BMW E30.
The coilover guide.
Shop the coiloversKeep the E30’s square-shouldered stance on good wheels. Match the body and front housings, then decide with your installer whether the rear spring stays in its original seat.
The E30 grew beyond the two-door saloon
A two-door saloon, a Touring and an M3 can all look right with a restrained drop and period mesh wheels. Their suspension references still need separate checks. Add any changed hubs, engine or brakes to the application details.
The current range includes kits retaining a separate rear spring and others converting to a spring around the rear damper. Front housing sizes, welding and original-hub requirements can change the work involved. Settle those details before booking fitting.
BMW introduced the second 3 Series generation in 1982. Its upright glass, four round headlamps and crisp waistline give a lightly modified E30 a recognisable shape without needing large spoilers or widened bodywork.
A four-door saloon followed in 1983. All-wheel drive arrived in 1985, the BMW Convertible in 1986 and the Touring in 1987. The generation continued into 1994 as different body styles reached the end of production at different times.
Those different bodies matter when choosing suspension. A long application date range does not mean every body, engine or drivetrain uses the same kit. Touring references, M3 references and iX enquiries belong in their own checks.
The M3’s boxed wings and revised rear body distinguish it from a regular two-door saloon. The current catalogue lists separate M3 kits. Matching the badge and chassis is only the beginning on a car that may have acquired different hubs or running gear.
The factory rear suspension uses independent semi-trailing arms, with the coil spring on its own seat beside the damper. BMW’s training material identifies this architecture for the E30, including Convertible, M3 and iX. A true rear coilover changes where the spring is carried.
Choose the wheel and tyre package alongside the working height. Leave room for steering and suspension movement, and have worn joints, bushes and mounting areas assessed before adding firmer or more adjustable parts.
Start with your E30.
Match the model year, engine and body style before comparing brands.
Non-M3 rear-wheel-drive E30
BC separates the 45mm and 51mm saloon front housings, with weld-in references for each. SPAX RSX906/907 cover named 45mm applications; RSX908/909/966 cover named 51mm applications. Match the engine and dates to the chosen part, and agree the front conversion work before booking.
See non-M3 RWD kits
E30 Touring
BC I-162 and I-163 name 51mm Touring applications with different rear arrangements. SPAX RSX910 names 45mm 316i/318i Touring; RSX911 names 51mm 320i/325i/324TD Touring. Their dates differ, so check the exact engine, build date and housings. The BC shop dates begin before the Touring arrived in 1987.
See Touring references
E30 M3
Use the exact M3 application. BC I-24 names 51.1mm weld-in front housings; I-87 names a 51mm true rear coilover. AST and MOTON have M3-specific sets. SPAX also lists RSX908/909/966 for the M3. Shared part numbers still need the M3 fitting notes and conversion requirements checked.
See M3 references
Convertible, iX and changed running gear
SPAX RSX911 lists specific 51mm Cabrio applications, with engine and date limits. Ask for that exact check before selecting it. The RWD references here do not establish iX fitment. Include changed hubs or running gear; a registration lookup cannot identify every earlier modification.
Check my E30 applicationWhat do you want
from the car?
Road miles, circuit weekends or a car built around the lap. Start with how you drive.
Keep useful travel and a practical height on the wheels you drive.
Read the buying advice
BC I-07 BR-RA is the conditional road example for a 1989 RWD E30 325i saloon with confirmed 51mm housings. It lists pillowball front mounts and rubber rear mounts. Agree the weld-in conversion with the installer. A car with 45mm housings needs the separate I-04 reference.
- Confirm the 51mm housing and welding
- Retain the separate rear spring layout
- Check travel and clearance at road height
Add rebound adjustment while retaining a separate rear spring.
Read the buying advice
For the same 1989 RWD E30 325i, AST ACT-B1501S is the listed 5100 example with rebound adjustment and front top mounts. It retains an OEM-style separate rear spring. Original hubs are needed before production. Confirm body coverage, supplied mounts and the specification for your tyres.
- Original hubs required before production
- Rebound-adjustable 5100 dampers
- Agree mounts, tyres and alignment
Choose separate damper controls with a complete installation plan.
Read the buying advice
For a developed 1989 RWD E30 325i, MOTON M 505 051S adds separate rebound and high- and low-speed compression controls. Its front-and-rear coilover layout and remote reservoirs need a build-specific mounting plan. Original hubs are required before production. Agree the body application, rear supports and spring specification with the specialists preparing the car.
