BMW E36 Forum

Time to talk performance guys

I'm ready to swap out my beat up stock springs and shocks for something a little newer and sportier. There's a catch though. Since I live in good ol' Vermont lowering my car is not an option

So I got two questions for you other E36 lovers out there:

1) What do you recommend for a good aftermarket suspension upgrade that isn't too harsh for daily driving?

2) What good options are out there that WON'T lower my ride?

(Trying not to spend more than $1k on a package.)

Bilstein B6 or B8 on stock springs... B8 will be a little stiffer!!

From what I've been reading in forums it sounds like the Bilsteins are a pretty stiff ride.

I have a friend back in Jersey that has an AC Schnitzer sport sping/damper system that he offered me for well under market price(brand new). I'm going to check it out when I go home for the holidays. He said its height adjustable from -.5 to -2.5 inches, which fits my needs pretty nicely.

I havent seen any reviews for the AC Schnitzer kit yet though, just from what my buddy has told me. I mean I would usual trust my boy, but him AND his dad both have e36 M3s and I can't help but wonder why they haven't installed this kit in on of their rides yet I'll have to inquire when I see them...

Anyone else have any input/experience with this kit?

Hey guys,

Bought the AC Schnitzer kit off my buddy, and had him install it for me while I was home for the holidays. Just thought I'd do a follow up and bring some closure to this thread.

So the kit wasn't exactly what I was expecting... its not height adjustable, and the shocks are actually Bilstein's that AC re-valved to work with their springs. They were also slightly used (less than 500 miles), but my stock setup had to go and the price was right so I went for it.

Ended up dropping my car by about two inches! But once I took it for a spin I didn't even care. The turn-in response is amazing, body roll is virtually nonexistent, and the ride quality is VERY livable. As much as I didn't want to lower my ride, the stance is much more aggressive and I can't help but love it. I just gotta tip toe around town from now on, and watch out for the curbs!

I really want it to be summer time though so I can slap on my 17s and get down to some autocross events. I can't wait!

Oh, and BTW my friend and his dad didn't install this upgrade on one of their M3s because they both plan on selling them and putting a down payment on a Ferrari. We'll see how that goes... and in the meantime I will continue to buy all their uninstalled upgrades off em.

[img]http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1943/218/11/1179206518/n1179206518_305150_5706.jpg[/img]
F355, F512, Quattroporte, E36

I'm glad that you liked the upgrade. Lowering a BMW is one of the best mods that you can do for both looks & handling IMAHO

For a non-lowered look on stock springs, you could use the Bilstein HD's. So far great ride.