Lowering Springs?

So, people just think the sports are too stiff? It's not a design problem where they are detrimental to the car in any way?
 
@e9allan - FWIW, I’m taking Sports off a 2002 and going to HD’s. Sports are firm to the point of being quite harsh over bumps. I think it’s also hard on the vehicle, causing rattles and noise where I don’t think a more compliant setup would. Over time I do think it could cause more issues than a something with more give.

The car handles great, but I’m told by knowledgeable people I won’t lose much - will just have some more lean. Have thick sways and stout tower braces. Point is, lots of ways to get better handling without super firm struts/shocks.
 
I have lower springs and Bilstein HD's and the ride is perfect on smooth roads and rough roads and the look is fantastic
 
If you lower the car,make sure you roll the front fender lips. A turn into a depression will either cut your tire or pull out the lip if the lips are not rolled.
 
According to the E12 E24 and E28 people, the valving in the HDs and Sports are the same. The difference is in the shaft or stroke travel. The shorter stroke of the sports provide for a harsher rebound which makes them ride rougher On the front strut housing where the the spring is totally captive this shouldn't make a difference. But on the E12s etc, when using the HDs, due to the length of the stroke, when you jack the car up, the rear springs will dislodge from their perches because the spring is too short to be held captive. However, Bilstein will put extra grooves on a rear shock body allowing for ride height adjustment and capture of th springs
 
Another more costly option that provides adjustability is the Ground Control system. I'm using it on my E3 and love it so far. Very high-quality stuff and lifetime warranty.
 

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Also, on the previous page, there's a pic of H&R Springs from Turner for an E12. Can that be used on the Bavaria?
 
Just put B&G lowering springs from Mesa Performance on my E3. Over 7x14 Ronals with 225/60 tires. They will probably settle a bit but I like the ride height.
 

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The issue of which spring is more complex than it sounds. On the E28 forum, there is a large data sheet (somewhere) that describes the anticipated drop and the spring rate of various manufacturers. Perhaps we should create an Excel file or equivalent with similar info?

It took me months of research to find the right springs for my M6 to replace the SLS system. The Euro cars on the E24 and E28 had options for springs that were unavailable in the US and of course, springs varied with car options/weight, ex rear AC (the beverage cooler doesn't work that great BTW). I replaced mine with BMW "short reds" which I had never heard of.

I have Dinan springs on my 635, the stance is awesome, the ride is jarring. I got them for nothing from a fellow E24er from Quebec, why, ..........cobblestone streets.
 
Thanks for the reminder. This is why I am going to run stock springs with Bilsteins, ST sways, and fixed camber plates to get a baseline. I plan on starting with 14x7 BBS Mahle's and who knows what tires? The decision between linear or progressive springs involves many factors and I'm unsure what if anything I will change until I see the pros and cons of the existing setup.
 
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Has anybody tried some E12 M535i front springs? BMW parts I mean? I just wonder if they're a little stiffer than standard E3 springs, but not too stiff if you see what I mean?
 
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