Description
BMW E46 3 Series Convertible (98-06) BC Racing ZX coilover kit 5.5/8 kg/mm
The BC Racing ZX coilover kit E46 Convertible (part number I-90-ZX) 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 kit is 3-way adjustable. The ZX combines the digressive basis of the DS with the reservoir technology of the ER, and is intended for competitive track work, long sessions and demanding drifting.
Each damper is an upright monotube with a double piston and an external reservoir. You set three things independently of each other: low-speed compression in 20 clicks, high-speed compression in 12 clicks and rebound in 30 clicks. This lets you tune separately how the car responds to weight transfer and how it deals with kerbs and bumps. The dampers run on racing oil with an ultra-high viscosity index and the spring rate is 5.5/8 kg/mm.
Mind the body style: 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: low-speed compression, high-speed compression and rebound each adjustable separately.
- External reservoirs: more oil volume for long sessions on track.
- Double piston: distributes the work within the damper.
- Digressive tuning: based on the DS series.
- Racing oil with ultra-high viscosity index: made for heavy loads.
- Replaceable upper mount: with camber plates on suitable kits, rubber top mounts optional.
- Steplessly adjustable ride height: via the damper body.
- Spring rate 5.5/8 kg/mm: for the E46 Convertible.
Suitable for
BMW 3 Series E46 Convertible, model years 1998 to 2006 (BC Racing part number I-90)
- Competitive track work and long sessions
- Demanding drifting
- Drivers who want to determine every phase of the damping themselves
Technical specifications
- Manufacturer: BC Racing
- Part number: I-90-ZX
- Series: ZX, 3-way with external reservoir
- Spring rate front/rear: 5.5/8 kg/mm
- Damper design: upright monotube with double piston and external reservoir, digressive
- Damping: 3-way, 20 clicks low-speed compression, 12 clicks high-speed compression, 30 clicks rebound
- Ride height: steplessly adjustable via the damper body
- Top mounts: replaceable upper mount, 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
Besides replacing the original springs and dampers, with this kit the reservoirs also need a fixed position, with the lines clear of moving parts. We therefore recommend having it fitted by someone with experience of track suspension, and having a wheel alignment done on the E46 afterwards. 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.
Three adjustments per damper means you no longer have to adapt an E46 to its suspension, but the suspension to the circuit.
Why choose this ZX coilover kit E46 Convertible?
If you know what your car does and want to fine-tune exactly where it pinches, one adjustment knob will not get you far. The ZX gives you separate control over slow and fast compression and over rebound, with reservoirs that can handle long sessions. That makes it suitable for anyone who really wants to perform with their E46.
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 (this kit) | 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 ZX and ER for the E46 Convertible?
The ZX coilover kit E46 Convertible splits compression into low and high speed, so you can fine-tune more precisely than with the ER. The ER is 2-way: compression and rebound independent of each other, each in 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.
Is the BC Racing ZX coilover kit for the E46 Convertible suitable for the road?
Yes, you can drive it on the road, but the kit only really comes into its own on track. The ZX was developed for competitive track use and drifting.
What is the delivery time of this BC Racing ZX 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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