E30 Clunking Noise/Help choose suspension setup

**Siebenthal** · 10-17-2017, 02:53 PM

Hi guys! I have an e30 vert and one night I was driving it, there was a clunking noise from the rear passenger side wheel.

So its either wheel bearing or shocks and springs right?

I have 66k miles on the clock and I need new shocks and springs because when I push the car up and down it makes a squeaking noise.

So I wanted to ask about the shocks. I mainly use this car to drive on the mountains during the weekend and I don't really see a need for a coilover setup.

I was debating between bilstein and H&R

B6 vs B8?
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein...t/34-001363kt/
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein...t/34-003350kt/

Or Koni adjustables since they have a rebate program the price will be similar
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-koni-par...kit/86-2277kt/

And I was planning to run H&R springs designed for the cabrio
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-h-and-r-...ing-set/50407/

Which one would you guys pick? Are the adjustables worth it? Or is it better to stick with the classic Bilstein/H&R combo?

I plan on running 5x120 style 5s with adapters (I heard it was okay as long as its not on the track) thoughts? I read that 5 lug conversions can cost up to 1k collecting the parts.

Thank you in advance.

**TheCathedral** · 10-17-2017, 03:15 PM

Mine had a clunking noise when I bought it (from the driver front, so keep that in mind.) I though it was blown strut inserts but when I took everything apart, it turned out the hole had elongated on the strut upper spring cup, so it was no longer sitting parallel to the strut shaft. Whenever I hit a bump, the plate would slam back into parallel, which was causing the noise. Turns out everything else was fine and it was just a $20 part.

**ELVA164** · 10-17-2017, 03:48 PM

Few things:

1. Clunking won't be a wheel bearing unless the bearing is about to disintegrate, so I'd narrow the possibilities down to something like mentioned above, a worn/destroyed bushing, or even a loose wheel or halfshaft.
2. Squeaking when pushing on the car may be nothing more than a bushing that needs to be lubricated.
3. I'd go for the Konis. I'm very happy with mine, although the paint on the rears wasn't as durable as I'd hope. Adjustable coilovers would be overkill.
4. I'm not a fan of adapters from a philosophical point of view, but they seem to work fine.

**Siebenthal** · 10-18-2017, 12:28 AM

Update: I pushed downwards on the trunklid near the rear passenger side wheel and it made a clunking noise.

Does that guarantee that its the blown strut insert or really bad shock?

**superj** · 10-18-2017, 07:06 AM

shock mount is bad, probably. when you jump on the bumper, does the car bounce more then 2 times? if you can see where the shock mounts to the top of the wheel well, the rubber piece it goes through is probably torn completely around and the shock rod is just slopping around. mine did that too, about 6 months ago. replaced those shock mounts and the car is back to quiet

**nick325xit 5spd** · 10-18-2017, 10:22 AM

Rear clunks are most frequently shock mount related. If you are happy with the way the car drives otherwise, just replace for a few bucks and see.

**tomstin** · 10-18-2017, 10:31 AM

Take some time and investigate the source of the noise. Throwing parts at an unknown problem gets expensive. You have the shocks, shock mounts, sub-frame bushings, control arm bushing and sway bar bushings to mention a few in that area. Heck, it could be something simple and cheap like a sway bar link.

**Siebenthal** · 10-18-2017, 03:55 PM

Thanks guys - im going to take the wheel off this weekend and start having a look.

66k miles assuming nothing has been replaced

What would you guys change first after this issue has been resolved?

Front suspension - control arms, bushings etc
Rear suspension - diff bushings etc
Shocks/Springs

What would you guys do if you had 1k to spend?

**aaverhulst** · 10-18-2017, 04:55 PM

Mine was doing the same thing. The top rear shock mounts were loose. I just tightened them up and that fixed it. No need to spend your money until you check everything out.

**superj** · 10-19-2017, 07:00 AM

you are just wanting a more sporty ride?

I have never had bilsteins but I had the koni adjustables on an 89 325i that was a daily and autocross car. I loved them. I ran those, e30m3 control arm bushings, and coil overs and enjoyed the car, a lot.

**Siebenthal** · 10-20-2017, 02:57 AM

Yeah, I drive it down highway 9 alot and I really want something that brings me lower to the ground but allows me to drive normally (none of that stance) or anything.

I just want a clean build and make sure its able to clear 95% of speedbumps or 100% if possible.

I am a beginner driver (had my license for 1 year) so, I am not skilled or anything yet.

**nick325xit 5spd** · 10-20-2017, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by Siebenthal

Yeah, I drive it down highway 9 alot and I really want something that brings me lower to the ground but allows me to drive normally (none of that stance) or anything.

I just want a clean build and make sure its able to clear 95% of speedbumps or 100% if possible.

I am a beginner driver (had my license for 1 year) so, I am not skilled or anything yet.

The most sensible suspension is probably H&R cabriolet springs with Bilstein shocks. Do the Sports. The valving is identical, so the only difference is a reduction is droop that keeps the springs seated properly.

**Siebenthal** · 10-23-2017, 09:21 PM

22789880_862257163950024_151500793_o.jpg 22790067_862257140616693_347069736_o.jpg 22790089_862249647284109_600420259_o.jpg

Hey guys

So, I removed the shock today and it appears to be the $20 part that you guys were talking about inbetween the shock and the body.

Note the black debris that can be seen in the body/ when I spin that top strut with the metal thing - the debris is shedding.

I just wanted to confirm this with you guys.

Also, I can compress the shock with 1 hand/ground and it takes 30% force (im 125lbs) so i guess its a given that they need to be replaced + springs.

**Siebenthal** · 10-23-2017, 09:26 PM

Attachment 613546

I dont know about you guys, but when I compare the shocks together they look the same (mine is on the very left)

I notice that the middle one has rubber on the bottom too - is that what im missing?

I have a gut feeling that my problem is more severe than just shocks/springs or the 20 dollar part but please say im wrong.

**superj** · 10-24-2017, 06:54 AM

that's weird that the rubber is shredding like that. but, they look old so they could probably live with a replacement. you can find them cheaper than 20 bucks though, just google e30 rear shock mounts. there should also be a little rubber deal on the bottom but it is part of the shock so if its missing you will for sure have a noise in the back. you might be able to buy that lower rubber piece on the self help wall at your local auto parts place but if not, new Gabriel shocks or what ever the local place carries are very cheap, also.

**Siebenthal** · 10-25-2017, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by superj

that's weird that the rubber is shredding like that. but, they look old so they could probably live with a replacement. you can find them cheaper than 20 bucks though, just google e30 rear shock mounts. there should also be a little rubber deal on the bottom but it is part of the shock so if its missing you will for sure have a noise in the back. you might be able to buy that lower rubber piece on the self help wall at your local auto parts place but if not, new Gabriel shocks or what ever the local place carries are very cheap, also.

I replaced it with a random KYB shock I got from a friend - noise is gone.

Budget is tight atm, so I will let the poor 325i sit for a while.