Project E30 / Ep. 20 / Complete Suspension Overhaul

[@daredevil7442AUTOMOTIVE]

You're turning that E30 into a very solid car....very nice!

[@lonhua7551]

One of the greatest E30 vloggers to date, putting out incredible and informative content for the DIYers at home. Keep it up! Please share with us your preferred oil viscosity, oil filter, valve adjustments and just the basic maintenance done on E30's! Thanks from NZ!

[@GregoryMorell]

I have been watching your videos and I am simply amazed at your perseverance, your abilities and your coolness factor

[@cbkenison]

Thanks for finally getting a stabilizer. Video quality is so much improved. Keep 'em coming, nice to see another midwesterner taking care of older vehicles.

[@McNasty43]

Someone get this man more subscribers. He deserves it. Keep up the good work Peter.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Thank you Andre!

[@egbertgroot2737]

This is about to be better than new!!!

[@carloslargaespada6051]

I love this channel. I have to start on my 1987 325is very soon. I haven't started it in about 8 yrs!!!!

[@bigilworth]

I’m super impressed you were able to get the strut mounts back into the car by yourself. I needed a friend and a lot of swearing to get the struts to fit back into the car.

[@Dan82Green]

I just did this exact thing in my wife's 2007 Jetta GLI. Predicted about 6-7 hours to complete. Took 15 hours of actual working time over two days. I didn't think I'd have PTSD but watching this made my back sore and my eyes twitch all over again! When you had to loosen the rear sub frame to get the rear springs in I just shook my head. I had to do the same thing but in my case the transmission was sitting an inch away from the front bolt on the driver lower control arm, which is a 3 inch bolt. Had to loosen the sub frame as well to lever the transmission out of the way! Love these videos! Can't wait to see how it drives. The GLI was night and day!

[@ecksthree6598]

Hi mate. Kinda binge watched this series the last week, I'm liking how clearly explained you make it especially as I'm actively searching for my own e30. I've learned a lot so far. One thing that would really help the quality of your videos in my opinion would be a different lens, just to remove the slight fish-eye effect it has currently. I know that stuff costs money but maybe something to bear in mind for later on. Thanks for making these, I'm sure I'm going to make use of the information

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Thanks for the feedback - glad to hear you like the videos. I might experiment with the settings on the GoPro a bit, I've had it set on the medium field of view but maybe the narrow setting would be better.

[@ecksthree6598]

I would offer to help but I know nothing about cameras at all lol

[@alka1ine]

Not sure if you've owned early model e30 vs late model, but there's a verrrry slight difference in the late model rear arches. They're basically kinda oval and lower on the top vs the pre-87 round in front and back, so the rear can look lower than the front all the time even though it's not really. It definitely can look funny, but the top of front tire showing a little bit with the rear just barely under the arch is my preferred setup. Was fighting negative camber despite ground control setup at max and adjustable subframe maxed, but after 3d printing some pretty thick nylon spacers to stick on top instead of old rubber for the bigger style springs, things are finally perfect. (Ground control always claimed their street version would go nearly as high as stock from what i remember, which seems crazy to me as spring won't stay on if cranked up any higher lol)

[@swazi5]

Nothing like the complete suspension refresh... Been battling this weather as well, it was all I could do to put in some new bulbs yesterday, so damn cold. Nice choice with the Bilsteins, I run those in my t100, thinking about getting some for my 4runner as well. Great vid as always.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I put Bilsteins in my Tacoma as well and they've done a great job!

[@swazi5]

@@PracticalEnthusiast yeah that thing is sweet!

[@Darthvolvo]

I enjoy watching this build

[@E30Journey]

That's a great hack to sub for a hydraulic press. I also have a rotating vise like that, and it's often incredibly useful - and always when building struts ;).

[@boskocrnobrnja6659]

Hey, since you are so thorough with this gem of a car, you might want to see some footage from a channel called Restore It, this guy is pretty much doing a nut and bolt restoration on his E30 325i, and filming it. Although you are not doing the same exact thing there might be some interesting stuff that you could try and do on your E30. Btw I'm not self-advertising or doing a favor for somebody else, I just watch both channels and thought this might help. And your videos are great, keep it up!

[@rich_2739]

It's coming along so well! I'm looking forward to seeing more, and really looking forward to seeing your next project!

[@o.h.w-ok]

I’m about to tackle the same projects on my E28. Excited ... but know exactly how much work it’ll be.

