E36 M3 suspension change

DJF1 · 10-09-2002, 07:00 PM

I'm getting ready to replace the shocks on my 98 M3. Should i stay stock or you guys have other recommendation? Not really looking to track the car as my wife drives it as well and it is an auto...
Maybe an occassional autocross for her since I want her to get involved in hopes that she will be more "understanding" about future mods and track expenses

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

The wifey part of the equation leads me to believe that you should leave it stock. I'm not doing any major modifications to my wife's 325is (except for replacing that dang cylinder head gasket).

I would say go with the stock setup, and then graduate to a PSS9 system if you're really serious. That's what I've got for my 318is project (Supercharger). It allows you to adjust both the height and the shock level. Neat stuff, but pricey at about $1250. Very cool though...

-Wayne

DJF1 · 10-10-2002, 06:50 AM

Thank you Wayne!,
I assume the PSS9 for the M3 is a similar setup to the 993 one.
The price seems to be much better for the M3 so it is something to think about. Would the PSS9 require monoballs on the M3 or the stock perches are fine?

Thanks again.

Bruce M. · 10-10-2002, 09:09 AM

Danny--if you want to tighten it up but not track it, I'd go the Dinan Stage 2 (Konis front and rear, strut braces, but no camber plates). That's what I have, and it's very nice. You probably can duplicate the Dinan set up for less than what Dinan charges, but the dude knows how to set up Bimmers.

DJF1 · 10-10-2002, 11:07 AM

Thanks Bruce for the advise. I will check out this setup. I have not been reaserching BMW related issues as much as Porsche issues as I use my 993 for the track and the M3 is the "family" car. I must also point the fact that so far I had not found a proper forum like this one to openly discuss things in a mature envinronment so i'm thankfull for that.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

As far as I know, the PSS system is a direct plug-in for the regular shocks (tech article on the install coming soon). I wouldn't mess with the monoballs until you really decide that you need them.

-Wayne

SuperWheel · 10-21-2002, 08:03 PM

PSS seems to be the gold-standard of shock upgrades for the E36. Anyone else have any experience with them?

pete98m3 · 10-23-2002, 11:02 AM

i'm running a set of koni triple adjustable coilovers on mine, its one step down from there remote resourviour setup... kicks the hell out of the H&R c/o's for ride quality but its actually stiffer... i love them, just wish i could transfer them or trade with somebody for a 911 setup, because i'm going to miss them horribly on my porsche.