What shocks and springs are you running?

[polov8]

Having recently sold my E39 530d sport, I've got a few quid to finally sort out the suspension on my 316. What I'm after is a suspension that will lower it to acceptable levels, and remove the gappy wheel arch look it currently sports, but not impractically low, but I'm trying to retain as much ride quality as possible.

On a previous mk1 Scirocco I got this with Eibach springs and Bilstein B4 shocks. It rode really well, handled fine, but was never knocked off line by those mid corner pot-holes that cause so much fun. If I was going to track day this thing I'd go for coilovers, or maybe B6's, but it's my daily, and whilst I want it to handle well, I'm not willing to put up with an increase in harshness.

I guess I'm after "Controlled Comfort" which is pretty much how I'd describe the E39 sport suspension. On that score, I've got all new suspension bushes (minus the rear subframe mounts, see other thread!) and I'm thinking of going for the B4's again, but lowering springs are a mystery, so I'm looking for other peoples impressions of what they have. It worries me that some springs are listed for all models, 315 to 323i, where there must be a significant difference in front end weight.

In the future I'm sure this car will get a different engine, either an M42 or an alloy block 6 cylinder, which I'm guessing will both be lighter than an M20? On this score, will I be ok retaining the 45mm struts, or would it be advisable to look for 51mm ones?

A quick hunt on ebay suggests that there are APEX, Lesjofors, H&R, Spax, LO, Panther sports (!), etc

So what have you got, how does your car drive, and what does it look like?

[nas80]

i use Gaz coilovers, the ride is firm but not at all harsh, and you can adjust the damping, i have it set to about halfway. in fact the ride is no worse then my brothers e90 320d m sport. i never get knocked off course, i had a corrado once with cheap coilovers on, it rode like shit, these Gaz are not the same thing at all.

i have 300lbs at the front and 225lbs at the rear and i can change the springs as i like and i can have it near enough stock height to having the subframe touch the floor.

you can easily use the thinner struts, suspension technology has come a long way i doubt your going to over heat them,

[polov8]

Thanks Nas, that's good info, especially the spring rates. It has occurred to me to convert to coil overs and use spring of a rate I can pick and choose. The Gaz coil overs are nice but a bit spendy at the moment. Perhaps 4cyl spec B6's that are designed for shorter springs and a coil over conversion might be a decent idea.

[croma_man]

B8 are for shorter springs,

I'm currently driving B8 in the front and B6 in the back, tho the rear springs are a bit too soft (dont know the numbers of the rates, springs were from different sets).

[nas80]

you can use shocks from a vw on the thinner struts (I believe) speak to Misky - i m pretty sure he used mk1 golf shocks and rally design sleaves. for the rears you can just use the golf mk2 coilovers they fit straight on with the e21 rear top mount.

[mcjjordan]

i just fitted a spax kit
60mm with adjustable shocks
as i couldnt leave it on stands while i sent components off to be modded to coilovers
and am very pleased
fronts i have on full soft with rears only a few clicks up
i run 205 tyres and no contact so far....

[hairyscreech]

Just to let everyone know. Having just ordered a set of the spax short dampers for 45mm struts spax have let me know they currently don't have the bits needed to make them up, they are actively searching for the bits from an alternative supplier but there is a possibility it will be the end of October before they can be sorted.

With that said the spax PSX is probably the best price/performance available for the e21 and I guess delays are an occupational hazard of owning a 30+ year old car.
Full credit to them they did get hold of me within 24 hours to offer a refund and are actually trying to get bits if I do still want them.

[polov8]

Just found this useful little chart on VAC Motorsports web page, relating to E21 spring rates.

[max]

I was in a bit of a hurry to get me car on the road. I couldn't wait for Gaz.
I ordered shortened shocks from Spax last month, had very good communication with them, and they said they'd do their best to get them out to me before my deadline. Which they did! Very happy with the service I got. Maybe I had the last of the bits they had?!
I ordered 60mm/40mm TA Technics from a German eBay shop. Had another amazing service, very good communication and fast delivery.
Haven't driven the car too much, with its over heating problem. But it's a nice ride firm but not harsh.
I'll up date when I've given it a spirited drive!

[pandemonium001]

what about sachs dampers?
I had them in the RS and where very good.

[petroscf]

Running Bilstein shocks, (don't know what code however the color is yellow) and apex springs (also yellow color, not the very low ones I think lowering about 4cm)
In terms of looks it's OK, wouldn't be looking for something better and the arches are full if that's the sexy looks for an E21
But a bit harsh, it is, yes! A bit softer would be more than welcome.
And about riding and handling if you are asking, well, I am not sure I understood big difference(of course my memory does not help, it's been more than 10 years now from the switch from factory springs to lowered ones)
The body roll vanished when I fitted the strut bar and stress bar (both front)
I am planning to try the eibach springs as next replacement, when the time comes for the shocks to be replaced
I guess the car will be lifted a bit, and hopefully willenjoy a better ride

[croma_man]

I need harder (and progressive) springs for the rear, what can I buy? Shocks are Bilstein B6, currently springs are some red sportyish ones but very soft. I need springs for E21, as on the rear I don't have coilovers.

[polov8]

I've just bought a set of 4 cyl spec Bilstein B6's. I have to say I doubt there'll ever be an issue with the front damping choose what future engine this car gets they seem more than up to the job, and I can't wait to fit them!

I'm still stuck on springs, as I can't find out any info on what spec the various lowering springs are, so screw it, I'll be converting all the suspension to coilover and I can set the height and spring rates as I see fit. I have no intention of slamming this thing, it has to be drivable and comfortable, as well as handle. I know my balance isn't to everyones needs, but if we all built the same thing it'd be boring right?

[luke]

The 4 cylinder B6s should be fine. On my e30, the sidewalls on my front tyres seem to flex more than my Bilstein B8s! That said, I run Eibach springs with the B8s and the car is pretty harsh over bad ruts in the road, manhole covers etc. but fine the rest of the time. I have an M30 up front, so heavy shocks were a must (especially with the car lowered!).

[Tom D]

I'm running coilovers. 450# eibach springs with koni sport single adjustables up front, 350# eibach out back with koni sport.