Mixed springs

[Raxe]

I did a quick search for a thread on this subject but had no luck, so hopefully this can be used for other people in the future when searching. What are the disadvantages of mixing different springs front and back? The reason I ask is because there is no kit with the right drop to suit my tastes, but coil overs are too stiff for me on a strict daily driver. I'd assume that there will be a difference in car balance. The difference in rates would be going from 170/300 to roughly 225/300. Thanks.

[SamE30e]

Wouldn't be that bad. Lots of people do it. It would be no different then getting different spring rates with coil overs. Just minus the adjustability.

[rwh11385]

Coilovers don't have to be that stiff. Plus rid is all about the dampers. If you put mushy springs with crappy struts, your ride is gonna suck.

Most spring sets are designed with handling in mind. Changing that will change the handling dynamics so it may not be safe to control. Coilovers springs can be easily swapped out.

[Jean]

^1... why do people think that co's are automatically stiff? You can order them with fairly soft spring rates.

I've gone through 500f/650r to e30m3 springs to stock 325i springs to h&r sports all on bilstein sports and have to say your dampers make a huge difference in ride quality. As it wasn't SOFT even with stock springs.

[Raxe]

I had 440/550 coilovers but ended up selling them. My car will probably never see a track and I don't do a lot of spirited driving, so they really weren't justified.

Thanks for the replies though! The springs in question are Dinan rear and Votgland front with yellow Koni adjustables.

[shiftbmw]

You can adjust front and rear ride height independently by using varying thickness spring pads. I believe you at least have a choice between no pad, 5m, and 10m.

[Jand3rson]

There's a suspension forum. Seriously.