H&R Sport Springs/stock shocks?

[Heiss M3]

Im just looking to get feedback from those who have run H&R sport Springs (not OE) with stock shocks or have heard of those running that setup...

I currently have enough to get the springs ~225, but cant afford a new set of shocks (probly going with bilsteins when I do) for several more months. I'd like to go ahead and upgrade my shocks then later swap out my stock shocks for some bilsteins. Is it alright to run a drop/race springs with stock shocks or is that a no no? I know its ok to run stock springs with aftermarket shocks, with some compromise in the potential perfomance of the shocks, but just wondering if the opposite is true as well.

Im willing to give up some ride comfort to have a lower/stiffer feel to my car as I recently discovered an extremely fun run up a nearby mountain where I could really test out the suspension but was left wanting a little a better feel/control in the turns with less roll and a lower center of gravity. :redspot

Any help would be great, thanks!

[QuestMCoupe]

Dont do it. This is coming from expereience. Your stock shocks will not hold for very much longer after adding those springs. You will be lower, probably slammed, but on the freeway at high speeds your car will be bouncing all over the place. Just wait and get both at the same time.

[Zubehor]

No!

[M13]

I'd buy new shocks, then springs .. if you couldn't get both at once..

[bimmeracer3]

is it possible to run koni sa's on stock springs?

[Heiss M3]

Thanks for the replies,
Maybe I can find a good set of used aftermarket shocks with lower miles in the classifieds section or on ebay...then later replace them with new shocks when i have the money, I'll keep my eyes peeled.

[vrsixer]

is it possible to run koni sa's on stock springs?
Yup, I am. :D

[BMWFanatic]

Thanks for the replies,
Maybe I can find a good set of used aftermarket shocks with lower miles in the classifieds section or on ebay...then later replace them with new shocks when i have the money, I'll keep my eyes peeled.

imo, buy the shocks new man. i bought my Koni SA's on ebay brand new for $550 with free shipping to the 48 states(not me) and the cheapest ive seen them at other places were $675:eek:

I ran my H&R race springs on my stock shocks for almost 6 months before i put on my Konis and it wasnt bouncy at all....its just really soft and smooth. it sucks for handling until i got my shocks which made a world of a difference, so go ahead and get springs and then withing 6 months or less, get NEW shocks. good luck man:buttrock

[bimmeracer3]

vrsixer, what is the ride like?

[vrsixer]

vrsixer, what is the ride like?
It's good, not harsh at all. But it really depends on how you have the shocks adjusted. I have mine turned up pretty high, and it's not bad at all.

[QuestMCoupe]

is it possible to run koni sa's on stock springs?

I had this same setup when I bought the car until about 3 or 4 months ago...rode just fine.

[Heiss M3]

imo, buy the shocks new man. i bought my Koni SA's on ebay brand new for $550 with free shipping to the 48 states(not me) and the cheapest ive seen them at other places were $675 :eek:

I ran my H&R race springs on my stock shocks for almost 6 months before i put on my Konis and it wasnt bouncy at all....its just really soft and smooth. it sucks for handling until i got my shocks which made a world of a difference, so go ahead and get springs and then withing 6 months or less, get NEW shocks. good luck man :buttrock

Thanks for the help Fanatic,
I think i'll go ahead with the springs...since my shocks dont *feel* shot just yet, I 'only' have 73k on them (not 100k+ like most do before getting new shocks) i'll get newer shocks within the next 6 months, probly around xmas time, or sooner depending on if I can get enough money before then.

And if its seriously a rough ride, worst case - I would maybe just throw the stock springs back in. I think if anything it'd be an improvement over stock even without new shocks, the lower ride height and stiffer springs have to account for something in the twisties, i'll also look into a strut tower brace for added rigidity... :buttrock

Anyone have any advice as to which strut tower brace they'd reccomend?

[schussey]

i had H&R sports w/ stock shocks in my ti, and it was definitly a firm/bouncy ride. When you go over a dip at speed on the highway, the whole car will jolt up and over; which can be scary when driving in the triple digits

-chris

[mike27t]

You can ride H&R's on stock struts/shocks. It wont be bouncing all over the place. After a while you will notice the handling suffer.
Eventually i got some bilstein sports and WOW what a difference.

I suggest you wait but its not the end of the world if you dont.

