Leave factory height or H&R springs?

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SixerNick
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri Apr 17, 2020 4:21 pm
Location: Eugene Oregon

Leave factory height or H&R springs?

Post by SixerNick »

I need to refresh the struts on my 1985 635 CSI. I was just going to buy new bilstein B6 struts but wonder if I would be more satisfied replacing the springs. I do. It race the car. I enjoy long drives to the beach. I do like good handling. What is the best set up?
monoi
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Location: London

Re: Leave factory height or H&R springs?

Post by monoi »

I replaced the lower spring setup that was there when I bought the car, and replaced it with standard springs. It made it more comfortable and I also preferred the look (but that's a personal opinion), and I didn't have to worry about speed bumps anymore. I also added 10mm spacers front and back because I think it looks better and is unnoticeable, but mainly because when cornering, it felt like the front outside wheel was too "inside" and the car leaning too much on it. With the spacers, it corners a lot flatter (or at least, feels like it does 8) ).
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GazM3
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Re: Leave factory height or H&R springs?

Post by GazM3 »

I run on H&R springs and it rides good. You can also use taller tyres to fill the guards out a little more, and also you can have a machinist mill some circlip cutouts to adjust the ride height at the rear. I run 4 circlip cutouts at 5mm intervals to get the height perfect
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jps635
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Re: Leave factory height or H&R springs?

Post by jps635 »

You'll need B8's if you're going to lower it. If you're after good handling should also look at larger sway bars, and the suspension bushes in general
'85 635csi JPS (RA2-66)
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Slownrusty
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Re: Leave factory height or H&R springs?

Post by Slownrusty »

I'm on B8s with H&Rs and Garagisti front spring perches to bring it down another 3/8"

Cars drives well, handles well and feels very planted without being too stiff.
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bluecoupe
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Location: Columbia Gorge Oregon

Re: Leave factory height or H&R springs?

Post by bluecoupe »

The stance is perfect. Could you provide more info on the products installed? I assume Bilstien? Also tire and wheel size??
Much appreciated.
David Bearss
1984 633csi
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hornhospital
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Re: Leave factory height or H&R springs?

Post by hornhospital »

bluecoupe wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 4:11 am The stance is perfect. Could you provide more info on the products installed? I assume Bilstien? Also tire and wheel size??
Much appreciated.
Who were you asking, David? There are three cars represented above your post.
Ken Kanne
'84 633CSi "Sylvia"; '85 635CSi "Katja";'85 325e "Hazel Ann"; '95 M3 "Ashlyn"
CSGuy
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Re: Leave factory height or H&R springs?

Post by CSGuy »

Adding to the mix. Staggered 17" (35&40 profile tires) lower H&R springs. Also B8 shocks and heavier torsion bars. To me it still seems a little soft but at 80+ heading for Las Vegas, the ride was pretty nice.

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Tommys 89 635
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Re: Leave factory height or H&R springs?

Post by Tommys 89 635 »

17 wheels are most popular and probably the most preferred as it fills in the wheel well nicely once lowered. Also it doesn't throw off your speedo too much. 16 inch is popular too, some choose 18s but most of those folks have air suspension. If you choose to lower it, you may want to think about a rear camber kit to help save your rear tires. Sway bars will help with body roll. Good luck.

Btw: 17x8 wheels
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Tommy
1989 635 CSI (Second owner since Jun 1995, driven daily and retired in 2013 with 295k to occasional driving)
2011 335D (Daily driver) with 103,550
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