M suspension or not?

[BostonRog]

I have a '95 325is that has the "sport suspension" and according to the stealer parts guy, it has M-technic components.

If I'm going to change out springs and shocks, do I get those for an M3 or not? Thanks.

[orthm]

Easiest way to tell is by the diameter of the front coil springs. The non-M springs are 8 or 9 inches in diameter, the M3 stuff is smaller. Those coils are between 5 and 6 inches in diameter IIRC. I can measure them when I get home from work if needed...

[randywalters]

I have a '95 325is that has the "sport suspension" and according to the stealer parts guy, it has M-technic components.

If I'm going to change out springs and shocks, do I get those for an M3 or not? Thanks.Does your 325is have the optional Sport Package? If not then you probably don't have the Sport Suspension as it only came as part of the Sport Package.

Or is your 325is one of the super-rare 150 or so M Technic package cars brought into the US (M3 front bumper, 17" mesh wheels, etc)? If not then it did not come with the M Technic suspension. Do your front swaybar endlinks attach to the control arm, or do they have long endlinks that run up and attach to brackets on the side of your Macpherson Strut tube?

FWIW, the Sport, M Technic, and M3 suspension components all came from the M Technic division of BMW so technically all the non-regular stuff is "M Technic".

If you're buying aftermarket lowering springs and sport shocks, then it doesn't matter what kind of springs and shocks your car came with, just tell them the car is a 95 325is and you'll get the right setup for your particular car. Sometimes the same springs and shocks will fit all M and non-M E36 cars equally but it depends on the brand and stuff.

[bimmerman1982]

even if it was an m-technic, they do not have m3 suspension. Just 325is sports package. I've had 2 94 M-Technics and neither of them had it. Also anyone I've asked with one confirmed.

[BostonRog]

I have the sports package. If I understand correctly, then, I would have to buy aftermarket replacement components for an M3?

[Preppy]

I have the sports package. If I understand correctly, then, I would have to buy aftermarket replacement components for an M3?
No. You buy aftermarket components for a 95 325is.

Pics of your car will help us determine if it is one of the uber rare 95 m-technic 325is's that were available in 1995.

Not to discourage you, but I think your dealer mech. just fed you a load of BS.

[BostonRog]

Not to discourage you, but I think your dealer mech. just fed you a load of BS.

I had that feeling, but didn't want to buy one thing when I needed the other...and mine is not the rare M-Technic...