[DasBoot]

Hello, I'm currently in the process of refreshing most stock/oem things on my 2003 325i. It has 170k miles and I can tell the rear shocks are starting to go out. I was interested in possibly lowering it, and was wondering if there was a recommended budget coilover kit or shocks/struts with lowering springs kit. I was hoping to spend around $800ish, but am willing to go a bit higher. Any suggestions?

 

[L8Braker35]

If you’re set on coils, expect to pay $900 and up for ‘decent’ quality, or better.

If you stay conventional, I equipped my 330Ci with Koni FSDs ($550 on sale from BW) and H&R Sport springs I bought used ($180, new is $235), which is right in your price range. Add another $50 for new upper mounts, which I’d recommend, and be sure to add shock tower reinforcements to either package, if you don’t already have them.

 

[Bike Rider]

Read this: BUDGET PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION GUIDE (Ultimate E46 OEM+ SACHS Setup)

 

[The_Fixer]

If you do what I did it should cost around your budget. I bought all m sport sachs shocks and struts from fcp. I then replaced the springs with the eibach pro kit springs. Also from fcp. They are like 250.

I think the Bilstein strut and shock kits are 600. There's an oem one for 350 on there.

 

[tlow98]

Read this: BUDGET PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION GUIDE (Ultimate E46 OEM+ SACHS Setup)

This

 

[Geo31]

If you want it lowered, it's pretty hard to beat the ST X coilovers at $950. It would cost you that much just for decent dampers, springs, and the replacement bits you'd need.

I bought them for my touring because I got them about half price, box never opened. Didn't hold a lot of hope. I was amazed. They ride like the factory sport suspension (just a smidge stiffer) and are nicely balanced. I'm running about 1.25-1.5" lower than the sport suspension and have never bottomed.

 

[Al_Bundy]

If you want it lowered, it's pretty hard to beat the ST X coilovers at $950. It would cost you that much just for decent dampers, springs, and the replacement bits you'd need.

I bought them for my touring because I got them about half price, box never opened. Didn't hold a lot of hope. I was amazed. They ride like the factory sport suspension (just a smidge stiffer) and are nicely balanced. I'm running about 1.25-1.5" lower than the sport suspension and have never bottomed.

This. I ended up getting the XA and glad I did. I’ve owned revalved BC, Koni and Bilstein before and the ST are up there in terms of the comfort vs handling sacrifice. They’re just right on the streets and hill twisties. Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to really adjust and push it since the car is now back on stands.

To OP. I would definitely get the ST again for my next project if available.

 

[DasBoot]

I bought them for my touring because I got them about half price, box never opened.

Where would I be able to find them like this? I've never been good with looking for used parts, and ebay doesn't seem to have a good selection/I'm not looking for the right things.