Coilover Help Pls!

[EqualLibrium]

Howdy Folks, hope this finds everyone well! I’ve looked around but can’t find a post that answers my queries.

I’m a bit lost as I keep reading valid points for & against for anything that can be review, & Coilovers seem to be no different. I read that BC Racing are Budget Coilovers though at £900 ish they seem to be more mid range.

my questions are:
1. Are they an improvement from my stock Coilovers?
2. Are BC Racing BR Coilovers a decent investment or am I ultimately throwing money away. High end Coilovers are to hard a reach, so even this price point the BC BR Coils are a big investment.
3. There are actually GAZ Gold Coilovers & as t-tony kindly added KW with 3 Variants are also a possibility but no finance options! Would GAZ Gold or KW be a better investment? & if so is it wiser to wait until I have the funds & go for them Instead?

Deeply appreciate your guidance on this matter.

All the best my friends!

 

[t-tony]

I would go for K&W kit, but how long anything will last is entirely down to how you want use or abuse it.

Tony.

 

[EqualLibrium]

I would go for K&W kit, but how long anything will last is entirely down to how you want use or abuse it.

Tony.

Thanks for getting back to me Tony. Actually yeh I also heard about the K&W Coilover kit so thanks for bringing it to my attention. All the best my friend, thanks for your input. Cheers!

 

[Lee]

You say you have stock coilovers at the moment, out of interest what do you have ?

I currently run BC's and they offer great extras like adjustable top mounts and rebound etc. I've had these 4 years on the car and they still look great. Next I think I might go up to a KW3 coilover, 1) because they have a progressive spring like OEM suspension and 2) they are made from stainless so you can have them rebuilt every X amount of years.

I've used Gaz gold on my old TVR and they were good, never owned the car long enough to see the build quality.

 

[EqualLibrium]

You say you have stock coilovers at the moment, out of interest what do you have ?

I currently run BC's and they offer great extras like adjustable top mounts and rebound etc. I've had these 4 years on the car and they still look great. Next I think I might go up to a KW3 coilover, 1) because they have a progressive spring like OEM suspension and 2) they are made from stainless so you can have them rebuilt every X amount of years.

I've used Gaz gold on my old TVR and they were good, never owned the car long enough to see the build quality.

Hi Lee mate, thanks for responding. So at present I have a 1.9 1999 Z3 Roadster. I have recently purchased new alloys Axe EX18 19s. 4 New Pirelli P Zero Tyres wider on the rear. Just got new Brake Discs Drilled & Grooved but solid. Going to get new Stainless Steel Brake lines from Goodridge. Still undecided for Brake Pads. & Now I’m looking for Coilovers. I only have what my Z3 came with other than these new parts I’ve invested in. I can seem to get the BC Racing BRs on Finance so it’s tempting to go for them. Would be nice if I could & they ended up being a great buy as money is tight. Would love the KW V3 but no finance & the BRs are £19.10 a month so doable for me.

if you think for now the Bc BRs would improve my driving experience, I’d go for them. I haven’t fitted the new ally’s etc I want to get the all Incl Coilovers fitted at the same time so fingers crossed it’s a new experience in driving for me!

My poor Z3 has unsafe loose steering at higher speeds, it’s really unsettling, so hoping against all hope that buying new Coils with my new alloys will sort it out either fully or to some degree.

But yeh, that’s me my friend. I appreciate yours & everyone’s input. Anymore advise would mean a lot man! So thanks in advance! All the best mate thank you all!

 

[t-tony]

The best, and most cost effective course of action might be to simply replace all of the suspension with new stock standard stuff. You could be amazed at how good the car feels and drives. Many people replace all their tired old suspension with expensive, sometimes very expensive, replacement parts and credit all the improvements to them. When in actual fact replacing with stock new parts would give a big difference anyway.
That is not to say the premium stuff is not better at all but, sometimes a re fresh is all you need?

Tony.

 

[Lee]

Tony's shares the same view as me, the Z3 platform relies heavily on its bushes and very few Z3's have had these changed over the years. By all means get your suspension sorted first and I would save yourself some money and buy OEM shocks and fit a lowering spring I tracked my Z3 for years like this with no problems.

I would then turn my attention to wishbones, Tie rods, Engine mounts, Beam bushes, drop links etc. Beam bushes being the biggest culprit of movement on the rear.

My Z3 which I tracked 3/4 times a year.

Said beam bushes on the rear to get changed.

 

[EqualLibrium]

The best, and most cost effective course of action might be to simply replace all of the suspension with new stock standard stuff. You could be amazed at how good the car feels and drives. Many people replace all their tired old suspension with expensive, sometimes very expensive, replacement parts and credit all the improvements to them. When in actual fact replacing with stock new parts would give a big difference anyway.
That is not to say the premium stuff is not better at all but, sometimes a re fresh is all you need?

Tony.

Hi mate, man I didn’t even contemplate that as an option, wow thanks! I‘ll definitely look into that! Be nice if they’re a more affordable option but even if not or around the same price I’ll check online or even call Park Lane to see their prices? But thanks Tony mate. Glad I’ve asked & really appreciate everyone’s feedback. Once I’ve decided & get the job done I’ll update this page. Thanks T. Cheers man!

