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SF Racing

SF Racing Track Coilovers for 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12)

SF Racing Track Coilovers for 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12)

Regular price $1,095.00 USD
Regular price $1,200.00 USD Sale price $1,095.00 USD
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Listed for: 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12)Fitment notes & questions

For a 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12) that sees track days as well as the commute, the SF Racing Track Coilovers add firmer valving on top of full height and damping adjustment. This version is listed for RWD models.

1972-1981 BMW 5 Series setup details

Both ends use a true coilover layout, with the spring sitting on the damper body at every corner. Damper bodies are 52mm front and 50mm rear. It comes with 10 kg/mm (about 560 lb/in) springs up front and 7.2 kg/mm (about 403 lb/in) at the rear. Damping is 1-way: a single knob with 32 settings changes rebound and compression together, which keeps tuning quick. The front top mounts are aluminum with rubber bushings, with aluminum camber plates with pillowball bushings available as an option. At the rear, the mounts are aluminum with rubber bushings.

Key features

  • Monotube damper design for better heat control and fewer leaks
  • 32-level damping adjustment, rebound and compression combined on one adjuster
  • Adjustable ride height, roughly 1 to 2.5 inches below factory per SF Racing, while keeping suspension travel
  • Independent lower mount adjustment keeps spring preload and damper travel where they should be when you change height
  • Anodized T6-6061 aluminum top mounts, spring perches and collars for corrosion resistance
  • Zinc-plated shock bodies for rust protection
  • SAE9254 cold-wound springs
  • NOK seals and Italian IP damping oil (20W)
  • Built-in dust boots and bump stops
  • Bolt-on install with no modifications, unless the notes below say otherwise

Important: Requires welding for installation. Welding required for installation.

Who it suits

Best suited to cars that do track days, autocross or spirited back-road driving, and owners who accept a firmer ride for more control.

Specifications

Part number SF-BM03-21-TR
Vehicle 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series
Chassis E12
Drivetrain RWD
Damper model Track Series
Damping 1-Way: Rebound and Compression
Damper size (front / rear) 52mm diameter / 50mm diameter
Spring rate (front / rear) 10 kg/mm / 7.2 kg/mm
Design (front / rear) True Coilover / True Coilover
Top mounts (front) Standard: Aluminum with Rubber Bushings / Optional: Aluminum Camber Plates with Pillowball Bushings
Top mounts (rear) Aluminum with Rubber Bushings
Notes Requires welding for installation.
Notes Welding required for installation.
View full details

Before you order: BMW 5 Series fitment and setup

Coilovers combine the spring and damper in one adjustable unit. That lets you choose your ride height on the BMW 5 Series and, on kits with damping adjustment, tune how firm it feels.

Fitment notes

  • Listed for: 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12).
  • Model years: 1972-1981. Check your car's year falls inside this range.
  • Chassis code E12: parts for other chassis codes of the same model usually won't fit.
  • Factory adaptive dampers: if your car has electronic or adaptive suspension, check whether the listing covers it or needs a cancellation kit.
  • Specs, lead time and warranty come from SF Racing and can change. The details above this guide are the latest we have.

Not sure it fits? Tell us exactly what you drive and we'll confirm fitment with the supplier first. It's free and saves a return.

Ask about fitment

Plan the whole job

  • An alignment. Any change in ride height changes camber and toe. Set your final height first, then align.
  • Camber and toe adjustment. Bigger drops often need adjustable arms or camber plates to align properly. See alignment and camber kits.
  • Wheel and tire clearance. Check clearance at full lock and full compression, especially with wider wheels. Our ride height and wheel fitment calculator shows how much drop and offset change you are planning.
  • The right spring rate. Compare the rates listed here with what our spring rate calculator suggests for your car's weight and use.

More for your car: BMW Coilovers & Suspension · All Coilovers

Questions about BMW 5 Series coilovers

Will this fit my BMW 5 Series?
It is listed for the 1972-1981 BMW 5 Series (E12). Check your year, model, drivetrain and chassis code against the product title. If anything is different, contact us and we will confirm fitment with the supplier before you order.
Do I need an alignment after installing coilovers?
Yes. Changing ride height changes camber and toe. Set your final height, let the suspension settle, then get the car aligned.
How low can I go?
It depends on the adjustment range the brand lists, your wheels and tires, and how you use the car. Most cars that are driven hard work best with a modest drop that leaves enough suspension travel.
Where do specs and warranty details come from?
From SF Racing. We sell parts from several brands and suppliers, and each one sets its own specs, lead times and warranty terms. The product details above are the latest we have.
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