[@rabnawazkhan1837]

What a great job.,so thorough. Watched all your E30 episodes. You are an inspiration. Keep up the good work my friend

[@shathiso]

Haven't even started on my E30, but your videos are awesome...I will be buying one part at a time, 1 shock, wait then one control arm...like that...

[@Cyberbronco]

You are one patient dude!

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

There were some words said off camera :)

[@friguy4444]

What a great job on both the car and the video production! Top notch! Really enjoying your work as usual and thank you for sharing it with us. Your dream car (Or one of them LOL) is becoming a reality.

[@bigsur175]

I'm putting h&r race springs and koni adjustable shocks and struts

[@o.h.w-ok]

26:30 You dropped rear subframe to fit the spring. Could you have used the spring compressor instead?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

The spring compressor was too tall to fit. If you were to cut the compressor in half it could probably work.

[@charlesberry4958]

Lemforder and Bilstein!! Great combo.

[@jeanm1383]

Was just going to post and ask “hey you are missing subframe and trailing arm bushings and diff bushing “ but saw you did that in previous vid ! Good work

[@132ksg]

Full suspension refresh makes the car feel new again!

[@TheBlacksmithCrew]

At 10:38 - are you packing the upper strut mount with grease? Also, are you putting anti-seize on the shocks/strut threads before inserting the new shocks into the front struts?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Yes and yes.

[@poching0521]

WOW! you just did it again! What a good quality content! I know my future E30 suspension overhauling time will cut into half because of this video. The cost of a full suspension restoration is little bit intimidating though. Believe it or not! I have started working on my AC system by fully converting it into 134a before it getting too hot in Florida. :)

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Thank you! Glad to hear you've found this video helpful. The AC conversion is an excellent idea!

[@poching0521]

@@PracticalEnthusiast Finally got the job done today with new compressor, parallel flow condenser, aux fan, evaporator, expansion valve. Now my E30 can blow sub 50 chill in a 90 degree day :)

[@toddlemmon]

This was excellent. My daughter (19) recently bought (unbeknownst to me) a 1992 325ic (e30) on a BaT. Her first order of business is redoing the front end. I wanted to ask if you could supply a tool list for this job. I saw a lot of stuff that made it look much easier tp pull this off. Thanks very much.

[@drakeremoret3642]

You could have also just compressed the rear springs instead of lowering the subframe even more. That’s what I did at least. Love your videos by the way. They are very helpful!

[@Xa4HD]

i used your video to assemble my suspension on my e30. Thanks man! it was very helpful

[@brianlutzak]

you could also try heating up the lollipop and putting the bushing in the freezer and then give it a go! that is how they do industrial busing with very tight fitment.

[@Brian-lx8oq]

what is that part at 24:32; the ring that sits between the rear spring and the trailing arm?

[@CookRacingUK]

Nice work! That topmount tool looks mint! I was going to buy a swan neck spanner so I could keep an allen key on the strut but a friend turned up with a high power impact drill, which did the trick fine :D These cars handle like crap (especially at the rear with worn subframe bushes) when the bushes are worn out but the difference with a suspension refresh is staggering.

[@quiksr20]

Awesome video, I am doing the same on my E36 5 Speed vert.. Bring on the spring!

[@markromans1814]

Hi, how sporty is the ride with the B8s? I'm thinking I'd like a comfortable ride on my '85 325e but am curious about the performance series vs the OE replacement B4, which I currently have and need replacement. Would you say its equivalent to a factory "sport" suspension? My wife's e36 has that and it's rather stiff, I'd say. Thanks!

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I would say the B8s are bit stiffer than the factory sport suspension. I would recommend sticking with the B4s to retain ride comfort.

[@rasjgo2]

You are a fantastic freaking awesome e30 bro

[@andrej513]

Awesome playlist, I am learning so much from these videos. I plan to refresh the rear suspension on my e30. I have a question regarding the sway bar links. I am guessing you used grease on the passenger side when installing the link but won't that affect the rubber in the links? And also did you follow the torque specs for the nuts/bolts ? Thanks a lot!

[@becomematrix]

New Bmw! I swapped everything out too for Bilstein. Rides well now.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I can't wait to try it out!

[@becomematrix]

Practical Enthusiast it’s awesome. Did you install the excentric bolt on the rear axle? Allows for more adjustablity.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

@@becomematrix the previous owner did. We'll have to see how much they help when I take it in for an alignment.

