E36 cut springs? Lol

[hooniganE36]

I was asking a guy at my local "bmw" shop about budget suspension. He said h&r is pretty good but if im on a tight budget i could cut down the spring a little to lower it. Would that work decent if i buy some aftermarket/better shocks to go with it?

[bluptgm3]

It would be possible to cut the front springs as they are a constant winding (initially) for a coil or two. The rate of the spring will increase with fewer coils. Typically, lowering springs can be slightly softer as they lower the row center of the vehicle. Additionally, some tend to be more linear and less progressive in rate.
The rears are different, a beehive shape. No way to cut these.
You are going to be better purchasing a matched set of aftermarket springs, you might save some money buying a good set of used.
Both Koni and Bilstein produce quality products, shock and spring kits are available.
Sachs and Boge produce stock factory (non lowering) replacement shocks/struts, if budget is a concern.


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[PITT M3 RR]

I have bilstein stuff that will for your car. PM me if interested.

[MIKYZZ4]

Shop here:https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...&autoYear=1992

[bluptgm3]

Look at shock/spring combos from Bilstein, Koni, and H&R. Shy away from constant diameter (2.25 or 60mm) spring set coil-overs as they will most likely require spacers on front hubs for wheel/tire clearance- https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...s&autoModClar=

Look to ECSTuning (and others) for price comparisons. Consider shipping costs.


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[TostitoBandito]

Don't cut your springs. Get a quality suspension kit. End of thread.

[MIKYZZ4]

Exactly, stay away from that BMW shop, or at the very least, that mechanic who foolishly suggested cutting the springs.
My previous post containing the link to tirerack, has some good options for you.

[M3blitkrieg]

I used cut springs on a convertible upfront and coupe rear springs for a year. No issues. Worked very well for a 1" drop. Cost me $20 and a cutting disc.

[MIKYZZ4]

I used cut springs on a convertible upfront and coupe rear springs for a year. No issues. Worked very well for a 1" drop. Cost me $20 and a cutting disc.

NOT recommended.

[TostitoBandito]

It's sort of like saying "I drove around for a year with no seatbelt and had no issues."

Just because you can doesn't mean you should. In the case of springs, depending on the type, cutting them can change their stiffness and properties. Also, unless you hand taper the cut end it won't sit right on either the spring perch or hat. It's important that both ends of the spring sit flat.