Description
BC Racing ZR coilover kit BMW 3 Series E46 Convertible (98-06) 5.5/8 kg/mm
The BC Racing ZR coilover kit E46 Convertible (part number I-90-ZR) 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.
The ZR is BC Racing’s 3-way motorsport series, made for competitive motorsport, where every tenth counts and the car is set up for each circuit.
On MacPherson struts there is an inverted monotube, on double wishbones an upright monotube, in each case with a double piston and an external reservoir connected via braided steel lines. You can mount the reservoir on the chassis or on the damper body. The ZR is 3-way adjustable: 20 clicks of low-speed compression, 12 clicks of high-speed compression and 30 clicks of rebound. The ride height is fully adjustable and independent of the spring preload. The spring rate is 5.5/8 kg/mm.
BC Racing only releases the 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
- 3-way adjustment: slow compression, fast compression and rebound each separately.
- Inverted monotube on MacPherson: stiff strut under high cornering loads.
- Reservoir placed as you choose: on the chassis or on the damper body.
- Braided steel lines: robust connection to the reservoir.
- Ride height fully independent of preload: height and spring travel adjustable separately.
- Digressive tuning: predictable during weight transfer.
- Synthetic oil: consistent behaviour at high temperatures.
- Spring rate 5.5/8 kg/mm: for the E46 Convertible.
- Rebuildable: built to be rebuilt season after season.
Suitable for
BMW 3 Series E46 Convertible, model years 1998 to 2006 (BC Racing part number I-90)
- Competitive motorsport and club championships
- Teams and drivers who use their own setup for each circuit
- E46 projects where damping and ride height must be fully adjustable
Technical specifications
- Manufacturer: BC Racing
- Part number: I-90-ZR
- Series: ZR, 3-way motorsport with external reservoir
- Spring rate front/rear: 5.5/8 kg/mm
- Damper design: inverted monotube on MacPherson, upright monotube on double wishbones, double piston, external reservoir, digressive
- Damping: 3-way, 20 clicks low-speed compression, 12 clicks high-speed compression, 30 clicks rebound
- Ride height: fully adjustable, independent of the spring preload
- Top mounts: camber plates on suitable kits, rubber top mounts optional
- 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. With this track-focused series, noise is not covered by the warranty
Fitting and delivery
For fitting, choose a position for the reservoirs that suits how the car is used: on the chassis or directly on the damper body. Route the lines so that they stay clear at full suspension travel, and after setting the ride height have a wheel alignment done on the E46 and preferably have it put on corner weight scales. BC Racing advises periodic greasing of the ZR 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 it is out of stock, you can still order and we will keep you informed.
With 3-way damping and a ride height that is independent of the springs, the ZR becomes a tool with which you build the E46 around the circuit.
Why choose this ZR coilover kit E46 Convertible?
Because the ZR combines 3-way damping, a freely positionable reservoir and a ride height independent of the spring preload. You have control over every phase of the damping, can place the reservoir where it suits your car best and can keep rebuilding the kit over the years. For an E46 that races in competition, that is the level you want to reach.
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 | 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 (this kit) | 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 ZR and ZX for the E46 Convertible?
The ZR coilover kit E46 Convertible uses an inverted monotube on MacPherson struts and lets you mount the reservoir on the chassis or on the damper body, while the ZX has an upright monotube. Both are 3-way adjustable with the same click distribution.
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.
Can I have the BC Racing ZR coilover kit for the E46 rebuilt later?
Yes. The ZR series is rebuildable, so after a few intensive seasons you have the dampers rebuilt instead of replacing them.
What is the delivery time of this BC Racing ZR coilover kit?
The delivery time is generally 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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