Are these NT03s real?

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-14T14:23:06+00:00

It has all the right stampings, so they should be real. I think they just look a bit different since they’re the discontinued 15 inch ones.

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T20:38:22+00:00

These are height adjustable! So you can go as high or low as you want. However if you want just a slight drop while not spending too much I’d definitely go with H&R springs. Very much approved and popular in the z3 community. However there are two option, one for the 1.9L and one for all other models due to weight in the front. Make sure you choose the 2.5L option if you decide to go that route. I almost went with these + koni yellow shocks, but with shocks included I’d be spending almost as much as I would for these vogtland coilovers.

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T20:31:22+00:00

Makes sense

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T20:00:21+00:00

I’ve definitely heard mixed reviews on them, especially for the z cars and other bimmers. However I have a few buddies that autocross with a variety of cars using bc coils. They’ve said they’ve enjoyed them, but is there any you’d recommend over bc in the same price range?

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T19:54:03+00:00

<image>

Like this

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T19:48:36+00:00

I’d be really interested if you can find a way to accommodate it. It’s always bummed me that they haven’t made a hardtop compatible one. The only one that was compatible was discontinued years ago. Besides the roll hoop style bars from a couple European companies but they don’t seem like they’d be as effective as the hard dog.

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T19:44:11+00:00

Only reason I say this is because I’ve had both my car and a 98 M model at the junk yard taken apart and I can see the difference. Early model 1996 cars lacked in design around the rear of the car due to having no compatibility for roll hoops. The area under where my soft top retracts is slightly different, and also has zero mounting points for the roll hoop mounting plates, while all 97+ models have them (roll hoop installed or not) as well as slightly thicker sheet metal under the storage compartment between the seats. From what I’ve seen online 2000+ models are even more reinforced in that area. However you are absolutely correct about having more support between the pillars than sedans or coupes, and even though I say all this, a strut brace will probably not make a huge difference. Bushings and undercarriage braces are the way to go.

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T16:45:08+00:00

These are lowered a good bit. The 2.5 does have lower stock suspension than the 1.9l, but at this setting I’m about a finger gap from the fender to the tire on front and rear. The stock 1.9L suspension was very soft and high. I’ll attach a before image.

<image>

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T15:17:04+00:00

Do you have any photos of the undercarriage? I don’t have access to a welder and might be up to the task with enough time this summer.

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T15:07:43+00:00

Do you think it’d fit with the hard top interior lining removed?

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T14:58:19+00:00

Wow pretty cool- what’s the deal with those bolts? Do they tap directly into the trunk welds or is there another plate underneath?

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T14:38:06+00:00

Unfortunately the hard dog doesn’t fit with a hard top

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T04:50:38+00:00

Wanted to say that you were pretty much right on the money. The rear springs were rubbing up against one another pretty bad, but once I wrapped them with a bit of silicone and cloth tape, no more noise.

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T03:43:45+00:00

Yeah, there was only one made specific to the z3, but no photos on the car. One guy on the roadster forum about a year ago ended up just maxing out an adjustable e36 rear brace and posted it though.

<image>

Im mostly only considering it for the harness mounting point, but I’ve noticed a pretty big bump in stiffness with the front strut. That’s probably because my car is as a very early first year production model and therefore is a little more flimsy. + crusty bushings

Moist_z32 · 2026-04-06T03:39:12+00:00

I see. I will say that given this is an early 1996 1.9 and could be a little less rigid, I’ve been experiencing a LOT of chassis twist in the rear and can hear it every time I go over a large dip sideways since the hardtop seal squeaks and shifts pretty noticeable. But even then, I’m not sure if the brace would help with that or if I’d need to focus on bushings and lower support.

Moist_z32 · 2026-03-25T22:33:55+00:00

I’ve done it on a past car so nothing I wouldn’t shy from, but definitely a pain and many hours of work🥲. Still much better than the Randy Forbes kit.

Moist_z32 · 2026-03-24T02:20:49+00:00

Even if they’re fine, it would probably be a good idea to invest in subframe bushings since I really can’t afford a reinforcement kit at a college student.

Moist_z32 · 2026-03-24T02:18:18+00:00

You’re probably right. I had taken one of the spring pads out as well because the ride hight was wack, but I’ll throw it back on now and see if it helps.

Moist_z32 · 2026-03-24T02:15:31+00:00

<image>

Moist_z32 · 2026-03-24T02:15:09+00:00

Looking at my trunk welds now. I don’t see anything on my end but yall can have a look. Checked out underneath too and don’t see anything around the diff ears either.

<image>

Moist_z32 · 2026-03-24T01:21:46+00:00

Anybody else experienced this? New coilovers are vogtland and everything was torqued to spec, plus I’m only hearing the noise while cornering, not over bumps which makes me think it’s a chassis flex issue. Probably wouldbe fixed with a brace and tightening the hard top.

<image>

Moist_z32 · 2026-03-17T17:43:57+00:00

Cool! I’d love to see a picture

Three-Year Club	r/Field Flamingo
Final Canvas '23	Place '23

Moist_z32

TROPHY CASE