Suspension Options (Again!)

[Wilko58]

I've just followed two threads on suspension but trying to make a choice between different makes and would welcome any feedback on the following:
Spax RSX (fronts are height and damping adjustable)
Koni Sport with H&R Springs
Bilstein OEM B4 Shocks & B3 Springs
Bilstein B12 Kit

I've thrown the OEM ones in as I still can't make my mind up about lowering my car!

 

[andyglym]

I've just followed two threads on suspension but trying to make a choice between different makes and would welcome any feedback on the following:
Spax RSX (fronts are height and damping adjustable)
Koni Sport with H&R Springs
Bilstein OEM B4 Shocks & B3 Springs
Bilstein B12 Kit

I've thrown the OEM ones in as I still can't make my mind up about lowering my car!

I can't vouch for other kits but I can vouch for the Bilstein B12 Pro Kit and Eibach 30mm lowered springs (new top mounts also). Handles much much better though some of that will be down to the old/new factor. Excellent kit in my view.

 

[Wilko58]

Hi, I've gone for the B12 kit - at £526 it's a bargain!

 

[andyglym]

Hi, I've gone for the B12 kit - at £526 it's a bargain!

Nice one, enjoy.

 

[Wilko58]

Nice one, enjoy.

Cheers, just got to decide on the bits to go with it now lol! I know I need reinforced top mounts and In doing the bushes plus the H&R ARB kit. Been told I've got 4 buckled wheels (18" Schnitzers) so don't know whether to get new ones or have mine straightened. Decisions, decisions!!

 

[andyglym]

Cheers, just got to decide on the bits to go with it now lol! I know I need reinforced top mounts and In doing the bushes plus the H&R ARB kit. Been told I've got 4 buckled wheels (18" Schnitzers) so don't know whether to get new ones or have mine straightened. Decisions, decisions!!

4 buckled wheels! Crikey, that's bad luck

 

[5harp3y]

Get new top mounts from lemforder
Get all new extra hardware from BMW

I replaced everything when did my front shocks and springs as it was nice to do it all at once

 

[Wilko58]

I intend to replace everything but might not go with Lemforder.

 

[5harp3y]

I intend to replace everything but might not go with Lemforder.

why not? its BMW Oem fit

 

[Wilko58]

Going for something a bit more exotic! No, seriously, looking at other options such as the Turner Motorsports top mounts.

 

[billz]

The Bilstein B12s are a good set up had them on our old Z3 3.0 Stuck to the road like glue

 

[Dino D]

Going for something a bit more exotic! No, seriously, looking at other options such as the Turner Motorsports top mounts.

I'm that case look at camber adjustable top mounts, nice to have 1,5 -2 degrees on the front, makes a big difference on turn in.

 

[Wilko58]

My Bilstein B12 kit just arrived

 

[Wilko58]

I'm only fitting adjustable top plates if the change in camber requires it but I am having a purple tag quick rack from an E46 fitted so that will help with steering response

 

[Dino D]

I'm only fitting adjustable top plates if the change in camber requires it but I am having a purple tag quick rack from an E46 fitted so that will help with steering response

Interesting, I thought the Z3 rack was the fastest of the e36/e46 generation but what is this purple tag?

 

[Wilko58]

Interesting, I thought the Z3 rack was the fastest of the e36/e46 generation but what is this purple tag?

From what I've read and been told by a guy who builds and races M3s the purple tags refer to racks used by M3s - the tag is like a vin plate attached to the steering rack and it can be purple, silver or blue. If the Z3 rack is the fastest then I stand corrected and it saves me some money

 

[Dino D]

This might help, not sure of accuracy but quite a lot on the net about it:
http://www.e46zone.com/forum/topic/37549-quicker-steering-rack-options/


Standard E46: 15.4:1

E46 M3: 14.5:1

E46 330 ZHP (US equivalent of Clubsport so maybe has the same?): 13.7:1

Z3 1.9 or 2.2: 13.7:1

Z4M Roadster: 13.7:1

Z4M Coupe: 12.8:1

 

[Ianmc]

My 1.9 rack is far quicker than the M Coupe, really surprised by the difference.

 

[Dino D]

My 1.9 rack is far quicker than the M Coupe, really surprised by the difference.

Yes they put a slower rack and more castor on the M for stability. Some change it for an on M but to be fair sharper steering + short wheel base + 300bhp on bumpy British roads might not be ideal...

I'm the US they run really low and firm springs and quick racks etc but they have some awesome roads, get very jealous seeing those drives out in Canyon roads.

 

[Wilko58]

Ok, I've read more than I should on it now (getting nerdy!) and what @Dino D has put is the truth but not the whole truth and I'm now more confused than ever lol! I'm trying to sort out which rack is which but the way I had it explained to me by Hack Engineering is that the number of turns from lock to lock for the Z3 2.8 rack and the E46 Purple Tag rack isthe same as the but latter has a longer track so therefore it is not only quicker but it increases the amount the wheels can be turned meaning a tighter turning circle. Also, the later E46 racks are stronger, less susceptible to leaking and (I think) are, unlike Z3 racks, not linear (can't think of the proper term).