Vmaxx Coilovers $649

[ATF]

Hey all, I need new rear shocks so I thought why not just upgrade.

My friend who is a VDub Enthusiast said to look for VMaxx coilovers, apparently theyre the most known in the VW forums and highly rated, but I hadn't heard of such a company for BMW's. He referred me to http://www.stratmosphere.com/vmaxx.htm which I then e-mailed about a 318ti suspension and he told me that the Z3 Roadster/Coupe Coilover Suspension they have for $649 will fit the ti.

First I'd like to hear what you guys have to say about VMaxx, and secondly I'd like to know if he's actually correct, in where the Z3 suspension will indeed fit the ti. Comparing Bilstein part numbers and the ti having E30 rear suspension, the part numbers don't match between the Bilstein Z3 and ti Sport Rear Shocks, say it ain't so!

The sooner the better so I can get on the ball for replacing my dying shocks. Thanks very much guys
-Nick

[cooljess76]

I'm running H&R race springs from a 4cyl Z3 Roadster with no problems. Not sure about the rear shocks, but the springs fit fine. I was thinking about getting Z3 front struts, but I noticed the part numbers were different between the 4cyl Z3 and the 318ti. So I did some research and found that the kingpins(lower strut mounts) shared the same part number. Which means that the Z3 struts will fit, but I think they're slightly shorter, meaning the spring perch sits lower on the strut body. I'm assuming that the rears might be shorter as well. But since they're coilovers, it doesn't matter because you could just adjust them. I'd try them out, If they don't fit just send them back, but they should fit fine.

[cooljess76]

If you want to find out for sure, just go to the dealership and ask to see a shock&strut from a 1.9L Z3 and for a 318ti. Compare the two and let me know what you find:biggrin:

I know for sure that the mounts are the same(lower and upper) but I'm not sure on overall length.

[ATF]

If you want to find out for sure, just go to the dealership and ask to see a shock&strut from a 1.9L Z3 and for a 318ti. Compare the two and let me know what you find:biggrin:

I know for sure that the mounts are the same(lower and upper) but I'm not sure on overall length.

That'd be an awesome idea, except when they quoted me $600 to replace both rear shocks, they also told me they'd have to order them, big ol fancy 30 or so lifts, but not one damn ti rear shock in the place.

Anyone else have a clue?

[mohaughn]

They are indeed the same. If you are going for a stock ride/appearance there may be differences in the valving of the shocks and the spring rate, but for an aftermarket kit that is going with stiffer than stock springs and height adjustment it is all the same.

[AlaskaBlue]

That'd be an awesome idea, except when they quoted me $600 to replace both rear shocks, they also told me they'd have to order them, big ol fancy 30 or so lifts, but not one damn ti rear shock in the place.

Anyone else have a clue?


Try and find a good independent place. Don't ever go to the dealer unless you want to pay waaaaay too much.:eek:

I have always seen and heard that the ti and z3s could be interchanged in the rear.

[ATF]

Try and find a good independent place. Don't ever go to the dealer unless you want to pay waaaaay too much.:eek:

I have always seen and heard that the ti and z3s could be interchanged in the rear.

I think I was afraid to go to a good independent place. I just had them do their "Safety Inspection" which checks all the belts, fluids and brakes etc. and diag the rattle coming from the rear (which turned out to be the shocks). They charged for an hour and a half for labor (117 an hour). My parents have always gone to the dealer and we've never really relied on other places do work unless it was autobody stuff through insurance. This will all change when you guys recommend me good places near Boston hahah :biggrin: Now that I know everything is all set, I plan on doing a lot of the maintenance myself.

Anyways, back to the coil overs.

His original e-mail to my question

I have it in stock. $649. Same as the Z3 kit.

-Pete, Stratmosphere. 1.866.533.1777

and his reply to my questioning of the Z3 application on the ti (and any refund if necessary)

I would give you full credit. The V-Maxx application list is clear on this
one. I believe you will be dialed.

-Pete

So when my daddio gets back it's time to charge it up to his AMEX. If it doesn't work, I'm in the clear for a full refund :cool:

[96cali]

I'm running H&R race springs from a 4cyl Z3 Roadster with no problems.

The Stramosphere kit might be for 6cyl since they never made a 1.9 Coupe fo rthe US. It will fit but might be rated for a slightly heavier engine but the z3 M52TU28 is only a little heavier than the M44.

[ATF]

I chickened out. Everyone over on the VWVortex boards have mixed feelings about it because theyre relatively new on the US side of the pond. Some of them complain that they make noise and well they have a 2 year warranty, versus the Bilstein Lifetime limited. I cant afford to replace my suspension after 2 years, so I've decided to go with Bilstein's BTS System for $656.05 shipped from Bimmerparts.com and I picked up Understeer's E36 Suspension install kit that has E46 M3 Rear Shock Mounts, M-Roadster Rear Shock Mount Reinforcement plates, Rear shock mount gaskets, 3.2L M3 Front Shock Tower Reinforcement Plates, front strut bearing gaskets 10 lock nuts and some other junk for $110 shipped.