Description
BC Racing ZR coilover kit BMW 3 Series E46 Sedan/Coupe/Touring/Compact (98-06) 8/10 kg/mm
The BC Racing ZR coilover kit E46 (part number I-02-ZR) 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 8 kg/mm front and 10 kg/mm rear.
The ZR is a 3-way adjustable series from BC Racing, made for competitive motorsport. Like the ZX, it has three adjusters: low-speed compression, high-speed compression and rebound.
On MacPherson struts, such as the front axle of the E46, the ZR uses an inverted monotube; on other suspension types it is an upright monotube. All dampers have a twin piston and an external reservoir with braided steel lines. You can mount the reservoir on the chassis or on the damper body.
The spring rate is 8/10 kg/mm. The ride height is fully adjustable and independent of the spring preload, and the dampers are filled with synthetic oil.
Key benefits
- 3-way adjustable: 20 clicks of low-speed compression, 12 clicks of high-speed compression and 30 clicks of rebound.
- Made for motorsport: the series BC Racing builds for competition use.
- Flexible reservoir mounting: on the chassis or on the damper body.
- Braided steel lines: between damper and reservoir.
- Ride height fully independent of spring preload: set height and spring travel separately.
- Twin piston and digressive damping: control over the body, compliant over fast, sharp bumps.
- Synthetic oil: consistent damping over an entire race.
- Camber plates: rubber top mounts are available as an option.
- Rebuildable: can be rebuilt after a season.
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)
- Competitive motorsport and club racing
- Time attack and competition drifting
- Teams who want to fine-tune the setup for each circuit and each session
Technical specifications
- Manufacturer: BC Racing
- Part number: I-02-ZR
- Series: ZR, 3-way with external reservoir
- Spring rate front/rear: 8/10 kg/mm
- Damper design: inverted monotube on MacPherson struts, upright monotube on other suspension types, twin piston, external reservoir with braided steel lines, 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, 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. Noise is not covered by the warranty
Fitting and delivery
The kit replaces the original dampers and springs front and rear. When fitting, choose whether to place the reservoirs on the chassis or on the damper body, and check that the lines stay clear during suspension compression and steering. After setting the ride height and the corner weights, have a wheel alignment carried out on the E46. 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 the kit is not in stock, you can still order and we will keep you informed.
Three adjusters, a reservoir you can place wherever it fits and a ride height that is independent of the spring: the ZR gives an E46 everything you need for a competition setup.
Why choose this ZR coilover kit E46?
Because in competition you do not want the dampers to set the limit. With the ZR you tune the response to kerbs separately from the response to weight transfer, and you keep the rebound exactly where you want it. For an E46 that is really driven against the clock, this is the kit you will not outgrow.
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.
| Series | Part number | Springs f/r | Damping | Intended for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BR | I-02-BR-RA, central top mounts | 6/8 | 30 clicks, linear | Road with the occasional track day |
| DS | I-02-DS-DA, central top mounts | 6/8 | 30 clicks, digressive | Track-focused, sporty road use |
| RM | I-02-RM-MA | 6/8 | 30 clicks, digressive, synthetic oil | Track days, hill climbs, tarmac rally |
| ER | I-02-ER | 10/10 | 2-way, 30 clicks per direction, external reservoir | Serious track and competition use |
| HM | I-02-HM | 8/10 | 2-way, 30 clicks per direction, external reservoir | Serious track use |
| ZX | I-02-ZX | 5.5/8 | 3-way (20/12/30 clicks), external reservoir | Competition, long sessions, drifting |
| ZR (this kit) | I-02-ZR | 8/10 | 3-way (20/12/30 clicks), external reservoir | Competitive motorsport |
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 ZR and ZX for the E46?
The ZR uses inverted dampers on MacPherson struts and lets you mount the reservoir on the chassis or on the damper body; the ZX has upright dampers and combines the DS with the ER. Both are 3-way adjustable with the same click ranges.
Why does the BC Racing ZR coilover kit for the E46 have three adjusters?
With the ZR coilover kit E46 you set the low-speed compression (body roll and dive) separately from the high-speed compression (kerbs and bumps). On top of that you have a separate rebound adjustment. That way you tackle each problem in a targeted way.
Can I change the ride height on the BC Racing ZR coilover kit for the E46 without resetting the springs?
Yes. On the ZR, the ride height is fully independent of the spring preload.
Does this BC Racing ZR 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 ZR coilover kit?
The delivery time is normally 1 to 2 weeks as long as the manufacturer has stock. Otherwise, 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.






Reviews
There are no reviews yet.