***Update - Decided to go with OEM style Dinan Spring/Sachs Combo. Review and Before/After is on Post #24***
I know this topic had been beat to death over the years, but what I've read just has me more undecided. I'm hoping to get some feedback/consensus on a good street suspension for the E36 in 2022. It seems like we have a good group here with a passion for these cars and keeping them in optimal shape, which is a great resource.
Current setup:
Car is a '97 M3 with GC track/school kit that have run for almost 15 years(!), so definitely due for a refresh/change. Spring Rates are 425/500, with UUC sway bars (I believe 26mm front, 24mm rear).
Looking for:
Car is too stiff - I want a relatively comfortable ride on the street while being able to still lower the car around 1" and control the height - so coil-over preference. Car is only driven occasionally on weekends, but I want to be able to go on extended spirited drives without having a sore back haha.
Price:
I'm not young anymore or pinching pennies, so I don't mind shelling out $4-5K for a premium damper setup like MCS, but only if its really worth it in terms of ride quality. But if something half the price gets me 95% there, I will probably lean that way because that last 5% is probably only something a pro-driver would notice.
Setups I'm currently considering:
1. TCK S/A or D/A with 300/400 springs - Not a fan of my current Koni's so I'm worried this will be more of the same.
2. Bilstein PSS9 - Superior monotube dampers, progressive springs for the street. I'm worried these may be too stiff based on spring rates.
3. MCS 1 or 2 ways with softer spring set up, helper springs/weight jacks/torrington bearings to minimize noise.
4. Stock style spring strut setup like Dinan - may not get the ride height I want.
5. FCM Elite - Relatively local shop, really like flat ride and engineering the whole system to work together. For me the aggressive push I've seen online and upfront cost just for a consultation makes me apprehensive. I'm the type of customer that is instantly turned off by this. A good product is a good product and I will pay for it, I don't need to be sold on it (okay getting off my soap box lol).
Let me know your thoughts/suggestions. I plan on talking to shops like bimmerworld and vorshlag, but I'm not sure if their suggestions will be more track-based than street. I'm hoping to get some input from drivers with similar goals.
I know this topic had been beat to death over the years, but what I've read just has me more undecided. I'm hoping to get some feedback/consensus on a good street suspension for the E36 in 2022. It seems like we have a good group here with a passion for these cars and keeping them in optimal shape, which is a great resource.
Current setup:
Car is a '97 M3 with GC track/school kit that have run for almost 15 years(!), so definitely due for a refresh/change. Spring Rates are 425/500, with UUC sway bars (I believe 26mm front, 24mm rear).
Looking for:
Car is too stiff - I want a relatively comfortable ride on the street while being able to still lower the car around 1" and control the height - so coil-over preference. Car is only driven occasionally on weekends, but I want to be able to go on extended spirited drives without having a sore back haha.
Price:
I'm not young anymore or pinching pennies, so I don't mind shelling out $4-5K for a premium damper setup like MCS, but only if its really worth it in terms of ride quality. But if something half the price gets me 95% there, I will probably lean that way because that last 5% is probably only something a pro-driver would notice.
Setups I'm currently considering:
1. TCK S/A or D/A with 300/400 springs - Not a fan of my current Koni's so I'm worried this will be more of the same.
2. Bilstein PSS9 - Superior monotube dampers, progressive springs for the street. I'm worried these may be too stiff based on spring rates.
3. MCS 1 or 2 ways with softer spring set up, helper springs/weight jacks/torrington bearings to minimize noise.
4. Stock style spring strut setup like Dinan - may not get the ride height I want.
5. FCM Elite - Relatively local shop, really like flat ride and engineering the whole system to work together. For me the aggressive push I've seen online and upfront cost just for a consultation makes me apprehensive. I'm the type of customer that is instantly turned off by this. A good product is a good product and I will pay for it, I don't need to be sold on it (okay getting off my soap box lol).
Let me know your thoughts/suggestions. I plan on talking to shops like bimmerworld and vorshlag, but I'm not sure if their suggestions will be more track-based than street. I'm hoping to get some input from drivers with similar goals.
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