1987 BMW 316 E30 EuroSpec suspension need

[fbabroff]

Just bought a 316 Eurospec, just imported from Spain. I am looking to change the suspension, any recommendations or sites I can check out?

All sites, either they do not list the 316 o they say only post 1988 build.

Any recommendations?

Picture: https://photos.app.goo.gl/RZuVjDtfcSYJGn3X7

[richardodn]

Go to a site like realoem.com, enter the last 7 digits of you VIN, and use the catalog to chase down part numbers. Also, they made both a 316 and 316i in the EU market in that period. Be aware of that when looking for parts.

[mbonder]

If you are going aftermarket you can install anything that would fit an 1987 e30, doesn't have to be specific to the 316 I don't think. This should open up your options considerably.

[82eye]

for springs / shocks / etc look at the 318i / is offerings. the 4 banger is lighter in the front end, so the shocks / springs / struts tubes / are lighter than the offerings for the 6 cyl. i'm foggy on it, but there may be a change from earlier to later tubes you wanna look out for as well. nothing in the suspension is unsolvable as far as oe+ upgrade.

[richardodn]

Here are the things you'll need to know before ordering any parts.

Front strut diameters - these came as either 45mm or 51mm strut housing. In the US, the 45mm were only found on the very early 318i. All the others got the 51mm. From the parts diagrams, it looks like the measurement is taken along the main part of the tube.

Rear brakes - disc or drum

[323i E30]

The struts of the 316 and 316i saloon & coupe are 45mm from factory, and the rear brakes should be drums on both.

[fbabroff]

Thanks all for going out of your way to help! I found a set hat would work!

- - - Updated - - -

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That is the car I got... a real unicorn for the USA

[323i E30]

Very nice! Looks good.
I hope that Spain’s dry climate has kept the rust out as well.

Best find out which engine is in there now btw.
The 316 came with the M10 engine (timing chain), while the 316i came with the M40 engine (timing belt, which needs changed more often than with the M20 engine).
Google pictures of both engines. The difference is quite obvious.

[fbabroff]

Very nice! Looks good.
I hope that Spain’s dry climate has kept the rust out as well.

Best find out which engine is in there now btw.
The 316 came with the M10 engine (timing chain), while the 316i came with the M40 engine (timing belt, which needs changed more often than with the M20 engine).
Google pictures of both engines. The difference is quite obvious.

I got the M10B18 version 66 kW (90 PS), Pierburg 2BE carburettor, Ecotronic

Cero rust, just had the car inspected all around by a shop, everything was perfect, except the A/C which we can find a compressor for it.

[323i E30]

Perfect