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Project "Budget 320i" Suspension

When setting up any car's suspension you can easily spend endless amounts of money. The goal with my US spec 1982 320i was simple; everything must be new, upgraded where fesiable, but at least back to spec. The car is intended to be a weekend track car, I am not concerned with being the fastest thing out there I just want to have fun when I do get out there. The car is not being set up for a particluar class, just for FUN!

Some of the parts used I carry myself (priced in orange), others I have stumbled upon, but all fall within a modest budget. The purpose of this section is to put everything I have found for the E21 suspension in one place, my choices don't have to be your choices, I just want people to see all the offerings for different components in one place.

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The Rear End

I started with the rear end, it was easiest for me to focus on one end at a time. Everything on the rear suspension that can wear must be replaced. It helps to make a list of exactly what you need to start looking around for. The struts, springs, and strut mounts will be covered in the next section.

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Struts, Springs, and Strut mounts

For the sake of simplicity and not wanting to repeat any labor, it is best if the shocks, springs, and strut mounts are purchased at the same time. These 3 pieces come off the car as one unit (1 unit per wheel). By buying all 3 of these pieces at the same time they can be assembled without your car being apart, minimizing both down time and time on the lift. It also means you do not have to take apart the old units.

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Front Suspension

The story does not change with the front. Out with the old in with the new and improved (where possible).