E36 suspension mods

[Ogopogo]

First of all, I'm a newbie to this board, and I do NOT want to start any arguments if this is a thoroughly beaten down issue. I'm an E21 driver, but I know diddly squat about E36's really.

I'm sort of in the market for an E36, and I'm investigating what it will cost to get the car I want. I know I can get a 325i or 328i (or maybe an "is" model) for less than an E36 M3. But if I buy a non-M car, can I upgrade the suspension with springs, shocks, swaybars and maybe adjustable top strut mounts and get an equivalent or maybe even better suspension as compared to the stock M3? I'd be getting wheels and tires to be comparable as well.

I know the engine is very different between the M and non-M... I don't care about that for now. I'm sure alot of other things are different as well.... again I don't care about that now. I'm just interested in suspension for now.

Thanks for any info

Ogo

 

[Big Daddy]

I understand what you are saying, however with the price differences of the e36 models by the time you buy a 325 or anyother model and spend the money to upgrade the suspension, tires and wheels you could have purchased an M car. Used e36 M3's can be purchased for between 8-20 thousand. NADA valuses a 97 328 only 1,000 less than an M3 from the same year, suspension will cost more than that.

But yes what you are asking can be done. By the way welcome to the board.

 

[Kirby]

You can build up an E36 suspension to be equal to, close to, or BETTER than a stock M3. It just depends on $$ and amount of work you want to do.

To get to/beyond an M3:
Rear:
- trailing arm bushings - upgrade to M3. Same fit, different part number, no need to change the trailing arm itself.
- shocks - you could replace a bunch of stuff to use M3 rear shocks/mounts, but I went with Konis and you get BETTER performance than the M3 OE. Upgrade the rear shock mounts.
- M3 rear subframe reinforcing plates - Doesn't change handling or performance but prevents tearing out the subframe mounts, the stiffer suspension could cause this problem.
- Springs

Front:
- Obviously springs and shocks as above

M3 uses a different front suspension - trailing arm, steering arm, sway bar, etc. It can be changed out, you basically would need to buy everything.

Otherwise, upgrade individual components where possible. Many racing parts are available that will out perform OE M3 parts.

Check out the following:
www.tcklineracing.com
www.bimmerworld.com
www.uucmotorwerks.com

I have bought stuff from all of these companies, they are reputable and know their stuff.

 

[Ogopogo]

BD, Kirby,
Thanks for the info. I didn't realize the M3 prices were that close to the non-M prices. I'll probably go for an M then. Thanks again!

 

[mnypit328]

I am also new here. I have a 99 328i Convertible that I paid $10500 for about 1 year ago with 62k on the clock. It was in extremely nice shape with a few more nicks and scratches than I wanted, but still very nice. I bought a comperable M3 convertible at around the same time. It was closer to $20k and the cheapest I could find at the time. So no, you cant find a nice M3 for close to equal money.

I bought the 328 first when I could not find a nice M3. I then found a nice M3 and bought it with the intentions of selling the 328. After trying to sell the 328 for months, and driving both cars about 5k I decided to sell the M3. The SOTP power was only slightly better in the M3, and handling was more what I was looking for anyway, and I figured I could make the 328 handle like the M3.

So back to your question about handling. I swapped my entire suspension with a low mileage used M3 suspension for less than $300 off eBay. Then I swapped in an M3 exhaust and rims. It handles just like the M3 now and has plenty of power. I would rather have an M3, but for the cost differance, I am happy with the 328.

Remember also that the M3 has the front swaybar that attatches to the strut instead of the LCA. Nice item to have even if you plan a KONI upgrade later.

So good luck in your search. If you can find an M3 inexpensively enough, go for it, but I couldnt.

 

[epj3]

Yea the price between 328is and M3's is very close... hence the reason I ultimately decided to go with the M3. Plus insurance on the m3 is only $50/year more.