[TheTallJS]

Does anyone know of stiffer springs that offer stock ride height? i.e., non-lowered? Hopefully not custom made to order because otherwise I'd just buy a Ferrari.

Stiffer springs because I want to break my spine and I like bouncing around like those super bounce balls. Also to keep the car's center of gravity high so it'll do a front somersault.

Don't want coilovers nor new shocks because I married my sister who is actually my mother.

And does anyone know of a shop in the bay area that has Branick spring compressor 7600, because I like shiny shiny.

I'll be here all week.

[elh0102]

Originally Posted by TheTallJS

I'll be here all week.

My worst fear realized.

[Stream]

Hello, mr greenie

[cdgatti]

what you don't want to add a turbocharger to your 2006 325??? What's wrong with you?

[feuer]

No, why would he need a turbocharger? The 325i is a hybrid. By hybrid I mean he got lawnmower installed in the trunk to function as auxiliary power.

[justpete]

How to break your spine with math... http://books.sae.org/r-146/

[TheTallJS]

Man that 100$ for that book can buy 2 springs!

But serious discussion now.

What's so impossible about stiffer springs providing improved handling characteristics albeit sacrificed comfort?

Is it impossible to have an economical yet effective alternative to coilover kits?

I honestly think that suspension isn't as difficult as everyone makes it out to be. It doesn't have to be perfect and comfortable and adjustable etc etc. Just want something simple that works, and hit two birds with one stone by replacing old worn out parts.

[justpete]

Originally Posted by TheTallJS

Man that 100$ for that book can buy 2 springs!

But serious discussion now.

What's so impossible about stiffer springs providing improved handling characteristics albeit sacrificed comfort?

Is it impossible to have an economical yet effective alternative to coilover kits?

I honestly think that suspension isn't as difficult as everyone makes it out to be. It doesn't have to be perfect and comfortable and adjustable etc etc. Just want something simple that works, and hit two birds with one stone by replacing old worn out parts.

Think of stiffer springs as approaching the rigidity of a solid link, in the limit, so by definition ride is going to suffer. And there's a lot more to it than just springs.

Coilovers are for changing ride height, that's it.

Chassis dynamics is a seriously complex subject and honestly there isn't something simple that works simply by replacing old worn out parts. At least nothing cost effective other than the BMW Performance suspension and replacement links and bushings, etc.

You might be surprised by how much better handling will be simply by replacing worn out parts with new OEM parts.

[tlow98]

I, too, would like to find some stiffer springs while keeping the stock ride height. Albeit, slightly stiffer.

It makes sense that other springs from the range could be used. Stock 335d, perhaps? The 335d is heavier and thus needs more spring to maintain a similar ride height. Maybe a euro E91 with the n54/55 could also have heavier duty springs? Of course, 335i non sports are likely stiffer all around, but likely pretty biased toward the front, as well.

If you have a 328i sedan maybe the best set of springs you could get that is *slightly* stiffer would be the domestic market e91 328i springs?

This would probably maintain the best balance for you. If anything the rear being just a tad stiff compared to your current set-up, but better to err on that side to maintain 'flat-ride' principles.

I have yet to find a spring index with lbs/inch that spell out exactly all the info I need to find an OEM pair front to rear.

Aftermarket would likely be my second choice, but I haven't seen any options in that direction, either.

[tlow98]

Also, if you want them to be stiffer and maintain the same ride height they will be slightly shorter than you existing springs when both are unladen.

[thakid22]

Originally Posted by TheTallJS

Does anyone know of stiffer springs that offer stock ride height? i.e., non-lowered? Hopefully not custom made to order because otherwise I'd just buy a Ferrari.

Stiffer springs because I want to break my spine and I like bouncing around like those super bounce balls. Also to keep the car's center of gravity high so it'll do a front somersault.

Don't want coilovers nor new shocks because I married my sister who is actually my mother.

And does anyone know of a shop in the bay area that has Branick spring compressor 7600, because I like shiny shiny.

I'll be here all week.

Why not use stiffer shocks instead?
You'll be hard pressed to find stiffer springs at stock height.

Want to reduce dive, squat, body roll, or bounce? A set of stiffer shocks will do all of the above AND maintain your ride height. Maybe even consider an adjustable shock, where you can set the stiffness or softness.


Another thing, the spring is but one component of the suspension system that contributes to the desired handling or ride. Each corner of the car has its own wheel rate. The spring rate greatly influences the wheel rate. But it is the wheel rate that determines how stiff, soft, or compliant a vehicle is AND how it handles. That being said, you like the height of your stock springs, so leave them alone. Increase the tire pressure, bushing durometer, shock stiffness, anti roll bar size, or even go back to runflat tires. All of these things will increase the wheel rate and make the car firmer, more responsive, and mimic many of the benefits of a firmer spring.

[thakid22]

Originally Posted by tlow98

I, too, would like to find some stiffer springs while keeping the stock ride height. Albeit, slightly stiffer.

It makes sense that other springs from the range could be used. Stock 335d, perhaps? The 335d is heavier and thus needs more spring to maintain a similar ride height. Maybe a euro E91 with the n54/55 could also have heavier duty springs? Of course, 335i non sports are likely stiffer all around, but likely pretty biased toward the front, as well.

If you have a 328i sedan maybe the best set of springs you could get that is *slightly* stiffer would be the domestic market e91 328i springs?

This would probably maintain the best balance for you. If anything the rear being just a tad stiff compared to your current set-up, but better to err on that side to maintain 'flat-ride' principles.

I have yet to find a spring index with lbs/inch that spell out exactly all the info I need to find an OEM pair front to rear.

Aftermarket would likely be my second choice, but I haven't seen any options in that direction, either.

See my reply to the original poster above.

Yeah, as mentioned, even if you did swap in the stiffest available non-sport oem springs (335d auto springs up front/e91 328xi auto springs in the rear) the car would likely sit higher than before.

Either way, this has all already been discussed before...I started a thread asking a similar question awhile back.