Lowered blue BMW E92 coupe on silver multi-spoke wheels beside a stone wall in the hills

BMW E9x.
The coilover guide.

Shop the coilovers

A road-going Touring, a 335i coupe and a prepared M3 need different suspension decisions. Start with the body and drivetrain, then choose the controls you will use.

Which E9x do you have?34 listed kits · 5 brandsReviewed 4 November 2026

Four bodies, and a very different M3.

The E9x range here includes BC Racing series choices, fixed-damping Bilstein B14 kits, height-adjustable Eibach Pro-Street S and AST or MOTON systems with separate damping controls. Compare the supplied mounts and rear spring position, as well as the exact cars each part number covers.

Keep M3 and xDrive applications separate from ordinary rear-wheel-drive cars. Even within that last group, Eibach uses different references for the saloon/coupe and Touring/convertible, with engine lists and axle-load limits to match.

BMW introduced the fifth-generation 3 Series in 2005, starting with the E90 saloon and E91 Touring. The E92 coupe followed in 2006, then the E93 convertible in 2007 with a folding metal roof. Those four codes are often shortened to E9x. The generation continued through 2013, although production dates and kit applications differ by body and market.

BMW records more than 3.1 million fifth-generation cars sold. The range stretched from four-cylinder everyday cars to six-cylinder petrol and diesel models, with all-wheel-drive versions alongside rear-wheel drive. A load-carrying Touring and a two-door weekend car can share a generation while needing different application rows.

The E92 M3 arrived in 2007 with the S65 V8; M3 saloon and convertible versions followed. Its body and suspension have M-specific parts, and Electronic Damper Control was an option. An M Sport trim package on an ordinary 3 Series does not make it an M3. Choose parts for the underlying car, then account for the tyres, wheels and other changes you have made.

Model history: BMW Group fifth-generation 3 Series historyBMW 3 Series chassis developmentBMW M3 E90, E92 and E93.

Start with your E9x.

Match the model year, engine and body style before comparing brands.

Lowered silver non-M BMW E90 four-door saloon beside brick railway arches

E90 saloon, rear-wheel drive

Record the engine and build date, including whether it is petrol or diesel. Bilstein 47-269064 has specific E90 rows; the current Eibach PSS65-20-013-01-22 E90 row lists selected engines with maximum axle loads of 1,090 kg front and 1,135 kg rear. AST and MOTON have their own RWD engine lists. Use the row that names your car.

Find my E90 kit
Lowered graphite BMW E91 Touring estate beside a lake

E91 Touring, rear-wheel drive

The estate has its own Eibach reference, PSS65-20-014-02-22. Its listed E91 engines and axle ratings differ from the saloon reference. Bilstein 47-269064 and the RWD AST/MOTON tables also include Touring applications. Tell the fitter about regular passengers and luggage when agreeing the height and usable travel.

Find my Touring kit
Lowered blue non-M BMW E92 two-door coupe parked on a moor road

E92 coupe, rear-wheel drive

A non-M 335i coupe belongs in the ordinary RWD application, alongside the other engines actually named for the kit. Eibach PSS65-20-013-01-22 includes an E92-specific row with its own axle limits and lowering figures. The coupe body alone does not authorise an M3 part or a kit for an xDrive car.

Find my coupe kit
Lowered bronze BMW E93 convertible with its roof lowered beside a harbour

E93 convertible, rear-wheel drive

Use the convertible row, including its engine and axle-load limits. Eibach PSS65-20-014-02-22 names E93 applications and has a different reference from the saloon/coupe part. The folding roof identifies the body; it does not establish which suspension specification is fitted underneath. An M3 convertible uses the separate M3 application.

Find my convertible kit
Lowered white BMW E92 M3 coupe with its bonnet dome and front wing gill visible in a paddock

M3 saloon, coupe or convertible

Start with an M3 reference. AST ACT-B1603SD and ACC-B1605SD illustrate the separate-rear versus true-rear choice. BC Racing also distinguishes the coupe and convertible: its current application list separates I-153 for an E93 M3 originally with EDC from I-154 without EDC. That label alone does not promise the new dampers retain electronic control. Confirm the exact body, equipment and installation.

Find my M3 kit
Lowered burgundy BMW E91 Touring on a damp forest lane representing the xi application

xDrive, xi and xd

Bilstein 47-269095 has distinct E90, E91 and E92 all-wheel-drive engine rows. BC Racing separately lists I-113 for an E90 AWD saloon and I-148 for an E91 AWD Touring. These are not the ordinary RWD references. Both listed Eibach kits exclude four-wheel drive, and the ordinary AST/MOTON rows name RWD cars.

Find my xDrive kit

What do you want
from the car?

Road miles, circuit weekends or a car built around the lap. Start with how you drive.

Kit starts from£1,276.80inc. VAT · Bilstein B14 RWD 47-269064

Choose the height, with fixed damping already specified.

