BC Racing HM-Series Coilovers BMW 3-Series E46 98-06 Exc M3 Inc Compact

BC Racing HM-Series Coilovers for BMW 3-Series E46 (1998-2006) – Height and Damping Adjustable, Corner Weight Adjustable

These BC Racing HM-Series coilovers replace the standard dampers and springs on the BMW 3-Series E46 (1998-2006) with a fully adjustable setup. You can set the ride height, damping and corner weights to suit the car, making them ideal for demanding track use. This kit is the excluding M3 including Compact version.

The HM-Series combines inverted monotube dampers with external reservoirs and 30 levels of separate compression and rebound adjustment. The inverted design moves damper fluid away from heat sources and shifts mass up to the chassis, reducing unsprung weight and helping wheel control and steering feel.

Ride height is set by winding the bottom mount up or down the damper body rather than moving the spring, so full damper travel is kept whatever height you run. The lower spring platform also adjusts, so the car can be corner weighted for even tyre loading across each axle.

Specifications

• Spring rates: 8/10kg/mm (F/R)
• Damping: 2-way adjustable - 30 levels of separate rebound and compression adjustment
• Front: HA: Aluminium front top mounts with rubber centres. HH: Aluminium camber adjustable pillowball top mounts (where available)
• Rear: HA: Aluminium rear top mounts with rubber centres, or no rear top mounts. HH: Pillowball only on the rear, or no top mounts
• Camber adjustment: Front camber adjustment, front camber/castor plate
• Kit weight: 23kg

Key Features

• Inverted monotube dampers with external reservoirs
• 30 levels of separate compression and rebound adjustment
• Dual piston design (one in the reservoir, one in the damper)
• Fully rebuildable dampers
• Ride height set at the bottom mount, so full damper travel is kept at any height
• Adjustable lower spring platform for corner weighting
• Patented concave lower locking collar

What's in the Kit?

• 2 x front coilovers with springs (hA: Aluminium front top mounts with rubber centres. HH: Aluminium camber adjustable pillowball top mounts (where available))
• 2 x rear dampers and springs (hA: Aluminium rear top mounts with rubber centres, or no rear top mounts. HH: Pillowball only on the rear, or no top mounts)

Fitment

• BMW 3-Series E46 98-06 (RWD Excl M3 Inc Compact)
• BMW 3-Series E46 Saloon 98-06 (Offset)

Not suitable for: M3. Other versions for this car: BC Racing HM-Series Coilovers BMW 3-Series E46 98-06 Exc M3 Integrated Rear.

Installation

The coilovers replace the standard dampers and springs and bolt in to the original mounting points. Set the ride height and spring preload before final tightening, let the suspension settle, then recheck the height and have a four-wheel alignment carried out. We recommend professional fitting.

Upgrade Further

Other BC Racing options for this car: BC Racing BR-Series Coilovers BMW 3-Series E46 98-06 Exc M3 Integrated Rear; BC Racing DS-Series Coilovers BMW 3-Series E46 98-06 Exc M3 Integrated Rear; BC Racing ER-Series Coilovers BMW 3-Series E46 98-06 Exc M3 Inc Compact. Keep a spare BC Racing C-spanner for adjusting the height and spring platforms.

Can I adjust the ride height?

Yes. Ride height is set by moving the bottom mount on the damper body, so you keep full damper travel at any height you choose.

How is the damping adjusted?

The HM-Series uses 30 levels of separate compression and rebound adjustment. Start from BC's base setting and adjust front and rear in small steps to suit the road or track.

Are these suitable for daily driving?

They can be used on the road, but the HM-Series is designed mainly for demanding track use. For a car that is mostly driven on the road, our V1 or BR-Series kits are a better fit.

Can I get different spring rates?

The kit comes with 8/10kg/mm (F/R) springs as standard. If you need different rates, contact us before ordering and we will check what is available.

Will pillowball top mounts be noisier?

Pillowball mounts are solid, so they transfer a little more noise and vibration than rubber mounts. In return they remove flex and sharpen steering response.

Do I need a wheel alignment after fitting?

Yes. Changing the ride height alters the suspension geometry, so a four-wheel alignment should be carried out once the car has settled.

Which version do I need?

Check your car's drive layout, strut diameter and rear suspension type against the fitment notes. If you are not sure, contact us with your registration or VIN and we will confirm.

Does it fit other models?

Yes, BC lists this kit as also fitting: BMW 3-Series E46 Saloon 98-06 (Offset).

What warranty is included?

BC Racing products are covered against defects in materials and workmanship. Contact us if you have any problem with your kit.