M3 Evo Convertible Suspension question.

[Evo.Chad]

Evening,

Question:

I've only just had my car a few days ago and today I've been checking it out a bit closer. It's got coilover suspension at the front and it's a bit, shall we say, naff. So my question is this: Will the suspension off a 328 coupe fit? Or maybe off a standard M3? Or does it have to be specifically from an Evolution?

Thanks,

Chad.

UK Car if it makes any difference.

[Evo.Chad]

Anybody??

[whosyadadie01]

hm cant say i ever herd of an evolution

[Evo.Chad]

I'm not sure, but I don't think they released one in the US. I could be wrong though. It's an M3 with a 3.2 litre engine giving 321 BHP.

Chad.

[whosyadadie01]

wow thats inpressive ... is that the only other thing thats different?

wish i could get my hands on one of those cars or at least the engine

[E36 Phantom]

Chad,
You have what's called a MacPherson Strut setup up front. It looks like coilovers (thats what I thought MacPhersons were the first time I saw the type of setup), but they are just regular springs and shocks. What do you mean by naff? I'd highly recommend, if you really need to replace it, you replace with either an extremely good aftermarket, or more preferably, the OEM Evo springs. Standard 328 springs would be worse, and I don't know if there is a difference between Evo suspensions and standard M suspensions.
Also, you are correct, the Evo was one of those non-US goodies that we never got to see.

[Evo.Chad]

Chad,
You have what's called a MacPherson Strut setup up front. It looks like coilovers (thats what I thought MacPhersons were the first time I saw the type of setup), but they are just regular springs and shocks. What do you mean by naff? I'd highly recommend, if you really need to replace it, you replace with either an extremely good aftermarket, or more preferably, the OEM Evo springs. Standard 328 springs would be worse, and I don't know if there is a difference between Evo suspensions and standard M suspensions.
Also, you are correct, the Evo was one of those non-US goodies that we never got to see.

Thanks for the reply. Though the front suspension is certainly coil overs, they're height adjustable too. It's the standard struts and springs I would like to get my hands on. I went to have a chat with the stealers yesterday about resetting the roof and asked about the suspension there. Well, lets just say that whats on will have to do for now. The price was out of this world.

Chad.

[E36 Phantom]

Really? Someone replaced just the front in coilovers? How stupid.

Yeah, personally I'd recommend an aftermarket kit in that case, something like H&R's over Bilstiens, or similar.

[Evo.Chad]

Well, the rear does have adjustable springs too but obviously coilovers couldn't be fitted there. Same kit as the front though. My only concern about buying another aftermarket setup is the fact that I might have the same problem as the previous owner. And that is the fact that the inside edges of the front wheels were catching on the height adjusting ring of the coilovers, so for this reason spacers were fitted to the front hubs. But if anyone knows of a setup that will not have this problem, please, let me know. I believe that the current setup is Eibach.

Chad.