 

[EqualLibrium]

Tony's shares the same view as me, the Z3 platform relies heavily on its bushes and very few Z3's have had these changed over the years. By all means get your suspension sorted first and I would save yourself some money and buy OEM shocks and fit a lowering spring I tracked my Z3 for years like this with no problems.

I would then turn my attention to wishbones, Tie rods, Engine mounts, Beam bushes, drop links etc. Beam bushes being the biggest culprit of movement on the rear.

My Z3 which I tracked 3/4 times a year.
View attachment 198505

Said beam bushes on the rear to get changed.
View attachment 198507

Wow! Man, thanks for adding in there, means a lot. I was actually thinking about just getting springs for the lowering part. But yeh I’ve just replied to Tony’s feedback so thanks that seems a viable option I hadn’t considered! & thanks for the images, you Z3 looks fantastic! Love it’s stance & I love concave alloys, & i’ve been searching for your M Front bumper for 3 years on eBay but haven’t come up in the times I’ve checked. So thanks Lee mate, I take both of your points on board! In all honesty, I like comfortable ride, so was worried getting new Coils may make the drive to hard, but I may be wrong with that. I’d love a soft ride & a lowered stance for now. I‘m still new to driving but maybe in the future I’ll start hitting the track, but for now these are seem a great alternative to forking out on expensive Coilovers. I’ll think everything through though, just can’t wait to get everything fitted as I’ve been sitting on these new alloys since the beginning of 2021! Anyways, all the best my friend. I’ll update the post once I get it all done! Cheers man!

 

[t-tony]

Just to add, I bought a 3.0i E85 Z4 6 years ago with only 16,500 miles on it. After watching what Lee and @GazHyde had done with Eibach pro springs on stock shocks that was the way I went. I was extremely pleased with the results and have since sold this car on to another member on here who is well happy with the ride and handling. Not a track car but wouldn’t shame itself if tried I’m sure.

Tony.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

My poor Z3 has unsafe loose steering

FWIW, these cars can be sensitive to tyres, my one did the tram-lining bit when I first got it, a set of good tyres (Avons, other makes are available) cured that, and it hasn't been back. Tyres and new bushes may well be cheaper than fancy suspension, and far less likely to make a difference to your insurance costs. It may be a better idea to change one set of bits at a time, rather than throw loads of stuff at it, and never knowing what actually cured the problem.

 

[Althulas]

As pointed out the bushes best place to start. It can seem a daunting task to carry out but have a look at the Zedshed threads. There’s plenty of info there on front and rear end refreshes. Plus once you get carried away with tarting everything up underneath with a fresh set of new shocks it will look the dogs danglies.

 

[EqualLibrium]

Just to add, I bought a 3.0i E85 Z4 6 years ago with only 16,500 miles on it. After watching what Lee and @GazHyde had done with Eibach pro springs on stock shocks that was the way I went. I was extremely pleased with the results and have since sold this car on to another member on here who is well happy with the ride and handling. Not a track car but wouldn’t shame itself if tried I’m sure.

View attachment 198511

Tony.

Just to add, I bought a 3.0i E85 Z4 6 years ago with only 16,500 miles on it. After watching what Lee and @GazHyde had done with Eibach pro springs on stock shocks that was the way I went. I was extremely pleased with the results and have since sold this car on to another member on here who is well happy with the ride and handling. Not a track car but wouldn’t shame itself if tried I’m sure.

View attachment 198511

Tony.

sorry Tony, had a few full on days I haven’t stopped to check till today. But thanks for letting me know about the success of stocks & springs! Can I asked Pls. The other day I checked briefly but my search for stock shocks didn’t bring up anything. Could you point me in the right direction or is it simply call Park Lane & get the stock shocks through BMW themselves? Again, thanks for all your input mate & everyone else’s, helped a lot! I’ll let you all know once it’s done! Cheers for helping!

 

[EqualLibrium]

FWIW, these cars can be sensitive to tyres, my one did the tram-lining bit when I first got it, a set of good tyres (Avons, other makes are available) cured that, and it hasn't been back. Tyres and new bushes may well be cheaper than fancy suspension, and far less likely to make a difference to your insurance costs. It may be a better idea to change one set of bits at a time, rather than throw loads of stuff at it, and never knowing what actually cured the problem.

Hi Nefyn my friend, can I ask Pls, do you think my PZero tyres are decent & is there anyone I can go to to alter anything in my car to stop Tram-lining? Thanks for the heads up. I’m actually pondering getting this rear axle on eBay that address Toe & Camber. Maybe something like that would stop Tram-lining. Also I was looking into new set of bushes. There’s 2 but not sure which is the best.
No.1: https://www.powerflex.co.uk/products/Z3+(1994+-+2002)-603/1.html
No.2: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184556798618

if you could let me know which is preferred I’d really appreciate it! Thanks for your input my friend, all this is invaluable info! All the best Nefyn!

