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Suspension Springs, sway bars, shocks.

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Old 12-25-2015, 02:08 AM   #1
Aceafflictus
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Default So I need new shocks and struts on my 1996 BMW 318ti. What should I do?

Hello. I bought a 96 318ti. I have done a little work to it and after I do the shocks and stuts, it should ride like a beauty. Anyways, so far, me and my dad have replaced the rotors and the drivers side control arm. The ball joints were really bad on the drivers side and it was loose. This caused a humongous awful vibration sound. So, we fixed it up and now we don't have the noise anymore. But, the shocks and struts do need to be replaced. They are nearly 20 years old, worn out, and it rides pretty rough. So, I did want to replace them. I want to put quality parts into it. I heard Bilsteins were the best, but I am not sure if I should get them?

I was interested in a shock/strut that is good for daily driving, but it still has the ability to handle sporty driving. I was thinking about putting M3 struts and shocks in there, because I have heard how comfortable it is to drive one daily and how well they handle too. But I don't know if M3 stuts and shocks would fit. Or should I just get upgraded Bilstein shocks and struts made specifically for the 318ti?
Thanks.
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Old 12-25-2015, 06:12 PM   #2
Dr Shuffles
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I put Bilstein Sport shocks and H&R Sport springs on mine, and I'm very happy with the result. Slightly lower and slightly stiffer than stock, but still reasonable for normal driving.

If you get M3 shocks, I think you'll also have to replace a few fiddly bits like the control arm bushings and the front sway bar links. Also, the M3 shocks/springs are designed to hold up the weight of the M3 motor, which is almost twice the size of ours - so your front end might be a little high. I'm sure you can make it work, but there's already a good selection of high-quality direct-fit after-market shocks, so I don't see the point.
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Old 12-25-2015, 06:22 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr Shuffles View Post
I put Bilstein Sport shocks and H&R Sport springs on mine, and I'm very happy with the result. Slightly lower and slightly stiffer than stock, but still reasonable for normal driving.

If you get M3 shocks, I think you'll also have to replace a few fiddly bits like the control arm bushings and the front sway bar links. Also, the M3 shocks/springs are designed to hold up the weight of the M3 motor, which is almost twice the size of ours - so your front end might be a little high. I'm sure you can make it work, but there's already a good selection of high-quality direct-fit after-market shocks, so I don't see the point.
Alright. Thanks and Merry Christmas. I will be getting Bilsteins.
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Old 12-26-2015, 03:43 AM   #4
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If you don't want to go to the expense of replacing the springs, Bilstein HD shocks are the ones you want to use with your OEM springs. HD's and Sports are valved the same and are about 20% stiffer that stock shocks. I like the HD's a lot with my stock springs. Do not put Sport Bilsteins with stock shocks, nor HD's with lowered springs.
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Old 12-28-2015, 09:50 PM   #5
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If you're sticking with stock springs (or even if you're upgrading to a sport spring) go with Koni yellows. They are dampening adjustable and offer a better ride than Bilstien Sports or HD's when dialed down. They are also the hands down favorite for most autocrossers.
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Old 12-30-2015, 02:03 PM   #6
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Koni Yellows? Is there any other model name with those? I'm looking for shocks too.
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Old 01-03-2016, 07:11 PM   #7
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Koni Yellows? Is there any other model name with those? I'm looking for shocks too.
I have pre-assembled quite a few suspensions for Z3 folks and a couple for our ti's. My preference is the Koni's. It looks like Koni is only showing rear shocks for the ti chassis right now but I would not let that stop you. I would probably use front Koni's intended for the 1.9 Z3 and the rear shocks for the ti.

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Old 01-03-2016, 10:53 PM   #8
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id go with konis, they're great.
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