Z3 spring on the TI

[tborr2]

I was just wondering if the springs from a 2.8L z3 will work on the TI shocks? (front and rear)
thanks
Greg

[Budget M3]

Greg--

The Z3 2.8 springs will only fit on 2.8 struts up front, so they will not fit the stock ti struts. The rears might fit (not sure about this), but even if they did I would not recommend running a mixed setup unless you replace the ti struts up front to accommodate the 2.8 springs. If you are looking for an economical suspension upgrade with an engine replacement, check out the weight of your 6-cylinder engine before spending the $$$ for the 6-cyl springs and shocks...if there is not a lot of weight difference, you can probably just stick with the basic ti suspension and upgrade to Koni, Bilstein, H&R, etc. (note the later all-aluminum 2.8's like that in the Z3 only weigh about 50lbs more than a stock iron block 1.8 or 1.9l 4-cyl in the ti)

[1996 328ti]

I ended up installing 323ti sport springs to retain as close to a stock setup as posisble.

[tborr2]

actually i have the bilstein touring shocks all the way around with bav auto lowering springs. when i looked up the shocks for the 318 and the 325 they are the same part #. the only thing i need to change is the springs upfront but its hard to find a pair of just front bav auto springs for a 325. so thats why i was thinking just sell my TI springs and swap them out with a set of z3 springs all the way around. will this work or no?

steve- where would i be able to find aftermarket springs for the 323ti?

Thanks guys
Greg

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by tborr2

steve- where would i be able to find aftermarket springs for the 323ti?

Not aftermarket.
They were special ordered from BMW. They fit the E36 323ti.

31-33-1-090-769 front (2 required)
33-53-9-059-280 rear (set of 2)

[318tibimmer]

I used some H&R's for a 328is... I was the Stage2 like a 2.25" in the front and like 2" in the back. They were some take offs that I found picked up the whole set for $75. The guy that had the 328is couldn't get it aligned so he went back to stock. You may just call arround to some BMW shops. I know that here in Denver there is a place called Bimmer House that Does all kinds of Aftermarket stuff. You may look for one in your area. Just a thought.

[tborr2]

318tibimmer- did you use 328 springs all the way around? so I can just use springs from any e36 front and back? I mean I know the fronts are interchangable, but will the backs work too? Thanks
Greg

[J!m]

Hey, Steve:How do you like that set up with the 2.3 springs? I went a bit more aggressive with my set up and am verry happy with it. I assume you ran with the Bilsteins?

Just curious...

[1996 328ti]

I have a set of worn Koni adjustables too.
When I bought the car almost 4 years ago it had a set of H&Rs that I loved!
The car drove like it was on rails. At the track I knew I suddenly did not become a better driver from my 98 4 banger with sport suspension to the 96 328ti with H&Rs. I ended up removing them until I could drive the limits of a stock suspension. The 2.3 springs were as close to stock as I could go. Yes, I like the 2.3 springs. I'd probably like a set of H&R Sports too.

The car feels very well balanced. A good driver drove it on the skid pad and was impressed. So was I. I could use a bigger sway on the rear though.

A big disadvantage with the car being lowered was that it was difficult to drive on the street. Since the car is also a daily driver I needed to compromise. The 2.3 springs is working for me.

[J!m]

Very cool.

I'm pleased with my ride and height, as I too drive on the street (mainly).

The ride is quite stiff- but not abusive. I had a bad sway bar end link that added a bit of noise to the front end (making the ride seem more harsh than it actually was. Funny how that works...

I would say the ride height is exactly where it was when I took delivery of the car now.

The splitter takes about 1.25 inches of front clearance, so I can't realistically go any lower (but it would LOOK cool- until I ripped the front end off my car...).

[318tibimmer]

tborr2 - Yes you should be able to use the springs from any E36 BMW. On the newer springs they are just stiffer (more coils) but they fit exactly, there was no size difference.

[Budget M3]

Looks like I was wrong that the 2.8 springs would fit the ti struts...mea culpa. However, even though they might fit and provide stiffer/lower ride, I'd still question why anyone would want to do this. One of the reasons we love our BMWs so much is the ENGINEERING that goes into them. The springs are just part of a complete package that includes considerations like the weight of your engine, other suspension settings like caster, camber and toe (some of which are permanently set during production and not adjustable without additional new parts). Most of the reputable aftermarket tuners (H&R, Schnitzer, etc.) also engineer their spring rates so that they can meet the stringent German govt TUV standards associated with a specific model of car. Unless you've got a 6-cylinder and the extra weight associated with it like Steve S...IMHO, I'd spend a couple extra bucks for a well engineered set (~$150-200) rather than a used set of Z3 springs ($~75).

No flames please...just another point of view

[m3rty98]

just install some 318is springs. they fit and both cars have the same motor. Just intalled some on my car and they fit great. Just wished I bought some stiffer spring but theyll adjust in about a week.

[tborr2]

The reason I need the springs for the 6 cylinder is because I am putting a m50 engine in the ti. But I dont want stock springs. I want it to be lowered. But as long as the front and back springs are all interchangeable I am probably going with some H&R's for a 325/328 all the way around.
Thanks guys
Greg