 

[EqualLibrium]

As pointed out the bushes best place to start. It can seem a daunting task to carry out but have a look at the Zedshed threads. There’s plenty of info there on front and rear end refreshes. Plus once you get carried away with tarting everything up underneath with a fresh set of new shocks it will look the dogs danglies.

Thanks for that Althulas, I had one set in my watch list on eBay for ages. But then I’ve just heard about Powerflex Bushes, now not sure which is the best choice. I’ve put the 2 links on Nefyn’s post (hope I’m allowed to do that? Sorry if not!). And I like what you say as I’ve always been interested in doing up underneath also. There’s a rear axle like I said to Nefyn, I was thinking could I Powder Coat it or Chrome it to something a bit more lively, but worried it may affect its purpose for adjusting Toe & Camber. I’m still not sure what them 2 are but I’m thinking it’s the stance of the physical wheel. I’m sure everyone else is the same but wish I could kit it out all at once but very much limited funds wise. But I’m hoping once I get all these fitted I’ll have a completely different experience in driving my Z! Thanks again Althulas, your & everyone’s input has eased the stress of trying to figure it all out on my Tod! I’m new to driving my own car so learning as I go along. But all the best my friend, thanks for helping!

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Pirellis should be fine, but don't go trying loads of things at the same time, you won't know which change cured the problem, and if it comes back you won't know what to do to sort it.
As for the bushes, there's plenty of information/write-ups on here about axle overhauls, and lots of choice of bushes to use, best use the "search" facility and spend a while reading. Some people want an original car (as far as possible) others want something different, given that all these cars are in their twenties ANY change, whether OE or uprated, will be an improvement.
Should probably add, it's unlikely that dodgy steering can be cured by messing around with the rear axle, I'd strongly advise, based on my own expeience, getting a set of good-quality tyres on it and seeing what difference that makes. You may be surprised.
More reading? https://virtualracingschool.com/academy/iracing-career-guide/setups/camber-toe/

 

[EqualLibrium]

Pirellis should be fine, but don't go trying loads of things at the same time, you won't know which change cured the problem, and if it comes back you won't know what to do to sort it.
As for the bushes, there's plenty of information/write-ups on here about axle overhauls, and lots of choice of bushes to use, best use the "search" facility and spend a while reading. Some people want an original car (as far as possible) others want something different, given that all these cars are in their twenties ANY change, whether OE or uprated, will be an improvement.
Should probably add, it's unlikely that dodgy steering can be cured by messing around with the rear axle, I'd strongly advise, based on my own expeience, getting a set of good-quality tyres on it and seeing what difference that makes. You may be surprised.
More reading? https://virtualracingschool.com/academy/iracing-career-guide/setups/camber-toe/

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, it’s appreciated. The gear that I’ve purchased was just for that particular area so just wanted my new alloys not to look a bit of a mess with old Discs & Calipers so I just got each part that would lift the car up as it’s become quite run down. But I’ll get this all fitted after I finally get, Calipers, brake pads & Brake Lines & do something about the shocks. I didn’t say but I’ve been riding without the rear drivers side spring as it completely snapped & totally came out. Which is why I started looking for Coilovers & got into addressing the whole wheel area. I spoke to a garage who said get all the parts first then fit it all at the same time so been going down that road past few months. Fingers crossed it all goes well, but I take on board what you say concerning not buying too much at once & fit things one at a time. Thanks though Nefyn. Be great to upload some images once it’s done. All the best my friend. Cheers!

 

[Mike Fishwick]

It is certainly worthwhile replacing parts which are past their sell-by date with ordinary items, rather than spending money on 'trick' bits which by themselves will not make much difference. Good examples are strut mount bearings, ball joints, wishbone bushes, and dampers. A worn component will not improve because something else has been fitted. In many cases, such as rear damper and strut mounts, the latest standard parts are a definite improvement on the twenty-year-old originals, regardless of their condition, and are a lot cheaper than 'special' equivalents.

Apart from changing things - which on an old car probably need replacing anyway - what tyre pressures do you use? BMW always reccommend pressures which verge on the downright dangerous, on both their cars and motorcycles. They were not carried down on stone tablets by Moses, and can be usefully tailored to individual taste. I played around for a while, and settled on 2.5 bar front and rear, which promotes stability and reduces understeer.

My car has many modifications aimed at improving handling, but - given that it has always been in good condition - I feel the best things were Strong-Strut's Butt Strut and Body Brace, and also Powerflex poly bushes all round - particularly those replacing the large bushes on the front wishbones. Have a look at my bit on Basic Z3 Suspension Mods in 'Articles.'

 

[Nodzed]

Bushes ---- Personally I wouldn't go Powerflex on the Z3 rear beam or diff again but stay OEM, but all the rest definitely Powerflex (Polybush)
Also I have just fitted the Eibach B12 Sport kit suspension (Bilstein B12 shocks Eibach lowering springs) to an E89 and find it just perfect, the kit is available for the Z3 too. @Ianmc has just got the same set up on his 1.9 Z3 and would agree I think.

 

[Ianmc]

Very pleased with the B12 kit also.