From digest.v4.n818 Mon Jul 8 17:09:57 1996
From: "Carl Buckland" <buckland_at_xmission.com>
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 17:57:29 +0000
Subject: E36 M3 springs

I will be purchasing springs to upgrade my E36 M3. I'd like to hear from folks who have upgraded the springs but kept the original shocks as I have heard that for occassional autocross/schools the shocks are sufficient with stiffer springs. I am considering the Eibachs and H&R. I also have racing dynamics sway bars.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

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Dear Drivers with stock setups,

I have experimented with several setups, and think that one of the best after market combos is:

H&R 2910 M3 springs slightly stiffer than stock, lower front 1.5

                                        inches, and rear .75 to1 inch
Bilstein sport shocks      to replace to too soft stock rear shocks
Koni adjustable struts     send your stock struts to TC Kline for  
                                        a conversion

Here are the spring rates for the springs:

                              front                            rear   
 stock     95to 120lbs, over a 6"range   335 lbs
H&R      200 lbs, 1.5" drop                 380 lbs,1" drop
H&R
coilover 340lbs,.75 to 2" drop            380 lbs,1" drop

You may want to go with the rear Koni's as well. I have no experience with them. Bilstein does not yet make a front strut, although a few tuners have been able to make a conversion.

The Racing Dynamics sways that you already have are perfect if they are 27mm and 22mm. Set them soft for a start.

I am going to be installing an H&R coilover system this week, but I must say that my previous system (above) worked so well that I hate to take it off!

This is, of course, only my opinion. I would hope that you would also consider other options. Many of our fellow M3 drivers like the Dinan Stage 3 or 4 very much. Some think that it is more "street oriented." I don't know.

Also, don't forget to get some negative camber! The camber plates offered by Dinan seem good, giving 2 degrees (stage 2 or 3), or 3.5 degrees(stage 4. Very radical, and tire wear is guarenteed). I just use shims, and can get 3 degrees.

Regards,

Carl

Carl Buckland
1000 Boston Bldg
Nine Exchange Place
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
801-531-6686
Fax 531-6690
E Mail buckland_at_xmission.com