So my wife and I are having a baby in July and her current suspension setup just wont do (Perring/HR springs and stock shocks). We plan on buying some basic coilovers to make the ride more comfortable, so either dampening adjustable or just well set for street. We like the current height too so maybe just adjustable shocks?? Any opinions or first hand experiences with babies and suspension? Thanks!

...and a current pic of her mommy wagon:

 

none really but i have cusco and everyone says it feel really smooth for being on coilovers

 

Maybe a different spring/strut combo would be a better choice with a strut like the KYB AGX (offering some strut adjust-ability). Most coil over setups are a rougher ride than a strut and correct spring combo unless you really spend some money on a nice Coil over setup with valving and springs suited for her/your ride preference, but that can get costly.
Nice looking Wagon by the way!!!

 

Sorry can't help with your question but just wanted to give you a thumbs up for being awesome! You two drive some sweet rides!
My wife and I are in the same dilemma.

 

Unless you spend more than $2000 you WILL be dissapointed with coil overs. They will not be as complient as a good spring strut combo. I am using H&R springs and they are a mild spring rate spring. I think they are a bit to low(10mm or so) but a good street spring. Look for used Pro Drives or the Mach V springs as they may be even milder than the H&R. Coil overs again will NOT be a smoother ride than a spring/ strut combo. If some one tells you that " Hey man my xxx coil overs are the bomb", they have NO CLUE!!!
Good luck

04Caliwrx, cusco does make nice ones and you did qualify it by saying "for coil overs".

 

Ohlins.

/Thread

 

^^^ Nice but $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

 

Yeah, Like he said though if you don't spend big money you'll be dissapointed. Honestly though you can always get a set of Stance LX or the new Fortune autos. Great coils for the price and purpose.

 

Even ohlins won't be THAT baby friendly. Throw some Koni's on there with a less of an agressive spring. That'll up the dampening rebound etc.

 

Kyb agx shocks

 

Hey, even though most people think its not cool. You can run stock springs with an adjustable strut like the AGX, D-Spec, Koni insert. The stock springs are really not bad, you can ask Turn In Concepts. Matched with a adjustable strut, good sway bar, links you will be able to control body roll with a compliant, sporty ride.
Like I said above I don't think there is a coilover made that would pass the baby/wife test.
You said you have H&R springs. They have a mild spring rate compared to most other springs and ALL coilovers. So if you think they are too much that's why I suggest the stock springs.
Good luck
Edit: Here is a list of spring rates.
http://www.northursalia.com/techdocs/spring/spring.html

 

Thanks all for the help and comments!

The current springs arent too stiff just with the horrible dampening of the stock struts its too bouncy. We were only looking to spend 1200$ so since decent coilovers cant be had I think we're leaning towards adjustable shocks. I've heard great things about Tokico D Specs and have had Koni yellows. Any preference on adjustable shocks?

Man Japanese cars suspension is so expensive, German cars are so much cheaper. Got to pay to play I guess.

 

if your looking to spend 1200, then try koni yellows paired with prodrive springs is best. its a WAY smooth and comfortable ride for daily, and handles good on track at the same time..

 

D-Spec would work great. Reliable, no fuss like the Koni.
By the way, E30s are for me the pinicale of BMW design. E30 M3 is for me, one of my top 5 cars of all time.

 

Talk to Ground Control. They will probably set you up with some Koni yellow with their own springs... set to whatever spring rate you like or that they suggest. Plus, you could also adjust the ride height like coilovers but a better ride for less $$.