Hi my friend has an E36 3 series BMW he is going to change the suspension to lower the car although he is wondering if you also need to change the rear coil springs???? As far as i know you only need change them if there broken he is wondering by lowering the car will the coil springs effect this??? Thanks
Yes he needs to change the rear coil springs. To lower an E36 you need to fit shorter coil springs as it is these that determine the ride height of the car. Also after messing around with the suspension on an E36 you need to get a full 4 wheel alignment done. The suspension on these cars is adjustable to a small extent so you need to make sure it is set correctly or the handling will suffer, the car will tramline and the tyres will not wear evenly. A decent tyre place will have a laser 4 wheel alignment system.
To lower the car your friend will need to change the springs. In simple terms, the springs support the car. Shorter springs equals a lower ride height. Bear in mind that the suspension is a system. Changing one part of the system (e.g. the springs) will affect the other parts: dampers/shocks, bushings, alignment, etc. If you change one part, you will need to consider the effect on the other parts.
Hi lowering an e36 six is a simple task if you are not an engineer, there are two sets of springs ready made for the lowering of the e36, one of which is for the lighter engined e36 which are found on the 318is and the heavier engined car found on the M3 look in most scrapyards or failing that a haynes manual gives the specifications for the spring dimensions. I hope this helps. Guy.
