about the saame to me.

[max]

Thanks Andy! Car looks nice.

[ruldal]

Spax shocks come adjustable ind hardness wich imo is ideal for the occasional trackday car. A soft but still firm adjustment for the road, give it all the notches for the track and the setup completely change character ! They are easily adjusted on the track. I have had good experience with those shocks for several years