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BMW Z3 and Z4 Coilovers

Our BMW Z3 and Z4 coilovers come in four groups: the first roadster, the E85 and E86, the E89 and the G29. Each has its own kits. On the Z3, kits differ by engine, M or not, and rear setup. On the later Z4s, electronic dampers decide the KW kit. BC Racing is listed first in all four sections.

Read us the VIN and we will find the chassis code: 1-800-460-9106.

Blue BMW Z3 M Roadster lowered on coilovers on a coastal road on a late summer afternoon

Animated illustration. It shows where coilovers sit on a car, not your exact kit. Depending on the car and the kit, coilovers can lean forward or back or stand straight up, and some cars use a separate spring and shock in the rear. Your ride height depends on the kit and how it is set up.

What decides the kit on each Z car

Kits for the Z cars are listed by chassis code, and the checks change as the car gets newer.

Check four or six cylinders, M or not, and whether you want Ksport's true rear coilovers.

E85 and E86

Check whether it is a roadster, coupe or Z4 M. Several Bilstein kit names also say they do not fit self-leveling suspension.

E89 and G29

KW makes separate kits for EDC or electronic dampers on both.

BC Racing coilovers, Z3 to G29

Five BC kits across four Z cars

BC Racing makes its BMW Z3 and Z4 coilovers in these series only: BR, DS, ER, RM and ZX. BR and DS come on all five kits, and RM on every one except the E89. Only the G29 kit adds ER and ZX. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US.

See all BC Racing coilovers Start with the Z3

Which BC series each Z car gets

The G29 kit has five BC series; the E89 kit has two.

BR and DS, all five kits

BR has one 30-click knob that sets compression and rebound together; DS adds a digressive piston for firmer control.

RM, on every kit but the E89

RM is BC's inverted (upside-down) monotube, made for MacPherson struts.

ER and ZX, on the 2019 and later Z4

On the G29, ER adds an external reservoir (oil canister) and separate 30-click adjustment; BC calls ZX its "most track-tested".

BC's Z3 kit name says "On Center and Off Center Mounts Available"; ask us which you need. To add Swift Springs to any BC Z kit, order through Custom Build for BC Coilovers.

KW, Öhlins, Bilstein, Fortune Auto, Feal and Ksport

Six more brands make kits for the Z cars. Call 1-800-460-9106 to compare them.

KW has kits for every Z code here. The Z3 M Roadster and M Coupe have their own kits, and KW makes separate E89 and G29 kits by EDC.

Öhlins

Öhlins makes a Road & Track kit for the rear-drive G29 only.

Bilstein

Bilstein makes B12 Pro-Kits for the Z3 roadster and coupe, the E85, the E86 coupe, the Z4 M and the E89, in separate kits by engine.

Fortune Auto

Fortune Auto makes two M kits, Z3 M and Z4 M, each with a separate-style rear (spring and shock apart).

Feal

Feal makes one Z3 kit and one E85 Z4 kit.

Ksport

Ksport makes six Z3 kits by engine and M, each with or without true rear coilovers, plus E85 and E89 kits.

Kits for a weekend roadster, a track Z3 M and a daily G29

Weekend roadster

Ask us about ride height for the roads you drive.

Kits to look at: the kit named for your exact code and engine

Z3 M at the track

Talk to us about the rear setup first.

Kits named for the Z3 M: BC Racing, KW M Roadster and M Coupe, Bilstein Coupe, Fortune Auto, two Ksport M Roadster kits

G29 driven every day

Know whether your car has electronic dampers before you order Z4 coilovers.

Kits named for the G29: BC Racing, KW (two versions), Öhlins Road & Track

All thirty-five BMW Z3 and Z4 coilover kits

They are listed newest first, and each card shows the kit's product name.

Z4 G29, sDrive30i and M40i

Codes: G29

Good to know: KW makes separate kits for cars with and without electronic dampers; the "with" kit includes an EDC cancellation kit. BC's G29 kit is the only BC Z kit with ER and ZX.

Z4 E89, model years 2009 through 2016

Codes: E89 (in KW kit names read Z89)

Good to know: KW sells E89 kits for cars with EDC, bundled with an EDC delete, and for cars without. Bilstein makes separate kits by engine and says "Standard Suspension Only".

Z4 E85 roadster, E86 coupe and Z4 M

Codes: E85, E86, M85

BC Racing coilover kit for the 2003 to 2008 BMW Z4 — **BC Racing kit**The BC Racing coilover kit listed for the 2003 to 2008 BMW Z4. Photo: BC Racing.

Good to know: Roadster, coupe and M each have their own kits. BC sells one kit for the non-M cars and one for the Z4 M. Bilstein makes a separate kit for the E86 coupe 3.0si, and several kit names say "Without Self-Leveling Suspension".

