<E36> M3 Suspension Upgrade

["Mudry, Robert (CAP, AMR)" <rob.mudry@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jay Sala wrote:

>I just upgraded my 98 328i with a take-off M3 suspension a couple of weeks
ago. The components that were sold to me were the following:

>Front: - struts - springs - spring plates - anti-roll bar
>Rear: - shock absorbers - springs

>Total installation time was 2.5 hours by an experienced installer <snip> 

I agree, 328is with M3 suspension handles wonderfully, but your post didn't
make it clear whether you swapped the strut bearing plates.  This is a key
item since it sets up the camber and caster angle of the front suspension.
Yes, it is possible to reuse the 328 bearing plates but if you're gonna go
for the correct M3 suspension alignment, make sure to buy the new M3 strut
bearings.  You can even swap them L-R to get an additional degree of
negative camber.   

Also, did you buy new spring pads?  I found that the '96 328 pads were a bit
bigger (the '96 M3 springs have smaller diameter than 328 sport springs.
'95 M3 springs are even slightly smaller in diameter).

Also, what do you mean you can re-use 328 sway bar linkages?  My 328 front
sways were attached to lover control arms by a short linkage.  The M3 strut
linkage is about 2x longer.  Did they change that for '98?

Is there any reason why you didn't swap out the rear sway bar?  

BTW, the suspension swap takes up the whole day for two guys who have never
done it before and 2 six packs of Rolling Rock.  I have done the upgrade
with fellow digestor, Ron Browne, and believe me...  at one point I thought
I was taking a taxi home.  

Hope this information helps.  My original '96 328 suspension was the 'sport'
type so YMMV...

Rob Mudry
'96 328is  ///M suspension & wheels 
BMW CCA #135536

PS.  There is an auto repair shop in Alexandria, VA that specializes in
BMW's, MB, and Volvos.  On the front of the store they are actually
displaying letters 'BWM' because BMW NA wouldn't let them to use "BMW."
Bizzare!    

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