H&R Springs for 330xi-Looking for feedback

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dick grayson

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Has anyone installed the H&R lowering springs on a 330xi/325xi? I just picked a 2004 330xi (Sapphire Black on Natural Brown Leather, 6 Speed, M Sport, Premium Pkg.)

I read many of the posts on the board but none addressed whether there were any long term implications. Would really like to get the car off its "stilts" but don't want to thrash it prematurely.

Dick Grayson
Vancouver, BC
 
MrElussive

MrElussive

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Congrats on the car, post some pics! Very few modders on this forum. I can tell you that typically when you purchase aftermarket springs with stock shock absorbers, you shorten the life of the shocks, but that depends on the car. You should call up whatever company you were planning to buy from and ask them...they probably won't lie because they will want to convince you to purchase new shocks as well. But TireRack's web site does not mention any negative effects of the H&R springs and they usually mention the con(s) somewhere on the description page.
 
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Big Daddy

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I had H&R's on my M roadster for a while. They caused the car to bounce and porpoise while going down the road. The insides of my rear tires worn excessively as well. I switched to Dinan with Koni shocks and have not had any negative results.
 
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Big Daddy

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Yes, it was done by a professional shop, I am not sure if I just got a set of bad springs, but with the Dinan's I have had no problems. I know a few others that avoid H&R as well. Tyr BavAuto's of Eibach, I have heard good things about them.
 
Section_8

Section_8

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You can get tuned springs that work quite fine with stock shocks - they are designed to work in this manner, and will not cause premature wear(UUC Tuned Springs come to mind). Now, slapping some shorter springs in there (H&R, Eibach, etc) with stock shocks will do just as MrE says - premature shock wear. The 'tuned' springs are built specifically to work with the OEM shocks.

If you go low enough, and your wheels/tires are wide enough, then you may need a little negative camber to keep from rubbing - if you get it all done at a good shop, they should handle this all for you. Don't forget an alignment 1-2 weeks after the suspension change, once things settle.

Hey frolf, I like your new wheels btw, nice sig. [:)]
 
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drchuck

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I had a similar experience with the lowering of an A4. Allow me to share. I ordered Neuspeed race springs that were advertised to lower the car 2 inches front and rear. However, this was relative to the ride height of an A4 that already had the factory sport package. They also recommended sport shocks. When I put the springs on my non-sport package A4, the spring dropped the ride height 4 inches. Great for the look, bad for the ride. The ride became very bouncy and the rear end became very wallowy. It seems that excessive lowering with stock shocks will overwhelm them since they are taken out of their normal operating range. Check H&R's web site for specific applications. With the relatively high ride height of the Xi, you may want to consider replacing your stock shocks with Koni or Bilstein sport shocks as well.
 
HornyHornet

HornyHornet

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Also, I know that both Eibach and H&R make suspension sets that include springs and matched shocks. Eibach calls them their Pro-System and H&R is Cup Kits. Just another option for you. Both run for about $600-$700. Another newcomer is SACHS Performance Sets which supply the suspension for many race teams and the M Division of BMW. I have seen that UUC carries these sets (SACHS) for about $699.
 
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