Read the buying advice

Bilstein B14 47-269064 pairs threaded height adjustment with application-specific fixed damping. It suits an owner who wants to set the height without adjusting a damping dial. Confirm the body, engine and permitted axle loads first; xDrive uses 47-269095. Leave clearance and travel for the roads and loads the car will actually see.

  • Fixed damping with height adjustment
  • Exact RWD engine and body rows
  • Retain travel for road use and loads
View our recommended kit
Kit starts from£3,072.00inc. VAT · AST 5100 Street Performance ACT-B1601SD

Rebound adjustment with a factory-style rear arrangement.

Read the buying advice

AST ACT-B1601SD is the Street Performance example for the listed non-M RWD applications. It has 12-position rebound adjustment and retains the separate rear spring, with front mounts included where applicable. Agree the mount specification and alignment with the fitter, then record adjustments between road use and circuit days. An M3 needs its dedicated reference.

  • 12-position rebound adjustment
  • Separate rear spring and damper
  • Confirm front mounts and alignment
View our recommended kit
Kit starts from£5,424.00inc. VAT · AST 5300 Motorsport RAC-B1601SD

Specify the tyres and car before adding separate damping circuits.

Read the buying advice

AST RAC-B1601SD is a 5300 three-way example for the listed RWD engines. It has rebound plus separate high- and low-speed compression controls on remote reservoirs, with a true-rear configuration. Those compression terms describe damper movement, not vehicle speed. Discuss spring choice, reservoir routing and rear mounting requirements alongside the tyres and measured weight of the build.

  • Separate rebound and compression controls
  • Check true-rear mounting requirements
  • Specify tyres and the developed car
View our recommended kit

Separate rear spring, or true rear coilover?

Separate rear spring and damperA spring between its own upper and lower seats sits beside a separate shock absorber.SpringDamper

On a standard BMW E9x, the rear spring and shock absorber are mounted separately.

Layout only. Mounts and spring seats vary by kit.

The factory-style E9x rear arrangement has a spring on its own seats, separate from the damper. Many kits keep that layout and add a threaded spring-seat adjuster. The rear still has height adjustment. Bilstein's exact RWD and xDrive B14 instructions show the damper and rear spring-seat assembly separately.

AST ACT-B1601SD for non-M RWD cars and ACT-B1603SD for the listed M3 applications retain a separate rear spring. ACC-B1604SD and ACC-B1605SD are Clubracing examples with front and rear coilovers. On a true rear coilover, the spring surrounds the damper and its load acts through the damper mounting points. Have the installer confirm what that exact conversion requires on your car.

The rear arrangement is part of the kit specification, chosen before fitting. Spring position and suspension motion ratio affect how a spring's rate acts at the wheel, so a number from one layout cannot be used to rank the stiffness of another. Ask for springs and dampers specified together for the car.

Understand height and preload
Modified blue BMW E9x on an alignment rack with optical targets carried by tyre-gripping wheel clamps

Set the height around the car you use.

Have the fitter inspect mounts, bushes and joints before installation. A new damper will not remove play elsewhere in the suspension. Include the rear mounting areas in that inspection, especially if the proposed kit moves the spring onto the damper.

Give the workshop the wheel width, offset, tyre size and any spacers. Clearance needs checking at steering lock and as the suspension compresses, with the car at its intended height. After fitting, arrange the alignment with the car's usual loads and driving use in mind. A Touring carrying passengers and luggage needs that discussed before the spring seats are set.

Wheels, tyres and arch clearance

Decide on the wheels before committing to a height. A spacer changes clearance on both sides of the tyre, and a wider tyre can rub as the wheel turns or moves upwards. Check arch, strut and spring-seat clearance through the working range; matching the wheel diameter alone is insufficient.

Mounts and suspension condition

Some Street kits reuse original mounts; other specifications include front camber-adjustable or solid mounts where applicable. Compare the actual supplied parts and replace worn bearings or bushes. A more direct mount can also transmit more noise and vibration, which matters on a daily-driven car.

EDC and electrical equipment

Identify factory EDC before buying an M3 kit. The AST/MOTON notes specify a separate delete solution when it is present. That handles the change to a passive damper installation; it does not preserve the original electronic adjustment. Confirm the electrical and mounting work with the supplier and fitter.

Circuit preparation and alignment

For regular track use, include brakes, cooling and tyre condition in the preparation. Record the final height, alignment and damping settings so changes can be assessed. Tell the supplier about a cage, removed interior or altered suspension arms before choosing springs for a developed car.

The current E9x range.

Compare the controls and hardware included in each range.

BC Racing

The current range separates RWD saloon/coupe, Touring/convertible, AWD saloon, AWD Touring and M3 applications. I-117 and I-118 name true-rear arrangements; I-153 and I-154 distinguish the convertible's original EDC equipment. Choose the exact application and series configuration, then confirm the supplied mounts and fitting notes. Some HM entries also specify removal of the strut bar.

