Suspension Upgrade FAQ - READ THIS BEFORE POSTING!
 

Time for another FAQ thread, this time for suspension upgrades. Post everything you know or every wondered in this thread and I'll consolidate it. I'll start the list with some ideas, post your suggestions.

Official 318ti Suspension FAQ Thread.

This thread will be dedicated to frequently asked questions related to 318ti suspension components. Please post your questions here, and I'll combine all the questions and answers and keep them at the top of the thread.

Who makes front control arm bushings?
- The 1995 m3 bushings are offset and solid.
- The 1996+ m3 bushing are solid but not offset.
- Tree House Racing: Offset, urethane, Pre-Pressed(Big Plus for DiY types)
- Ground Control LCA bushing, Offset, Delrin encased in metal,
- Ireland Eng, offset, urethane

What about ball joints?
The OEM ball joints are soft and don't last long on lowered cars. The Meyle solid metal ball joints are much better. They can be purchased seperately or pre-pressed into the control arms. The pre-pressed solution is an easier install.

What about control arms?
- See above for the Meyle control arm/ball joint combo.
- e30 m3 aluminum control arms work too, but recommended replacement is every 2 years or X track days.

Who makes front camber correction kits?
- KMAC
- eibach
- bimmerworld
- TcKline

Who makes rear camber correction kits?
- Ireland Engineer makes a weld-on kit.
- eibach
- OEM BMW???(need confirmation)
- KMAC

Who makes rear trailing arm bushings (RTAB)?
- Ireland Engineer
- Powerflex

Who makes and what size sway bars should I use?
- 318ti stock sways (non-sport) 25mm front, 14mm rear
- HR
- Turner MotorSports
- BMW OE Club Sport (26mm front, 16mm rear)
- Racing Dynamics
- Europe Only Eibach(need this confirmed)
- AC Schnitzer(used to, not sure if it still made)
- eibach

Who makes rear shock mounts (RSMs)?
- Ground control (urethane)
- e46 m3 cabrio RSMs
- Koala Motorsports (koalamotorsports.com)
- TcKline- Buna rubber or solid spherical for race applications

Who makes sport suspension kits? Race kits?
- BILSTEIN
- KW
- KONI
- H&R
- WEITEC
- FK Automotice
- TcKline, two levels of coilovers

Who makes rear subframe bushings?
- Powerflex
- Ireland Engineering: either in race or street versions, call IE to order the race version. There is a difference between the Z3/Ti rear subframe bushings and E30 rear subframe bushings.

Who makes differential bushings?
- Powerflex, street or race versions

What is the x-brace? Where do I get it?
The "x-brace" is a cross reinforment brace that helps to connect the front crossmember to the front subframe rails. It is stock on all E36 convertibles (including Z3's) and the '95 M3 LTW. Although it was not stock on the E36 coupe, sedans and compacts it does improve chassis rigidity and handling if added... -courtesy of understeer.com


What kind of suspension should I go with if I just want a smooth ride?
- If you are on a budget, go with the HR sport springs or the BavAuto Sport springs. You'll need to run a shorter strut/shock too. I recommend the Bilstein sports.
- Bilsteins or Konis with the factory Mtech sport springs is another good combination, although not as much drop as the above listed combination.

Links for more information:

- Great link- http://e30m3performance.com/tech_art...tech/index.htm has a lot of good information on the E30 rear suspension

- Changes to suspension and the effect of that change- http://www.wtrscca.org/tech.htm

This is going well. Anything else that needs to be added? I guess I can put links to the specific manufactures too.

Does anyone have any useful links that are e30 rear or e36 front suspension specific? My some how-to articles, or suspension explanations?

THANK YOU to everyone that has posted so far.

Can someone help me with this one???

On your suspension faq, you mention using Bilsteins with the M-Technik sport suspension for 'comfort.'
Which Bilsteins fit the bill? Sport? HD?

I wanna say HD cause Panzer_M has HD on his clubsport.

The German Eibach website lists the swaybar kit as no longer available. For posterity, the part number is E2044-320.
Ground Control makes a front camber plate.
Powerflex makes centered and offset front control arm bushings. They are very easy to install.

It should be said that the `96-`99 M3 LCAB's are specifically for those year control arms while the E30 M3/`95 M3 LCAB's work in the normal 3-series/M3 control arms. Some people will buy the E30 M3 control arms since they are aluminum but they are double the cost and supposedly need to be replaced sooner.

Useful information about suspension:

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22024

How to suspension overhall (Andyman):
(looks to be a good DIY)

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=9262

The link someone else posted at the bottom:
(DIY with pictures)

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ght=suspension

Some camber/toe info:

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...spension+specs

Opinions on BAV springs:

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...light=fcuk+bav

Info on changing tire sizes:

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...ht=wheel+sizes

great thread... hopefully will be doing about 3/4 of this in the next 2 months!

