Hi,

After a discussion with another member I told him I would collate some reading for him, so figured I would make it public!

I've owned a few cars (10+), mostly modified. One topic that is often misunderstood is what constitutes a good shock absorber, or 'coil-over'. Rather than reinvent the wheel, i am going to start a thread with some recommended reading and when I have more time will provide a summary of options for BMW's and who they might best suit. (Note, if you track your car, chances are my comments will be of little value although the links I provide might be). Most of my experience comes from 10yrs in the car scene and many a discussion with some of the better suspension engineers in Australia.

Start here:
http://farnorthracing.com/autocross_secrets.html ($#@!loads on dynamics and shock selection, why adjustable is often $#@!, read the shock stuff!)
http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/for...kabsorber-101/ (Entry level post on shock design)
http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/for...ing-rates-are/ (basics of working out spring rates)
http://www.ozebiz.com.au/racetech/theory/wttrans.html (Dynamics 101)
http://phors.locost7.info/contents.htm (More in depth Dynamics/Physics)
http://www.carbibles.com/suspension_bible.html (Suspension parts)
http://www.ozebiz.com.au/racetech/theory/align.html (Alignment)
http://www.modified.com/tech/0605_sc...5/dampers.html (Damper tuning)
http://www.modified.com/tech/0607_sc..._stick_part_6/ (Monotube stuff)

Notes:
(The threads on SAU were written by Gary Cook, a suspension engineer whom designer most of the older items in the Whiteline catalogue)


Cliffnotes-
- Bilstein > most for a street car
- Bilstein B14 PSS > Bilstein B16 PSS9 due to adjuster design
- Bilstein B16 PSS10 > PSS9
- Bilstein B14 PSS + Swift/Hyperco springs and revalve are a great budget option
- KW are built using Koni (IIRC), Koni are meh.
- Ohlins are great, the above custom option MIGHT be better value for money if you have access to a suspension engineer
- Adjusters don't often do what is advertised
- Don't believe marketing.
- The guy writing this post has owned: Bilstein, Koni, Tokico, Tein, KYB and driven many more. He has also gotten to the point of having parts CNC machined to get the geo he wanted.
- Good shocks: Bilstein, Koni, Ohlins, Penske, Sachs, DMS, MCA, Proflex, Moton

If you already knew more than the aforementioned links provide, feel free to add value rather than flame.

-R.