Demand for -15mm Sport springs

[mrscalex]

My understanding of spring length is basically.

Factory non-Sport at 0mm (baseline)
Factory Sport at -15mm drop
Aftermarket generally at -30mm drop.

And for each height there are springs for 4-cylinder and springs for 6-cylinder.

I know you can get springs > 30mm drop but they are off my radar for reasons below. I also know the rear height can be adjusted with the rubber bases but not really interested in that either and I don't think there is an equivalent from BMW for the front.

I've recently put a set of H&R springs (with Monroe shocks) on a Sport and although the handling is superb now I think 30mm is too low for me. The car looks too squat and is hitting too many speed bumps unless I go over extremely slowly and even then...

Also I like how things left the factory.

But the issue is the only -15mm springs I'm aware of are genuine BMW Sport springs at £100 each. Too much money.

So 2 questions for you all:

1. Has anyone found 3rd party -15mm springs
2. Is anyone else interested in -15mm springs?

I've started talking to a UK based performance spring manufacturer about all of this and would like to relay consensus. I'm not asking for commitment to buy as part of a bulk order. I have no interest in being part of the supply chain it would be a direct sale with the manufacturer.

 

[Nodzed]

Has anyone found 3rd party -15mm springs

Yes the springs on both my Ms are -15mm Spax

 

[mrscalex]

Yes the springs on both my Ms are -15mm Spax

Is that -15mm off the zero point? Ie Sport height? M height as well I think?

Or is it -15mm off factory M height making the total -30mm. Ie the spring is really -30mm?

 

[mrscalex]

The Spax are -30mm @Nodzed unless I'm looking at the wrong thing.

https://www.spax.biz/product_info.p...=1456&osCsid=0fa0d5991eff3b642428e05aaaa650a7

The likely confusion is they give a 15mm drop on a Sport/M as it's already -15mm. But the total drop from the non-Sport baseline/zero point is 30mm.

 

[Grumps]

I recall someone last year on here wanting a 15mm aftermarket spring and couldn't get one. Can't remember for the life of me who it was though.

 

[Bozzy]

@Mint replaced both front springs on his 2.2 sport not too long ago. I'm sure he got them from Sopers, price wise not sure but around £80 each.

Steve.

 

[mrscalex]

@Mint replaced both front springs on his 2.2 sport not too long ago. I'm sure he got them from Sopers, price wise not sure but around £80 each.

Steve.

If that includes VAT it’s less than the £100 I mentioned. But still about twice the cost of a very good quality -30mm spring from Eibach/Spax/H&R.

I should have also said I find the ride slightly too harsh on -30mm springs.

I might spend hours every week working on these things. But when I drive them I really do pootle around, happy enough to be behind the wheel rather than pushing the car hard

I think all things considered there’s a gap in the market for what would effectively be a direct Sport 3rd party replacement part at half the cost of BMW.

For lightweight drivers like me

 

[Nodzed]

The Spax are -30mm @Nodzed unless I'm looking at the wrong thing.

https://www.spax.biz/product_info.p...=1456&osCsid=0fa0d5991eff3b642428e05aaaa650a7

The likely confusion is they give a 15mm drop on a Sport/M as it's already -15mm. But the total drop from the non-Sport baseline/zero point is 30mm.

You could be right but I'm fairly sure they were described and sold as 15mm Rob I'll check the receipt tomorrow. If they are I'll give you the info

 

[Mint]

@Mint replaced both front springs on his 2.2 sport not too long ago. I'm sure he got them from Sopers, price wise not sure but around £80 each.

Steve.

Yes, I did get them from Sopers, £191.76 front springs and pads. Like you Rob I couldn't find any other sources of sport (15mm drop) springs.

 

[Brian H]

A number of years ago I paid for new OEM sport springs (-15mm) for this very reason, I then changed over to Eibach and put thick/double spring pads on to negate some of the extra drop.

 

[mrscalex]

A number of years ago I paid for new OEM sport springs (-15mm) for this very reason, I then changed over to Eibach and put thick/double spring pads on to negate some of the extra drop.

On the front as well?

 

[Brian H]

On the front as well?

It was a good few years ago but I think this was just on the rear.

 

[Sp02zbr]

£159 the front pair Inc vat

 

[mrscalex]

£159 the front pair Inc vat

With your trade discount?

 

[Sp02zbr]

Yes. Just asked them

£431 for the rears

 

[mrscalex]

Yes. Just asked them

£431 for the rears

So they aren’t £159 a pair for us mere mortals Probably closer to £90-£100 each?

And the rear springs are £431 a pair? £215 each? With discount!

 

[Sp02zbr]

I can get them for you so no problem there and give you the receipt

Yes on the rears Incs vat

 

[NigeB]

I too would be interested in some -15 springs. -30 is too much for me too.