[AW330i]

I am thinking about getting some springs but how much of a drop should I expect from the sport springs and how much should I expect from the race springs... anyone have before and after shots on there 330i sport?

[LWL]

Here you go:

0.6" --> OEM Stock BMW Sports Suspension
1.3" / 1.2" --> H&R Sport Springs (part # 50490)
1.35" / 0.8" --> H&R Sport Springs (part # 29187-1) (** Europe-Part# ** this is aparently the same spring as the 50490 but with different lowering listings for some reason.)
1.8" / 0.8" --> H&R Race Springs (part # 29183-1) (** Europe only **)


So, if you have OEM sports, then,

1.3"-0.6" = 0.7" drop in front
1.2"-0.6" = 0.6" drop in rear

I took some pics of before and after drop with H&R sports. But I dont have it with me right now. Let me know if you want to see it.

[NaTuReB0Y]

Don't get the H&R Race Springs if you're gonna run 20's....

major rubbing!!

[ksfrogman]

330i ZSP:



same car w/ H&R Sports Drop:

[AW330i]

looks good!

[nmulax]

Looks great ksfrogman.

Stupid question, but can you leave the stock shocks in with H&R springs; or what all needs to be switched out? I'm clueless when it comes to the suspension.

Also, what effect (if any) will this have on the winter tires. I live in Michigan, so from November-March I'll be running some winter rubber. Will the different springs limit my winter wheel options?

[ksfrogman]

Originally Posted by nmulax

Looks great ksfrogman.

Stupid question, but can you leave the stock shocks in with H&R springs; or what all needs to be switched out? I'm clueless when it comes to the suspension.

Also, what effect (if any) will this have on the winter tires. I live in Michigan, so from November-March I'll be running some winter rubber. Will the different springs limit my winter wheel options?

I was afraid that my ride would be too stiff with aftermarket shocks, so I kept the stock ones in. I have had no problems.

In view of what I know now, if I were to go with H&R RACE springs, I would certainly change out the dampers, because of further shock compression, higher spring rate, and to help reduce bouncing.

[nmulax]

Are the Race and Sport springs the same except for the .45" height difference? Same stiffness and ride quality?
I want my car to look a bit more aggressive and sit lower then the stock sport package, but I don't want the ride to be too rough.

You say you'd change the dampers out for Race springs, what about the Sport springs? Would you change anything with the installation of those?

[ksfrogman]

The ride quality will diminish ever so slightly when going from stock ZSP to H&R sports or race, but it won't be bone jarring. Although you can feel the bumps in the road a little more, the feedback is makes you feel more "connected" to the driving experience, and the ride is still luxurious. You won't feel like you're riding a go-cart or malibu grand prix racer.

[katsbimmer]

Originally Posted by ksfrogman

The ride quality will diminish ever so slightly when going from stock ZSP to H&R sports or race, but it won't be bone jarring. Although you can feel the bumps in the road a little more, the feedback is makes you feel more "connected" to the driving experience, and the ride is still luxurious. You won't feel like you're riding a go-cart or malibu grand prix racer.

ksfrogman, so how do think the ride would be going from (non-ZSP) to H&R sport springs...glen

[HRC]

Originally Posted by nmulax

Are the Race and Sport springs the same except for the .45" height difference? Same stiffness and ride quality?
I want my car to look a bit more aggressive and sit lower then the stock sport package, but I don't want the ride to be too rough.

You say you'd change the dampers out for Race springs, what about the Sport springs? Would you change anything with the installation of those?

The race springs have a stiffer spring rate than the sports, they have to, they are lower. Reading your post, it sounds to me you are looking for sports.

Regarding the dampers, me, I think they are required whenever you swap out OEM springs, but as you can see, plenty of people opt for just the springs. If you run stock dampers with aftermarket springs, you will have to replace them at some point faster than if you left the OEM springs in...make sense?

Danny

[HRC]

Originally Posted by katsbimmer

ksfrogman, so how do think the ride would be going from (non-ZSP) to H&R sport springs...glen

I'm not Micheal but I hope you dont mind my $0.2.

The ride will be harsher. Harsher, funny word, because to Joe and Jane Plain, harsh is bad...but to car nuts, harsh means good. Remember, harsh is not bone-jarring, rattle the fillings out of your mouth. It's just more communication with you and the road. So when you hear harsh, dont be scared and assume it's gonna break your back. It's a more sporting ride that's all. After all, we are not talking full race suspension with no travel.

Danny

[1sic06e90]

your car should sit like mine

[ksfrogman]

Originally Posted by katsbimmer

ksfrogman, so how do think the ride would be going from (non-ZSP) to H&R sport springs...glen

That's a challenging question for anyone to answer because the words we use to describe the "experience" define that which is subjective. To me, firm may be good. To someone else, firm may be a negative term.

I can only describe the difference based on my experience, likes and dislikes. I did not start with a non-ZSP car, but my friend "marcus" did. He went from non-sport 325i to Style 162 wheels with Eibach Pro Kit springs, to Maya STM wheels (19"), back to Style 162 wheels with H&R Sport springs, then added DPE wheels. He is very happy with his ride, though he noticed the H&R sports ride rougher than his Eibach Pro springs did.

Personally, from a looks standpoint, I feel the non-ZSP cars look like 4WD cars. Why are they so high? The large space between the top of your tire and the topmost portion of your wheel well arch may look good on a Chevy Tahoe or 3/4-ton pickup truck, but not on a sports sedan.

Back to your question, go to an E90 meet and drive someone's ZSP car, then find someone with the H&R sport springs. Feel the difference for yourself!

My 0.02, go for it! It will look a lot better, the ride will be more firm, but positive and sporty. You won't regret it.

[katsbimmer]

thanx,guys!!!