03 E85 2.5i M-Sport Suspension Upgrade

JimRob

JimRob

Member
 Stratford Upon Avon
Hi,

I have an 03 E85 2.5i with the M-sport suspension and I feel it's getting a little tired (currently on 86k). I'm unsure whether to keep the M-sport setup and change springs and shocks and replace all bushes etc, or do I go for some fancy coil overs. I love the look of the lowered M-Sport, and though the ride is harsh (even without run flats) I enjoy the rewards when you hit the open b roads. It is my daily driver, so if there is a away to soften the ride a little but keep lowered ride height that would be perfect.

Cheers,

Jim
 
No experience with 'fancy coil overs' so couldn't advise your there.
However, having just swapped over all four shocks on wifey's 2.5i (albeit an SE) we found the ride vastly improved and much smoother.
Your shocks will be well past their best by now and it could be that simply fitting new direct replacements will be enough.
I retained the original springs as they were all fine, with no cracks or corrosion.
I also changed the top mounts at the same time, and the bump stops literally disintegrated in my hands, so new ones of those too.
 
I've just been under my new (to me) 05 plate sorting the back set up, its properly sh4gged but to drive it, it felt 'OK'

I'd advise if you want a hybrid of road/daily, go to OEM standard top mounts and shocks (Bilstens if you can afford them) and polybush the ARB bushes.

I've never dallied with coilovers, some swear by them- may be worth getting the views of someone who likes that set up?
 
I switched to KW coilovers about 8 years ago and I'm still in love and they're working perfectly to this day! *knocks on wood* It's "stiff" but compliant at the same time. I had it at the lowest setting completely slammed until this year where I went with the recommended height by KW. It rides and handles like a dream now. I have about a finger gap of wheel well gap but it's the best compromise for me. I was tired of scraping on everything and being too careful all the time since it's my daily driver!
 
Cheers for the replies guys.

I think firstly I will look into replacing the shocks with Bilstein B4's or 6's and change the anti roll bar to polybush's as per bigwinn's suggestion.

It's a little confusing with the M-sport suspension whether I should actually be looking at the B8's, but as they will give a much harsher ride I am hoping the B4's will be ok? Anyone running the B4's with the M-sport?
 
I have recently just changed all 4 for b4s and suplex springs,
Greatly improved the handling,looks pretty much the same as stock msport set up.also fitted new top mounts,and it has in the last couple of years front wishbones droplinks and bushes.so this also the feel of the handling so would have helped. :thumbsup:
 
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