[BimmerF36]

Hello, I wanted to hear opinions on Lowering Springs vs Coilovers. The basics are pretty obvious but I have heard that on bimmers coilovers aren't as recommended since they already have a pretty decent suspension.

Is it really worth it going for Coilovers and spending the extra money instead of going for lowering springs? This would be for an F36 430i that is my daily driver.

[alohasurftoad]

because stock dampers are not designed for most lowering spring offerings, it's performance and lifespan will be compromised. so, it depends on how low you desire...

1)ST coilovers if you want it low to low+

2)Eibach Pro-Kit+stock dampers* if mildly lowered is adequate enough

*if affordable, instead of stock dampers, i suggest upgrading to Bilstein B4 M-Technik OEM+ replacements under the Eibach Pro-Kit, as it will perform and even ride better though slightly firmer.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

because stock dampers are not designed for most lowering spring offerings, it's performance and lifespan will be compromised. so, it depends on how low you desire...

1)ST coilovers if you want it low to low+

2)Eibach Pro-Kit+stock dampers* if mildly lowered is adequate enough

*if affordable, instead of stock dampers, i suggest upgrading to Bilstein B4 M-Technik OEM+ replacements under the Eibach Pro-Kit, as it will perform and even ride better though slightly firmer.

Adding to comments by alohasurftoad, what's your budget for the suspension upgrade?

[BimmerF36]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Adding to comments by alohasurftoad, what's your budget for the suspension upgrade?

To answer both of you guy's questions. I'm not looking to lower it that much, I will leave a picture of the stock height, just want it to be closer to a flush fitment which I believe would only be about 1-1.5 inches lower.

I'm not too sure on the budget as I was only expecting to spend around 1200 for Coilovers based on the previous research I had done but it was not quite that extensive so not too sure if that is a reasonable budget or not. I would like to keep the comfortability of the stock suspension since I'm not planning to track the car or street race it which is why I was leaning towards the lowering springs since they are quite a bit cheaper and thought they would be a pretty straightforward mod.

[cfm56d7b]

The budget appears to be a bit low if installation and 4 wheel alignment fees are considered.

The debate of lowering springs vs coilovers continues in various discussion threads.

Lowering spring have one disadvantage: the resulting suspension height or dynamics cannot be changed. If you want to have the option of tuning the suspension after initial installation, coilovers are the better choice.

[jmanB45]

Looks really good as it is, IMO. You don't have the unsightly xDrive gap and reverse rake. I would just leave it, especially if you don't want to lose the comfort level.

[BimmerF36]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

The budget appears to be a bit low if installation and 4 wheel alignment fees are considered.

The debate of lowering springs vs coilovers continues in various discussion threads.

Lowering spring have one disadvantage: the resulting suspension height or dynamics cannot be changed. If you want to have the option of tuning the suspension after initial installation, coilovers are the better choice.

I was not factoring installation and alignment into the budget but yea it definitely gets more expensive.

I know that debate is pretty much old as time and was kind of considering lowering springs mainly for a short term thing and have coilovers installed sometime later but it feels shortsighted and a waste of cash at the end.

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by BimmerF36

I'm not looking to lower it that much, I will leave a picture of the stock height, just want it to be closer to a flush fitment which I believe would only be about 1-1.5 inches lower. I'm not too sure on the budget as I was only expecting to spend around 1200 for Coilovers based on the previous research I had done but it was not quite that extensive so not too sure if that is a reasonable budget or not. I would like to keep the comfortability of the stock suspension since I'm not planning to track the car or street race it which is why I was leaning towards the lowering springs since they are quite a bit cheaper and thought they would be a pretty straightforward mod.

