Eibach's anti-roll bars are quite a bit thicker than stock (28mm front and 21mm rear, versus 24mm front and 15mm rear non-Sport Package), especially in the rear-which is a big plus for oversteer fans. Now we need to tweak Project BMW's alignment and become oversteer fans again.
Our solution starts with new wheels, tires and suspension. A call to The Tire Rack lands us a set of BBS RK wheels (17x8 all around) and some sticky Dunlop Direzza Z1 rubber, in a very reasonable 235/40R17 size. Within minutes, our fit is confirmed, the order placed and the company put a set in the mail, already mounted and balanced. They even threw in an extra set of lugnuts. There's a reason we use these guys again and again.
And don't confuse the Direzza Z1s with Dunlop's drift-boy offering, the DZ101. The Z1s are brilliant-sticky to the limit with progressive breakaway. By the time you read this, Dunlop will have a new version of the Direzza Z1, the Direzza Z1 Star Spec, offering even greater initial cold grip, which is helpful during autocross events.
The 17x8 wheels are of a one-piece cast design and weigh a respectable 18.4 pounds each. We're so set on using BBS RK wheels (+35mm offset) that we're willing to put up with a some rub in the rear. Also, it turns out the rubbing rarely happens-when it does, it's only on the driver's side. Eventually, a little Dremel action on the rear bumper outhang will solve the problem.
Compared to the stock items, Eibach Sportline springs are noticeably shorter, although we would have preferred a stiffer rate and higher ride height, as offered by Eibach Pro springs.
Put big and sticky rubber on a stock luxury sedan with shot suspension and you're in for a wild ride. Rather than find out how accurately we could mimic the Titanic during its final moments, we're taking the car straight to Eibach Springs in Corona, California. The company's Sportline System Plus kit should be the perfect compromise between looks, handling and everyday driveability. The kit includes Eibach's Sportline springs, Sachs dampers and a set of adjustable anti-roll bars (28mm front, 21mm rear).
The Eibach kit includes most of the hardware necessary for a plug-and-play solution, but some stock parts must be swapped, like spring perches and bumpstops. In a vehicle this old, there's a 90-percent chance the bumpstops are shot (see photo), so it's a good idea to have new stops handy before beginning the install.
The need to re-use stock hardware means that the spring must be separated from the stock front strut. In this case, the compression force of 10,000 elephants is required. In our many years of compressing springs for suspension installs, we've never needed pressure quite like this. Despite a crowbar and the help of Eibach's humongous floor-mounted spring press, the process is arduous. And slot in some extra time to dismantle the trunk. It's a BMW, not a Honda.
In order to re-use the stock top mounts, we had to compress the stock springs and disassemble the parts. Those unlucky types without access to a spring compressor this mighty should invite over a bunch of burly, helpful friends.
When our newly revitalized 325i finally comes off the rack, the effect of the significantly shortened springs is evident. Evident enough to make us question whether this could possibly be optimal suspension geometry. Nevertheless, the car feels better than it did (not a difficult feat). The anti-roll bars do a great job of eliminating body roll, while allowing (read: compensating) for a relatively soft spring rate. In hindsight, if we had to do it again, we would definitely opt for Eibach's Pro System Plus kit that swaps the Sportline springs for Pro springs, utilizing a higher spring rate and ride height.
As a result of the lowering, the back end has picked up a lot of negative camber. That's all fine and good when there's matching lean up front, but this isn't deliberate. The rear suspension has three times the camber of the front. Big rear anti-roll bar or not, the car understeers relentlessly when pushed. For a rear-wheel-drive car with 50/50 weight distribution, there's no excuse. Look for a fix in the near future in the form of camber plates and adjustable rear arms.
We've only had the chance to put around 1000 miles on our latest acquisition, but we're far from disappointed. With some well-chosen modifications, this car could easily do battle with the 240SX and Miata for the best budget RWD car award. And let's not forget the price. At just $2800, you could have a fleet of 15 before equaling the cost of one new 328i.
The Eibach Sportline System Plus also includes these cast metal end-links and polyurethane anti-roll bar bushings. Both the front and rear bars are adjustable, but even at the rear bar's stiffest setting, the grip from the massive rear camber settings meant that we couldn't get the car to rotate the way we wanted. To dial in some balance, plates and arms are next on our to-do list. | 
We called up The Tire Rack and ordered this mounted and balanced set of 17x8 BBS RK wheels and Dunlop Direzza Z1 rubber. Compared to when we first bought the car, the difference is amazing. | 
Stock non-M BMWs are generally designed with a balance between comfort and sportiness. The suspension is relatively soft and features loads of travel-especially in the front, which uses a strut-type design. |