shocks/struts, experts

[twr]

SHOTIME:
The eibachs are proggressive where as the intrax are linear. so with the eibachs you start off softer and the harder you push the car the sportier it gets.

Just so everyone knows - Intrax springs are proggressive rate springs like the Eibachs. The Intrax feel like Eibachs under normal driving, untill you pass the intitial soft part of the spring. That's where it gets stiffer then the Eibachs.

 

[Dave Ladely]

DON'T use sensa tracs, they are not for SHO type suspensions!
I have Tokico/Eibach, poly bushings, and even my mother likes the ride. No more slop or stomach queasyness from an "elevator" ride. Not a bit harsh or noisy. First I put in the Tokicos, which worked great with the stock springs, and have a lifetime guarantee. The stock springs were sagging a bit so rather than get crappy made springs I got the Eibachs. Very smooth ride,and when pushed, they hold up and don't let you down. I pulled a UHaul from Cal recently and the Eibachs worked great, no bouncing or sagging, felt very controlled even at 90mph on I 5. I seldom went below 70 mph, control was so great.

 

[Dave Ladely]

By the way, I am 61 years old. I recommend the poly bushings while you are at it-doesn't hurt the ride, just makes it feel more controlled.
You want the BMW feel, you will get it very very close with Tokico, Eibach, poly bushings, also poly spring isolators will help smooth out the ride and will last, unlike the crappy original equipment isolators.
I also like the Yokohama AVSdb 16/60-225 tires I bought,and had siped. The 225 has an extra belt and the slight increase in size helped the small inaccuracy of my stock speedometer. Very quiet tires, hold road very well, super wet traction, seem to wear well. I have 20K on them now and they are about 1/3 worn.
I highly recommend replacing the Y pipe with a decent one. I gained some power, engine runs better, and gained a couple miles per gallon, not to mention a real surprise - I am able to use regular gas now with NO pinging whereas before I had to use midgrade. I also replaced the crappy resonator with a "cherry bomb" type muffer, a good one. Its quieter inside now, but outside I can hear a nice low note.

I do not hot rod the car, just want a BMW, just like you. Parts are a LOT cheaper, too.

 

[FordLover]

on my 93, the Tokico/shoshop springs/aluminum subframe bushings was too harsh for everday driving. Also has subframe connectors, 26 rear bar, etc.

my 92 with 90K miles with stock suspension except for aluminum subframe bushings was perfect, there was basically no change in harshness of ride, but a huge change in handling, honestly Ford should have put the aluminum bushings in from the factory.

My stock 95 ATX rides great (112K miles), except that I shall soon replace the stock (shot) subframe bushings with aluminum ones. I'd also like to throw Tokico's on it along with some gen 1 springs on it. I'm amazed how well good stock springs with Koni's or Tokico's handle. And you still have basically stock suspension travel, so a mid corner bump doesn't make you mess your pants like the SHOshop springs can do, and the ride is almost like stock.

You're doing the right thing with buying good tires, they can make a whole world of difference.
touring tires suck!
-Martin

 

[Mongo]

Thanks to all for the input; guess I asked the right question! I'll post a report after the investment is made.

 

[Dave Ladely]

I can see where the sho shop springs may be too harsh, but the Eibachs are not harsh at all. Nor are the Tokicos. I feel they are really worth it.
I think the 26mm swaybar may stiffen things up a bit too. and I really like the quietness and grip of the Yokohama AVSdb 225-60-16 tires, and now my speedometer is a bit more accurate with the small increase in tire diameter.