bmwe21.net forums

Hi all.

New E21 owner here.

Planning to replace my suspension in my 1979 316 and wondering what you think and what experiences you have made.

Should I stay orignal and just replace with the OEM parts, go for the B4 or should I go for the B6?

It is my daily car and I would like a firm and precise ride, but need expert opinion to make the right choice.

FYI I wont be lowering the car, will probably never do an engine swap, might put a 5 speed transmission (if I can find one) and probably install poly bushings as and when bushings need replacing.

Appreciate you input!

All things being equal the choice of Shock absorbers is the most important decision as to how your car feels

I would go for the B6s!

see:
http://www.bmwe21.net/forum/viewtopic.p ... 1&start=60

Also depends on your setup and use I guess. If the car is on regular 13" balloons and not used too sporty, anything close to OEM (Sachs, Boge, B4) would be just fine. On a lowered car, 15" and a sporty driving style the B6's are definitely worth the extra money. And: Bilsteins are more expensive, but they also last much longer. In the long run Bilstein will be the cheapest choice imo.

Thanks guys.

Doesnt sounds like I will go wrong with the B6s.

Found some 15" wheels from an E30 - they should fit right? They have 205/55/15 tyres on.

Forgive my ignorance, but will I be able to use the same B6s with lowering springs if I decide to lower the car later? For now I was planning on buying new OEM springs.

Thanks again

Depends on wheel offset, and the tyres are one size too big. All the info is in the FAQ section!
http://www.bmwe21.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=38

Great, thanks

Follow up question, hoping for your advice.

Going for the B6s, but next is what to do about springs...

1. Orginal springs $
2. 35 mm lowering springs $$
3. Coilover kit. $$$

Opinions?

No track days, just want great handling and fun May just be a 316 today but maybe not for too long..

Standard springs are not an option really.

I'd buy the Spax PSX kit which includes -35mm springs. It's not too expensive and will firm things up a little, while still being comfy enough for daily use.

Thanks mark, nas, jeroen, topcat.

Well I have been doing a ton of research and think I have landed on coilovers from ground-control with koni dampers. Only a little more expensive in total (£150 or so) - a small price to pay for the adjustability.

Turned out the B6s would not be covered by warranty by local dealer if lowered (I have changed my mind with regards to lowering since first asking ), and also ground control didn't recommend them as they have an internal bumpstop which takes away suspension travel as you lower it.

Them ground control. You have to weld the sleeves on. I'm sure they don't supply the whole strut.

I have had koni suspension before they are up there with the billys

Yes, you're right.. back to square one. So what to do?

get a complete spax kit that comes with matching springs and dampers. jobs a good un.

From what I can tell, they dont do their "rsx" option which offers both height and stiffness adjustment for the e21, only the psx package that mark suggested. Sent them an email..

Edit: yupp, only psx for the e21. So 40mm lowering and adjustable stiffness. This sounds like the way to go.

Their kit looks good, but is not tuv certified - that means I would struggle to get the car through its next MOT.

So now I thinking the bilstein sport gas damper and 40mm lowering from W&N is the way to go.

Anyone know if the Eibach springs that come with the ground control coilover kits are TUV certified?