Shocks won't make the car sit higher.  Something you could try for very cheap is a rubber spring spacer.  I used them on the rear on my car becasue the springs I bought rode to low for my comfort and taste.  They are made my Mr. Gasket and are part number 1281.  Less than $10 for four.  They about 1 inch tall and have U-shaped ends that fit between the coils.  I put two in each rear coil it raised the car slightly and stiffened up the rear end.  They could be used on the front as well.  Energy Suspension also offers many coil spring pads of varying thickness.  These could be used for smaller changes, like 10mm at a time.  These are more specific and I would need measurements for the coil springs and seat area if this interests you.  For something more you try a set of Eibach springs for a regular E30, they may not drop it as much as the M springs.  You could go way out and get a coil over system and adjust your height however high you want.

it was the alignment - tore up the front 2 tires, got the alignment done a few months ago, and almost no tire wear and the tires are even on both sides