"I" springs in an "e"

[mrgraphics]

I did a search but couldn't find an answer. I'd like to lower the rear of my 86 325e a bit. I'm not looking for a slammed look, and I actually like the height of the front (since I drive in San Francisco and want to keep my oil pan.) The rear though . . . it is high.

I'm looking to go cheeeeaaaap for this mod since it's not a "must'. Since "I" springs are plentiful in the junkyards (and only $20), would they drop the rear a bit? Looking for .5 to 3/4 of an inch. If not, what is the best option for a rear drop on an "e" to kill the rake?

[bmwguy325is]

The rear arches of an e car are different than a late model (plastic bumper /big tail light) car. So you may not get the low look you want and still be low.

[reelizmpro]

Cheap? Remove the rear spring pads. That should give you at least a 1/4"-1/2" and won't cost you anything. Beyond that you should get aftermarket springs like Suspension Techniques. No stock springs are worth swapping in unless they are m tech springs, which are probably what u want but they are not cheap.

[dashboardmonkey]

Get stock e30 m3 springs. They can be had for cheap.

[!kid]

The rear arches of an e car are different than a late model (plastic bumper /big tail light) car. So you may not get the low look you want and still be low.

Unless he finds an 87 325i?

[bmwguy325is]

Unless he finds an 87 325i?

How would this help him? 88 was then they changed the bodies.

[mrgraphics]

So an 87 325i has the higher wheel arches but shorter springs? There are a bunch of 87's at my local pick n pull. That plus removing the spring pads may be good if someone can verify the 87 comment.

[FLG]

Idk about springs but 87i also has the high arches

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[MR 325]

No stock springs are worth swapping in unless they are m tech (or e30 m3) springs

[!kid]

How would this help him? 88 was then they changed the bodies.

your previous comment made it sound as if he needed 325i springs. and that 88+ 325i springs may not give him the proper ride height he wants. that's why i asked if the 1987 325i springs would give him what he is after since its got the higher wheel arches.

[mrgraphics]

What about springs from a late model (1991) 318I or 318IS? Since that was a lighter car, a heavier e30 would sit a bit lower with them, right?

[MR 325]

Seriously don't waste your time. At minimum buy some E30 M3 springs.

[!kid]

What about springs from a late model (1991) 318I or 318IS? Since that was a lighter car, a heavier e30 would sit a bit lower with them, right?

maybe...

the bad thing is those will most likely have a lower spring rate as well. A lower springs rate is going to reduce your corning performance. increase the body roll on a car that already has lots of body roll.

[ELVA164]

Seriously don't waste your time. At minimum buy some E30 M3 springs.

Seriously, just do this. I did and I'm really happy with them. Small drop, not too stiff for daily-ing, and inexpensive. Also, my car is an '87 325i.

[mrgraphics]

I'm half way there. I found 2 front springs in Pick n Pull today. I have no idea who makes them.

They are deep blue in color, no markings. Anyone have any idea who makes them?