before/after 318is with/without spring pads--pic request

[GrippyDrifty]

I have decided to remove at least the front spring pads on my 318is to try nd get rid of the nasty fender gap up front. Eventually I'll be going H&R cup kit, but can't stand the fender gap up front and want to remove the pads in the meantime. My suspension is stock, but would like to see some 318is' with/without pads regardless of supspension to get an idea. I guess this will also either be a catalyst for the removal of the rears as well or not. Help greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[straight6pwr]

I have decided to remove at least the front spring pads on my 318is to try nd get rid of the nasty fender gap up front. Eventually I'll be going H&R cup kit, but can't stand the fender gap up front and want to remove the pads in the meantime. My suspension is stock, but would like to see some 318is' with/without pads regardless of supspension to get an idea. I guess this will also either be a catalyst for the removal of the rears as well or not. Help greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

IMO, it wont be worth the work it will take to get them out. get some e30 m3 springs if you are short on cash and cant wait.

[GrippyDrifty]

Well, regarding the e30 m3 springs, Brendan Purcell said this:

"If you come across them, the M3 springs are a not such a great upgrade. The front springs are identical and the rears are just a little stiffer. The main difference on the M3 to the 318is is just its front antiroll bar..."

I highly respect his dedication to the 318is and can't imagine him to be incorrect. I almost purchased a pair once, but after reading this on his site I changed my mind.

But, regarding the removal of the pads, I hear there is at least an inch to be lost up front...right? Still i figure there is a reason why people do it and would really like to see some pics.

Nevertheless, thanks for your response and suggestion.

[Simon S]

. . I hear there is at least an inch to be lost up front...right?

front pads are more like an 1/8" thick each (top and bottom)
agreed that it wouldn't be worth the work for ~1/4" (or less) drop

[GrippyDrifty]

I figured it out,thanks to m42teknik. Im simply going to destroy front spring pads instead of removing the entire strut assembly--I'll wait for that 'till I get a REAL suspension!! So it's as simple as compressing the spring and CUTTING AWAY!!!!

[gstuning]

I suggest you don´t do any work to lower the car 3mm

[VitaminJ]

Yeah, like i said before dude, the drop will not be significant...

[asubimmer]

ehh I say go for it. Its fun to work on your car so do it. I like the idea of not having to take it appart to take them out.

[golde30]

I figured it out,thanks to m42teknik. Im simply going to destroy front spring pads instead of removing the entire strut assembly--I'll wait for that 'till I get a REAL suspension!! So it's as simple as compressing the spring and CUTTING AWAY!!!!

i hope yer not suggesting to some1 that cutting springs is even an option...i see u r in the same city as me, lets meet up so i can slap u in the back of the head.

[asubimmer]

i hope yer not suggesting to some1 that cutting springs is even an option...i see u r in the same city as me, lets meet up so i can slap u in the back of the head.

haha I think he's talking about compressing the springs so that he can cut the pads out w/out taking them out. I really don't think he is gonna cut the springs lol

[GrippyDrifty]

Golde30--Uhhhh....yeah. Asu has it right. I do not intend on cutting my springs in any way shape or form. I'm simply removing my spring pads.

[1991 318is]

Cut springs?

A cut spring is shorter and stiffer than stock. You could calculate the rate or check it with a spring tester. A cut spring may spec out to be what you are paying for in a "lowering" spring. Springs start life as a bar that is cut and wound into a coil. A lowering spring is cut shorter. All springs are cut. It's been done for years and it works. The only problem occurs when they have ground ends for a flat seat. After your ears quit ringing from being hit in the back of your head, go ahead and cut 'em.

[AdironRider]

Dude, your actually advocating cutting springs?

[Simon S]

Dude, your actually advocating cutting springs?

dude.

your right. he totally is