Mazda 323 BG.
The coilover guide.
Shop the coiloversThe pop-up-headlamp Astina and the turbocharged three-door cars share the BG family name. Their mounting and drivetrain details still need separate kit references.
Pop-up headlights or a turbo three-door.
A five-door 323F with its headlights folded away looks very different from a square-backed GTX or GT-R. Identify the body and driven wheels before choosing suspension: the BG name does not make their mounting packages interchangeable.
The current BC references here are N-12 for Astina, N-07 for GTX and N-09 for GT-R. Each listing has BR RA and RM MH configurations. Match the actual chassis and existing hardware, especially on a car with replacement struts or a drivetrain conversion.
Mazda introduced this Familia generation in 1989 with three-door hatchback, four-door saloon and five-door hatchback bodies. The five-door Astina used a low wedge-shaped nose and retractable headlights; it became the 323F in Europe. Mazda describes the Astina as particularly popular with European buyers.
Mazda added the full-time four-wheel-drive GT-R and GT-Ae in January 1992, with a distinctive front bumper, large fog lamps and a three-bulge bonnet. The original FIA GT-R form identifies the three-door Familia GT-R 4WD as BG8. Its appearance and kit reference must stay separate from the Astina.
On a surviving BG, inspect what is fitted before planning the finished stance. An older wheel conversion, replacement mounting parts or a changed powertrain can matter more to the suspension order than the badge. Start with sound attachment points and bushes, then agree the wheels, usable height and alignment.
Model history: Mazda seventh-generation Familia historyMazda Familia Part4Mazda 1980s chronologyMazda 1990s chronologyOriginal GT-R FIA form A5473.
Start with your 323 BG.
Confirm the chassis, year and existing suspension before choosing your setup.
Astina / 323F: N-12 FWD
BC lists N-12 for the 1990–94 Astina FWD, BG10P2. The shop listing also specifies 144.2×65mm TM stud spacing. Have the supplier confirm that mounting condition against the actual car; a five-door body photograph alone cannot establish it.
View Astina kits
GTX AWD: N-07
The manufacturer lists N-07 for the 1989–94 323 GTX AWD, BG. Its current listing additionally mentions FWD cars with 96×96mm TM stud spacing. Keep that FWD extension as a specific mounting enquiry, rather than assuming any front-wheel-drive 323 takes the GTX package.
View GTX configurations
GT-R AWD: N-09
N-09 is the separate GT-R AWD reference. The broad 1989–94 listing range is not a GT-R production history: Mazda introduced the model in 1992. Identify the actual GT-R hardware and chassis, including any changed hubs or mounts, before ordering.
View GT-R configurations
Other FWD cars and modified builds
For an unconfirmed saloon, another market designation or a car with changed hubs, struts or drivetrain, send the chassis details and photographs of the current mounts. Do not choose N-07 or N-12 from the model year alone. The later BA/Lantis is a separate application.
Check my BG 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 agree the mounting package.
Read the buying advice
For an Astina matching the N-12 application, BR RA supplies the road starting example. The listing records 6 kg/mm front and 3 kg/mm rear springs, with pillowball front and rubber rear mounts. Discuss the front mounting change, tyre clearance and intended height with the fitter. GTX and GT-R owners need their own N-07 or N-09 reference.
- Match the actual Astina mounting condition
- Confirm the supplied front mounts
- Leave travel for the roads you use
Choose construction and mounting changes around the tyres.
Read the buying advice
BC describes BR as suitable for street driving and occasional circuit use. The separately selectable RM MH configuration adds inverted damper construction and pillowball mounts. Compare those changes with the car’s tyres, running weight and road use; an RM choice needs its own configuration price and supplied-parts check. Keep a record of height, alignment and damper settings between sessions.
- Compare BR RA with RM MH deliberately
- Confirm the selected configuration’s price
- Record tyres and setup changes
Specify the suspension for the car as it now stands.
Read the buying advice
A stripped shell, cage or powertrain conversion changes the brief. Supply the operating weight, tyre specification and intended discipline, together with any altered hubs or mounting points. Agree spring rates, usable travel and service arrangements for that build. The current BR/RM selection does not by itself establish a complete competition specification.
- Supply weight with driver and fuel
- Identify changes to hubs and mounting points
- Agree springs, movement and servicing
Struts at the rear, too.
The rear spring surrounds the damper on a standard Mazda 323 BG.
Component layout only. Mounts, dimensions and adjusters vary by kit.The five-door 323F BG uses rear struts with the coil spring surrounding the damper. The AWD GTX and GT-R also have independent strut suspension at both ends. The mounting package still needs to match the actual body and drivetrain.
Keep the actual mounting parts and drivetrain application distinct. An adjustable spring seat changes the spring’s installed position on the selected unit; it does not give every car independent camber or toe adjustment. Have the fitter inspect the strut attachment points and follow the exact kit instructions for spring retention and usable movement.
Understand height and spring preload
Check the wheel package before choosing the height.
Give the fitter the wheel width, offset and tyre size, including any spacers. Check the tyre beside the strut and through steering and suspension movement, then inspect the arch clearance at the intended running height. An attractive parked gap does not establish clearance when the car is loaded or turning.
