New Springs or Not

[its55]

I'm on the fence about replacing my coil springs all around as I'm working on the front suspension.  I know they're all 51 years old, and they seem ok.  If I did replace them it would be w/ OEM and not the stiffer lowering springs (which appear to be the only thing available in the USA).  I can get OEM from Wallothesch.  I'm not interested in anything but original handling, ride and appearance.

 

Do i need to spend the $255 on new OEM's?   If anyone has any experienced thoughts and advice to share it would be greatly appreciated.  Just trying to make the best informed decision that I can.

 

 

[tzei]

I bought new OEM’s for M2 back in the days. Turbo springs w/ billies. I like it but it’s just me. Oh and the better half likes it too so can’t be that harsh (or she’s being too polite).

Edited March 27, 2023 by tzei
Typo

[tech71]

6 hours ago, its55 said:

I'm not interested in anything but original handling, ride and appearance.

Then I just dont see the point in replacing them.

[its55]

1 minute ago, tech71 said:

Then I just dont see the point in replacing them.

 

That's kind of where I am ... articles I read say the expected stuff like, if one is broken it obviously needs replacing, or that the "rear of the car may be sagging", which I haven't noticed .... 

 

[TobyB]

Absolutely no reason, if you like the spring rate, and they're not too long.

 

Springs do sometimes fail- but it's obvious.  And as long as they don't run out of

travel, the rate stays the same.  Since they're already pre- aged, they're proven to 

be stable where they are.

 

Add to that the unknowns of modern spring production, and I can't think of a single

reason to toss a good part to replace it with a part of unknown quality...

 

t

 

[Mike Self]

Coupla things to keep in mind...

• on US cars, 1973 and later cars sit about an inch higher than earlier ones due to federal bumper height regulations.  BMW took the easy way out--at least in 1973--and fitted taller springs.  This in addition to the spacers in the front struts, and thicker mounting pads ("3 dot") in the rear spring mounts.  So you could fit OEM springs from a 72 or earlier car, remove the spacers and fit 1 dot pads and have stock springs and a lowered (what the factory originally envisioned) stance.
• If you buy progressive rate springs (H&R comes to mind) as replacements, they have stock or close-to-stock ride under normal conditions, and stiffen up only when under compression, as in cornering.  I fitted a set of progressive H&Rs to my '73 some 20+ years ago and the normal ride is comparable to the OEM springs on my '69--both cars fitted with Bilstein HD shocks.  

mike

[its55]

8 minutes ago, Mike Self said:

Coupla things to keep in mind...

• on US cars, 1973 and later cars sit about an inch higher than earlier ones due to federal bumper height regulations.  BMW took the easy way out--at least in 1973--and fitted taller springs.  This in addition to the spacers in the front struts, and thicker mounting pads ("3 dot") in the rear spring mounts.  So you could fit OEM springs from a 72 or earlier car, remove the spacers and fit 1 dot pads and have stock springs and a lowered (what the factory originally envisioned) stance.
• If you buy progressive rate springs (H&R comes to mind) as replacements, they have stock or close-to-stock ride under normal conditions, and stiffen up only when under compression, as in cornering.  I fitted a set of progressive H&Rs to my '73 some 20+ years ago and the normal ride is comparable to the OEM springs on my '69--both cars fitted with Bilstein HD shocks.  

mike

and my 2002 is a ‘72 model…

 

It does have front spacers which, according to the Hack Mechanic, we’re added to bring the headlamps up higher and he suggests they be removed which I may do to set the stance back to “Euro”. 
 

 

[Dudeland]

FYI there are people that have purchased lowered springs, and it actually raised their car because the springs had sagged. 

 

Food for thought. 

[its55]

Just now, Dudeland said:

FYI there are people that have purchased lowered springs, and it actually raised their car because the springs had sagged. 

 

Food for thought. 

 

Now that's funny ... and sad 😂

[fjord-tii]

IMHO, Eibach offers progressive spring rates, H&R are not?

[2002iii]

3 hours ago, fjord-tii said:

IMHO, Eibach offers progressive spring rates, H&R are not?

I think H&R has both progressive and linear.