Suspension Options

Spoolin Montego · 09-23-2013, 02:13 PM

I'm trying to figure out what suspension I want to go with since my OE stuff is pretty loose by now at 73k.. I have a grand to spend.

Right now it's either between throwing some factory new shocks on there or some ST coils. Can anyone offer me up some advice?

HP Autosport · 09-23-2013, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoolin Montego

I'm trying to figure out what suspension I want to go with since my OE stuff is pretty loose by now at 73k.. I have a grand to spend.

Right now it's either between throwing some factory new shocks on there or some ST coils. Can anyone offer me up some advice?

Even before you upgrade the struts I would go for some M3 components. Your bushings are probably toast so you will need the M3 subframe bushings and probably front control arms. A suspension overhaul needs a bit more than 1k as a budget, but you can start hammering out the important stuff such as the bushings.

-Mike

Sixle · 10-14-2013, 09:36 AM

+1 with upgrading/replacing bushings and control arms before doing anything else. Coilovers with firmer damping are only going to accelerate the wear in your suspension bushings.

M3 control arms will come with new, firmer bushings that will help the cornering of your 1. Your current subframe bushings are probably going to last a little longer but replacing them with the M3 bushings also completely changes the car...might be worth the investment.

I'd try to save up a little to knock it all out at once.

e36addict · 10-14-2013, 04:10 PM

While I can't argue too much with the bushing talk, I highly recommend the ST coils. Put mine on a couple months ago and the ride is phenominal. Compared with stock suspension, both cars on stock RFT's, the ST's ride better than stock. Absolutely love them. I don't track my car though, it's just a DD so I can't comment on that.

Dackelone · 10-14-2013, 04:16 PM

I would def replace your shocks/springs and shock mounts(rear upper mounts and front strut bearing mounts). You will also want to do springs with the shocks and maybe upgrade to some M control arm/tension rods too. Just do it in steps that you can afford. Have you had your suspension checked out for wear/worn parts?

Spoolin Montego · 10-18-2013, 05:10 PM

I went to my mechanic yesterday and he took at look at the car and said I dont even need shocks yet...

09-23-2013, 02:13 PM	#1
Spoolin Montego Captain 604 Rep 871 Posts Drives: 16 m3/20 x5m/23 m3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Orange County iTrader: (1)	Suspension Options I'm trying to figure out what suspension I want to go with since my OE stuff is pretty loose by now at 73k.. I have a grand to spend. Right now it's either between throwing some factory new shocks on there or some ST coils. Can anyone offer me up some advice?
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10-14-2013, 09:36 AM	#3
Sixle Private First Class 17 Rep 143 Posts Drives: CR 135i N54 6MT Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Georgia iTrader: (0)	+1 with upgrading/replacing bushings and control arms before doing anything else. Coilovers with firmer damping are only going to accelerate the wear in your suspension bushings. M3 control arms will come with new, firmer bushings that will help the cornering of your 1. Your current subframe bushings are probably going to last a little longer but replacing them with the M3 bushings also completely changes the car...might be worth the investment. I'd try to save up a little to knock it all out at once.
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10-14-2013, 04:10 PM	#4
e36addict Captain 137 Rep 952 Posts Drives: 2013 X1 35iX Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Tim @ BMW of Dallas iTrader: (5)	While I can't argue too much with the bushing talk, I highly recommend the ST coils. Put mine on a couple months ago and the ride is phenominal. Compared with stock suspension, both cars on stock RFT's, the ST's ride better than stock. Absolutely love them. I don't track my car though, it's just a DD so I can't comment on that. __________________ 13 X1 35iX, 98 Z3 2.8, 01 M Coupe, 96 Z3 1.9 DASC, 95 318ti, 13 smart fortwo
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10-14-2013, 04:16 PM	#5
Dackelone European Editor 10589 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	I would def replace your shocks/springs and shock mounts(rear upper mounts and front strut bearing mounts). You will also want to do springs with the shocks and maybe upgrade to some M control arm/tension rods too. Just do it in steps that you can afford. Have you had your suspension checked out for wear/worn parts? __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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10-18-2013, 05:10 PM	#6
Spoolin Montego Captain 604 Rep 871 Posts Drives: 16 m3/20 x5m/23 m3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Orange County iTrader: (1)	I went to my mechanic yesterday and he took at look at the car and said I dont even need shocks yet...
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