How to make an E34 ride softer like a 740?

[bondheli]

I know everyone is after the lowered look with the stiff springs and shocks, but not me. I've driven a few 740il's and I would like to have a ride that is similar. How should I go about this?

I would imagine that besides shocks and springs it also has alot to do with bushings and the weight of the car, which I am not going to change.
Anyone know what kind of stock shocks/springs a 740 uses?

[Termist]

I have H&Rs on Koni's, and they ride like BUTTER. Definitely softer than stock. I absolutely love it.

[bondheli]

No s**t really? That would be perfect if I could get the lowered look and a smoother ride.

[ThoreauHD]

Koni's are pretty good. Sachs are the OE shocks, and are also good. OE springs are just longer than Eibachs. I don't know why you are comparing a 740 to E34 because they are the same thing. It's a range in years, not a model. If you are looking for active suspension, you shouldn't. If it fails, you are in for pain of the credit card melting kind. The E34 5 series is heavier than most, and due to that with a proper suspension, has a very smooth ride. Give one a try at a BMW Car Club meet, if you have joined the bmwcca.

[bondheli]

I don't know why you are comparing a 740 to E34 because they are the same thing. It's a range in years, not a model. If you are looking for active suspension, you shouldn't. If it fails, you are in for pain of the credit card melting kind. The E34 5 series is heavier than most, and due to that with a proper suspension, has a very smooth ride. Give one a try at a BMW Car Club meet, if you have joined the bmwcca.

???

[glwillia]

I have H&Rs on Koni's, and they ride like BUTTER. Definitely softer than stock. I absolutely love it.

What settings do you have the Konis on?

I've been looking to replace the (stock) suspension on my E34, and have been wanting something that keeps all or most of the E34's stock smoothness and comfort, but improves handling. I was thinking of going with Koni/Vogtland, does H&R fit the bill? I remember the H&R springs being quite stiff on my old E30...

[moroza]

There are some who claim that their upgraded suspension gives a smoother ride - H&R's with Konis here, Vogtlands with Konis elsewhere. And then there are those who'll tell you that it's physically impossible to go lower and have as good a ride.

I'm interested in the exact same thing, and I've been doing on-and-off research on it for a while. What've I discovered? Konis are awesome for everything, Bilsteins are harsh as **** but handle really well, and nobody can agree on springs. All I can personally verify is that 750iL thrust arm bushings make your suspension harsher without a noticable (to me) improvement. Not bad enough to warrant changing them, but if you ever need to, I suggest sticking with the stock bushing.

Here's a compilation of all the opinions on springs I've found in the last year and a half:
Cut stock springs - terrible idea; sounds like a bad idea, but the car handles wonderfully; not bad at all if you know what you're doing; makes the car bounce.
Bavauto - good ride, no problems; good ride, bottoms out; good ride, sags after some time; good ride, ok handling, bottoms out.
H&R - excellent ride; excellent ride, excellent handling; horrible ride, excellent handling.
Eibach - good ride, excellent handling; mediocre ride, good handling; bad ride (especially in the rear), sags too much, crap handling.
Vogtland - excellent ride; decent ride, but bottoms out all the time; mediocre ride, decent handling.
Dinan - good handling, good ride, looks like stock or maybe a touch lower (still too high).

I'ven't seen much feedback on UUC and others. When I have 500 bucks I don't know what to do with, I'm getting Konis, a backup set of stock springs, and cutting my existing stock ones.

[MaxSteel]

Koni's are pretty good. Sachs are the OE shocks, and are also good. OE springs are just longer than Eibachs. I don't know why you are comparing a 740 to E34 because they are the same thing. It's a range in years, not a model. If you are looking for active suspension, you shouldn't. If it fails, you are in for pain of the credit card melting kind. The E34 5 series is heavier than most, and due to that with a proper suspension, has a very smooth ride. Give one a try at a BMW Car Club meet, if you have joined the bmwcca.

Um no. The 7 series of the same year is an e32. e38 startign in 1995. The "e#" represents the chassis code NOT just the year. That would make no sense.

[CWB]

Um no. The 7 series of the same year is an e32. e38 startign in 1995. The "e#" represents the chassis code NOT just the year. That would make no sense.

E represents the chassis model/code, and each have their own year range. Thats how I see it.

[E34N]

you sell the 525 and buy a 740.. :stickoutt

[AZIMUTH]

you sell the 525 and buy a 740.. :stickoutt

:madNegative....you buy em both and drive the He** out of em!!!

[Termist]

What settings do you have the Konis on?

I've been looking to replace the (stock) suspension on my E34, and have been wanting something that keeps all or most of the E34's stock smoothness and comfort, but improves handling. I was thinking of going with Koni/Vogtland, does H&R fit the bill? I remember the H&R springs being quite stiff on my old E30...