[@jeanm1383]

Wait till you try custom valves shocks specially valves for your spring rates and cars corner weights :)

[@lukeescott4685]

Question for you regarding the rear install. Did you re use the rubber bump stops on the rear? I’ve heard there integrated into the shocks. The rears come with a metal washer as well. Can you tell me where you put that?

[@rover215]

Hey- $1,400 isn't bad! Considering you bought quality parts, I'd say this was a good deal and great investment. I may go with the same set up on my '86 325e.

[@JuanLuna-kt9jj]

Ride height looks so much better, should settle real nice.

[@donmatthews2635]

Did you do the rear subframe bushings? Those and the steering shaft flex disc had a big effect on my M Roadster that shares the same rear subframe as the E30.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Yes I did - check out episode 19!

[@conmurphy4477]

Great video. Replacing suspension on my e28 with b6 Bilstein. Do I put oil in the strut tower or grease? What did you use? Thank you

[@bmw-e30]

Usually lads are putting in lower springs so you don't have the hassle you had with the rear set up. Will likely settle somewhat. No expense spared here and a great reference for e30 owners.

[@alexalarcon5830]

Noticed that on your rear shocks you have dust covers which you didn’t mention at the beginning of your video. Could you advise on size of the dust covers and from whom you purchased them I’m having a hard time finding the correct ones that fit properly.

[@redeemedheathen]

You are making a top notch restoration on that old 3 series! Don't go doing nothing crazy like putting in an m3 engine or something like that, i mean, who would do something like that?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Someone with a lot more money than I have! :) Thank you!

[@justingustafson7964]

The car is turning out Awesome. Just curious if you’ve considered using any M parts to utilize the R&D BMW has already put into upgrading the performance of your E30? Also, any plans to upgrade the wheel/tire combo? As a former master BMW tech and e36 M3 specialist, I’m really enjoying your build, great job

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Thanks Justin! No plans as of now to change the tires/wheel. I haven't really looked into any M-specific parts for this car. Anything you recommend?

[@justingustafson7964]

@@PracticalEnthusiast A 5 lug swap from the E30 M3 would free up more wheel and brake options. Also, the later E30 M3 had aluminum front control arms. The steering rack from an E30 M3 is a good upgrade and I believe the rack from an M Coupe is good too.The rear suspension from a Z3 is the same as an E30 for the rear 5 lug swap. The M Coupe has a factory short throw shifter that I believe is a direct swap into the E30. I have always loved the E36 M3 M Contour wheel and they look awesome on a 4 door E30.Some guys run 4 fronts so the rears don't stick out if they don't have the fender flares from the E30 M3.Just some info for you to consider. I understand you just went through the suspension so you probably don't want to upgrade now. Some manual black Vader seats from an E36 M3 would be killer in your car too!

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

@@justingustafson7964 I appreciate all the info! I'll probably leave the 4 lug set up on there for the foreseeable future, but I agree, those Contour wheels would look excellent. I picked up some E30 sport seats that I'll hopefully recover in a future episode to help round out the interior. The steering rack upgrade is something I'm definitely considering!

[@justingustafson7964]

Practical Enthusiast sounds great👍🏽 I’m sure whatever direction you go in will turn out excellent, like it already has been

[@sunnybeachweddings7037]

I have stock BMW E 30 convertible 1987 stick shift - B6 with stock springs or B8 with H&R sport springs? Roads around where I live are nice... i’m OK with sportier feel, but I don’t wanna have it super hard like a go cart

[@Renesis97]

Every time I see the new exhaust I hope that you’ll paint it some day, as it could rust quicker with all those paint dings...

[@vicentemf18]

Thanks for the detailed video! im doing almost the exact same on my E30 in the coming weeks (bought the parts already). One question would be that I noticed you used different types of grease for different parts.Do you remember what types did you use where? I mostly remember in the front shock towers and the front shock mounts. Thank you!

[@brandonsmith2371]

This video is unreal thank you 🙏🏻

[@okdude5536]

This is a very good and through vid

[@denismrzljak3244]

I am loving this series 😁. I have a quick question. Is the e30 a good car as a first project car, assuming it is running and shifting to begin with? Thank you sir and love your channel.

[@jeanm1383]

Denis Mrzljak they are easy to work on , check r3vlimited forum for many in depth guides and projects

[@QuintinPlumlee]

What's the piece of metal hanging in front of the rear tire at 29:42?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

That's a plastic fuel filter guard. I'll have to see if I can secure it better.

[@Roubian1]

Great video. Did you properly align the lollipop bushings in their housing?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I sure did!

