Although this topic has been covered many times i would like to voice my current situations and options.
I have recently purchased a manual 328i e36 msport coupe. After changing springs i found that all but one shocks are pretty much poked
My original plan was to buy Bilstein B8 shocks and purchase springs down the line to end up with a quality suspension setup and not require a LVV cert and will great on the road and the occasional track day.
Since i have discovered that my car is actually not factory manual transmission. After checking the VIN online and having a look under the shift boot there appears to be wiring for what i presume to be the automatic trans controls.
As far as i understand the car would require a LVV certification for the manual conversion (even through the car just passed a WOF last week). My car also seems to have a lean to the drivers side at the front and rear which i would presume be caused by softening springs ( not dead shocks as far as i am aware?).
Having weighed up my options i would like some advice from those who have personal experience with the setups i am considering.
I currently have jamex springs in the car (I presume they are of the super low flavor) and a spare set of what i believe are Msport springs.
Bilstein B8 shocks. $250 each for rears and $370 each per front strut = $1240 for the set from speed factor
Second hand bilstein shocks of a Bimmersport member that i may be able to be rebuilt and re-valved + unknown at this stage
Koni sports. Was quoted over $500 each per front strut so a lot more than i am willing to spend on shocks alone! $1600+
Brand new BC Gold Coilovers for $1250-$1500.
Brand new D2 Coilovers. 9kg front 9.5kg rear for $1000 Brand new.
Presuming i go down the cheaper coilover route i will being getting a certification that i believe i would anyway as the car has been manual converted. Having driven plenty of cars on similar suspension the ride is something i can manage but i don't want to completely ruin my ride as i intend on doing less than 5 track days a year. keeping in mind this car is only driven after work and on weekend. Plenty of spirited windy roads!
I was originally intent on bilstiens but then i would would likely have to buy EWibach springs to have the suspension i desire ending up costing about $1750 for the B8 shocks and springs.... This still leaves me with no certification. I also fear that the end result may be either too low or not low enough!
I did also run re-valved Bilstein shocks and Neuspeed race springs in my old Integra type R and loved it!
Coilovers seem to offer the adjustable ride hide and adjustable damping that i would be after however i don't want my ride to be ruined.
By current setup is standard shocks with Jamex Springs (i have msport springs in my garage), Style 66 wheels (17x8 +20 and 17x9 +26) 225/45 on the front and the same on the rear however i do want to run 245/45 one the rear (i would hate to buy bilstien shocks and Eibach springs only for my tyres to rub around corners i i have to change my wheel and tyre setup to suit whereas coilvers i could adjust the height and rebound.
I'm sure there is wealth of knoledge, opinions and experience so please offer any advise you can before i fork out for a new setup, the the cheaper D2's mean i would be able to spend extra money replacing a few bushes that are worn or on their way out.