Description
BC Racing DS coilover kit BMW 3 Series E36 Compact (93-00) 5/8 kg/mm
The BC Racing DS coilover kit E36 Compact (part number I-25-DS-DA) is a coilover kit adjustable in height and damping, also simply called a coilover, for the BMW 3 Series E36 Compact (E36/5), model years 1993 to 2000. The spring rate is 5 kg/mm front and 8 kg/mm rear.
It is BC Racing’s track-focused kit. It shares its base with the BR series, but gets a digressive piston that delivers extra damping force mainly at low piston speed, up to around 50 mm/s. As a result, the body stays composed when turning in, braking and accelerating.
This is the standard version: complete coilover struts at the front, while the rear keeps the original layout with a separate spring and a separate damper. The spring rate is 5/8 kg/mm, with a relatively soft front end and a firmer rear axle, as chosen by BC Racing for the Compact.
You adjust the damping in 30 clicks, compression and rebound together. You set the ride height via the damper body, independently of the spring preload, so you can lower the car without the damper losing stroke.
Key benefits
- Digressive piston: extra control at low piston speed, where roll and dive occur.
- Track-focused setup: made for track days and drifting.
- Spring rate 5/8 kg/mm: soft front end for grip on turn-in, firm rear end.
- Ride height independent of spring preload: lower the car without giving up damper stroke.
- 30-click damping: from road setup to track setup in one action.
- Satin chrome damper body: the recognisable finish of the DS series.
- Concave lower lock ring: the height setting does not come loose.
- Fully rebuildable: simply have them checked after a few seasons.
Suitable for
BMW 3 Series Compact E36/5, model years 1993 to 2000
- Track days and circuit use
- Drifting with a Compact as an entry-level or project car
- Sporty road use where chassis control matters more than comfort
Technical specifications
- Manufacturer: BC Racing
- Part number: I-25-DS-DA
- Series: DS, digressive, track-focused
- Version: standard, separate spring and separate damper at the rear
- Spring rate front/rear: 5/8 kg/mm
- Damper design: monotube with digressive piston
- Damping: 30 clicks, compression and rebound simultaneously
- Ride height: adjustable via the damper body, independent of the spring preload
- Top mounts: pillowball top mounts or camber plates at the front, rubber or original mounting at the 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 is vehicle-specific and replaces the original dampers and springs. Start with the damping knob in the middle of the range and adjust from there for each axle. Always have a wheel alignment done after setting the ride height, so that camber and toe are correct again. The delivery time is 1 to 2 weeks as long as the manufacturer has stock. No stock at the manufacturer? You can still order, and we will keep you informed.
A soft front end with digressive damping: the Compact turns in eagerly and still stays flat through the corner.
Why choose this DS coilover kit E36 Compact?
The Compact is light and agile, but the original suspension lets it move too much when driven fast. With this kit you keep weight transfer under control without the rear starting to hop over kerbs. A logical step for anyone who wants more than the BR series but does not yet need reservoirs.
BC Racing coilover kits for the BMW E36 Compact
Overview of the BC Racing series for the BMW E36 Compact 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-25-BR-RA | 6/8 | 30 clicks, linear | Road with the occasional track day |
| DS (this kit) | I-25-DS-DA | 5/8 | 30 clicks, digressive | Track-focused, sporty road use |
| RM | I-25-RM-MA | 6/6 | 30 clicks, digressive, synthetic oil | Track days, hill climbs, tarmac rally |
| RM | I-25-RM-MA | 6/8 | 30 clicks, digressive, synthetic oil | Track days, hill climbs, tarmac rally |
| ER | I-25-ER | 6/8 | 2-way, 30 clicks per direction, external reservoir | Serious track and competition use |
| ZX | I-25-ZX | 6/8 | 3-way (20/12/30 clicks), external reservoir | Competition, long sessions, drifting |
For the BMW E36 Compact True Rear, BC Racing has separate kits. Their part numbers start with I-79.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the BC Racing DS and BR for the E36 Compact?
This DS coilover kit E36 Compact has a digressive piston that damps more firmly at slow movements, which makes it more track-focused. The BR uses a linear piston and is the all-rounder for daily use.
Is there also a BC Racing DS True Rear version for the E36 Compact?
Yes, there is also a DS True Rear version for the E36 Compact. With True Rear, the rear becomes a complete strut with the spring around the damper, instead of a separate spring and damper. That DS True Rear has a spring rate of 5/5 kg/mm and its own part number.
How do I adjust the damping of the BC Racing DS coilover kit for the E36 Compact?
You set the damping with one knob per damper: each damper has one knob with 30 clicks that adjusts compression and rebound together. Start in the middle and turn stiffer or softer for each axle until the balance feels right.
What is the delivery time of this BC Racing DS coilover kit?
The delivery time is normally 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 keep you informed.
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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