E36 M3 replacement springs?

[carreauchompeur]

Afternoon all,

I've recently posted up a pic of my 1998 M3 Convertible... Week one of ownership and I've already had to spend £200 on a seized brake caliper I've still got the faint concern of having bought a dog but did so with my eyes open and for a decent price- Can't really hold a knackered caliper against the car since it does just seem to be bad luck/timing. And it is very pretty

As I thought, and priced in, before buying the car, I need to get it back to standard height- The (badly) lowered suspension is too crashy.

Does anyone have experience of Eibach springs? They don't seem to work out much more expensive than OEM replacements. I'm not too bothered about a (minor) drop, but don't want a harsh ride...

Thanks!

[duff]

Eibach are widely considered the best springs as they offer a minor drop and very slightly firmer ride. For £220 you can't go wrong.

I've got a siezed caliper too, doesn't help only being used 1-2 times a month but this is a common problem so don't worry.

Edited by duff on Friday 13th January 12:32

[carreauchompeur]

Thanks for that, might be worth a go.

Utter pillock of a previous owner cut the OEM springs, it seems. Wasn't done very long ago though so outline plan is to just replace springs unless shocks are leaking/knackered once the garage gets it up on the ramps.

I agree that £220 is a fairly keen price, fitting looks like £150 max.

Are wishbones worth doing at the same time?

[carreauchompeur]

...Oh, and I had to replace a brake caliper TWICE on my old A8 (Same one!) so I know it's just bad luck but the timing really is impeccable. Car had an MoT back in Sept and has done very minimal mileage since so I assume the shocks weren't leaking then.

I can get a set of Monroe shocks (No springs) for about £330 it seems... Not convinced whether it'll really make a difference though?

[duff]

carreauchompeur said:

Utter pillock of a previous owner cut the OEM springs, it seems.

What? I would have the shocks checked before fitting the springs if you can. Top mounts, esp rears are prone to failure and cheap to replace.

[duff]

carreauchompeur said:

I can get a set of Monroe shocks (No springs) for about £330 it seems... Not convinced whether it'll really make a difference though?

I would go for the OEM Sachs units, these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-M3-3-0-3-2-EVO-FRONT...

If you're changing the springs and as the shocks may well have been damaged, I'd get the lot done, funds permitting of course! That and top mounts, perhaps RTABs, will transform the car from it's current condition.

[carreauchompeur]

I think the above might be somewhat over budget... £195 a corner!

[E30M3SE]

From reading that it looks like a front and rear for £195.

[duff]

That's per side, so a front and rear shock. £390 for the full set so not too bad really.

I've changed rears twice, no visible signs of leaks and would pass an MOT but when removed from the car they were clearly shot.

[carreauchompeur]

Ah, I see- That's slightly more reasonable! Seems an odd way of pricing them though, thought you generally replaced either both front or both back... Are Sachs the OEM then? I did hear that Boge were.

[duff]

Sachs and Boge are the same the same outfit I believe.

[TEKNOPUG]

I'd look to replace the lot; springs, shocks, mounts etc. If you are paying someone else, then you'll have to pay twice if you get the shocks done later on. Will transform the car, whereas new springs and worn shocks will still produce an unpleasant ride.

The rear suspension is really easier to do yourself, Just jack up and support the rear. Swapping the units is a doddle. Front can be a little bit more involved if nuts/bolts are seized.

[Honestherbert]

I think if doing shocks and springs at those prices you are getting to the point financially where you may aswell just buy a set of coilovers! then you can have them fitted and set up to remove the awful understeer characteristics that bmw seem to have encouraged!

The hsd hr ones Driftworks sell are around £750 iirc

[duff]

I don't think you need coilovers unless you're going to track it, in which case I'd suggest a Convertible isn't the ideal candidate

[carreauchompeur]

Right folks, thanks for the help- And thanks very much for the PM, Duff!

I think I've settled on a decent setup, EuroCarParts currently have 25pc off suspension units, making a full set of Sachs dampers (OEM) around £360.

I simply can't find new OEM springs other than from BMW (IE megabucks)- Euro Car Parts don't stock them, and GSF only have the rear ones!

Therefore the compromise on springs is Eibach- £230 for a set, although I'm hoping to talk the local ECP branch into a cheeky deal.

I gather the Eibachs aren't toooo hard? Really want a near-OEM setup. I'm hoping that this will completely transform the handling