Currently it's on full soft all the way around. It rides soooooooo smooth on stock wheels/tires. But I'm riding on a 35 series profile. The ride is stiffer, but it still rides mmmmm mmmm good. BUT, it has a TON of body roll. I plan on getting some anti-sway bars in the future. Perhaps OE M5s, not sure yet.

[bondheli]

Currently it's on full soft all the way around. It rides soooooooo smooth on stock wheels/tires. But I'm riding on a 35 series profile. The ride is stiffer, but it still rides mmmmm mmmm good. BUT, it has a TON of body roll. I plan on getting some anti-sway bars in the future. Perhaps OE M5s, not sure yet.

Have you driven a 7 series with stock wheels/tires?
If so, how would compare that to the e34 with koni's and stock 15's?

[Termist]

And then there are those who'll tell you that it's physically impossible to go lower and have as good a ride.

It's obvious that these guys have NEVER been in a car with quality parts.

[Termist]

Have you driven a 7 series with stock wheels/tires?
If so, how would compare that to the e34 with koni's and stock 15's?


Where in CA are you? If you're in the Bay Area, I can give you a little test ride.

I can't compare the two, but my guess it would be just as smooth.

[kxmills]

I June I installed a set of Koni shocks, Vogtland springs, M5 front spring pads, and 750il front end bushings. The shocks are 1/4 turn from full soft. If you don't know New York City and New Jersey has some of the worst roads ever. Despite driving a lowered car my ride is extremely smooth on these horrendous roads.

[glwillia]

I June I installed a set of Koni shocks, Vogtland springs, M5 front spring pads, and 750il front end bushings. The shocks are 1/4 turn from full soft. If you don't know New York City and New Jersey has some of the worst roads ever. Despite driving a lowered car my ride is extremely smooth on these horrendous roads.

From everything I've read this seems to be the best all-around setup (for street driving, not track), short of going to complete coil-overs. What do the M5 front spring pads do?

[kxmills]

They are they thinnest front spring pads that I believe are available. Hence, they lowest drop in the front

[Goat128]

You dont want to bottom out on a lowered car though a stiffer setup is better. With the koni you can adjust but those shocks are also very expensive. If you have a stock car and its riding rough you can simply replace the worn shocks.

[HE53]

I think its mostly up to the shocks you use as far as ride goes..

The most important thing to think about here is everyone is comparing brand new shocks and springs compared to stock shocks and springs with tons of miles on them.

How many people buy new springs and new shocks? Just about nobody..

My billy HD's were much stiffer than my Billy Sports and they both had about the same spring stiffnesses. Koni on full soft should yield a great ride, probably much like a stock shock.

[cary]

I have had both the Bilstein HD and the Koni's on E34's. Where in other applications I have had the Bilsteins be very stiff, the ones in my 535i ride wonderfully, and it has 17" wheels. The Koni's still probably have a little better ride quality, and I would suggest using them with stock springs for the best ride quality. Also, running a nice H rated touring tire in the stock size at the stock pressure will contribute to better ride quality.

[CWB]

I have had both the Bilstein HD and the Koni's on E34's. Where in other applications I have had the Bilsteins be very stiff, the ones in my 535i ride wonderfully, and it has 17" wheels. The Koni's still probably have a little better ride quality, and I would suggest using them with stock springs for the best ride quality. Also, running a nice H rated touring tire in the stock size at the stock pressure will contribute to better ride
quality.

How much drop, if any, will the Koni's w/ stock springs be?

[splackavellie]

When I have 500 bucks I don't know what to do with, I'm getting Konis, a backup set of stock springs, and cutting my existing stock ones.
its probably not gonna help you any, but if you ever make your way to GA, i have a set of stock springs you can have

[Termist]

How much drop, if any, will the Koni's w/ stock springs be?

Zero inches.

[SC David]

Springs = drop
Shocks = ride quality

(for the most part)

[moroza]

Where in CA are you? If you're in the Bay Area, I can give you a little test ride.

I can't compare the two, but my guess it would be just as smooth.

Any chance I could get in on that? I've never driven another E34 or any car with a modified suspension.

[1 Black Bee]

I am restoring or up grading my car and the ride quality is an issue. I'm in Michigan, where can I get or order these Koni shocks and the Vogtland springs from so I can have my ride riding smoother?

[moroza]

Shox.com sells Konis, including at least two packages with H&R or Eibach springs. 825 shipped, I believe. Vogtlands...I have no idea.

[1 Black Bee]

those are exspensive....do you have these shocks on your bounce and are they worht it?

[moroza]

I have what was installed in München in November 1989. Everyone I've seen who has Konis raves about them. They're expensive but apparently worth it. In any case, I'm convinced enough to shell out for them.

[1 Black Bee]

by the way i'm kinda new to this stuff but I luv bimmers and I have one that I am hookin up. It's gonna be hot when I finish it. Can you explain to me what sway bars are and their purpose?

