[bb103]

I'm looking for your experience on springs vs coil overs?

I have 08 328i e90.

looking to drop and was convinced that H&R sport springs are where i was heading. I like how the car looks on that drop after seeing some pics and was sold. before i make my decision should i just hold off for a bit and get coil overs or stick to the springs?

planning on putting 18" or 19" avant grande on this as well but wanted to lower it first.

did any of you start with springs and moved to coil overs?

does it make that big of a difference??

[skatenc123]

ive only had coilovers on my bmw but ive had springs on other cars and had them settle unlevel so decided to alwasy go with coilovers from now on.

[Game]

If you're in Toronto and this is your car throughout the year, get some coilovers so you can adjust the height in winter.

[abhishriv]

Originally Posted by Game

If you're in Toronto and this is your car throughout the year, get some coilovers so you can adjust the height in winter.

+1 this is why I'm going to be going with a set of coilovers soon as well

[bb103]

good tip!

thanks i think coil overs is the way for me to go then i plan to use this car year round.

[Game]

Originally Posted by vpundit

good tip!

thanks i think coil overs is the way for me to go then i plan to use this car year round.

Make sure the coilovers are 100% steel, some (like ST coilovers) aren't and are prone to rust from the salt.

[bb103]

any suggestion on where to buy?

[GreekboyD]

Great opportunity here:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=681214

[bb103]

Originally Posted by GreekboyD

Great opportunity here:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=681214

Thanks... doing some research right now before I make a full decision =)

[N0OS3]

my take on Springs vs Coilovers:

Springs
+ Easy installation
+ Looks good aesthetically
-Typically uneven height (front vs rear)
-Shocks have to be bought separtately: standard springs make your car ride 'hard' and pick up bumps and imperfections in the road more often, installing softer shocks can ease the 'hard' ride a bit.

Coilovers
+Individual adjustment height
+Looks badass aesthetically
+Spring rate and stiffness adjustable (for comfortability)
+Smaller and Narrower springs can permit wider wheels to fit
-Sometimes can be a difficult install
-Depending on your geographic location, your ride may be too low for some areas and height adjustment can be a hassle.
-Break-in can be complicated depending on brand.

[pokerface]

No experience with coils, but how much time do you actually want to spend raising and lowering, and getting a realignment, for the car in the Fall and Spring?

I had an Eibach Prokit on my E90 for 3 years - did not find issues driving in the snow with winter tires.

If you stick with springs you may consider getting shocks as well because it gets really harsh.

[JUST8AV8]

Performance wise, coilovers would be the best bet. I used to have full suspension mods with my Subaru legacy gt ( f&r strut bars, f&r sways bar and end links, and tein springs) My buddy with coilovers with the same exact car and suspension mods out performed my car in every way. When I drove his car it was day and night difference. It felt like a go kart and would give you confidence on every turn. I think coil overs are also easier to install because you replace the whole unit rather than having to take off the springs from the struts. Adjusting the dampening is a also a huge bonus.

[Rmk392]

On my g37 I had just the eibach springs and I wont do that again. Springs make the ride bouncy, you will notice it when your going over a dip. But the big plus is it's cheap compared to coilovers.

[bb103]

thanks for the advice guys. Yea the price of springs caught my attention. looking for someone in GTA Region who sells coil overs my buddy has a body shop he said he will be taking a look into it for me... not a big rush kinda wanna get these before i put the rims on anyways. i've heard good things abt the H&R springs but I'm looking at the st coil overs. raising and lowering wouldnt be a problem for my as my cousin is a mechanic and he'd be doing all the work for me anyways. always good to have someone in the fam as a mechanic =)