Upgrading the suspension on your BMW E36 can completely transform its handling, stance, and overall driving experience. Two of the most popular choices for altering suspension geometry are coilovers and lowering springs. While both options can improve your car’s aesthetics and performance, they serve different purposes and cater to different needs. This article breaks down the key differences between coilovers and lowering springs, helping you decide which is the right choice for your E36.

What Are Coilovers?

E36 coilovers (short for “coil spring over shock”) are a complete suspension system that combines a coil spring and a shock absorber into a single unit. Designed with performance and adjustability in mind, coilovers are a favorite among enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their car for specific driving styles or conditions.

Pros of Coilovers

1. Adjustability: Most coilovers allow you to adjust ride height, damping, and even camber settings (on coilovers with integrated camber plates). This gives you extensive control over how your E36 behaves on the road or track.
2. Performance Gains: Coilovers significantly improve handling by reducing body roll, enhancing cornering grip, and offering precise weight transfer. They’re ideal for track, drift, or spirited driving.
3. Durability: High-quality coilovers are built tough, with features like monotube shock designs and corrosion-resistant coatings that enhance longevity under demanding conditions.
4. Customizable Setup: With so many brands offering different spring rates, preload adjustments, and damping levels, you can tailor a coilover setup to your specific needs.

Cons of Coilovers

1. Cost: Coilovers are generally more expensive than lowering springs, with premium options easily costing thousands of dollars.
2. Complex Installation: Installing coilovers is more involved, often requiring professional alignment and tuning after installation.
3. Harsh Ride Quality: Depending on your chosen setup, coilovers often result in a firmer, more performance-oriented ride, which can make daily driving less comfortable.

Who Should Choose Coilovers?

Opt for coilovers if you’re looking for maximum performance, tuneability, and versatility. They’re perfect for enthusiasts who take their E36 to the track or want the option to fine-tune their setup for drifting, autocross, or spirited backroad runs.

What Are Lowering Springs?

Lowering springs are aftermarket versions of your E36’s stock springs, designed to lower the car’s ride height. They’re paired with your car’s factory or upgraded shocks to achieve a lower and sportier stance with improved handling.

Pros of Lowering Springs

1. Cost-Effective: Lowering springs are budget-friendly and typically cost far less than a full coilover setup.
2. Improved Aesthetics: A lower stance enhances your E36’s visual appeal by reducing the unsightly fender gap and giving it a sporty appearance.
3. Simple Installation: Lowering springs are easier to install compared to coilovers, making them a great DIY project for beginners.
4. Enhanced Handling: While they’re not as performance-focused as coilovers, lowering springs offer a noticeable improvement in handling by lowering the center of gravity and reducing body roll.

Cons of Lowering Springs

1. Limited Adjustability: Unlike coilovers, lowering springs have fixed spring rates and ride heights, leaving little room for customization.
2. Dependent on Shocks: To avoid premature wear, lowering springs often require upgraded shocks designed to handle the reduced suspension travel. This can add to the overall cost.
3. Moderate Performance Gains: While they improve looks and basic handling characteristics, lowering springs don’t offer the same level of control and precision as coilovers.
4. Ride Comfort: Depending on the spring rates, ride comfort can suffer, particularly on uneven roads.

Who Should Choose Lowering Springs?

Lowering springs are a great choice if you’re prioritizing style and want an affordable way to improve your E36’s stance and handling for street use. They’re perfect for daily driving or mild performance gains without breaking the bank.

Key Factors to Consider

When deciding between coilovers and lowering springs for your E36, several key factors come into play:

1. Performance Needs

• If you plan to take your car to the track, drift events, or autocross, coilovers are a better choice due to their superior adjustability and handling improvements.
• For street driving and casual performance enhancements, lowering springs provide a noticeable improvement without the complexity of a track-focused suspension.

2. Budget

• Coilovers typically cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000, depending on brand and features. If your budget allows, this is the more versatile option for long-term upgrades.
• Lowering springs are far more affordable, often ranging from $150 to $300. Even when factoring in upgraded shocks, the cost remains significantly lower than coilovers.

3. Adjustability

• Coilovers give you complete control over ride height, damping, and often camber. This is ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering with their setup.
• Lowering springs are fixed in ride height and spring rate, making them less flexible, though they generally require less maintenance.

4. Installation Complexity

• Installing coilovers is a more involved process and typically requires a professional alignment afterward.
• Lowering springs are easier to swap in, especially if you’re familiar with basic suspension components and have the necessary tools.

5. Driving Style

• If you’re someone who enjoys pushing your E36 to its limits, or you participate in motorsports, coilovers will give you the refined, responsive control you need.
• If you’re a daily driver looking to enhance aesthetics and feel more connected to the road without extensive modification, lowering springs fit the bill.

Summary of Pros and Cons

By weighing these factors, you can choose the suspension upgrade that best matches your E36's intended use, whether that's canyon carving, drifting, track sessions, or simply turning heads on the street.