[4500 RPM]

by the way i'm kinda new to this stuff but I luv bimmers and I have one that I am hookin up. It's gonna be hot when I finish it. Can you explain to me what sway bars are and their purpose?

Now that's something for google.

Sways help control body roll. They're really anti-sway bars.

[BaronOfIpanema]

There are some who claim that their upgraded suspension gives a smoother ride - H&R's with Konis here, Vogtlands with Konis elsewhere. And then there are those who'll tell you that it's physically impossible to go lower and have as good a ride.

I'm interested in the exact same thing, and I've been doing on-and-off research on it for a while. What've I discovered? Konis are awesome for everything, Bilsteins are harsh as **** but handle really well, and nobody can agree on springs. All I can personally verify is that 750iL thrust arm bushings make your suspension harsher without a noticable (to me) improvement. Not bad enough to warrant changing them, but if you ever need to, I suggest sticking with the stock bushing.

Here's a compilation of all the opinions on springs I've found in the last year and a half:
Cut stock springs - terrible idea; sounds like a bad idea, but the car handles wonderfully; not bad at all if you know what you're doing; makes the car bounce.
Bavauto - good ride, no problems; good ride, bottoms out; good ride, sags after some time; good ride, ok handling, bottoms out.
H&R - excellent ride; excellent ride, excellent handling; horrible ride, excellent handling.
Eibach - good ride, excellent handling; mediocre ride, good handling; bad ride (especially in the rear), sags too much, crap handling.
Vogtland - excellent ride; decent ride, but bottoms out all the time; mediocre ride, decent handling.
Dinan - good handling, good ride, looks like stock or maybe a touch lower (still too high).

I'ven't seen much feedback on UUC and others. When I have 500 bucks I don't know what to do with, I'm getting Konis, a backup set of stock springs, and cutting my existing stock ones.
Nice review, Moroza. I would add that the Dinan Springs lower about as much as the other lowering springs I've seen. At the Cheshire CT meet recently my car looked about as low as the cars with H&R's - which is not what I expected when purchasing them.

[moroza]

I'll add that to the compilation, then. Thank you for your contribution to confusion ;).

[Termist]

Any chance I could get in on that? I've never driven another E34 or any car with a modified suspension.


By "test ride" I meant "sit in the passenger seat while I drive". :D

[cary]

How much drop, if any, will the Koni's w/ stock springs be?

Absolutely zero. Springs control ride height, shocks dampen suspension movement.

[moroza]

By "test ride" I meant "sit in the passenger seat while I drive". :D

What if I gave you mine as collateral?

[shekky]

What if I gave you mine as collateral?

A man after my own heart :D

[Eggs Denison]

there is a great price in the group buy section... 40 % off all koni shocks and packages.

[IamCatman]

you sell the 525 and buy a 740.. :stickoutt

I would ....but I can't get a 740 wagon.;)

>^..^<

[bondheli]

there is a great price in the group buy section... 40 % off all koni shocks and packages.

" http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=611090&highlight=koni+group

For car models other than e46, if you want to know your discounted price, pls. do the following:

1.) Go to http://www.koni-na.com/display.cfm?mt_id=1

2.) Enter your vehicle make and year, then click continue.

3.) Enter your vehicle model, then click continue.

4.) Take 40% off from the listed "Retail Price" (not the KONI online Price)."


They are cheaper (including shipping) brand new on ebay, for the e34 at least.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KONI-SPORT-SHOCKS-BMW-E34-525-535-540-89-95-FREE-S-H_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33590QQihZ006QQitemZ1 60174873908QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=2518995&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Febaymotors%2FKONI-SPORT-SHOCKS-BMW-E34-525-535-540-89-95-FREE-S-H_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33590QQihZ006QQitemZ1 60174873908QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW)

[fugginfazt]

My Dinan stg3 rides like an E38, handles like an e46M3, and tucks 18's.
After 10+yrs of ownership and riding in multiple M5's I've yet to find a better setup.

[Termist]

What if I gave you mine as collateral?

Unless you have an E34 M5, I wont be interested. :embarrasm

[BaronOfIpanema]

My Dinan stg3 rides like an E38, handles like an e46M3, and tucks 18's.
After 10+yrs of ownership and riding in multiple M5's I've yet to find a better setup.

Sweet sounding setup. The difference between stg 1 and stg 3 is what? Sway bars and strut brace?

[fugginfazt]

Sweet sounding setup. The difference between stg 1 and stg 3 is what? Sway bars and strut brace?

In '97 when I originaly purchased.
Stg1 included 4 springs

Stg2 included 4 springs 2 Sways 2 shocks

Stg3 included 4 springs 2 sways 2 front camber plates 2 RR Arms adj.
4 shocks 1 load leveling elimination kit.