E36 shocks compatiblity

[cooljess76]

Front springs will fit, but the spring rates will be too stiff for the 4cyl. Rear springs will go in, but the geometry will be off and the spring rates won't even be close to correct. So to answer your question, no they won't work.

[spine911]

Originally Posted by roadrash

Others here can elaborate (and correct if necessary) but IIRC, our rear suspension is more compatible with the Z3

What would be the effect if you install Z3 1.9 (same M44 engine) OEM stock springs to the 318ti??
same..higher..lower??

i know that the Z3 springs will fit the 318ti...just wondering bout the ride height.

[tiFreak]

fronts would stay the same, the rear would sit lower though

[Bimmerella]

Ok quick question =) will e30 318 springs work on our stock suspension? thanks bunches!!!

[tiFreak]

they won't

[blkonblk]

are the z3 springs stiffer ?

[Philly]

No, i dont believe the z3 springs are any stiffer... IIRC the Ti and Z3 are identical chassis. The 2.8 Z3s would have stiffer front springs, but like jess said earlier, you dont want to be messing with spring rates if your looking for optimal handling.

for clarity of future thread readers :

ONLY E36 NON-M struts will work in the front, anything that will fit a standard E36, will fit our cars. This includes the Z3, since they also e36 front springs.
M's will work only if you get all extra parts, including spindles, etc. This is true for any non-M e36 that wants Msuspension.

ONLY E30/Z3/Z3M/Mcoupe and the like will fit in the rear.... properly that is.

Solution : Buy a set springs that are specifically listed for the Ti/Z3. Which is basically every major manufacturer. A new set of springs are >$300. Even if your only looking for stiffer springs, H&R makes an OEM replacement that provides a miniscule drop.

[blkonblk]

Much thanks to the scotian

[Bluebimma]

Originally Posted by Philly

No, i dont believe the z3 springs are any stiffer... IIRC the Ti and Z3 are identical chassis. The 2.8 Z3s would have stiffer front springs, but like jess said earlier, you dont want to be messing with spring rates if your looking for optimal handling.

for clarity of future thread readers :

ONLY E36 NON-M struts will work in the front, anything that will fit a standard E36, will fit our cars. This includes the Z3, since they also e36 front springs.
M's will work only if you get all extra parts, including spindles, etc. This is true for any non-M e36 that wants Msuspension.

ONLY E30/Z3/Z3M/Mcoupe and the like will fit in the rear.... properly that is.

Solution : Buy a set springs that are specifically listed for the Ti/Z3. Which is basically every major manufacturer. A new set of springs are >$300. Even if your only looking for stiffer springs, H&R makes an OEM replacement that provides a miniscule drop.

Please tell me youve actually tested, specd, or have proven this?

Proof above, along with alignment specs, show that the strut assembly from an M will work as well as be in proper alignment spec, as there is no alignment change built into the strut. The strut hat itself is offset, though, when properly installed, is still in spec of a 318ti sport front setup. The 1995 M3 uses center-set control arm bushings, where as the 1996+ uses offset, therefore, just installing the M assembly puts it into m3 spec which is still withing ti spec.

All non-1.9 z3s have a higher spring rate than the 1.9z and ti. The rear springs are also stiffer to accomodate the weight of the chassis, being a coupe or roadster, and the engines output.

Sport/M springs have a progressive, yet higher rate than non-m, measured as low as 180lbs up to 380lbs. Installing a z3 spring on the ti will lower the chassis dependent on which it was taken from.

[Philly]

Last research I did, which was a while ago - led me to believe you needed all the parts to do it properly and remain within reasonable specs. I was just generalizing what I last read based on struts and springs only, not hats or bushings, etc.
So your telling me M3 struts and springs will bolt right up to my other non-M parts? and still be within spec?

Please tell me youve actually tested, specd, or have proven this?

You definitly know more than i do Blue, educate me, dont get all bf's on me.

[BMW_Hatchback]

yo