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

[endeavor]

I just had the H&R OE springs installed. Here are some pictures with stock springs and the H&R OE. I am running these springs with Bilstein HD. So far I have put approximately 300 miles on these springs.


Before



After

[nando]

OE sports are what the ix H&R "sport" kit are based on - they are stiffer than any stock spring (not a ton, but still stiffer), but not a lot shorter. Except on an ix, which has HUGE springs. :p

as far as E30 M3 springs go - man, it's got to be getting tougher to find those cheap now. You used to be able to find them for basically nothing. But now, they're 20-25 year old used parts, not that easy to find, and probably not cheap, I can't see them being worth it over a milder spring like the OE sport, which will probably drop about the same but be a little stiffer (and much newer).

[phenryiv1]

as far as E30 M3 springs go - I can't see them being worth it over a milder spring like the OE sport, which will probably drop about the same but be a little stiffer (and much newer).

That was my thought process in selecting the OE Sports. Why buy used springs that are 20-25 years old with unknown miles when I could buy brand new springs with similar characteristics (when compared to when the M3 springs were new) and have known mileage?

[Falconer]

Pics?

Forgot about this thread. Basically, OE Sports are awesome. I also used e90 hats. The drop kills most of the excessive fender gap and keeps the ride quality at near stock-like comfort. I reused the OEM shocks.

[phenryiv1]

Stance after one full day of rallycross, with brand new H&R OE sports and all new mounts. Car is completely stripped- no carpet, no door panels, no back seat, race seat (drivers) stock pass seat (for now), no trunk interior, no A/C, no sunroof, no stereo, no headliner, but a full 10-point cage. Still probably 300-400# lighter than stock, but the car was lowered dramatically with the H&Rs on the car.



Before the event:







I can't seem to find any non-action shots of the car with the cage and stock springs. Lots without the cage, but none with it. Lots of me driving the car, but no static shots except loaded up to go to the track. I'll keep looking.

[noahsense]

I just replaced the suspension on my 325is with H&R OE Sport springs and Bilstein HD shocks.

I purchased my car with Bilstein Sports and H&R Sport Springs (50406), a set-up far too stiff and low for the kind of driving that I do. What was supposed to be my fun weekend car was not as enjoyable as I had hoped.

With the new suspension I no longer need to approach every road imperfection with caution or do the comical sideways driveway thing that the never-to-complain girlfriend took to making fun of. The ride is still what I would characterize as very firm but the car handles well. The Bilsteins have very firm dampening so larger bumps and potholes can still be pretty jaring. I'm pretty happy with the set-up though I'll probably switch to Koni's yellows at somepoint.

A neighbor has a matching 325is but with a stock (or similar) suspension so you can see the difference. Stock on left, HD/OE on right. My tires are about 1/2" smaller than stock fwiw.