Z4M Coilovers on E36 M3

[evlm3]

Hey guys!

Im looking to get a set of coilovers for my e36 m3. Someone i know is going to be selling a set soon off of a z4m. I was told you just had to swap the studs on the camber plates and they would be a direct fit.

Are there any differences between the two?

Thanks

[Dubbedown]

Z4M front is E36, rears are E46. Also while the front may bolt up, if the coilovers are truly specific to Z4M, I believe the strut housing length will be shorter.

[m3hoon]

I am curious about this too. Is there a disadvantage to the front strut housing being shorter? Will this just lower them a bit, and then gain more travel once you adjust up the springs to compensate? Or are they to short to be good for track /autocross? I've also read the Z4M and E36 are very similar in weight, and the E46 rear shocks are the same as E36? So direct fit or no?

Just looking to confirm this info, thanks!

[GGray]

I am curious about this too. Is there a disadvantage to the front strut housing being shorter? Will this just lower them a bit, and then gain more travel once you adjust up the springs to compensate? Or are they to short to be good for track /autocross? I've also read the Z4M and E36 are very similar in weight, and the E46 rear shocks are the same as E36? So direct fit or no?

Just looking to confirm this info, thanks!

Basically you are right you should be able to run the spring in front a little higher which will give you more travel. In back the E46 shock is longer than an E36 but not a lot. You can buy a set of Ground Control rear shock mounts that are taller which will allow the damper to travel in the area it is most effective. Not a huge deal in back either.

[m3hoon]

Thanks! ^ I called Tc kline and they confirmed their z4m kit would work on the e36 m3. Given the front would have slightly more compression and less damping with the shorter housing, but more travel and less chance of bottoming. The rear would work fine as they claimed the e46 and e36 rear shock are identical. The only thing that wouldn't work from one of their kits would be the front camber plate as it is e46 specific. He also said that this setup would perform very well in my m3 for my intended use.