See my post here about shock valving and common misnomers when selecting which shocks to go with depending on application. The "which shock should I buy" is way too common.

http://318ti.org/forum/showpost.php?...42&postcount=9

Maybe I missed it, but was there any info on E36/M3 suspension parts compatability? Rear has to be from MZ3, but what about front suspension? I have an entire front suspension, brakes, etc from a E36 M3 sedan.

they will fit but the springs and shocks will be rated for the heavier 6-cyl. engine and you'll probably raise the front and make it handle worse

The car will not sit any higher than the E36 m3 which is comparable to stock sport on the ti, and handling is great compared to stock.

Thanks for the response. A bit late on mine :biggrin:
As you know, I'm slowly working on my swap.
- S52 and 5 speed swap from a M3 sedan is in progress. M44 is removed, engine area is clean, and most parts needed from J!m's manual have been ordered.
- As I mentioned earlier, I have the entire front end to the same sedan.
- If I swap the stock M3 springs, struts, front brakes, and stab bar, do I need to add H&R springs/Billy's in order to have a safe, good performing suspension?
Reason I'm asking...I read earlier that if I swap the M3 front suspension into the M44 powered compact, then the front might sit too high. But I do not know what to expect if I swap the same supension, but with a S52/tranny now in place of the M44/stock tranny.

Maybe I'm just nukin my dilema, but it just seems like its going to be easier to swap out the suspension now that there is no engine in the way, then after I'm done with the engine swap.

Thanks again.
-SB

As per Jim's manual, he recommends an M3 front suspensions set up, including the springs up front to carry the extra weight of the S52. That is exactly what I am doing on my swap.
Rear? I am not sure what would be compatible with M3 front springs. Eibach? H&Rs? Stock sport springs? I don't even know if I can use E30 spring. I have a set of ST sport springs for an E30. Will they work?

I know Dusten is no longer with us but I'm sure you other guys can clue me in...

I have a set of 1999 M3 control arms. The outer ball joint threads (the one that goes to the king pin) are fubar'd. I don't think they can be saved plus I'd like to upgrade to solid (I guess meyle unless there is better).

My question is can the ball joint be replaced as I'm not sure if the 1996+ CA allows this or is it the before 1996 CA's?

If I can't replace them, then I'll get new CA's. Anyone have a link to a good buy on CA's with solid ball joints already pressed in? I'm only finding sets that are $200+ each.....


Taken from a PelicanParts tech article;


"Because the inner ball joint is integrated into the control arm, you must purchase a new control arm if you wish to replace the ball joint. On non-M3 E36 cars, the outer ball joint is replaceable."


So do I assume the e36 M3 outer ball joint is not replaceable?

koni bilstien part numbers
 

Thanks to familytrucker who inspired me to search part numbers in the 2011 catalog for Koni and Bilstein. these are the part numbers for the 318ti and the other applications they apply to as well. the bilstein sports for the front of '99 328is is interesting.


Bilstien Sports 95-99 318Ti
Front Left 35-044024 Front right 35-044031
6/92-97/8 318i/s
6/92-95 325i/s
96-99 328i/s
99-02 z3 coupe
96-02 z3 roadster


Rear 24-020275
88-91 M3
85-91 all e30


Koni Sports 94-99 318ti
Fr Left 8741-1247Lsport / Fr Right 8741-1247Rsport
92-99 318 including M-technik

Rear 80-2522Sport
Rear excl. M-technik
all e30, (M3 80-2522spi), except 89-91 318i and 325i with M-tech

Quick one folks...

Planning on using E36 M3 struts (gutted with new Koni Sport inserts) in the front of my TI.
Do I have to use the M3 front brakes (rotors; caliper; caliper carrier; sensor)?

My stock TI rotors, pads, and SS lines are pretty new. Just trying to save some $$$ and not buy M3 rotors; pads; sensor.
Thanks.

The M3 housing itself should bolt the Ti knuckle, I think it has been a while.

The M3 knuckle/hub is offset so you have to run all the M3 frontend together to get the steering angles all correct.

The M3 strut insert fits in the Ti strut housing...
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=33746

The 1995 M3 springs fit in the Ti housings.

Cool! I did not know I could gut the 318ti struts and use the M3 inserts! That way I can use the 318ti suspension until I have enough $ to overhaul and install the complete M3 suspension.
Thanks!

Possible to add information on the Z3M trailing arms and what they do to the rear width of the car? As I understand it, the rear subframe beam is the same dimensions as the TI one, though the Z3M is supposed to be a stronger unit.

