I am actually currently in the process of compiling just such a list. From DDM to Motion. Part of the aftermarket compilation (along with bushings, swaybars, et cetera…). Trying to pick up rides in as many different sort of individual setups as I can… I hate just regurgitating information without verifying it myself.

Thanks for the review. Yes… I am currently facing the same problem of simply not understanding more than the fairly simply basics of shock valving. I know a couple guys who can explain a bit more though, I might see if I can have them chime in. Or explain it down to my level.

Definitely is possible. I have included a section for just such more in-depth dissertation (technical discussions), I will add it to my list of things to write. The guide is trying to cater to the novice user as well as the sophisticated and intermediate user. Being able to separate initial purchase maintenance questions from coilover corner balancing questions is important (and a function of organization, not content sophistication).

Cheers!

On another note, I wanted to change my front LCABs and so I ordered 33-32-1-136-311, but that’s actually something completely different! eEuroparts.com lists it as "trailing arm bushing (lower)" for the rear! Instead I need 31-12-9-059-288 for my front LCABs.

So now I need to figure out what the hell I need to do my RTABs. Do I need 33-32-6-770-786? eEuroparts.com list that as "Trailing Arm Bushing (upper)" for the rear.

The other thing I ordered — 33-32-1-097-009 — I have no idea what it’s for! Rogue Engineering show it as the 1995 E36 RTAB.

- Roughly twice the information as the last version.
- Post has been restructured, moved to an external editor, and fully spellchecked (apologies for misspellings previously).
- More detailed information on a variety of components (front control arms, spring hats, etc…).
- Table of Contents added (when your post needs a table of contents, you need to get a life )
- Most everything has been re-worded in the interest of objectivity, accuracy, and brevity.
- Added motion ratios for those of you really serious about suspension calculations.
- Better layout to all component entries providing a description of what it is, where it attaches, and often how it fails.

As always, if anything is not to your liking feel free to contact me about it.

Years ago (on DTM Power IIRC) there was a table of spring rates of the popular aftermarket spring choices for E36, if you could find that I think it would be helpful.

Also, I wonder if actually giving advice about some of the tried and true E36 Coilover systems (Koni/GC, PSS9s, ASTs, etc) may be helpful to reduce the question…"how are xyz coilovers".

From my experience, Koni SA shocks and struts have comfortable compression damping on the street, and perform well up to about 500-550# spring rates. I just switched to the PSS9 kit (dampers only using GC coils), and the compression is noticeably stiffer, but they can control significantly higher spring rates, which where Im creeping toward. Also, I know there are fundamental differences between twin tube and monotube (monotube have higher gas pressures, and less hysteresis), but I don’t know enough about the differences to be really knowledgeable. Maybe you can shed some light on that too.

Also, maybe you are willing to go into suspension theory of the E36 chassis. I don’t know if anyone has yet explained the concept of keeping the front end stiff with lots of static neg camber, and running the rear softer to allow for a nice dynamic camber curve. Also, the concept of tuning with sway bars, spring rates, and shock damping. You think those things are realistic to tackle?

Oh yeah, this should be stickied in the new Suspension Forum! (….and the Alignment Guide )

The standard 3-Series Bilstein Sport setup is nowhere near as bad, to the best of my knowledge it is valved in a relatively pleasing way. Konis do tend to provide a more comfortable ride than Bilsteins with factory valving and are adjustable (if you feel like getting technical).

I would pull the trigger on the H&R/Bilstein combo so long as you stay with the shocks designed for the 325/328. Just fyi there is an ongoing Bilstein group buy that has the best prices I’ve seen. Tire Rack tends to have good prices on H&R Springs.

It is weird that most people haven’t heard of the concept of shock valving. Actually off-road guys are pretty hip to it and have been doing it for years. I’m sort of confused why it hasn’t trickled down to the performance car enthusiast yet in a big way.

Cheers.