BMW E90, E92 and E93 Coilovers: RWD, xDrive and M3 Fitment Guide
The E9x 3 Series covers four body styles (sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible), rear-wheel drive and xDrive, and the V8 M3. That makes it one of the easiest BMWs to buy the wrong coilovers for. This guide covers how the E90, E91, E92 and E93 differ, what the spring rates on the kits we carry tell you, and which supporting parts to plan for.
Want to go straight to the parts? See our E90, E91, E92 and E93 pages.
E90, E91, E92 and E93: which one do you have?
- E90: the sedan, including the 2007 to 2013 M3 sedan.
- E91: the wagon (Touring).
- E92: the coupe, including the M3 coupe.
- E93: the convertible with the folding hard top, including the M3 convertible.
The chassis code is on the sticker in the driver's door jamb and in most VIN decoders. Every kit we list has the code in its title, so match it along with the years and drivetrain.
RWD, xDrive and M3 kits are different
This is where most fitment mistakes happen. The non-M cars come in rear-wheel drive and xDrive (all-wheel drive) versions, and the xDrive front suspension is different, so the kits are listed separately. The M3 has its own kits again. You can see it in the spec tables on the SF Racing kits we carry:
| Car | Spring rates (front / rear) | Damper size (front / rear) |
|---|---|---|
| E90, E91, E92 RWD | 8.5 / 11 kg/mm | 52 / 46 mm |
| E93 convertible RWD | 8.5 / 14 kg/mm | 52 / 46 mm |
| E90, E91, E92, E93 xDrive | 10 / 14 kg/mm | 52 / 46 mm |
| M3 sedan, coupe and convertible | 10 / 18 kg/mm | 52 / 50 mm |
The heavier convertible gets a stiffer rear spring than the coupe, and the M3 runs the stiffest rates and larger rear dampers. All of these kits use a true coilover at the front and a divorced rear, which keeps the factory layout of a separate rear spring and shock. Not sure how stiff you want to go? Our spring rate calculator can help, and many listings let you choose other rates.
SF Racing Sport coilovers for the E92 coupe (RWD).
Which kit: Sport, Track, N2 or air?
For most E9x cars driven on the street, a street kit is the right choice. Here is what we carry and what each costs:
- Sport coilovers, $995: 32-click damping, height adjustment and rubber top mounts for a quieter ride. For example the Sport kit for the E90 sedan RWD or the Sport kit for the E90 xDrive.
- Track coilovers, $1,095: the same spring rates and damper sizes as Sport on every E9x we list, with firmer track valving. For example the Track kit for the M3 coupe.
- N2 coilovers, $1,795: external reservoirs and separate rebound and compression adjustment, for track cars. For example the N2 kit for the M3 sedan.
- Air struts, $1,795: for show cars that need to lift for driveways. Air management is extra unless the listing says it is included. For example the air struts for the E92 RWD.
See SF Racing Sport vs Track vs N2 compared for the full breakdown.
M3 with EDC
Some E9x M3s have Electronic Damper Control, the button that changes damper firmness. Aftermarket coilovers replace those dampers, so check the listing notes for your car and expect to need a way to deal with the dashboard warning that can appear once the factory dampers are unplugged. If you are not sure whether your car has it, contact us with your VIN and we will check with the supplier.
Supporting parts to plan for
- Rear camber and toe. Lowering an E9x adds negative camber at the rear. Adjustable arms let you bring it back. See our alignment and camber kits.
- Bushings. On cars this age, factory front control arm bushings are often worn. Fresh ones make the steering feel tighter. See bushings and mounts.
- An alignment. Set your final ride height, drive a few days, then align.
How low should you go?
For a car that sees real roads, a drop of about 1 to 1.5 inches keeps enough suspension travel and avoids most rubbing. Use our ride height and wheel fitment calculator to plan the drop and check wheel offset if you are changing wheels at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Do E90 coilovers fit an E92?
Often the RWD sedan and coupe kits share spring rates and damper sizes, but they are listed separately for each body. Order the kit with your chassis code in the title.
Do xDrive cars need different coilovers?
Yes. xDrive cars have different front suspension and use their own kits, with stiffer springs in the ones we carry.
Will M3 coilovers fit a 335i?
No. The M3 uses different suspension and its own kits with larger rear dampers.
Do I need an alignment after installing coilovers?
Yes. Any change in ride height changes camber and toe.
Shop all BMW suspension, or see the chassis pages for the E90, E91, E92 and E93. Specs, lead times and warranties come from each brand, so check the product page for your car.
