E46 330CD suspension query

[RicoOS]

Hi all,

I'm currently loving my E46 330cd, especially now I went with the Racechip box on it. Have to say the light throttle response is night and day from stock and I cannot complain at now easily bettering 40 real MPG even whilst using the extra grunt when I want.

However I'm thinking about a suspension refresh at some point and am wondering about spring and shock options. Currently it runs Msport spec suspension and I do not want to go lower than I currently am. However likewise I do like what I hear about things like the dual rate coilover kits to give better ride quality, whilst sharpening handling. So my questions are as follows.

1.) Does not wanting to go lower blow that out of the water?
2.) If I want to maintain the current ride height, what options do I have that might help sharpen things up a bit?
3.) would simply replacing all the bushes and a fresh set of standard Msport springs and shocks tighten things up nicely?

Any info anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

[helix402]

Bilstein B6 front dampers. Vastly improved ride quality due to internal bump stops. New standard rear dampers (B6s are too hard on the rear).

Don’t forget new top mounts. I use Bimmertune rear ones as genuine BMW ones don’t last long. Re springs new genuine BMW ones will meet your needs. Not cheap though.

[E-bmw]

Fitting coilovers doesn't mean you HAVE TO lower the car.

Good quality ones will start at standard height.

[RicoOS]

E-bmw said:

Fitting coilovers doesn't mean you HAVE TO lower the car.

Good quality ones will start at standard height.

OK, thanks for the info, hence part of the reason for my question

[d_a_n1979]

E-bmw said:

Fitting coilovers doesn't mean you HAVE TO lower the car.

Good quality ones will start at standard height.

This; very much this

As a starter; personally I wouldn't go cheaper than AP coilovers; they're around 30% stiffer; but still comfy enough and will make the car handle well. Ideally you'd use all new top mounts all round (more so the front) and new drop links; but if yours are all in rude health, it's fine to reuse them

For more £££, the BS and D2 coilovers are superb and personally that's where my £££ would go. Fitted properly with the preload set, ride height set and damping rate set, a bit of corner weighting and a fast road set up; your car will handle like it's on rails and drive superbly

For AP coilovers, Venom Motorsports are usually best for prices; as for D2 coilovers, look at SPD Automotive:

http://www.venommotorsport.com/suspension/ap/coilo...

https://www.spdautomotive.co.uk/acatalog/BMW-D2-CO...

BC's: https://www.bc-racing.co.uk/applications/bmw-coilo...

However, shop around for BC coilovers as you may find cheaper prices

Hope this helps

[Aluminati]

And check the rear mounting on the subframe while your under there.

[Mark34bn]

I recently fitted Koni special active shocks to my e46 330ci. Can't recommend them enough, they're the new version of FSD's
The car rides smoother and quieter than before. I won't mention handling as I also fitted Eibach springs at the same time which will have had an effect.

[RicoOS]

One quick further question peeps.

When they list the "lowering amount" are they talking about stock suspension? If so, how much lower is a 330cd Msport than stock spec?