[@Roubian1]

Practical Enthusiast phew! I’ve talked to way too many people that do not and then they have to redo everything. Keep up the great videos. So much to do to my e30 lol

[@wp8022]

What can be done wrong there? Do the bushings also have a specific radial position in the housing?

[@LiquidPlatinum12]

What did you put on the strut before put the new one in? Same with the bearing

[@Guzzzr]

Hey great videos you post. How is your ride with the hr and b8s . Is it harsh at all over rough roads or bumps? I put hr sport and b6 on my 325ix and the ride is harsh on bumps and rough roads amd even small bumps are jarring. As I read more im wondering if I should have used b8s. Feels like its crashing. Any thoughts?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

The B8s are likely just as harsh as the B6s. Definitely great for the track and spirited driving, but for a daily it's a little too extreme.

[@82Bjarni]

Meyle HD series and Powerflex is great for my E36 1998 318i Touring. Great videos

[@buzzhicks2297]

Is it normal to have play in the front top mount before you put in the springs?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

No, there shouldn't be play. I returned two new mounts because they had play in them right out of the box.

[@polloloci21]

I spent $1700 on my 2009 Toyota Corolla with all new Toyota suspension parts. Yeah it’s expensive but like you- I plan on keeping my car for many years. I had previously used KYB struts and shocks but they were terrible.

[@andrewburr7758]

What is the toque spec for the gland nut that you are putting on the shocks? I cant seem to find a straight answer, Thanks!

[@keegan6199]

Love the content man. Just curious on the rear shocks. If there was a method to your madness or you just didnt think about it. Why drop the whole rear subframe as opposed to just putting the spring compressors on the shock to fit it in?

[@ecksthree6598]

massive pain in the backside to move stuff around with the arms etc. in the way

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

It's a good question. I didn't even try to use the spring compressor, it just didn't look there would be room for it to work. I think if the threaded rods were half the length, then it could probably be made to work.

[@anilec333]

HI good job! Did you compare the H&R to Eibach? I installed the Blistein B12 pro kit! it is really lowering the car. But good corner

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I read that the Eibachs were very stiff and the H&R springs were softer and better for the street. So far I'm pleased with them!

[@poomunj]

Thank the lord for FCP Euro!

[@troyferrara]

I just found your channel and it's awesome! I'll be tackling this soon on my '90 325ix but I'll be installing B6's instead of B8's. My only question is did you put those little stock bump stops back onto the rear struts? I know the front Bilsteins don't need the bump stops because they have internal ones but I can't find anything online about the rears

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I did put the bump stops on the new rear Bilstein dampers. The instructions didn't mention an internal bump stop for the rear, I so I put it back on. It certainly won't hurt anything!

[@andreww.6283]

Hi, what’s the story on that Vespa hiding in the back? May you do a review of it?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Hi! The Vespa will get a review one of these days. It's a good runner, albeit a little slow :)

[@andreww.6283]

Practical Enthusiast I have it’s four stroke cousin, the Bajaj Chetak. I absolutely love these scooters!

[@jacobmay7594]

For the follow up video make sure to measure the settle of the suspension. And keep an eye on it after the alignment. Ideally, youd replace all those parts have it aligned then after a couple hundred miles have it realigned to account for settling and such. Nice through job on the video. But 1400 bucks.... Ouch, thats steep for only improved OEM handling.

[@TheActionslaxx]

Car looks great. Are you going to get some original wheels for it ?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Thanks! I'll probably keep these wheels on the car for a while.

[@stevewuertz3598]

Fantastic video. Glad to see you detail the bumps in the road. Thanks for the total $$ outlay number. Curious-excluding video set ups, fiddling with the camera etc, how many hours do you estimate this took you? Please include the time for things that creep up-lowering the rear to accommodate the new springs etc--all these projects have unexpected issues so while your issues may be different than mine, the fact is, we both will encounter problems Thanks again-great series and I look forward to seeing the road trip and your observations on the improvements

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Hey Steve, I'd put this job at around 30-ish hours taking the bumps in the road into account. It took me a solid 4 days, working about 8 hours each day (not including video stuff). My saving grace is having a hardware store only 5 minutes from my house. This really helps when I have to make a last-minute special tool at 8 PM, or have to buy an odd nut or bolt. Without that resource, the job could easily take many more hours to complete. Thank you for the good question - you bring up a genuine obstacle that goes along with any sort of DIY auto project.

[@patrickobrien9751]

That is one nice E30

[@ClintStrickwood]

Where do you get your music from?

