Can't decide between OE Sports or Sports from H&R

[Falconer]

My car is a daily driver on fresh(ish) stock shocks and stock springs. I enjoy how easy-going the ride is right now but I do want a bit of a drop while retaining comfort. I've read in numerous posts here that contrary to popular opinion, H&R Sports were indeed designed to be mated with stock dampers. Most people disagree and say that pairing those two will cause the shocks to blow prematurely, and that I should go with OE Sports. The car will be rolling on some Ronal LS's and I prefer the look of the Sports over the OE Sports.

So can you run Sports on stock shocks? The spring rates are identical but the travel is different.

To be honest, I'm thinking of just going the safe route with OE Sports, 10mm drophats and calling it a day. Thoughts? Alternatives? Also considering OE M3 springs but I just can't seem to find good pictures showing ride height, especially on a late model car.

[MR 325]

I do not recommend H&R Sport springs with stock spec shocks. Been there done that.

The E30 M3 springs are a good choice. I'd actually go with those over the H&R OE Sport myself.

[carfantiti]

I have m3 so had oem,than h&R sports what mistake now race love them I 'm running oem bilisten's all seems good

[gath]

"than h&R sports what mistake now race love them"

What?

Oh! now I see the comment on you signature.

[agent]

Sure you can run stock dampers on H&R Sports, though you'll be replacing them far more frequently than if you were to use dampers which were specifically made for lowering springs (Bilstein, Koni). I'd also assume ride quality would suffer at least a little bit with Sports paired with stock dampers.

Klaus is on Sports and Konis, and I wouldn't hesitate to DD him if that ever became necessary.

[Ryann]

It's a simple question of ride height. OE sport springs will give you a very minimal drop. Otherwise, there's nothing wrong with running the H&Rs with stock Sachs struts/shocks. Most of the negative comments you read about doing so are likely due to the fact that a lot of kids install them over old shitty worn out 150k+ struts vs. replacing them like they should've.

[Falconer]

I do not recommend H&R Sport springs with stock spec shocks. Been there done that.

The E30 M3 springs are a good choice. I'd actually go with those over the H&R OE Sport myself.

What kind of drop do the M3 springs afford? When I search this site I get results all over the map. Same with OE sports. My car is a 1991 325i by the way.

Thanks for the input

[phenryiv1]

The E30 M3 springs are a good choice. I'd actually go with those over the H&R OE Sport myself.

Having just bought (but not yet received) the OE Sports, i am curious as to your reasons for this.

Care to elaborate?

Thank you!

[Maddog]

I will send you a photo of my car with E30 M3 OE springs/Koni Yellows this weekend. It will give you an idea on the ride height.

My choice is due having sufficient ground clearance to clear my driveway; I purchased my "is" with H&R Sport springs.

[ButtJuice]

I have m3 so had oem,than h&R sports what mistake now race love them I 'm running oem bilisten's all seems good

Lol is this guy's retardation for real, or epic troll?

[ak-]

Lol is this guy's retardation for real, or epic troll?

Nah, that's how he talks.
He was shit on for it in Socal General Chat for the longest because of it.

[Herr Faust Schinken]

Nah, that's how he talks.
He was shit on for it in Socal General Chat for the longest because of it.

Does he talk like that in reality ?

[Falconer]

I went with OE Sports, merely because I couldn't find OEM M3 springs. I'll throw up some pics when I install them, and let you guys know how they ride. There isn't too much information out there on them.

[Victell]

I went with OE Sports, merely because I couldn't find OEM M3 springs. I'll throw up some pics when I install them, and let you guys know how they ride. There isn't too much information out there on them.

Pics?

[redlightpete]

I'm running H&R OE Sports on my 325is. I'll see if I can find any before and after measurements, but I remember the drop being .75 - 1". It was more than what I had seen advertised. Initially I ran them with a fresh set of the OE "m-technik" sport package shocks, but I couldn't stand it. I guess I'm overly sensitive about suspension damping. I switched to yellow konis, which obviously have plenty of rebound damping for these springs.

In general, I'd recommend these springs, especially if you want a little more ride height than H&R sports. Even with stock anti-roll bars (and the bmw offset strut mounts), the front tire wear is reasonable and the handling is pretty well balanced. Maybe a tiny bit plowy, but its confidence inspiring.