Function and Form BMW 5 Series E28 (81-88) Type 3 Coilovers Kit
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- 1982-1988 BMW 528eBase
- 1985-1988 BMW 535iBase
- 1983-1984 BMW 533iBase
- 1985-1986 BMW 524tdBase
- 1981-1981 BMW 528iBase
- 1988-1988 BMW 535isBase
- 1988-1988 BMW M5Base
- Part number
- 35200281
- Brand
- F2 Function & Form
Complete the job
Read before you buy
The F2 Function & Form Type 3 Coilover Kit for the BMW 5 Series E28 (1981–1988) is a full suspension upgrade purpose-built for drivers who want meaningful control over their ride height and handling character. Whether you're building a clean street car, chasing an aggressive stance, or simply replacing worn-out factory struts on a classic E28, this kit delivers a purpose-engineered solution designed specifically for the platform — not a generic fitment adapted from another chassis.
Key Features & Benefits
- Full Coilover System: Replaces the complete front and rear suspension assembly, eliminating the compromises of factory strut-and-spring combinations and giving you a unified, tunable platform.
- Ride Height Adjustability: The Type 3 design allows you to dial in your preferred ride height, letting you achieve everything from a mild drop for improved handling to an aggressive stance build — all without cutting springs or running unsafe spacers.
- E28-Specific Engineering: Fitment is tailored to the BMW 5 Series E28 chassis, meaning mounting points, travel ranges, and geometry considerations are matched to this generation rather than shared across incompatible platforms.
- Damper Adjustability: Function & Form's Type 3 coilovers are built around adjustable damping, giving you the ability to tune the suspension feel for your driving style — firmer for spirited driving, more compliant for daily use.
- Quality Construction: Function & Form builds their coilover kits for street and enthusiast use, balancing durability with performance — a practical choice for a classic BMW that sees real-world miles.
- Brand Reputation: F2 Function & Form has built a following in the stance and sport compact communities for delivering adjustable suspension that works well at a price point that doesn't require choosing between quality and budget.
Specifications
- Brand: F2 Function & Form
- Product Line: Type 3 Coilovers
- SKU: 35200281
- Price: $1,590.00
- Application: BMW 5 Series E28, model years 1981–1988
Fitment
This coilover kit is designed to fit the BMW 5 Series E28 platform, spanning the 1981 through 1988 model years. The E28 body generation covers a range of inline-six and four-cylinder variants sold under the 5 Series nameplate during that era. If you are unsure whether your specific trim, engine variant, or regional-market E28 is covered, we strongly encourage you to reach out to our fitment team before ordering — chassis variants and suspension subframe configurations can differ, and we want to make sure this kit is the right match for your car. This kit is not intended for the E34 5 Series (1988–1996) or any other BMW generation.
Why Buy from ThreePiece.us
- Free Shipping: Every order ships free — no minimum, no surprises at checkout.
- Affirm Financing: Spread your purchase across monthly payments with Affirm financing available at checkout, so a quality suspension upgrade doesn't have to wait.
- Enthusiast-Focused Expertise: Our team understands chassis like the E28 and can help you verify fitment, discuss drop ranges, or compare suspension options before you commit.
- Straightforward Ordering: Buy with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a specialty wheel and suspension retailer focused on getting enthusiasts the right parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What years of the BMW 5 Series does this coilover kit fit?
- This kit is designed for the BMW 5 Series E28 chassis, covering model years 1981 through 1988. It is not compatible with the later E34 generation. If your car falls in a crossover year or you have a non-standard trim, contact us to confirm fitment before ordering.
- Is this a front-and-rear kit or just front struts?
- The F2 Function & Form Type 3 kit is a full coilover kit, covering both the front and rear of the vehicle — giving you a complete, matched suspension upgrade rather than a partial replacement.
- Can I adjust the ride height after installation?
- Yes. The Type 3 design features ride height adjustability, which is one of the primary reasons enthusiasts choose a coilover over a traditional lowering spring and strut combination. You can fine-tune your drop after the initial install without removing the entire assembly.
- Do I need a professional alignment after installing these coilovers?
- Yes — any time you modify your vehicle's ride height or replace suspension components, a professional alignment is strongly recommended to ensure proper handling, even tire wear, and safe on-road behavior. This is true for any coilover installation on any vehicle, including the E28.
- IS_MTO:
- YES
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F2 Function & Form
Function and Form BMW 5 Series E28 (81-88) Type 3 Coilovers Kit
Function and Form BMW 5 Series E28 (81-88) Type 3 Coilovers Kit FAQ
It is listed for: 1982-1988 BMW 528e; 1985-1988 BMW 535i; 1983-1984 BMW 533i and more (see the full list above). Pick your vehicle on this page to check your exact year and trim.
Ride height is set on the threaded body or the lower mount, and the damping (how firm the shock feels) with the adjuster when the kit has one. Some kits also let you set spring preload and camber at the top mount. The Part details above list what this exact kit adjusts.
Yes. Changing ride height changes camber and toe, so have the car aligned once the height is set and the suspension has settled after a short drive.
Set all four corners before the alignment, keep the drop inside the maker's range, and re-check the height after the first drive because the springs settle. Going lower than the maker recommends costs ride quality and tire life.
The car settles a little over the first few drives. After that, re-check the ride height, the lock rings on the collars and the top-mount hardware, then get the alignment done.
Yes. Most coilovers are built for daily use when set to the maker's recommended height and a softer damping setting. Track-focused series ride firmer.
Yes — monthly options show right under the Add to Cart button. Affirm, Klarna, PayPal Pay Later and Snap Finance are offered at checkout, and checking what you qualify for does not affect your credit score.
The listing describes a full coilover system that replaces the complete front and rear suspension assembly, instead of factory strut-and-spring combos.
Yes. The Type 3 design lets you dial in your preferred ride height, from a mild drop to an aggressive stance.
No. The listing says it is purpose-engineered for the E28 platform, not a fitment adapted from another chassis. It is also built to order.
Install and care: coilovers
Before you start
- Read the maker's guide and note the recommended ride-height range for your car.
- Book an alignment for after the install; the car needs one.
Do
- Set all four corners to the same drop before the alignment and re-check the height after the first drive.
- Keep the threads clean and lightly lubricated so the collars still turn next season.
Don't
- Don't go lower than the maker's range; it costs ride quality and tire life.
- Don't skip the alignment.
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