e32 model year suspension differences

[supa7]

I did the mandatory search but couldn't find anything.

I have a project to install stock springs to an MY1988 735i (12/1987 build date) but it seems that there were/are three (3) versions (ignoring older build dates):


Front coil springs:
09/1987 - 09/1989 (essentially, MY1988)
09/1988 - 09/1989 (essentially, MY1989)
09/1989 - 09/1991 (essentially, MY1991)


Interestingly, the guide supports for the front coil springs were from


09/1987 - 03/1988
03/1988 - 07/1990
07/1990 - present


Then in 07/1990, there was an adapter for “National version eastern Europe”.


Rear coil springs:


11/1986 - 09/1991 (start of production up to MY1991)


At 10/1991 (MY1991) and onwards, there is no rear coil spring part number at all.


Even more interestingly, the guide supports for the rear coil springs are the same until 07/1990- where the option for a “National version eastern Europe” appears.


So here are my questions:

1. What is this adapter for eastern Europe for? Is it a reinforcement for bad roads? Would a front strut bar do that same thing and more?
2. What were the differences between the front coil springs for MY1988, MY1989, and MY1991+?
3. I’ve seen this before in an E36 and I was able to successfully use the newer parts (post-1992) in an older car (pre-1991). Would it be reasonable for me to do the same for the E32?

[shogun]

Eastern Europe or bad road package. Originally it included a smaller fuel tank (higher clearance from bottom) and some spacers as shown here below. That makes about 20 mm. Also some people with very wide rear tires use it to lift the rear instead of rolling the fender edges and the install on the front lowering springs.
The Eastern Europe sus is harder and the main item is the adapter ring #5 33521091694 which gets the rear sus about 20mm higher https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=33_0533 pic https://fr.etk.club/n/33521091694/
Differences between 1988/9/90 also were different shock shaft diameters and shock mounts.
The sus experts here on the forum can tell you more details.

[supa7]

I'm very glad I asked. Thanks for the picture of the adapter. That certainly changed my mind about those adapters.

This gives me the intuition that I will be able to successfully retrofit the latest springs, shock mounts, etc. into the earlier build date for as long as I buy them as a set and mind the part numbers.