What is the difference between the elec-TRON R3 and the elec-TRON R1 on the F80 M3?

Both kits use Nitron's proportional solenoid valve and integrate directly with EDC, but the R3 adds independent manual high and low speed compression adjustment alongside the electronic damping control. That gives drivers and engineers control over both the active and mechanical sides of the setup simultaneously, a level of tunability the R1 doesn't offer.

At what point does the divorced rear configuration make more sense than the coilover setup on the F80 M3?

When the build is moving toward dedicated circuit use and geometry optimization becomes a priority over installation simplicity. The divorced setup allows the spring and damper to be positioned and adjusted independently, which opens up setup options that a coilover configuration physically can't offer. For road use or occasional track days, the coilover setup covers everything needed without the added complexity.

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Description

Nitron elec-TRON R3 Coilover Kit for F80 BMW M3

The Nitron elec-TRON R3 coilover kit for the F80 M3 takes the elec-TRON platform a step further than the R1, combining Nitron’s proportional solenoid valve electronic damping control with independent manual compression adjustment so drivers and engineers have control over both the active and mechanical sides of the damping setup simultaneously. Each shock carries its own solenoid valve, with the elec-TRON system managed directly through BMW’s existing Electronic Damping Control (EDC) system in real time; no additional controller required. Coilover and divorced rear suspension configurations are both available to suit different build requirements, and the kit includes droplinks so the installation is complete without sourcing additional hardware. Both front and rear units run piggyback reservoirs, keeping independent high and low speed compression adjustment accessible at both ends alongside the electronic control, giving the elec-TRON R3 a level of tunability that neither a purely electronic nor a purely mechanical kit can match on its own. Adjustable top mounts and race springs are included, and every kit is custom built, custom sprung, and fully serviceable.

elec-TRON

Nitron’s elec-TRON system is built around a proprietary proportional solenoid valve fitted to each shock individually, giving BMW’s EDC precise, independent damping control at every corner of the car simultaneously. Brake pressure, g-force, acceleration, steering inputs, and vehicle speed are all monitored at once, with damping adjustments made in real time. The suspension is responding to what the road and the driver are doing as it happens, not catching up after the fact.

Coilover vs Divorced Rear Suspension

The F80 M3 elec-TRON R3 is available with two rear suspension configurations depending on how the car is being built. The coilover setup combines the spring and damper into a single unit, keeping things compact and straightforward for road and general track use. The divorced configuration separates the spring and damper, allowing each to be positioned and tuned independently; this is the preferred approach for dedicated race builds where maximizing suspension geometry and setup flexibility matters more than packaging simplicity. Nitron offers both to make sure the R3 works with the build rather than against it.

Integration with OEM Electronic Systems

The Nitron elec-TRON R3 goes in as a direct bolt-in replacement on the F80 M3, picking up the existing EDC integration without any modification needed. Factory functionality stays intact; EDC continues to operate exactly as designed, with significantly more capable damping hardware now doing the actual work alongside the manual compression adjustment the R3 adds on top.

Specialized Bi-Axis Hose Fittings

Nitron R3 Hose shocks use Nitron’s own 720 degree Bi-Axis fittings exclusively; a proprietary design that makes for clean, precise installation without the compromises that come with conventional end fittings.

Unique Technology

Nitron starts every shock with precision components that go through a thorough design and development process long before final assembly. The modular construction gives engineers the flexibility to approach each application on its own terms, without compromising part quality or how components perform together under real load. Everything is machined to tight tolerances and inspected individually by trained technicians; that standard of quality control runs through every stage of production, not just the end of it. New materials, finishes, and processes go through extensive validation before they’re adopted, with proprietary Nitron technologies built in throughout to produce shocks that consistently hold up against the competition on road and track. That’s the engineering foundation the brand has been built on since 1998.
- Basic Damper Design:
  1. End Eye / Top Mount
  2. Damper Piston & Shim Stack
  3. Shaft / Rod
  4. Floating / Separator Piston
  5. Suspension Oil
  6. Compressed Nitrogen Gas

Bespoke Engineering

Nitron doesn’t adapt a generic damper to fit the F80 M3; they engineer one around it. Every application goes through a dedicated development process where components, spring rates, and damping characteristics are shaped by the specific platform, not carried over from something similar enough to work. The geometry, weight distribution, and suspension travel of the F80 M3 are part of the design from day one, not corrections introduced later. That’s the difference between suspension that works with a car and suspension that was purpose-built for it.

Features

Coilover or divorced rear suspension types
Piggyback reservoir type
No manual damping adjustments are required, fully controlled by the solenoid valve
Preload adjuster
Full alloy body
Consists of 4 coilovers, reservoirs, hoses, adjustable top mounts, and droplinks
Hand made to order

Specifications

Coilover Type: elec-TRON R3
Reservoir Types: Piggyback
Rear Suspension Types:
- Coilover
- Divorced
Droplinks Included: Yes
Recommended Spring Rates:
- FRS – Fast Road Spec:
  - Front: 685lbs/inch (120N/mm)
  - Rear:
    - Coilover: 400lbs/inch (70N/mm)
    - Divorced: 742lbs/inch (130N/mm)
- TDS – Track Day Spec:
  - Front: 799lbs/inch (140N/mm)
  - Rear:
    - Coilover: 514lbs/inch (90N/mm)
    - Divorced: 914lbs/inch (160N/mm)