- Separate rebound and compression controls
- Plan reservoirs and rear coilover supports
- Specify the kit around the finished car
Separate rear springs are the factory layout.
On a standard BMW E30, the rear spring and shock absorber are mounted separately.
Layout only. Mounts and spring seats vary by kit.The original E30 has independent semi-trailing-arm rear suspension. Its coil spring sits on a separate seat beside the damper, including the factory architecture identified by BMW for M3, Convertible and iX. A kit retaining that layout keeps the rear spring away from the damper body.
A true rear coilover places the spring around the damper. That changes the spring’s load path and needs an agreed installation and support plan. The compact comparison shows component positions only. It does not approve a conversion, identify supplied mounts or replace the exact manufacturer instructions.
Understand rear layout, height and preload
Agree the conversion before the fitting date
Have the installer identify the front housings, hubs, rear spring arrangement and earlier modifications. SPAX requires original front struts for conversion; AST and MOTON require original hubs before production. Confirm the chosen part’s conversion work, supplied mounts and rear support requirements.
Bring the intended wheels and tyres, brake details and normal load. Agree the working height and clearance checks before alignment. Confirm current supply timing before booking the car in, and follow the installer’s settling and recheck plan.
Wheel offset and the inner strut
Record wheel width, offset, tyre sizes and spacers. Check clearance at the front strut and outer arch through steering and suspension movement at the intended height. Include brake changes and the normal passenger or luggage load.
Front housings, hubs and conversion work
Identify the front assemblies actually fitted. BC’s 45mm and 51mm saloon references require welding. SPAX requires the original front struts for conversion; AST and MOTON specify original hubs before production. Agree condition checks, conversion work and the parts handover before booking.
Rear spring location and mounting condition
A separate spring and a true rear coilover load their supports differently. Have the rear mounting areas inspected and agree the chosen kit’s structural and mounting requirements with the installer.
Bushes, joints and alignment
Have the semi-trailing-arm bushes, subframe mountings, joints and existing repairs checked. Rear camber and track change as the original suspension moves. Set a usable working height, then have alignment assessed against the car’s actual hardware.
The current E30 range.
Compare the controls and hardware included in each range.
The E30 range separates 45mm and 51mm saloons, Touring and M3, with separate-spring and true rear coilover references. The selected non-M3 I-07 BR-RA listing names nominal 5.5 kg/mm front and 8 kg/mm rear springs. Check the front conversion requirements; the generic no-welding product FAQ conflicts with the manufacturer’s weld-in saloon and I-24 applications.
View BC Racing E30 kits
The RSX range includes named saloon, Touring, M3 and Cabrio applications. Front housing size and the exact engine/date row matter. The listed rear lowering is fixed, with a 40mm or 60mm figure depending on the part; front lowering is listed at 35 to 65mm. Note 27 requires the original front struts to be sent to SPAX for conversion. Agree the handover and supply timing before booking fitting.
View SPAX E30 kits
The current 5100, 5200 and 5300 references distinguish named non-M3 RWD engines from the M3. Original hubs are required before production. ACT-B1501S names a separate rear spring layout. For M3 ACC-B1502S, the workbook’s application column says coilover while its set description says NCO; have the supplied rear arrangement resolved before ordering that reference.
View AST E30 kits
The named RWD E30 applications have one-, two- and three-way sets with separate M3 references. Original hubs are required before production. M 505 051S is the non-M3 three-way example with remote reservoirs and a rear coilover arrangement. Confirm the mounts, reservoirs, spring specification and rear support requirements for the actual build.
View MOTON E30 kitsFind your E30 coilovers.
Prices include UK VAT. Choose an application and brand, then open a kit for its current options and availability.
31 listings
Match the engine, body style and axle-load limits on the product page before ordering.
