Re: E30 Convertible. Lowering.

[SMILLER@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Neil, the original U.S. 325i convertibles (1987) came from the factory with
shorter springs and a noticeably lower ride height than the 2- and 4-door
sedans at the time.  A guy brought one of the first Bay Area convertibles
to a GGC autocross, and parked it next to a couple of other stock E30s. 
The difference was not trivial.  We asked the guy what kind of
aftermarket package he had, and he swore that it was stock.  We didn't
believe him and pretty much pissed him off.  AFAIK, he never returned. 
Later when other stock convertibles showed up, they were all at that
height.  So, I wouldn't necessarily believe the Bentley manual in this
regard.

A group of us had lunch the other day, and Curt Ingraham brought some
rear shock mounts that had come out of a 325ic.  They were shot.  And,
if I recall, the convertible had beefier shock mounts than the sedans.  So,
an aftermarket suspension might speed up the rate of deterioration.

Sorry I don't have any recommendation on an aftermarket package.  I'm
running a 1987 "is" suspension (with factory Bilsteins) on my 1990 325i. 
The ride height is virtually the same as the stock "i" suspension, but it is
noticeably stiffer.  I believe your 1988 "is" came with Boge shocks/struts.

Hope some of this helps you.

Scott Miller
Golden Gate Chapter
BMW CCA #44977
1990 325i/is hybrid

>Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1999 13:43:40 -0500
>From: "Neil Deshpande" <Ndeshp@domain.elided>
>Subject: E30 Convertible.  Lowering.  Good idea?
>
>I'm going to have to redo various suspension components on my 1989
>325 iC.
>
>The convertibles, as per Bentley manual, seem to have a higher
>top-of-wheel=
>- -arch height that the sedans.  Does anyone know the reason for this. 
>=
>Lower clearance below on account of stiffening members?
>
>Has anyone lowered a 325 iC?  Does this make the cowl shake, etc., =
>intolerable?  Is it even a good idea.  I would like the lowered look on at =
>least one of my cars and don't want to touch the 325 iS, but if this is =
>not a good idea I will not do it.  I'm going to redo most of the bushings =
>so I can change to some others ones there as well.
>
>Names of kits that can do this would be welcome.  To me it seems that
>the =
>Eibach and Bilstein combination is the preferred one.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>Neil Deshpande
>1988 325 is
>1989 325 iC

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