Eibach Pro-Kit is pretty much the only lowering spring designed for stock dampers. it is very mild, which is why the stock dampers are ok with them. anything lower and the stock damper lifespan and performance will start a timely degrade.

if 1"-1.5" is desired, imo you'll have go with ST coilovers or a cup kit(spring/damper combo) comprised of H&R Sport or Eibach Sportline(not Pro-Kit) springs over Bilstein B8 struts/shocks

[BimmerF36]

Originally Posted by jmanB45

Looks really good as it is, IMO. You don't have the unsightly xDrive gap and reverse rake. I would just leave it, especially if you don't want to lose the comfort level.

Thank you! Yea rwd comes with its perks lol. I'm planning on keeping it stock for at least a couple of months but wanted to do some research.

[BimmerF36]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

Eibach Pro-Kit is pretty much the only lowering spring designed for stock dampers. it is very mild, which is why the stock dampers are ok with them. anything lower and the stock damper lifespan and performance will start a timely degrade.

if 1"-1.5" is desired, imo you'll have go with ST coilovers or a cup kit(spring/damper combo) comprised of H&R Sport or Eibach Sportline(not Pro-Kit) springs over Bilstein B8 struts/shocks

Maybe my estimate was too much, I really haven't taken the time to measure the wheel gap and see how much I actually need to lower it.

I have a question regarding the kits then how does it compare with a coilover one? Aren't coilovers pretty much a spring/shock combo? It's something I never really understood when it comes to coilovers as they are always marketed the end all be all but I know there are other parts to a suspension system.

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by BimmerF36

Maybe my estimate was too much, I really haven't taken the time to measure the wheel gap and see how much I actually need to lower it.

I have a question regarding the kits then how does it compare with a coilover one? Aren't coilovers pretty much a spring/shock combo? It's something I never really understood when it comes to coilovers as they are always marketed the end all be all but I know there are other parts to a suspension system.

technically, all the macpherson looking types are all coilovers...Coil spring Over a strut/shock. the word has evolved to those that are height adjustable, some rebound adjustable and even rebound/compression adjustable.

from your pics, i believe Eibach Pro-Kit springs over your stock dampers is all you need. just a tad bit lower and a rake fix, which the Eibachs do, will look perfect.

[alohasurftoad]

if you are not doing the installation yourself. the rears are basically easy, however the front suspension removal and disassembly(via spring compressor) labor cost can be a big part of the total cost of doing this.
.
a front "coilover" install is easier than swapping out springs

[BimmerF36]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

if you are not doing the installation yourself. the rears are basically easy, however the front suspension removal and disassembly(via spring compressor) labor cost can be a big part of the total cost of doing this.
.
a front "coilover" install is easier than swapping out springs

I'd love to do the install my self but like you said I dont have a spring compressor for the springs. I looked at the Eibach website and the springs I found said they are for the xdrive model, not sure if there is a difference between it and the rwd model. Also said they are for an EV model which threw me off.

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by BimmerF36

I'd love to do the install my self but like you said I dont have a spring compressor for the springs. I looked at the Eibach website and the springs I found said they are for the xdrive model, not sure if there is a difference between it and the rwd model. Also said they are for an EV model which threw me off.

i believe you can use use spring compressors from autoparts stores like o'reillys, autozone, etc.

https://eibachshop.com/index.php?p22...w-4-gran-coupe

Eibach E10-20-031-03-22 is for a RWD F36 430i/428i

Amazon has'em for $290xx shipped if Prime

[BimmerF36]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

i believe you can use use spring compressors from autoparts stores like o'reillys, autozone, etc.

https://eibachshop.com/index.php?p22...w-4-gran-coupe

Eibach E10-20-031-03-22 is for a RWD F36 430i/428i

Amazon has'em for $290xx shipped if Prime

I'll definitely look into that. I was planning on doing this for the New years so I still have time to think about it.

Also have to see if my autoparts stores have those spring compressors.

[TurboWeasel]

If you don't know what you want, just go with lowering springs.

Eibach Pro drop a "Low slung suspension" car (aka M Sport) 13mm at the front and 5mm at the rear, so as said, the front biased rake dissappears quite nicely.

If you're doing it for handling and ride improvements as well, then ditch the M sport dampers as they are trash.