[@ChristianBiggins]

holy crap, 460 is so cheap!! even after the conversion to AUD. Similar shock only kit here for B8's would be ~1200 (~600 USD).

[@o.h.w-ok]

Christian Biggins Yeah where did he get such an inexpensive set up?! Mine was closer to $800 USD for B8s and H&R lowered springs

[@hlu1]

Hello! I was wondering if you still have your alignment specs after the suspension refresh.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I don't have the alignment specs anymore (I sold the car). I had a shop perform the alignment though.

[@hookem234]

Very nice! Did you also replace the rear subframe bushings, or are they in good shape?

[@rogergm92]

After 4yrs, how are the bilsteins handling?

[@sgomez3047]

Hey Boss..what did you do with this E30?

[@jalol190]

What’s product you’ve used to clean strut housing?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Foaming engine degreaser, followed by brake parts cleaner, the some black spray paint.

[@ddude875]

Hey, Practical Enthusiast, How are those Bilsteins working out as a DD? Im looking for a similar setup, but I've heard a lot of criticism on ride quality with bilstien sport (B8). Do you feel a rough ride, or the fronts hitting the bump stops at all? Thanks, and this is the best content on youtube.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

The B8 are definitely firm, so if you live in a place with rough roads, you might consider going the stock route. The roads here aren't that great, but I can live with the stiffer-and bumpier ride. Also, I don't think they are hitting the bump stops at all, but the stiffer compression stroke on the B8's can make it feel like it.

[@ddude875]

@@PracticalEnthusiast thanks for the reply! I live in New England area with poor roads. I went with Koni STR.T for a OEM+ feel that didn't break the bank. They are supposed to work well with H&R OE Sports.

[@KiaShah]

Am I having a stroke or does he pronounce “measurements” kind of weird? Haha I’m only joking. I absolutely love your content. I’ve already watched all of your e30 videos when you originally uploaded them. I am going back and watching some of them again. Thank you so much for your hard work documenting everything!

[@stevenhifi2188]

Hi,is it possible used b12 on e30 325i convertible?thanks

[@132storm]

Can you please say the torque of the screw!?

[@damiankalicki350]

Winter, cold, snow... and he says that the weather is crap... is perfect for rear wheel drive old bmw... Americans

[@wowkewl]

The real question is how many of those rock auto magnets do you have?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I've lost count haha.

[@3RomeoFoxtrot]

WHAT was your total cost on materials?

[@selespeed3]

it's really not necessary to change springs. they last a long long time and spring length is not really affected.

[@zk9964]

Dish soap and push the lollipop on. Push down and wiggle slightly. Extremely basic. I've done it with the control arm on the car. Nice documentation.

[@GaJeepr]

Excellent work. Replacement parts are such a crap shoot anymore. Even popular names are made in China...MOOG, Raybestos, and others. It just sucks. And...Not sure my headliner, roof console and sun-visor reupholstery on the latest Jeep project this Saturday was more fun but it was like 65 degrees here. Now, gotta renew the e30 search again. Which happens after every one of your excellent videos! Oh, and the plastic shelf is calling out in stress pain and wanted me to reach out to you but maybe it's just camera angle. LOL

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

It does suck, part quality just has no guarantee anymore. Well, other than "send it back and we'll send you another one." Which doesn't help when the car can't be driven without it! I envy your 65 degrees! I've forgotten what nice weather is like...

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Lol it's mainly the camera angle but I should probably get some steel ones.

[@miguelestrada4136]

Selling old springs?

[@timnguyen6269]

Are old springs reliable? Can they be tested?

[@masjidilharam]

Hey Peter... what are you doing? come on, upload some more e30 episode again. I am your subscriber. I love watch all your e30 video. cheers bro !

[@mikewarner2285]

New vid!

[@jean-paul328]

How much did you already spent on your car?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I'm at about $5300 in parts & supplies alone right now. Ugh, that's just how projects go.

[@mirzha001]

Bmw does the little difference in spring high to account for the driver the level out the car 100%

[@an1onchigurh]

You could probably park that pickup of yours in the fender gap now

[@andrewg2322]

Should have put those bearings in the freezer over lunch

[@oskarlukasik9278]

nice work. The walkthroughs are sped up too much. Half the speed up and it would be much better!

[@mrpistonrecaro6483]

I’m here still debating to spend $230 on eBay coilovers🤦‍♂️😂😂

[@AndrewLenhardt]

Do you know what size that bilstein gland nut socket is?