Differences in stock springs for s vs non-s cars?

[Marvin_Hecht]

OK ... I have an 86 325e with stock springs and my (for now) parts
car is a 86 325es. Is there any use in swapping the springs over?

Are the OEM springs from s models any different? I know they are
the same height, but are they stiffer?

[nando]

no point. springs don't wear out either, unless they rust and break.

[Marvin_Hecht]

I know that springs are hard to break -- despite that my car has had a broken spring not too long ago -- but what I was wanting to know for
sure is .. did BMW put in a different OEM spring in the S model than the non-S model? They call it a "sports suspension" for the "sports package" and they had some kind of Bilsteins in there stock (I think they are HD's or stock-length sports) but are the springs "sport" springs?

[Bimmerfanatik]

I know that springs are hard to break -- despite that my car has had a broken spring not too long ago -- but what I was wanting to know for
sure is .. did BMW put in a different OEM spring in the S model than the non-S model? They call it a "sports suspension" for the "sports package" and they had some kind of Bilsteins in there stock (I think they are HD's or stock-length sports) but are the springs "sport" springs?

This one is a toss up. I've heard the ES/IS springs are shorter, but haven't compared the two off the car. I will, soon, and will be able to confirm finally.

You could also check the ETK and see if the PN's are the same...

Here's some evidence that the rears at least may not be. From strictlyeta.net:

Any model with an "s" suffix, such as 318is, 325es, and 325is, denotes the sport model, which only came in 2-door form...featured thicker swaybars, slightly stiffer shocks and front springs...

[JRowe]

Don't bother. While there may be slight difference, it isn't worth the work to change them. The difference may not even be noticable given the age of the suspension. Go with some aftermarket springs and bilstein sports for a fun, streetable suspension. You see them used pretty frequently on this and other sites.

[Digitalwave]

Don't bother. While there may be slight difference, it isn't worth the work to change them. The difference may not even be noticable given the age of the suspension. Go with some aftermarket springs and bilstein sports for a fun, streetable suspension. You see them used pretty frequently on this and other sites.

Agreed. Definately not worth the effort to switch to stock junk.