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Thread: E12 lowering/performance suspension options

  1. #1
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    E12 lowering/performance suspension options

    OK, so since there isn't an E12 subforum, I figured this was the right place to post this. If not...mods please feel free to move it.
    Anyway, I recently acquired a new project. A 1981 E12 528i. Looking for performance/lowering suspension options for it. Doesn't seem to be much out there.
    For springs, looks like the options are B&G (progressive rate, 40mm/40mm drop), and H&R (40mm/40mm, harder to get here in the US). I'm leaning more towards the B&G's since this will be a street car, but how about shocks/struts? Can't find much in terms of strut inserts and rear shocks for this model that are appropriate for lowering springs, and that are still available. Bilstein has a Sport rear shock listed for the Bavaria, that should work on the E12 as well, but no front Sport insert for the E12 front strut housings. They have a Sport insert for the later e24/28 strut housing though...anyone know if that insert will fit into an E12 housing? The threaded retaining collar at the top is the same part number, so i'm assuming the diameter of the inserts is the same. I wonder if it would fit.
    Anyone know of any other viable options for lowered shocks and strut inserts for the E12? Thanks!
    Alvin Caragay
    Mpire Automotive (https://www.facebook.com/MpireAutomotive/)
    '96 AC Schnitzer S3 Sport CLS Replica (https://www.facebook.com/ACSS3SportCLSR)
    '02 E39 540iAT

  2. #2
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    I will move it to the E28 forum, more people read your post and might be able to help you
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by shogun View Post
    I will move it to the E28 forum, more people read your post and might be able to help you
    Thanks. As a bit of an update for anyone that may search for something in the future, I think I have figured out what setup I will be going with on the car. For springs i'll be going with the B&G Lowering Springs for the E12 chassis (Part # 08.1.021). Mainly choosing them over the H&R option because 1) They are easier to source here in the US (harder to get the E12 H&R's because they are only listed in the German catalog, and not the US catalog) and 2) Because they are progressive rate. Since this is a street car and not a race car, I am somewhat concerned with ride quality.

    For the shocks and strut inserts, the selection at this point in time (August 2018) for performance LOWERED strut inserts and rear shocks for the E12 is VERY limited. For the rear, the only option I could find is the Bilstein B8 Sport Shocks (Part # 24-008198). They are listed for the Bavaria/B3/E12. For the front, Bilstein discontinued the B8 Sport Insert that they used to make that was specific for the E12 application(Part # 34-193020). However, I did find another option. Bilstein makes a B8 Sport insert for the front of the E28 (Part # 34-181546), and according to a quick call over to Ireland Engineering, the E28 insert will fit into the E12 strut housing with a small spacer at the bottom under the insert (E28 insert is slightly shorter than the E12, but same diameter). Using the E28 inserts, would have to use the E28 upper strut mounts...which is a different bolt pattern than the E12, BUT...Ireland Engineering also makes a cool Fixed Front Camber Plate that has the E28 bolt pattern on the bottom, and the E12 pattern up top. Allows you to bolt up the E28 Upper Mounts into an E12, AND add 3/4 degree of negative camber.

    So, looks like i'll be going that route. If any of you E28 folks have any other suggestions for lowered strut inserts, please feel free to post it. Would love to hear about other options. Will update this post whenever I get the parts together...
    Alvin Caragay
    Mpire Automotive (https://www.facebook.com/MpireAutomotive/)
    '96 AC Schnitzer S3 Sport CLS Replica (https://www.facebook.com/ACSS3SportCLSR)
    '02 E39 540iAT

  4. #4
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    Sounds like great advise. How did it turn out? I know this is old post but I’m about to do the same.

    John
    It will always be better to be shot out of a cannon than to be squeezed out of a tube.

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