Difference between Sport and standard suspension E46

[Seany88]

Just wondering how difficult it is to convert a standard set-up to the sports pack? Is it just a case of stiffer springs/shocks? Or are there bigger anti-roll bars too?

Anyone done this? For an E46 3 series btw

[Seany88]

Anyone know? I've tried searching the net, doesn't help much.

Also is M3 suspension possible on non-M cars?

[Seany88]

Ok, found the answer - stiffer springs/shocks and bigger ARBs although the difference seems minimal: fr 24mm (from 23.5) rr 19mm (from 18.5)

Question now is - is it worth it to change the ARBs? Reason i'm asking is I got to drive my dad's 320cd convertible with sports suspension and it feels so more better! Help?

[stockhatcher]

i wouldn't bother tbh, it'll cost at least £4k to have done.

buy a sport model instead

[Robertb]

Or go for upgrades via A C Schnitzer- very impressive, and not expensive. Something a bit different too...

[Seany88]

stockhatcher said:

i wouldn't bother tbh, it'll cost at least £4k to have done.

buy a sport model instead

4k? I'm assuming you mean if I buy all the parts new? As I was looking to just source them 2nd hand and just have them on while I own the car then revert back to the std setup come sale time.

Not looking to excellent handling, as at the end of the day its a 320d but thought maybe just changing springs/shocks would've made me smile more on corners.

[stockhatcher]

why would you want second hand suspension?

worn bushes, cracked springs, knackered dampers.

i'm not sure you've thought this through?

[Seany88]

stockhatcher said:

why would you want second hand suspension?

worn bushes, cracked springs, knackered dampers.

i'm not sure you've thought this through?

Come on, surely your not trying to suggest that ALL the 2nd hand suspension available will be in that condition?

[Seany88]

stockhatcher said:

why would you want second hand suspension?

worn bushes, cracked springs, knackered dampers.

i'm not sure you've thought this through?

Come on, surely your not trying to suggest that ALL the 2nd hand suspension available will be in that condition?

[stockhatcher]

there's no point in buying second hand bushes, springs do tend to crack with age, and dampers can leak. the only way you'll get half decent stuff is to hope someone has upgraded their sport version e46 with some competition suspension, and that the car in question is quite new - unlikely. the there's the cost of fitting it.

as i said before you are better off buying a sport model, if you really want that kind of ride.

[Seany88]

stockhatcher said:

there's no point in buying second hand bushes, springs do tend to crack with age, and dampers can leak. the only way you'll get half decent stuff is to hope someone has upgraded their sport version e46 with some competition suspension, and that the car in question is quite new - unlikely. the there's the cost of fitting it.

as i said before you are better off buying a sport model, if you really want that kind of ride.

Well i've thought about it and your right, its not worth it.

So instead just fancy the 17" MV2 alloys. Couple of questions though:
Will the car look too high on std springs?

Will the ride get slightly rougher because i'm going from 16" to 17" but yet have better steering response?

Thanks