I've changed out my front control arms to E46 ones and the car will be getting some fender flares, just wondering if going to the Z3M trailing arms might end up being a good match width wise...in addition to getting better brakes on the back too.

Thanks!

Dave

Not much of a difference
 

When I installed the M roadster rear subframe in my ti, I had them both side by side. I measured both and the difference was negligible. The M subframe was beefier, control arms, axles brakes were all substantially larger but the distance between the mounting faces of the rotors was very close. You can have a much bigger variation because of wheel offsets than subframe differences.

H&R e36 m3 springs fit 318ti?
 

Hey guys, I found some e36 m3 H&R race springs on CL for sale and I was wondering if they'd work in the TI? I know I'll end up having to get struts or face blowing the stock ones, but I just want to be sure that the springs will fit in the front and rear. I've gotten mixed replies from people when I ask :confused: Sorry if this has been asked before but I couldn't find a clean answer. Thanks! If the springs fit I'll be picking them up Saturday.

The HD's I have on my base model, non-sport suspension are more firm than oem, but very comfortable.

Physical fit does not mean it will work. An M3 has a heavier front than a ti. And the rear of a ti is like an E30. It may be even close in weight. The E36 rear and coupe is heavier out back.
I am using M3 front springs and struts. But again, I have an S52 in my ti. I have E30 sport springs in the back.

Okay thanks for explaining it, I'll probably hold off on it then and just get springs that are made for the car specs.

Okay guys so I went and bought the e36 m3 H&R race springs today, I know it's not some say it's not a good idea to put them on a 318ti but I got them very cheap. I tried every method I know to get the bolts off of the strut but cant. The only thing I can think of is using an impact gun, but I don't have one of those right now. Can anyone give me some suggestions on what's worked for you when you need to get bolts off that don't want to come off? Thanks guys, loving this forum already been reading a bunch every night in multiple different sections.

cheater bar
impact

okay I'll give those a try

hey all, would you recommend this KW coilover kit? dont wanna buy crap... but need to upgrade suspension as im getting an s52 put in my ti soon

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-11...variant-1.aspx

Just a quick question, when replacing suspension and control arms/away bar links/tie rods, do you need to replace the hubs as well? I had an e30 where this was the case, just want to make sure before I get all set up and don't have new hubs.

Thanks in advance!

Will m3 evo sway bars / anti roll bars fit? The front one is a different shape but same mounting points and the rear is 22mm and has more curves etc. Thinking with the rear for sure will be significant upgrade from 14mm?

E30 M3 Evo's were 14.5mm if I remember correctly. They changed the spring rates and the shock rates for the Evo's.

BMW E36 M3 3.2 evo rear anti roll bar is 22mm?

Might be, That I have no idea on, but Traditional e36 have different suspension than Compacts and Z3's.

What a difference the m3 sway bar makes to the rear would recommend the work. Needed to move arb brackets over by the width of the bracket each side and weld up then the bar bolted straight up, much tighter back end feel now.

What a difference the m3 sway bar makes to the rear would recommend the work. Needed to move arb brackets over by the width of the bracket each side and weld up then the bar bolted straight up, much tighter back end feel now.

I'm a little late to the party on this but H&R makes a 21mm rear bar and Dinan has a 22mm rear bar... both adjustable. No mount modification required. That would have been an easier way to go but congrats on your innovation.

Got bargain price on m3 e36 front and rear bars so worth the saving

Ireland Engineering carries Delrin centered and offset bushings, they do not have urethane bushings currently. I carry centered urethane bushings and 100% solid rubber lower control arm bushings (M3 bushings are not totally solid) when I can get them in stock. I sell the urethane, delrin, and every stock bushing pre-pressed into new backets for easy install.

E36 M3 arms will also work and have better ball joints.

I do not suggest bolting the sway bar to the E30 M3 aluminum arms as they were not designed for that. E30 M3 arms should be used in conjunction with strut mounted sway bar links.

Ireland also makes 2 different camber kits for the E36. There are also several fixed camber plate solutions from Turner, Dinan, and using the OEM 96-99 E36 M3 mounts (spring clearance may be an issue with the M3 mounts).

Club Sport bars are the same as Sport Package bars.

Dinan also makes bars. 27mm front and 22mm rear.

Z3 M Coupe rear bar is a great upgrade for a non-coil over car. 19mm

Ireland makes billet/urethane rear shock mounts that work great and they come with reinforcement plates. You can also upgrade to factory E46 M3 rear shock mounts with factory reinforcement plates from the Z3.

I believe Turner carries delrin mounts. Ireland also has urethane mounts. For mixed street/track use I prefer OE solid rubber or OE MZ3 mounts. They transfer MUCH less noise and stress.

Did you install the front bar as well?