Z3 roadster, coupe, M Roadster and M Coupe

Codes: E36/7, E36/8, E37

BC Racing coilover kit for the 1996 to 2002 BMW Z3 and Z3 M — **BC Racing kit**The BC Racing coilover kit listed for the 1996 to 2002 BMW Z3 and Z3 M. Photo: BC Racing.

Good to know: There are four checks on the Z3. First, the engine: four or six cylinders (Ksport) or engine size (Bilstein). Then M or not, roadster or coupe, and whether you want Ksport true rear coilovers. BC's kit name says "On Center and Off Center Mounts Available".

Four Z codes compared

Code	Years	What decides the kit	BC Racing series
Z4 G29	2019 on	Electronic dampers (KW)	BR, DS, ER, RM, ZX
Z4 E89	2009 to 2016	EDC (KW); engine (Bilstein)	BR, DS
Z4 E85 and E86	2003 to 2009	Z4 M or not (BC, KW, Bilstein, Fortune Auto); coupe or roadster (Bilstein)	BR, DS, RM
Z3	1995 to 2002	Engine (Ksport, Bilstein); M; body; true rear (Ksport)	BR, DS, RM

Before you buy: what Z3 and Z4 owners run into

Here is what Z3 and Z4 owners run into most, from owner forums, recalls and service bulletins, and what it means for your coilovers.

Rear subframe and differential mounts cracking the floor

Z3, 1996 to 2002

Z3 owners on CarComplaints report the rear subframe and differential mounts cracking or tearing from the floor, often found after rear clunks or vibration. A reference guide says BMW reinforcement plates can be fitted as a repair. Coilovers do not fix a cracked floor, and a lower, stiffer car loads those mounts harder.

Before you install: Have the subframe and differential mount areas checked for cracks and broken spot welds, and plan reinforcement if you find any.

Harsh ride blamed on run-flat tires

Z4 E85 and E86, 2003 to 2009

On Z4-Forum, E85 and E86 owners blame the run-flats more than the sport suspension for a harsh ride and tramlining. Several report a smoother ride after switching to regular tires or a smaller wheel, though a few say the car just rides firm. If the tires cause the harshness, stiffer springs will not cure it.

Before you install: Tell us your wheel size and whether you still run run-flats, so we can suggest a damping and spring setup that suits the tire.

Z3 history

A roadster built in South Carolina

BMWBLOG notes the Z3 was unveiled in June 1995 and built at BMW's then-new Spartanburg plant, the first BMW model built exclusively outside Germany.

1995

Z3 production startsProduction began that September.
M Roadster

3.2 liter S50BMW added the M Roadster with the S50 engine from the European M3.
June 2002

Z3 production endsProduction ended, and the E85 Z4 succeeded it.

The E89 and G29 followed, and each has its own kits on this page.

Questions from Z3 and Z4 owners

Do Z3 coilovers fit the Z4?

A BMW Z3 coilover kit fits only the Z3, and each Z4 generation has its own. Order the kit named for your chassis code.

What does "true rear" mean on the Ksport Z3 kits?

It is Ksport's rear coilover option, where the spring sits on the rear shock instead of separately. Ksport sells each Z3 kit with and without it, so call us to compare.

My Z4 has EDC or electronic dampers. Which kit fits?

On the E89, KW sells a kit bundled with an EDC delete. On the G29, KW's kit with electronic dampers includes an EDC cancellation kit.

What BC series does each Z car get?

The Z3, the E85 and E86, and the Z4 M get BR, DS and RM. The E89 gets BR and DS. The G29 gets BR, DS, RM, ER and ZX.

Can I get coilovers for a Z3 M Coupe?

Yes. KW makes a separate M Coupe kit, and Bilstein's Z3 Coupe kit fits it too. BC's Z3 kit name includes the Z3 M, so ask us about the coupe.

How does the BC Racing warranty work on a Z3 or Z4 kit?

BC Racing North America currently lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, subject to its warranty terms. KW, Öhlins, Bilstein, Fortune Auto, Feal and Ksport set their own.

Related BMW and roadster pages

Coilover Kits by CarEvery car we cover. Does Your Car Have Adaptive Dampers? Keep Them, Cancel Them or Replace ThemKeep, cancel or replace the electronic dampers on your Z3. Comfort and Stance on a Daily Driver: Setting Up Coilovers for BothA comfortable drop on a Z3 you drive every day. How to Set Ride Height on CoiloversMeasure and set the drop on your Z3. After You Lower It: Alignment Timing, Driver-Assist Calibration and Headlight AimAlignment, driver-assist and headlight checks once the Z3 is lower. BMW 3 Series E36The car family the E36/7 code comes from. Mazda MiataAnother two-seat roadster. Adjustable vs. non-adjustable coiloversHow much adjustment a roadster needs. How to install coiloversWhat a roadster install involves. BC Racing for BMWEvery BC kit we carry for BMW.

Tell us if you have a Z3, E85, E89 or G29, and we will match the right coilovers to your car

We are here Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern.

Call 1-800-460-9106