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Thread: Suspension needs refresh, any shock suggestions for a 318is?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Redondo Beach, CA
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    179
    My Cars
    00 540i 6MT, 06 911 C2

    Suspension needs refresh, any shock suggestions for a 318is?

    Hi

    My kid has basically been gifted an old 1995 318is from grandma (only ~50k miles). He's about to take it back up to college in the fall so I want to get the suspension in proper working order, the 20+ year old shocks are toast.

    I was thinking of Koni Yellows, any thoughts on if that is a good choice. The car isn't for tracking or performance driving, it is pitifully slow. However he's also used to driving my car which is lowered with sport springs and a stiff setup. He rightfully says that his car is loose and wobbly. Since everything has to come apart I would consider updating the springs if I can find something that only mildly lowers the car and doesn't make it too stiff. Any suggestions?

    Also any thoughts on any rubber pieces that should be replaced "while I'm in there anyways"?

    Thanks, Derek
    My Rides
    '22 BMW X5 xDrive45e
    '18 BMW R1200 GS Adventure
    '06 Porsche 911 C2

    My Kids Rides (that I maintain)
    '01 BMW 330i 5spd

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    229
    My Cars
    1995 318ic
    I went with the cheapie sensen struts. $60 for the pair. I have very little money to throw at this car..Almost 1000 miles later and they’re doing just fine. Did only the struts, mounts were surprisingly tight after 20+ years. Most likely going to get a cheap set of control arms and bushings too because im not sure how long ill have this car around. Rides waaay better than blown struts


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    NY
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    9,079
    My Cars
    1997 328i
    Well I'm sure you don't want to spend a ton on it but still want it safe and bit more fun. Racelands might fit the bill for this, you get new struts/shocks/springs for a great price. For the rubbers, the rear will need RTAB, go with poly they are easier to install and will last forever. The front will need LCAB, poly is not necessary but good to go with up front. Most of the others just need to be inspected, raise the car off the ground and while one person moves the steering wheel or tire you can inspect the ball joints (especially the lower outer (under the strut)).

    https://raceland.com/bmw-coilovers/e36-chassis.html
    Attn. NEWBIES: Use the search feature, 98% has already been discussed.
    Click the search button, select "search single content type", select the "e36 sub forum" specifically, try the "search titles" then try the "search entire posts".

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    9,079
    My Cars
    1997 328i
    If you do got with racelands, I would get the red ones, the green are stiffer and are more for people who want to slam the car. Reinforcing plates for the rear shock is a good idea.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Rear-Shoc...6/303170156021
    Attn. NEWBIES: Use the search feature, 98% has already been discussed.
    Click the search button, select "search single content type", select the "e36 sub forum" specifically, try the "search titles" then try the "search entire posts".

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Redondo Beach, CA
    Posts
    179
    My Cars
    00 540i 6MT, 06 911 C2

    just went with Konis

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric93se View Post
    If you do got with racelands, I would get the red ones, the green are stiffer and are more for people who want to slam the car. Reinforcing plates for the rear shock is a good idea.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Rear-Shoc...6/303170156021
    The last time I went with budget oriented coil overs I was very very unhappy and vowed to never do it again. I decided to go with Koni STR.T shocks to keep the price down. Man the yellows were much more than I was expecting. I matched them up with the H&R springs. We'll see how it all comes together this weekend.

    Derek
    My Rides
    '22 BMW X5 xDrive45e
    '18 BMW R1200 GS Adventure
    '06 Porsche 911 C2

    My Kids Rides (that I maintain)
    '01 BMW 330i 5spd

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