Convertible 325i semi stock suspension

[Tealetm]

Hello- new to the forum and new to E30’s in general. I just picked up a nice (driver quality) 87 325i convertible for a fun family ride. The previous owner lowered it (he said 1.7”) which is a bit low for me with the roads around here, but with my wife and two kids it bottoms out everywhere. I need to return it to stock or close to stock height.

I’ve seen lots of threads and vendors discuss and sell sport suspension parts, most lowering the car over an inch. I’d like a quality “sporty” feel but go back to or maybe up to 1/2” lower than stock.

What are my options? Thanks!

[aaverhulst]

If it was me, I'd bring it back to stock suspension. A convertible rides rough enough with it's stock suspension as it does not have a top structure to support it. Also why lower a convertible, the car sits low as it is with it's 14" tires. While it is sporty to drive, it is not a "sports car".

[Tealetm]

If it was me, I'd bring it back to stock suspension. A convertible rides rough enough with it's stock suspension as it does not have a top structure to support it. Also why lower a convertible, the car sits low as it is with it's 14" tires. While it is sporty to drive, it is not a "sports car".

Agreed- which is why I want to raise it back up. Do you know of a source for stock springs/shocks? Most everything I'm finding on the regular sites is sport/lowering.

[aaverhulst]

Agreed- which is why I want to raise it back up. Do you know of a source for stock springs/shocks? Most everything I'm finding on the regular sites is sport/lowering.

Look up the part number on https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select?product=P&archive=1


Then search for that part number.

Also check Rockauto.

[Tealetm]

Look up the part number on https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select?product=P&archive=1


Then search for that part number.

Also check Rockauto.

Thank you- that part number lookup page provided to be very helpful. I have found the stock springs on ECS and have ordered them. I am surprised that the only "stock height" springs available are through BMW and not a third party.

[82eye]

Thank you- that part number lookup page provided to be very helpful. I have found the stock springs on ECS and have ordered them. I am surprised that the only "stock height" springs available are through BMW and not a third party.

they might be an h&r rebranded spring. h&r produced the stock springs for bmw originally. there used to be a part number cross reference catalog but i haven't seen it online in years.

[randomrobot]

Pardon the hijack- I've got the same year and model that has been lowered, not sure how much, but I need to replace the shocks/struts. How do I know which shocks/struts to replace with without replacing the springs too? I kind of like where it sits right now even though it's a little lower. Thanks-

[richardodn]

Pardon the hijack- I've got the same year and model that has been lowered, not sure how much, but I need to replace the shocks/struts. How do I know which shocks/struts to replace with without replacing the springs too? I kind of like where it sits right now even though it's a little lower. Thanks-

Typically look for shocks labelled as "sport" as these are usually for lowered vehicles. What color are the existing shocks/struts? Have you looked to see if you can find a brand label on them?

[randomrobot]

Finally got around to cleaning off the shocks/struts enough to get a read on them. I've already ordered a pair of the adjustable yellow Koni strut inserts for the front, while they were still on sale. Hoping they match up with the springs ok. Forgive me if I mix up my terminology but front springs are Eibach 78151, not sure of current struts, and rear are Eibach 64998 on Road Ryder Gas Supreme shocks. I couldn't find much info on any of these. Anyone know if the KONIs will fit just fine with these springs, if these are quality springs, or if I should be looking to replace them as well. I've got a couple other projects to work on first but wanted to start researching this some as well. TIA.