[Heiss M3]

Alright, sounds good. I appreciate the replies.
How difficult is it to replace the springs on an m3?

I did a 3" suspension lift last yr in my 97 4runner and good lord that was hard. It was me and a friend (mechanic) and a shop full of tools and it took ~6 hours...The most difficult thing was pushing down the control arms and compressing the 3" longer springs so they fit...

Seems like it would be the opposite (they would go in easier than stock) with the 1-2" shorter springs on the M3, is this not true?

Can I do the swap in my driveway with some good tools and a few good jacks or will I need a second set of hands and a spring compressor/air tools? :shifty

Thanks again.

[Zubehor]

Not to be a dick man but it looks you already had your mind set on using the stock shocks before you even asked for advice and now you're just looking for reasons to justify your action. I think most people told you not to use lowering springs with the stock shocks. Not only your handling will suffer but it will also be very dangerous especially if you plan on taking the car on a spirited ride through the twisties. Also your stock shocks with 73k on them are most likely dead. Shocks don’t last that long, especially stock shocks.
Even the Bilsteins can’t handle the H&R race springs, and they are pretty much maxed out with the sports. I’m sure you will still go ahead and use your stock shocks, but I would not be testing the cars handing and try and get shocks ASAP. Also look in the classifieds people usually sell shocks/springs combo for $400-$500.
You also seem new to BMW and before you spend your money on lowering springs, I would put the money to better use on replacing already worned out parts on your car. Have you checked the "The EDGE Motorworks E36 '75k Mile' List" sticky? These cars like to wear our suspension parts even when everything is stock so imagine the extra load you’re putting on the car with lowering springs. I'm not even going to comment on the cooling problems.

[Heiss M3]

Not to be a dick man but it looks you already had your mind set on using the stock shocks before you even asked for advice and now you're just looking for reasons to justify your action. I think most people told you not to use lowering springs with the stock shocks. Not only your handling will suffer but it will also be very dangerous especially if you plan on taking the car on a spirited ride through the twisties. Also your stock shocks with 73k on them are most likely dead. Shocks don’t last that long, especially stock shocks.
Even the Bilsteins can’t handle the H&R race springs, and they are pretty much maxed out with the sports. I’m sure you will still go ahead and use your stock shocks, but I would not be testing the cars handing and try and get shocks ASAP. Also look in the classifieds people usually sell shocks/springs combo for $400-$500.
You also seem new to BMW and before you spend your money on lowering springs, I would put the money to better use on replacing already worned out parts on your car. Have you checked the "The EDGE Motorworks E36 '75k Mile' List" sticky? These cars like to wear our suspension parts even when everything is stock so imagine the extra load you’re putting on the car with lowering springs. I'm not even going to comment on the cooling problems.

I appreciate the help Zubehor,
I'll take all that into concideration. Sounds like if I cant shell out 600+ for shocks/springs right now I should look into a set of used aftermarkets in the classifieds...i'll also go over the 75k mile checklist, i've already replaced some of those parts, but the worn out suspension parts listed are still original I believe...:(

[Zubehor]

No problem. I would make sure the cooling system is taken care of (water pump, thermostat housing, thermostat, radiator, coolant flush), then make sure you replace the RSM (rear shock mounts), check the front control arms, tie rod ends, sway bar endlinks, RTAB's, tranny and diff fluid change and so on ...

Oh and to answer some of your other questions, yes replacing the springs/shocks can be done in your driveway with simple tools.

You also asked about an x-brace. As far as I know there is only one made by BMW, and I have heard its one of the best mods you can do even on a stock M3.

[M13]

Not to be a dick man but it looks you already had your mind set on using the stock shocks before you even asked for advice and now you're just looking for reasons to justify your action.

:withstupi

notice how everyone else's comments are completely ignored. he just reads what he wants to read.

[KAR15]

New Koni SA's will GREATLY improve your handling even with stock springs!!! I would do first. Just my 02.

[bimbum]

I bought my car with H&R's and stock shocks and it's obvious to me why the PO did it - just for the looks - cuz this thing is in no way a balanced sporting machine this way. stupid low for the street, scrapes on every and I mean every speed bump, poor ride quality on less than perfect surfaces, totally upset over road bumps and holes. if anything he should've done shocks first. this all will be rectified.

[bimmeracer3]

What is the typical consensus between stock springs vs H&R Sports on Koni SA's?