getting new suspension on my e34, got some q's

[imhogan]

I bought a 94 530i about a week ago and absolutely love it. It does need new suspension though, its really soft and one of the struts is blown. I'd like to get something close to stock that will lower the car about an inch to and inch and a half but not too much stiffer than stock. I really like the smooth ride and do a lot of city driving. Anyone have any suggestions?

Also, what else should I look for when doing this? I'm getting sway bars later, but while I have everything off what else goes bad on these cars it has 131,xxx miles on it.

[moroza]

I bought a 94 530i about a week ago and absolutely love it. It does need new suspension though, its really soft and one of the struts is blown. I'd like to get something close to stock that will lower the car about an inch to and inch and a half but not too much stiffer than stock. I really like the smooth ride and do a lot of city driving. Anyone have any suggestions?

Just one - the Search button. There's a thread about this every few days.



Also, what else should I look for when doing this? I'm getting sway bars later, but while I have everything off what else goes bad on these cars it has 131,xxx miles on it.

You may want to replace the upper control arms (aka thrust arms), as the bushings tend to be worn by ~150k miles, causing a 50-60mph shake.

[tsweers89]

+1 on the thrust arms since youll be in there anyways

[imhogan]

Yeah I deff gonna get the control arms while I'm down there. I'm leaning towards the koni sport/eibach kit anyone have it?

[Erick]

oOo Koni's expensive :)

[Dizzy5]

I just finished installing Bilstein touring and Eibachs tonight. I can't comment yet how I like it yet . it's snowing and I don't like to get my car out in it unless I really need to. Too worn out too. I've heard this is a nice set up for a good ride and better handling. Bilstein touring are a lot cheaper than Konis.

[Erick]

from experience and advice from others bilstein HDs with H&r springs make a good combo.
The HDs IMO are much more robust and can take lowering springs fairly effectively. H7R springs have always been doing a good job of sport and comfort. The HDs also help support our heavy cars quiet well too.

[strayts]

i love my bilstein sports and bavauto springs, but they're definitely harsher than stock.... but i only knew how the car felt with blown stock shocks at 180k haha.

[imhogan]

Erick, how much would that combo lower the car? I'm gonna be putting bigger wheels on it so I don't think I wanna lower it more than 1 -1.5 inches.

[SC David]

You might try the Sachs kit, which has Eibach Sports and Boge turbo gas shocks. It does pretty good at maintaining stock ride comfort while increasing corner stability and making the ride a little bit stiffer. It'll be significantly cheaper than going with the Koni's too, so if you don't need that adjustability than the Sachs kit might be right for you.

EDIT: I can't find it sold as a kit anywhere anymore. It used to be on shox.com and at BMA for about $650, but looks like you'll have to purchase those separate now.

[4500 RPM]

Replace all of the bushings in the front end. Lemforder bushings only.

[bman10]

I just finished installing Bilstein touring and Eibachs tonight. I can't comment yet how I like it yet . it's snowing and I don't like to get my car out in it unless I really need to. Too worn out too. I've heard this is a nice set up for a good ride and better handling. Bilstein touring are a lot cheaper than Konis.

Let me know how this turns out, I have the same setup sitting in my living room right now. Just waiting for a nice day and some spare time to do the install!!!!! do you guys replace the upper front strut mounts too, since they have bearings in them?????