View BC Racing E9x kits

Bilstein

B14 uses fixed damping and threaded height adjustment. The two E9x references here separate RWD 47-269064 from all-wheel-drive 47-269095. Check the exact engine/body row and its axle ratings; neither part is a universal E9x or M3 kit.

View Bilstein E9x kits

Eibach

Pro-Street S PSS65-20-013-01-22 covers selected E90/E92 applications; PSS65-20-014-02-22 covers selected E91/E93 applications. Both exclude four-wheel drive. Body-specific engine lists, load limits and fitting notes determine the choice, including any additional original-equipment parts.

View Eibach E9x kits

AST

The 5100 options differ in inversion, supplied mounts and rear layout. Street Performance ACT-B1601SD/ACT-B1603SD retain a separate rear spring; Clubracing ACC-B1604SD/ACC-B1605SD use front and rear coilovers. The 5200 and 5300 add separate damping circuits. Non-M and M3 references remain distinct.

View AST E9x kits

MOTON

The current RWD and M3 application tables include both factory-style rear and true-rear specifications. One-way Clubracer has rebound adjustment; two- and three-way systems add separate compression controls. Specify the exact part and installation, including reservoir routing and any M3 EDC work.

View MOTON E9x kits

Find your E9x coilovers.

Prices include UK VAT. Choose an application and brand, then open a kit for its current options and availability.

34 listings

Match the engine, body style and axle-load limits on the product page before ordering.

6 of 34 shown
All E9x kit links and part numbers

Before you order.

  1. Identify your car

    Record E90, E91, E92 or E93, then engine, build date, original market and whether the car is M3 or xDrive.

  2. Match the kit

    Match the exact engine/body row, axle-load limits and factory suspension options for the part number.

  3. Check what’s included

    Confirm supplied or reused mounts, rear spring layout, droplinks and any separate EDC solution.

  4. Check your modifications

    Provide wheel width, offset, tyres and spacers for arch and suspension clearance checks through steering and travel.

  5. Plan fitting

    Agree fitting, mounting requirements and final alignment; confirm current supply timing before booking the work.

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 E9x coilovers.

Check the details before choosing your kit.

Do E90, E91, E92 and E93 use the same coilover kit?

Some parts cover several bodies, but the exact application decides. Eibach PSS65-20-013-01-22 lists selected saloon/coupe applications, while PSS65-20-014-02-22 lists selected Touring/convertible applications. Engine lists and axle-load limits still differ within those groups. Use the complete row for your car.

Can I use E9x M3 coilovers on a non-M car with M Sport trim?

M Sport trim does not establish M3 fitment. The AST/MOTON applications here separate ordinary RWD engines from M3 E90/E92/E93. For example, ACT-B1601SD is the non-M Street Performance reference and ACT-B1603SD is the M3 reference. Use the underlying model and actual kit specification.

Which listed coilovers cover E9x xDrive, xi or xd?

Bilstein B14 47-269095 has specific AWD E90, E91 and E92 engine rows. BC Racing I-113 is the AWD E90 saloon listing and I-148 is the AWD E91 Touring listing. Match the exact body and engine. Both Eibach Pro-Street S parts exclude four-wheel drive, and the ordinary AST/MOTON rows name RWD.

Are the original E9x rear spring and damper separate?

Yes. The factory-style arrangement has a spring on its own seats beside the damper. A kit can retain this and add a height-adjustable rear spring seat. True-rear kits put the spring around the damper and change where its load enters the body. Confirm the mounting requirements for that conversion with the installer.

What happens to EDC when fitting a manual-adjustment M3 kit?

The listed AST/MOTON M3 notes call for a separately ordered EDC delete solution where factory EDC is fitted. This does not retain the original electronic damping adjustment. Confirm the correct electrical solution, mounts and supplied parts before installation; a mechanical rebound dial is a different control.

How far should I lower an E9x road car?

Stay within the exact kit's permitted range and leave travel and clearance for the roads and loads you use. Lowering figures can differ by body, engine, axle load and original sports suspension. Check the wheels through steering and suspension movement, then set alignment at the finished height.

Should I choose fixed damping, one-way, two-way or three-way adjustment?

B14 has fixed damping if you want height adjustment without a damping dial. AST 5100 rebound adjustment lets you alter rebound within its specified range. Two-way systems separate rebound and compression; three-way systems split compression into high- and low-speed damper movement. Choose the controls your setup work needs, with the right application and rear layout.

Does a Touring or a converted E91 M3 need extra fitment checks?

For a normal Touring, match its own engine and axle-load row and discuss regular loads with the fitter. A converted E91 using M3 hardware needs an individual parts assessment; an E90/E92/E93 M3 entry does not approve that conversion. Include the installed subframes, arms, hubs and mounting changes in the enquiry.

Let’s talk suspension.

Tell us the body, engine and driven wheels, plus any EDC or suspension changes. Add the wheel and tyre specification so we can help check the appropriate part and fitting requirements.

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