Stock spring rate FAQ error?

[MichaelP]

I'm still trying figure out this stock spring thing:

The Stock Spring FAQ ( http://www.bmw2002faq.com/content/view/47/32/ ) may be in error regarding rear standard vs. heavy duty. Are they reversed? Intuitively, the rates seem switched. My USA Blue manual lists coil spring relaxed length as 324.2mm (12.76"), while the FAQ says this is a HD spring. Isn't the USA spring a standard (not heavy duty) spring?

My head is spinning from various info I'm getting on this whole issue. Mike S sez there are different lengths for early (thru '72) vs later springs. I'm finding nothing to support that. No matter what year, continent or model (1600 or 2002) I look up on the ETK/HTK, the same part numbers for springs turn up, and they're baffling in their own right:

Front:

Green 31 33 1 112 168

White 31 33 1 112 169

Red 31 33 1 112 170 (NLA)

Rear:

Green 33 53 1 112 136 (noted from 03/1966 to 07/1977)

White HD 33 53 1 112 101

Red HD 33 53 1 112 100

So what are these p/n's for? Some springs (rear) are noted as HD, while some are not. Does it mean that (for instance) white dot Standard rear springs are not available, and front white dot Standards are available? I'm really confused.

[frank]

I recently ordered front springs with the part #31 33 1 112 169 from my local BMW dealer. I installed them on my 1975 02. I was told these were the only springs still available from the factory. They are marked with blue and white dots.

[Mike Self]

available for 02's in the road spring department, only one flavor is still available from the factory--and this has been true for some years. That's why the aftermarket suppliers are thriving!

mike

[MichaelP]

Aha. That's helpful. Do you know what flavor is available for the rear? I ask because I'm trying figure out what's installed in my car. I have a strong suspicion that they were replaced within the last eight years.

[jgerry2002]

There is a rumor that Mobile Tradition may be reproducing the Green springs again. We'll see what happens there. Red are the softest, Green is the heaviest.