SPAX · RSX909
SPAX RSX Coilover Kit for BMW applications - RSX909
Non-M3 rear-wheel-drive E30 / E30 M3
![BC Racing Coilovers - BMW 3 Series Sedan (51mm, Weld) (82-91) [E30]](/images/09cf8cd191b679-480.webp)
BC Racing · BCR-I-07
BC Racing Coilovers - BMW 3 Series Sedan (51mm, Weld) (82-91) [E30]
Non-M3 rear-wheel-drive E30
AST · RAC-B1501S
AST 5300 3-Way Motorsport Coilovers for BMW E30 Applications - RAC-B1501S
Non-M3 rear-wheel-drive E30
MOTON · M 505 169S
MOTON 1-Way Clubracer Coilovers for BMW M3 E30 - M 505 169S
E30 M3
SPAX · RSX908
SPAX RSX Coilover Kit for BMW applications - RSX908
Non-M3 rear-wheel-drive E30 / E30 M3
BC Racing · BCR-I-163
BC Racing Coilovers - BMW 3 Series Touring (51mm, Weld, True Rear Coilover) (82-91) [E30]
E30 Touring
All E30 kit links and part numbers
- BC Racing · BCR-I-04: BC Racing Coilovers - BMW 3 Series Sedan (45mm, Weld) (82-91) [E30]
- BC Racing · BCR-I-07: BC Racing Coilovers - BMW 3 Series Sedan (51mm, Weld) (82-91) [E30]
- BC Racing · BCR-I-24: BC Racing Coilovers - BMW 3 Series (Strut 51.1mm, Weld) (85-92) [E30(M3)]
- BC Racing · BCR-I-32: BC Racing Coilovers - BMW 3 Series (51mm, Weld, True Rear Coilover) (82-91) [E30]
- BC Racing · BCR-I-33: BC Racing Coilovers - BMW 3 Series (45mm, Weld, True Rear Coilover) (82-91) [E30]
- BC Racing · BCR-I-87: BC Racing Coilovers - BMW 3 Series M3 (Strut 51mm) (True Rear Coilover) (85-92) [E30]
- BC Racing · BCR-I-162: BC Racing Coilovers - BMW 3 Series Touring (51mm, Weld) (82-91) [E30]
- BC Racing · BCR-I-163: BC Racing Coilovers - BMW 3 Series Touring (51mm, Weld, True Rear Coilover) (82-91) [E30]
- AST · ACC-B1502S: AST 5100 Clubracing Coilovers for BMW M3 E30 - ACC-B1502S
- AST · ACC-B1503S: AST 5100 Clubracing Coilovers for BMW E30 Applications - ACC-B1503S
- AST · ACT-B1502S: AST 5100 Street Performance Coilovers for BMW M3 E30 - ACT-B1502S
- AST · ACT-B1501S: AST 5100 Street Performance Coilovers for BMW E30 Applications - ACT-B1501S
- AST · ACU-B1501S: AST 5100 Street Coilovers for BMW E30 Applications - ACU-B1501S
- AST · ACU-B1502S: AST 5100 Street Coilovers for BMW M3 E30 - ACU-B1502S
- AST · RAC-B1501S: AST 5300 3-Way Motorsport Coilovers for BMW E30 Applications - RAC-B1501S
- AST · RAC-B1502S: AST 5300 3-Way Motorsport Coilovers for BMW M3 E30 - RAC-B1502S
- AST · RIV-B1501S: AST 5200 2-Way Motorsport Coilovers for BMW E30 Applications - RIV-B1501S
- AST · RIV-B1502S: AST 5200 2-Way Motorsport Coilovers for BMW M3 E30 - RIV-B1502S
- MOTON · M 505 051S: MOTON 3-Way Motorsport Coilovers for BMW E30 Applications - M 505 051S
- MOTON · M 505 052S: MOTON 3-Way Motorsport Coilovers for BMW M3 E30 - M 505 052S
- MOTON · M 505 104S: MOTON 2-Way Motorsport Coilovers for BMW E30 Applications - M 505 104S
- MOTON · M 505 120S: MOTON 2-Way Motorsport Coilovers for BMW M3 E30 - M 505 120S
- MOTON · M 505 169S: MOTON 1-Way Clubracer Coilovers for BMW M3 E30 - M 505 169S
- MOTON · M 505 170S: MOTON 1-Way Clubracer Coilovers for BMW E30 Applications - M 505 170S
- SPAX · RSX906: SPAX RSX Coilover Kit for BMW 316; 316i; 318i; (excl. 4x4) - (45mm strut) - RSX906
- SPAX · RSX907: SPAX RSX Coilover Kit for BMW 316; 316i; 318i; (excl. 4x4) - (45mm strut) - RSX907
- SPAX · RSX908: SPAX RSX Coilover Kit for BMW applications - RSX908
- SPAX · RSX909: SPAX RSX Coilover Kit for BMW applications - RSX909
- SPAX · RSX910: SPAX RSX Coilover Kit for BMW 316i Touring; 318i Touring; (excl. 4x4) - (45mm strut) - RSX910
- SPAX · RSX911: SPAX RSX Coilover Kit for BMW applications - RSX911
- SPAX · RSX966: SPAX RSX Coilover Kit for BMW applications - RSX966
Before you order.
