Current recommendations on touring struts/shocks

[Dash01]

'95 325is struts/shocks are due for replacement: Touring quality is OK, as this car is used for DD/errands/highway commuting rather than sport. Affordability and longevity are priorities.

What's the best bang for the buck presently? Any bargains out there?

And, will struts/shocks and Eibach springs from '93 318is also fit this '95 325is ?

[jmo69]

I bought TC Bilsteins from these guys. http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/BMW/328is/Bilstein/Shock_Absorber_and_Strut_Assembly/1998/Base/6_Cyl_2-dot-8L/W0133-1662250.html?loc=Front,+Passenger+Side&tlc=Brakes,+Suspension+%26+Steering

[Toby B]

and i put the orange koni non- adj. version (some funky ti.sp.oog name- str.t?)
and really like em- stiffer than stock, but fine in potholes. $33o or so.

318 front springs will be soft/low for a 325- by just a bit...

t

[Eric93se]

Affordable, then go with Racelands http://www.racelandus.com/p-59-coilover-kit-for-bmw-e36.aspx
the whole set for $300!

[dcwright]

I've got the Koni STR.T (orange) struts and shocks and I really like 'em. They're just a bit firmer than OEM but still very comfortable for a daily driver. The Racelands (now Rokker) are pretty stiff, but you can adjust your ride height. Yoy may need some hubcentric spacers with the Rokkers to ensure the inside edge of your tire doesn't rub on the strut.

[Dash01]

I've got the Koni STR.T (orange) struts and shocks and I really like 'em. They're just a bit firmer than OEM but still very comfortable for a daily driver. The Racelands (now Rokker) are pretty stiff, but you can adjust your ride height. Yoy may need some hubcentric spacers with the Rokkers to ensure the inside edge of your tire doesn't rub on the strut.


Eric and DC, do you know about longevity of the Raceland/Rokkers, or whether they are rebuildable?

And, regarding spacers, would any rubbing (without spacers) be at highest or lowest car height setting? Any idea what width tire becomes a rubbing problem?

[dcwright]

A lot of people on the various forums have installed the Racelands/Rokkors and I haven't seen any complaints about early failures. They have a 3 year warranty.

The Rokkor website states any offset closer in than 1.5 inches (38 mm) can cause a problem. Stock E36 wheels are 46mm.

This is pure speculation but at or near the max height adjustment you'd probably clear but much lower than that you'd potentially start to see some rub. I'd also think your car might sit even higher than stock with the struts at their max height adjustment.

[Auto Parts Guy]

Bilstein touring. Under 100 bucks each shipped to your door for the fronts. Rears are even cheaper. I love mine.

[orangehatter]

Bilsteins built for the E36 ride like trash because Bilstein used the wrong valving in them. Koni would definitely be my choice. The Koni Sports (yellow bodied) are awesome because you can dial the firmness in to your driving habits. They are a bit pricey though. A cheaper alternative is the Koni STR.T. It is very good for stock/slightly lowered cars and they ride firm, but nothing that's going to destroy your spine.

[Dash01]

Bilsteins built for the E36 ride like trash because Bilstein used the wrong valving in them. Koni would definitely be my choice. The Koni Sports (yellow bodied) are awesome because you can dial the firmness in to your driving habits. They are a bit pricey though. A cheaper alternative is the Koni STR.T. It is very good for stock/slightly lowered cars and they ride firm, but nothing that's going to destroy your spine.

I've heard those Koni STR.T struts have lower spring perches so the car rides ~1" lower without changing the stock springs. Is this true?


What about Meyle struts? Any thoughts pro or con?

[shlalaw]

Bilstein touring work fine in mine.

[ConvGeorge]

I liked the Bilstein tourings I had in my 318iC, and I like the Bilstein HD's in my 325iC.

[orangehatter]

I've heard those Koni STR.T struts have lower spring perches so the car rides ~1" lower without changing the stock springs. Is this true?


Not really. The perches are just shaped differently and therefore look like the strut is shorter. Just don't run anything with a tire bigger than 235 up front.

[Dash01]

I'm told any strut from any '92-'95 E36 will fit any other E36 of that age.

Is that true?