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Description

BMW E46 3 Series Sedan/Coupe/Touring/Compact inverted (98-06) BC Racing RM coilover kit 6/8 kg/mm

The BC Racing RM coilover kit E46 (part number I-02-RM-MA) is a coilover kit adjustable in height and damping, also simply called a coilover, for the BMW 3 Series E46 Sedan, Coupe, Touring and Compact with rear-wheel drive, model years 1998 to 2006. The spring rate is 6 kg/mm front and 8 kg/mm rear.

This kit brings inverted dampers to the E46. BC Racing made the RM series for track days, hill climbs and tarmac rally: situations in which the front axle is heavily loaded and a regular strut has to work under lateral forces.

That is why the MacPherson front axle of the E46 gets an inverted monotube damper. The wide damper body sits at the top and the piston rod at the bottom, which makes the strut stiffer when you go hard into a corner. At the rear, where the E46 does not have MacPherson suspension, BC Racing uses an upright monotube with a linear piston.

The spring rate is 6/8 kg/mm. You adjust the damping in 30 clicks, compression and rebound together, and the dampers are filled with fully synthetic oil with an ultra-high viscosity index.

Key benefits

• Inverted at the front: a stiffer strut on the MacPherson front axle under high cornering loads.
• Digressive piston: firm control of body roll and dive, compliant over short, sharp bumps.
• One knob, 30 clicks: compression and rebound adjusted in one go, quick to change between sessions.
• Fully synthetic oil: ultra-high viscosity index, so the damping stays the same as the dampers warm up.
• Camber plates as standard: on suitable kits they are included straight away.
• Spring rate 6/8 kg/mm: matched to the E46 Sedan, Coupe, Touring and Compact.
• No external reservoir: no hoses or reservoirs to tuck away in the wheel arch or the interior.
• Rebuildable: the kit can be rebuilt after intensive use.

Suitable for

BMW 3 Series E46 Sedan, Coupe, Touring and Compact, model years 1998 to 2006, with rear-wheel drive (not for the M3 and the Convertible)

• Track days and regular circuit use
• Hill climbs and tarmac rally
• Drivers who want a stiffer front strut without a reservoir kit

Technical specifications

• Manufacturer: BC Racing
• Part number: I-02-RM-MA
• Series: RM, inverted
• Spring rate front/rear: 6/8 kg/mm
• Damper design: inverted monotube on the MacPherson front axle, upright monotube with linear piston at the rear, digressive damping
• Damping: 30 clicks, compression and rebound simultaneously
• Ride height: infinitely adjustable via the damper body
• 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 replaces the original dampers and springs front and rear. After fitting, first set the ride height, check that the tyres do not touch anything at full steering lock and full compression, and then have a wheel alignment carried out on the E46. 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 out of stock, you can still order and we will keep you informed.

An inverted front strut keeps the E46 tied down at the very moment a regular strut starts to struggle: deep in a fast corner, with the full weight on the outside front tyre.

Why choose this RM coilover kit E46?

Because it lets you take the step to inverted dampers without the price and the complexity of a kit with reservoirs. You keep one adjustment knob per damper, you get digressive damping and, at the front, the stiffness an E46 can put to good use on track.

BC Racing coilover kits for the BMW E46 Sedan, Coupe, Touring and Compact

Overview of the BC Racing series for the BMW E46 Sedan, Coupe, Touring and Compact supplied by Race4DriftParts, with the BC Racing part number. Spring rates in kg/mm, front/rear.

For a True Rear build of the BMW E46 Sedan, Coupe and Touring, BC Racing has separate kits. Their part numbers start with I-31. For the E46 Convertible, BC Racing has its own kit under part number I-90.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the BC Racing RM and DS for the E46?

The RM coilover kit E46 uses an inverted damper at the front, which is stiffer under high cornering loads, is filled with fully synthetic oil and comes with camber plates as standard on suitable kits. Both have a digressive piston and 30 clicks.

Why is only the front axle inverted on the BC Racing RM coilover kit for the E46?

Only the front axle is inverted because BC Racing uses inverted dampers on MacPherson struts, such as the front axle of the E46. The rear axle, which is not a MacPherson suspension, has an upright monotube.

Can I drive my E46 every day with the BC Racing RM coilover kit?

You can, but BC Racing recommends the RM series less for road use than the BR, DS, ER or ZX. The kit is tuned for track use and needs periodic greasing. If you mainly drive on the road with the occasional track day, the BR series is a better fit.

Does this BC Racing RM coilover kit fit an E46 Touring or Convertible?

Yes for the Touring, and also for the Compact. No for the Convertible: for that, BC Racing has its own kit under part number I-90. This I-02 kit is released for all rear-wheel drive E46 versions except the M3 and the Convertible.

What is the delivery time of this BC Racing RM coilover kit?

The delivery time is 1 to 2 weeks as long as the manufacturer has stock. If it is sold out there, you can still order and we will let you know when the kit 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.