Identify your car
Identify the E30’s body, engine, build date and drivetrain. Separate M3, Touring, Convertible and iX details, and declare changed hubs or running gear.
Match the kit
Match the exact kit to the front housings and hubs. Confirm the 45mm or 51mm application, welding or original-assembly requirements and any engine or date limits.
Check what’s included
Agree the rear spring arrangement, mounts and support requirements with the installer. Check structural condition and the conversion plan for a true rear coilover.
Check your modifications
Record wheels, offset, tyres, spacers and brake changes. Check clearance through steering and suspension movement at the intended working height.
Plan fitting
Confirm supply timing, specialist conversion work, supporting repairs, fitting and alignment. Follow the installer’s instructions for settling and rechecks.
See what the adjustments do.
Choosing coilovers for road and track
Compare the kit against your roads, tyres and setup plans before counting adjusters.
Ride height and spring preload
Understand the two adjustments before choosing a lowering range.
What spring rate tells you
Compare force and movement, read the units and choose a spring with the damper in mind.
Spring rates and top mounts
Read the front/rear figures and check which mounts come with your kit.
Questions about BMW E30 coilovers.
Check the details before choosing your kit.
How do I choose 45mm or 51mm E30 coilovers?
Have the front strut housings actually fitted to the car measured and identified. BC I-04 names the 45mm saloon application and I-07 the 51mm saloon application. M3 and Touring have separate references. The engine badge cannot confirm the hardware on a car with earlier swaps or repairs.
Do E30 coilovers require welding?
It depends on the exact kit and front assembly. BC’s chart requires welding for I-04, I-07, I-24, I-32 and I-33. SPAX requires the original front struts for conversion. AST and MOTON need original hubs before production. Obtain the current part-specific instructions and agree the work with a qualified specialist; do not rely on a generic no-welding FAQ.
Does the E30 have separate rear springs and dampers?
Yes. BMW’s original architecture uses a spring in its own seat beside the damper on an independent semi-trailing-arm rear suspension. Some aftermarket kits retain that arrangement; a true rear coilover moves the spring around the damper and needs its own mounting and support assessment.
Can a regular E30 kit be used on the M3?
Match the exact manufacturer application. BC Racing, AST and MOTON have M3-specific references; SPAX also lists RSX908/909/966 for the M3. Check the front assembly, body and rear arrangement. The M3 ACC-B1502S workbook entries disagree about the rear layout, so have that specification resolved before ordering it.
Which coilovers are listed for the E30 Touring?
BC I-162 and I-163 name 51mm Touring applications with different rear layouts. Their 1982-to-1991 shop dates need checking against the actual car. SPAX RSX910 lists 45mm 316i/318i Touring; RSX911 lists 51mm 320i/325i/324TD Touring. Match the exact engine, date and housing size before ordering.
What about the E30 Convertible or 325iX?
SPAX RSX911 lists 51mm 318i Cabrio from September 1988 to 1993 and named 51mm 320i/323i/325i Cabrio applications from 1986 to 1993, excluding four-wheel drive. Have the exact engine, date and front assembly checked. The RWD AST and MOTON rows do not establish iX fitment. Declare changed running gear.
Can I compare rear spring rates between the two layouts?
Not directly from the numbers alone. Moving the spring from its separate seat to a coilover changes how it acts through the suspension. Have the spring and damper specification agreed for the exact layout, tyres, weight and use. A larger listed rear rate is not proof of a better or more circuit-focused setup.
What should I check before lowering an E30 on wider wheels?
Record width, offset, tyres, spacers and brake changes. Have inner strut and outer arch clearance checked through steering and suspension movement, with room for the normal load. Inspect bushes, joints and mounting areas, choose a working height, then arrange alignment and the installer’s follow-up checks.
Let’s talk suspension.
Find your E30, then add the body, engine, build date, actual front hardware and any earlier modifications. Tell us how you use it and which rear arrangement is planned so the exact kit can be checked.