Applications

BMW M3: F80 | 2014-2018

Other Suspension Kits for F80 M3

Notes

Works with BMW’s EDC system, no additional products are required for proper use
Custom spring rates also available, please contact us directly here for more information or for a consultation on custom rates
Images used for illustration purposes only. Specific details, finishes and end fittings may differ from that shown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the elec-TRON R3 and the elec-TRON R1 on the F80 M3? Both kits use Nitron’s proportional solenoid valve and integrate directly with EDC, but the R3 adds independent manual high and low speed compression adjustment alongside the electronic damping control. That gives drivers and engineers control over both the active and mechanical sides of the setup simultaneously, a level of tunability the R1 doesn’t offer.
At what point does the divorced rear configuration make more sense than the coilover setup on the F80 M3? When the build is moving toward dedicated circuit use and geometry optimization becomes a priority over installation simplicity. The divorced setup allows the spring and damper to be positioned and adjusted independently, which opens up setup options that a coilover configuration physically can’t offer. For road use or occasional track days, the coilover setup covers everything needed without the added complexity.

About Nitron Suspension

Nitron Suspension has been at the forefront of precision suspension engineering since 1998, founded by Guy Evans with the goal of building high-performance shocks for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Over 200 dealers now carry Nitron products across Europe, Asia, the US, Australasia, and Africa. In 2008, the company moved into a dedicated facility in the UK’s Motorsport Valley, adding dynamometers, 5-axis CNC machines, and 3D CAD capabilities to support both growing demand and continued product development. A second expansion came in 2023 with a new office in Murrieta, California. The team behind every Nitron product draws from deep backgrounds in machining, materials technology, hydraulics, bike engineering, and F1 racing, with many engineers bringing firsthand experience as competitive drivers and riders. That depth of knowledge across both the technical and competitive sides of motorsport shapes every product Nitron develops.

Additional Information

The Bulletproof Automotive website contains many thousands of products purchased in multiple different currencies. All of the prices are entered manually and accurately at the time of entry. Due to the consistently fluctuating international exchange rates, at times prices may not be able to be honored at their original intended rate. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, unfortunately our website is unable to compensate dynamically for what can at times be volatile changes in the cost of items due to currency values fluctuating, changes in prices from suppliers, changes in shipping and import duties, and other factors. Rest assured that any order you place on line will be at zero risk to you in this area. If in the event your order cannot be fulfilled at the original intended website price we will offer you a 100% refund, no questions asked. We will continue to do our best to maintain updated prices and we will always continue to offer our price match guarantees as well to ensure our prices are always the best for you. In short, prices may change without notice. It is always advised to give us a call prior to placing your order online to confirm availability and to confirm current pricing.

Shipping Policy

Items that are in stock in the US, either at Bulletproof’s warehouse or at a supplier’s warehouse, are generally delivered within 7-10 days. Special order items from overseas take considerably longer. As a courtesy Bulletproof offers delivery estimates to our customers which take into consideration manufacturer availability and shipping schedule. These estimates represent our best guess based on previous orders from the manufacturer and do not in any way imply a guaranteed delivery window. Many manufacturers work in a “just in time” inventory system and often take 2-20+ weeks to produce an item once an order is submitted. All deliverable items are then sent to our Japanese warehouse. Bulletproof ships a minimum of one full ocean freight container every month from Japan, oftentimes more than one a month. Ocean freight takes an average of 4 weeks. Typically it breaks down to one week in Japan for paperwork and customs, two weeks by boat and one week in US customs/clearance. Due to the wide number of variables between manufacturer and shipping schedules, delivery estimates are simply just that – estimates. We attempt to estimate conservatively and we usually deliver faster than our estimates suggest. It is not Bulletproof’s policy to guarantee delivery time of any special order item, this is impossible for us to do. By ordering you acknowledge that there is no required delivery ETA and an order may not be canceled or altered due to manufacturing or shipping delays, all ETA’s are provided as a best guess only. Please review the full Terms & Conditions here.

BP Pricing Difference

We do pricing a little differently on our JDM brands and we believe in making things simple and clear. No hidden fees or surcharges. Every price you see includes the shipping cost to our office in Los Angeles, California and all the associated taxes/duties/fees for bringing the products into the US. The only shipping you ever pay is from our facility in the US to your location. Be wary of resellers that don’t include the cost of international shipping in their pricing on JDM parts. While we believe we’ll always have the lowest all-in price on JDM products, we offer a price match guarantee for all authentic parts purchased from authorized dealers as well. For many international customers, it’s much more affordable to ship from the USA than from Japan directly, as the air freight and ocean freight costs are typically much less. However, for customers looking to ship directly from Japan outside of North America, or domestically in Japan, we can provide pricing specifically for that scenario. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any pricing questions or concerns. Please email us at sales@bulletproofautomotive.com with any inquiries.

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Nitron elec-TRON R3 Coilover Kit for F80 BMW M3 [NTCBM027ER3]

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Nitron elec-TRON R3 Coilover Kit for F80 BMW M3

elec-TRON

Coilover vs Divorced Rear Suspension

Integration with OEM Electronic Systems

Specialized Bi-Axis Hose Fittings

Unique Technology

Bespoke Engineering

Features

Specifications

Applications

Other Suspension Kits for F80 M3

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

About Nitron Suspension

Reviews