Versus Race Coilovers for BMW E36 Compact

Coilover or Separate Springs ?

This model of adjustable suspension offers you the choice between "inboard" springs (OEM style with separate set-up), or coilover springs (spring around the shock absorber). Generally lighter and easier to adjust, coilover springs are recommended for tuned vehicles, equipped with a roll cage or used in motorsport. Note that between a coilover assembly or a separate assembly, the spring rates can be different : this is a difference in technical design due to the shape of the springs, the design of the vehicle's axles, or even the position of the original springs on the chassis. In feel and use, the separate and coilover models show no significant difference in driving performance or comfort.

Versus Race Coilovers for BMW E36 Compact Specifications

The Race range from Versus is ideal for intensive use in competition or on the race track (drifting, rallying, hillclimbing, trackdays, etc.). It allows you to make the most of your race car's tuned chassis. Like the manufacturer's Sport models, these feature a high-pressure monotube design but are distinguished by their construction favoring aluminium, which guarantees a premium appearance, reduced weight and excellent durability.

The major advantage of Versus Race suspensions over the competition lies in their digressive valving: reserved for top-of-the-range kits, this architecture, composed of specific valves, generates variable damping according to piston travel speeds. As a result, the piston can maintain soft high-speed compression characteristics and a harder low-speed behaviour. In practical terms, this design makes the damper very active and soft over bumps and rough roads at high speeds, while being firm and resistant to unwanted body movements at low speeds : the car is stable and sharper, while roll is significantly reduced in slow, tight turns.

Depending on the car model (if the length of the dampers allows it), helper springs ensure immediate response of the shock absorbers during instant rebound and improve tyre-ground contact in the most critical conditions. Combined with helper springs, the digressive technology of Versus Race coilovers gives you high-end dynamics and handling, usually reserved for much more expensive suspension kits.

The damping can be adjusted to 16 stages (1 way), and the ride height can be set over a wide range by moving the damper body itself, not using spring preload. So, unlike many other coilovers, damping is not affected by lowering, even with the ride height set to minimum. Finally, an exclusive side bolt locking system secures the springs lower ring (see photos), more effectively than the usual lock-nut washers: easy to handle, it does not seize over time, enhances security and guarantees your settings.

Versus Race coilovers feature pillowball aluminium top mounts at the front and rear, offering precise camber and caster adjustment (specific information about springs and top mounts is available in the table below). The spring rates supplied with Versus Race kits have been chosen to offer maximum versatility and can be customised to suit your needs (please contact us). The Versus coilovers use the stock brake line mountings and feature an anti-corrosion coating (anodising) and dust caps for excellent durability.

Why Inverted Shock Absorbers?

A shock absorber is considered “inverted” when it is installed upside‑down. This layout delivers faster response, superior dynamic behaviour, and durability that perfectly meets the demands of a sports or competition car.

• Reduced unsprung mass: In an inverted configuration, the heavy damper body is fixed to the chassis instead of the wheel. Shifting several hundred grams to the body shell lets the wheel react more quickly to surface irregularities, improving grip, traction, and comfort on rough pavement.
• High lateral rigidity: The larger‑diameter shaft flexes less when the strut absorbs lateral loads (braking, cornering, drifting), providing better lateral grip than a conventional suspension. Ideal for drifting!
• Better heat resistance: The small piston sits nearer the wheel, exposed to greater airflow, while the main oil volume stays higher up, insulated from brake heat radiation. This design is perfect for prolonged track sessions or special stages.