E30 suspension differences

Hi my GRM people,

What are the differences between the E30 325i, 325is, and E30M3 FR and RR anti-roll bars? What is the difference between E30 325is and 325i shocks? If the valve code is different, then will the 325is shocks fit on a 325i?

All e30 front swaybars are the same with the exception of the convertible which is thicker.

E30 M3 rear bar is thicker than the rest.

The shocks are the same.

rear 325i/s is a 12mm bar and m3 have a 14.5mm. front 325i/s iirc is 20mm (i think cobrios are 21mm) and the m3 actually has a smaller 19mm bar, though it mounts to the strut housing rather than the control arm so its effective stiffness is different.

rear shocks all interchange. i think there were two differently diameter'd strut housings early ones being smaller if so (but i may just be thinking of rear wheel bearings), but all i/is cars have the same housing size as m3 so theyre swappable, though the housings are very different.

He knows his E30s, listen to him

The only difference in strut housings was between early 318s and 325s. Later 318s (M42 model) had the same size strut housings as all the 325s, though.

WilbeR is correct.

Many weld the sway mounting tab on to the struts of non-M cars to gain the increase in leverage on the sway bar.