Inspect the strut towers, lower attachment points, bushes and steering joints before fitting new dampers. On an AWD car, identify any changed driveline components as well. Set the final alignment at the agreed height and keep the readings with the car’s suspension specification.
Wheels and tyres
Choose the tyre and wheel dimensions before finalising the suspension position. Include spacers in the offset discussion and check the inner sidewall beside the strut as well as the outer arch.
Mounts and old repairs
Identify replacement top mounts, previous welding and changes to strut attachments. Have the installer assess the mounting areas before treating a new kit as a cure for noises or uneven tyre wear.
Drivetrain and track preparation
A FWD-to-AWD conversion or swapped hubs needs a fresh application check. For circuit work, include the operating weight and tyre compound when agreeing springs and damping.
The current 323 BG range.
Compare the controls and hardware included in each range.
The current BG references separate Astina N-12, GTX N-07 and GT-R N-09. Each offers BR RA and RM MH in the live selector. The recorded default rear rates differ between GT-R and the other two references; choose the actual application before comparing configurations.
View BC Racing 323 BG kitsFind your 323 BG coilovers.
Prices include UK VAT. Choose an application and brand, then open a kit for its current options and availability.
3 listings
Match the engine, body style and axle-load limits on the product page before ordering.
![BC Racing Coilovers - Mazda Mazda 323 Gtx (& FWD With 96*96mm Tm Stud Spacing) (89-94) [BG]](/images/09cf8cd191b679-480.webp)
BC Racing · BCR-N-07
BC Racing Coilovers - Mazda Mazda 323 Gtx (& FWD With 96*96mm Tm Stud Spacing) (89-94) [BG]
GTX AWD: N-07
BC Racing · BCR-N-12
BC Racing Coilovers - Mazda 323 Astina (& FWD With 144.2*65mm Tm Stud Spacing) (90-94) [BG10P2]
Astina / 323F: N-12 FWD
BC Racing · BCR-N-09
BC Racing Coilovers - Mazda Mazda 323 Gtr (89-94)
GT-R AWD: N-09
All 323 BG kit links and part numbers
- BC Racing · BCR-N-07: BC Racing Coilovers - Mazda Mazda 323 Gtx (& FWD With 96*96mm Tm Stud Spacing) (89-94) [BG]
- BC Racing · BCR-N-09: BC Racing Coilovers - Mazda Mazda 323 Gtr (89-94)
- BC Racing · BCR-N-12: BC Racing Coilovers - Mazda 323 Astina (& FWD With 144.2*65mm Tm Stud Spacing) (90-94) [BG10P2]
Before you order.
Identify your car
Identify the body, chassis and driven wheels. Separate the five-door Astina from GTX and GT-R, and check the original market.
Match the kit
Confirm the mounting condition with the supplier. Include photographs of the existing top mounts and any replacement strut hardware.
Check what’s included
Choose the configuration and supplied package. Check BR RA or RM MH, springs and mounts against the exact order.
Check your modifications
Check the wheels and modifications. Supply width, offset, tyres, spacers and details of changed hubs or drivetrain.
Plan fitting
Plan the fitting and alignment. Inspect attachment points, agree usable height and keep the final setup readings.
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 Mazda 323 BG coilovers.
Check the details before choosing your kit.
Do Astina, GTX and GT-R use the same coilover reference?
BC separates the Astina FWD as N-12, GTX AWD as N-07 and GT-R AWD as N-09. Match the chassis, driven wheels and mounting details. The BG family name alone does not establish interchangeability.
What do the two stud-spacing figures mean for my order?
The current N-07 listing names FWD with 96×96mm TM stud spacing; N-12 names 144.2×65mm. Have the supplier confirm the actual mounting pattern and application using the existing hardware. Do not select a kit from those numbers or the registration year alone.
How do the current BR RA and RM MH choices differ?
The listings describe BR RA with pillowball front and rubber rear mounts. RM MH is the inverted-damper configuration with pillowball mounts. Confirm the exact supplied springs and hardware in the selected option, and use that configuration’s current price.
Is the rear spring separate from the damper?
The BG uses a rear strut arrangement with the spring surrounding the damper. That applies to the five-door 323F and the AWD GTX/GT-R, but their mounting packages are not interchangeable just because the spring sits in the same position.
Why does the GT-R product title say 1989–94?
That is the broad range in the current product listing. Mazda records the GT-R and GT-Ae introduction in January 1992. Identify the actual GT-R chassis and hardware; the title is not evidence that every 1989 BG is a GT-R application.
Will my wider wheels clear after lowering?
That needs checking with the actual wheel width, offset, tyres and spacers. The fitter should check clearance beside the struts and through steering and suspension movement, then measure the alignment at the agreed running height.
Does this guide cover the later BA or Lantis?
No. The 1994–99 BA listing uses a separate reference and is outside this BG guide. Keep chassis identity separate from names such as 323F or Astina, which were used across different bodies and markets.
Which configuration should I choose for a competition build?
Start with the car’s operating weight, tyre specification, discipline and altered hardware. Agree springs, usable movement and service arrangements for that build. An inverted damper or higher price alone does not establish a suitable complete competition package.
Let’s talk suspension.
Tell us which BG you have and how you use it. We can help identify the application and the mounting checks before you choose a configuration.