Description
BMW E46 3 Series Convertible (98-06) BC Racing RM coilover kit 5.5/8 kg/mm
The BC Racing RM coilover kit E46 Convertible (part number I-90-RM-MA) is a coilover kit adjustable in height and damping, also simply called a coilover, for the BMW 3 Series E46 Convertible, model years 1998 to 2006. The spring rate is 5.5 kg/mm front and 8 kg/mm rear.
It is BC Racing’s inverted kit. The RM series was developed for track days, hill climbs and tarmac rally, for drivers who want a stiffer strut without making the step to a kit with external reservoirs.
On the MacPherson front axle, BC Racing uses an inverted monotube damper: the wide damper body sits at the top and the piston rod at the bottom, which makes the strut stiffer against lateral forces. At the rear, where there is no MacPherson layout, an upright monotube with a linear piston is used. The series has digressive tuning, you set the damping in 30 clicks and the dampers are filled with fully synthetic oil with an ultra-high viscosity index. The spring rate is 5.5/8 kg/mm.
Do check your body style. BC Racing only releases part number I-90 for the E46 Convertible. For the E46 Sedan, Coupe, Touring and Compact there are the kits with part number I-02.
Key benefits
- Inverted front struts: stiffer against bending forces as cornering loads increase.
- Digressive tuning: firm control over roll and dive, more suppleness over fast bumps.
- 30-click damping adjustment: compression and rebound together, quick to switch from road to track.
- Fully synthetic oil: ultra-high viscosity index for damping that fades less as the dampers get warm.
- Camber plates as standard: supplied directly on suitable kits.
- Steplessly adjustable ride height: set via the damper body.
- Spring rate 5.5/8 kg/mm: chosen by BC Racing for the E46 Convertible.
- Rebuildable: can be rebuilt after many kilometres on track.
Suitable for
BMW 3 Series E46 Convertible, model years 1998 to 2006 (BC Racing part number I-90)
- Track days and circuit training sessions
- Hill climbs and tarmac rally
- Fast road cars that spend more time on track than in traffic jams
Technical specifications
- Manufacturer: BC Racing
- Part number: I-90-RM-MA
- Series: RM, inverted
- Spring rate front/rear: 5.5/8 kg/mm
- Damper design: inverted monotube on MacPherson, upright monotube with linear piston on non-MacPherson, digressive
- Damping: 30 clicks, compression and rebound simultaneously
- Ride height: steplessly adjustable via the damper body
- Top mounts: pillowball top mounts or camber plates front (camber plates as standard on suitable kits), rubber or original mounting rear
- Contents: dampers and springs front and rear, lower mounts, top mounts where applicable, adjustment spanners and warranty card with serial number
- Warranty: 1 year on manufacturing defects. Noise from track-focused series is not covered by the warranty
Fitting and delivery
The kit replaces the original springs and dampers front and rear. After fitting, first set the ride height, check at full steering lock that the wheels and tyres do not touch anywhere, and then have a wheel alignment done, because camber and toe change as well. BC Racing advises periodic greasing of the RM series and recommends it less for road use than the BR, DS, ER or ZX. The delivery time is 1 to 2 weeks as long as the manufacturer has stock. If the kit is temporarily unavailable, you can still order and we will keep you informed.
With inverted front struts, an E46 Convertible gets the stiffness of a track kit, still with just one adjustment knob per damper.
Why choose this RM coilover kit E46 Convertible?
The RM fills the gap between the BR and DS kits on one side and the reservoir kits on the other. You get the benefits of an inverted front strut and camber plates on suitable kits, without extra lines and reservoirs in the engine bay or boot. For an E46 that regularly goes on track, a logical choice.
BC Racing coilover kits for the BMW E46 Convertible
Overview of the BC Racing series for the BMW E46 Convertible supplied by Race4DriftParts, with the BC Racing part number. Spring rates in kg/mm, front/rear.
| Series | Part number | Springs f/r | Damping | Intended for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BR | I-90-BR-RA | 6/8 | 30 clicks, linear | Road with the occasional track day |
| DS | I-90-DS-DA | 6/8 | 30 clicks, digressive | Track-focused, sporty road use |
| RM (this kit) | I-90-RM-MA | 5.5/8 | 30 clicks, digressive, synthetic oil | Track days, hill climbs, tarmac rally |
| ER | I-90-ER | 5.5/8 | 2-way, 30 clicks per direction, external reservoir | Serious track and competition use |
| HM | I-90-HM | 5.5/8 | 2-way, 30 clicks per direction, external reservoir | Serious track use |
| ZX | I-90-ZX | 5.5/8 | 3-way (20/12/30 clicks), external reservoir | Competition, long sessions, drift |
| ZR | I-90-ZR | 5.5/8 | 3-way (20/12/30 clicks), external reservoir | Competitive motorsport |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the BC Racing RM and DS for the BMW E46 Convertible?
The RM coilover kit E46 Convertible has an inverted damper at the front, which is stiffer under high cornering loads, and comes with camber plates as standard on suitable kits. Both series have digressive tuning and 30 clicks.
Does this kit also fit an E46 Sedan, Coupe or Touring?
No. BC Racing only releases this kit for the E46 Convertible. For the Sedan, Coupe, Touring and Compact there is the I-02.
Why is the BC Racing RM coilover kit E46 Convertible called an inverted kit?
Because the damper at the front is mounted upside down: with an inverted damper, the damper body is at the top and the piston rod at the bottom. That makes the strut stiffer against the lateral forces acting on the MacPherson front axle in a fast corner.
What is the delivery time of this BC Racing RM coilover kit for the BMW E46 Convertible?
The delivery time is usually 1 to 2 weeks as long as the manufacturer has stock. If the kit is temporarily sold out, you can still order and we will let you know when it arrives.
Delivery outside the European Union: different shipping costs may apply. Don’t worry: we will email you as soon as possible after your order and agree the shipping with you. You are not committed to anything without your consent.




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