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Thread: Rescuing a 1991 318is... suspension overhaul and clutch question

  1. #1
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    Rescuing a 1991 318is... suspension overhaul and clutch question

    I flew across country and purchased a 1991 318is that turned out to be in much worse than the condition described by the seller. The car broke down several times along the 2200 mile drive to port. At one point I had to fly home leaving the car with a mechanic and fly back when repairs were completed. Reminded me of rescuing a dog from the pound only to have it crap on my carpets and be mauled by it the next day.

    Anyway... the suspension is _completely_ shot. In my quest to restore the car to near factory new condition, I would like to replace everything, except maybe the steering rack, since it was the only component that didn't seem completely thrashed.

    Car is currently awaiting ocean transport to it's final destination and I'd like to have some parts waiting when it gets here. However I am having trouble finding STOCK height springs. I refuse to lower the car and that seems like the only thing available. Any suggestions? It has been about 7 years since I've owned an E30 so a list of components that I should replace would be helpful to get the ball rolling.

    I see companies like FCP Euro selling suspension overhaul kits but they seem to be a mix master of different manufactures. Are these kits any decent or would I be better off hand picking each component?

    Another question I had is about the clutch. At the start of the journey the engagement point felt normal, let off the pedal a little and it engaged fine. Clutch felt a little light but nothing to cause an alarm. By the end of the trip (2200 miles) the clutch was engaging at the very end of the pedal let off. Did not seem to slip though but was definitely a bit awkward to drive. What should I start with here? At the spur of the moment I purchased a second 318is in absolutely fantastic original condition. A true gem that needs virtually nothing except for a new radio, some speakers, and the wheels refinished. The clutch in this car was much heavier and engaged like one would expect the car to. Driving this car felt like I was driving a whole different species compared to the other one.

    Thanks for the help everyone.

  2. #2
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    Rescuing a 1991 318is... suspension overhaul and clutch question

    H&R OE Sport Springs offer minimal lowering, and exceptional ride on Koni Sports or Bilstein Sports.
    https://www.turnermotorsport.com/f/p...325i-325is-m3/


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    Last edited by bluptgm3; 10-07-2018 at 04:56 PM.

  3. #3
    richardodn's Avatar
    richardodn is offline Old Guy BMW CCA Member
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    With respect to the clutch, there are no adjustments to be made. Either there is an internal mechanical problem which would require pulling the transmission to diagnose, or it's a hydraulic issue. Considering the cars history and likely lack of maintenance, I'd replace the master and slave cylinders and flush the hydraulic system. That's reasonably cheap to do and is likely needed even if it isn't the problem. But if that doesn't solve it, you're in for a clutch job.

    As for springs, buy them from BMW. Unfortunately, the standard rear springs are NLA. However the sport/M-technic are available both front and back. I'd estimate about $500-550 for all 4 shipped to Alaska.
    "Howdy, Folks!"

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  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by richardodn View Post
    With respect to the clutch, there are no adjustments to be made. Either there is an internal mechanical problem which would require pulling the transmission to diagnose, or it's a hydraulic issue. Considering the cars history and likely lack of maintenance, I'd replace the master and slave cylinders and flush the hydraulic system. That's reasonably cheap to do and is likely needed even if it isn't the problem. But if that doesn't solve it, you're in for a clutch job.

    As for springs, buy them from BMW. Unfortunately, the standard rear springs are NLA. However the sport/M-technic are available both front and back. I'd estimate about $500-550 for all 4 shipped to Alaska.
    Where are you sourcing the springs from? Only thing I've found online is $250 each oem bmw. Do you know the height difference between the mtech and regular springs? And happen to have part numbers by chance?

    Thanks!

  5. #5
    richardodn's Avatar
    richardodn is offline Old Guy BMW CCA Member
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    https://www.bmwdirectparts.com/ They are a BMW dealer with a web storefront. There's a number of dealers that do this.

    Front springs $130 each. (M-Tech 31331130046)/Strut inserts $191 each (All 31321135892)
    Rear springs $210 pair. (M-Tech 33539061590)/Shocks $135 each (All 33521135888)

    The stock dampers are Sachs/Boge gas struts and shocks. These were used on all suspension variants of the 318i models in 1991. You could definitely cut some costs there by getting Sachs-Boge branded replacements.

    M3 front springs are PN 31331130043 and NLA. They're superseded to the M-Tech part above. Struts are also NLA but would be Bilstein.
    M3 rears are PN 33539061510 and $197. Shocks are PN 33522225426.
    "Howdy, Folks!"

    1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler.
    1989 Zinnoberrot 325iX Sedan - I miss this car. (Deceased)
    1998 Avus Blau 328iC - Someone else's project now
    2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project
    2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile.
    2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio - This car is a blast to drive.

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