Ultimate Guide to BC Racing Coilovers for BMW E46 3 Series Models

Introduction to E46 BC Coilovers

Coilovers are a popular suspension modification for BMW E46 models. BC Racing is a leading manufacturer of high-quality coilovers for the E46 chassis. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at E46 BC coilovers, including how they work, key features and benefits, and recommendations for optimal setup.

What are E46 BC Coilovers?

BC Racing produces a lineup of coilover kits specially designed for BMW 3 Series models built on the E46 chassis/platform (1999-2006). Their E46 coilovers feature fully height adjustable shock absorbers with high-end internals and springs that lower the vehicle and optimize handling and ride quality.

Coilovers replace the OEM shocks and springs to provide an aftermarket suspension upgrade. Each corner of the vehicle gets a coilover shock and spring assembly. By changing spring rates and shock valving, coilovers alter the car's ride height, handling, and overall performance.

Key Features of E46 BC Coilovers

Here are some of the major features and benefits of BC Racing E46 coilovers:

• Fully independent height adjustability - each corner can be dialed in perfectly
• 30 levels of adjustable damping - fine tune rebound and compression settings
• Inverted mono-tube shock design - improves response and heat dissipation
• Front camber adjustability - alignment can be dialed in specifically for lowered ride height
• Pillowball upper mounts - reduce NVH for a smoother ride
• Shortened bump stops - maintain wheel travel when lowered
• 1-year limited warranty

These high-performance features allow E46 owners to achieve their ideal lowered stance and optimized handling balance. The adjustable damping and camber let you fine tune the coilovers for different driving styles and situations.

Benefits of BC Coilovers for the BMW E46

Here are some of the major benefits of upgrading to BC Racing coilovers on an E46 3 Series:

• Improved Handling - Lower center of gravity, reduced body roll, and increased suspension geometry control improve responsiveness, grip, and balance through corners.
• Adjustable Ride Height - Slam your E46 as low as you want for show car stance or keep it practical for daily driving.
• Comfortable Ride Quality - Custom valved shocks provide a compliant ride despite the lowered stance.
• Increased Suspension Travel - Shortened bump stops allow you to take advantage of the full shock travel and wheel articulation when lowered.
• Tunable Performance - 30-way adjustable damping coupled with spring rate options allow you to really fine tune the coilovers for your driving needs.

BC coilovers are one of the best ways to enhance your E46's suspension performance and personalize the lowered stance. The ride quality and handling balance improvements truly transform how the car looks and drives.

How to Choose the Best E46 BC Coilovers

When shopping for a new set of BC Racing coilovers for your E46 3 Series, you'll want to consider a few key factors:

Intended Use

How do you plan to use your E46? For occasional track days and spirited canyon driving, you'll want a more performance oriented setup. Primarily a daily driver or show car? Opt for a more streetable setup focused on ride comfort.

Ride Height Goals

Are you looking to achieve an aggressive slammed stance? Or do you want a mild drop while still maintaining practical ground clearance? Your ride height goals will determine what spring rates you need.

Budget

BC Racing offers several tiers of E46 coilovers ranging from budget minded to high end. Factor in what you can afford to spend as that impacts damper quality and features.

Alignment Specs

BC coilovers allow you to adjust camber in the front. Have an alignment shop measure your current alignment specs so you can adjust the coilovers to match.

Communicating these factors to an experienced BC coilover dealer will help dial in the optimal setup for your BMW E46.

How to Install E46 BC Coilovers

While an experienced BMW specialty shop is recommended, here are some DIY steps for installing BC Racing coilovers on an E46 3 Series:

1. Lift the car and remove wheels. Support on jack stands.
2. Remove OEM strut assemblies from hubs. May need to disconnect sway bar links.
3. Assemble BC coilovers per instructions. Preload springs, torque top hats to spec.
4. Install BC front coilovers with camber plates. Torque all fasteners to spec.
5. Install BC rear shocks. Reconnect sway bar links if disconnected.
6. Reinstall wheels, lower car, and torque lugs.
7. Set desired ride height by adjusting perch collars.
8. Get professional alignment done according to your specs.

Always refer to manufacturer instructions. Allow several hundred miles for the suspension to settle before alignment.

E46 BC Coilovers Setup Best Practices

Here are some tips for optimizing your new BC Racing coilover setup on an E46:

• Adjust ride height in small increments at all four wheels to ensure the car stays level.
• Adjust damping settings from full soft and gradually increase until achieving desired firmness.
• Focus on suspension geometry - confirm alignments specs to maintain proper handling.
• Avoid damaging fenders - roll or pull them if tires rub after lowering.
• Check and retorque fasteners after 100 miles.

Properly installing and tuning BC coilovers maximizes their performance and lifespan. Take the time to dial them in correctly.

Conclusion

Upgrading to BC Racing coilovers is one of the best ways to enhance your BMW E46's handling dynamics and achieve an aggressive lowered stance. With their precise adjustability and high-end components, BC coilovers offer outstanding performance and value.

Choosing a coilover setup that aligns with your budget, ride height goals, and driving style will ensure you get the most out of your suspension upgrade. Follow proper installation and setup procedures for maximum results.

FAQs

Do I need any special tools to install BC coilovers on my E46?

You may need some basic tools like jack stands, a coil spring compressor, and torx bits. An impact wrench can also be helpful to remove the top mounts. Make sure you have a torque wrench capable of hitting manufacturer specs.

What wheels and tires will I be able to run after lowering my E46 with coilovers?

It depends how low you go, but you can typically run staggered 18" wheels with 215 width front and 225-235 width rear tires with mild drop. More aggressive lows may require a square staggered setup with narrower tires to prevent rubbing.

Will installing coilovers void my E46's factory warranty?

Aftermarket suspension modifications like coilovers do not automatically void the factory warranty, but any damaged linked to their installation would not be covered. So unrelated issues should still have warranty coverage.

How low should I set my BC Racing E46 coilovers?

It's best to start mild with a 1-2 inch drop to avoid rubbing and excessive geometry changes. Gradually go lower in 1/2 increments until you reach the desired lowered stance. Measure the wheel gap and keep it even.

Should I upgrade any other suspension components when installing new coilovers?

Upgraded sway bars, control arms, and bushings are recommended to complement your new coilovers. This modernizes the rest of the suspension to match the performance of the new coilover setup.