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Z4MR Spring Dilemma
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Z4MR Spring Dilemma
Evening all.
I’m a bit stuck on which route to go down, my Z4MR is currently with BMW after having an Inspection II service and need both rear springs replacing
Do I keep it stock and get them to replace them paying the dealer tax for convenience as they already have the car, or take it else where and go for eibach or H&R springs all round
Part of me likes the idea of keeping it all original, but would also love to reduce the wheel gap somewhat. Not fussed on the coilover route as not going to track it and don’t want it too low, just OEM+
I’ve read as much as I can about people’s thoughts but all tend to be against different springs or coilovers, not necessarily sticking with stock.
Photos below don’t look too bad but that’s with broken springs. so would sit higher when replaced.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I’m a bit stuck on which route to go down, my Z4MR is currently with BMW after having an Inspection II service and need both rear springs replacing
Do I keep it stock and get them to replace them paying the dealer tax for convenience as they already have the car, or take it else where and go for eibach or H&R springs all round
Part of me likes the idea of keeping it all original, but would also love to reduce the wheel gap somewhat. Not fussed on the coilover route as not going to track it and don’t want it too low, just OEM+
I’ve read as much as I can about people’s thoughts but all tend to be against different springs or coilovers, not necessarily sticking with stock.
Photos below don’t look too bad but that’s with broken springs. so would sit higher when replaced.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
--- Currently - 2007 Z4MR
--- Previous BMWs - Z4 M40i First Edition, Z4 2.5i Sport, 430d xdrive Coupe, 330i Coupe, 525i, 540i, Z4 2.5i, 330ci Convertible, Z3
--- Plus over 40 non BMWs inc. S2000, Focus ST, Octavia VRS, RS3, MINI JCW
--- Previous BMWs - Z4 M40i First Edition, Z4 2.5i Sport, 430d xdrive Coupe, 330i Coupe, 525i, 540i, Z4 2.5i, 330ci Convertible, Z3
--- Plus over 40 non BMWs inc. S2000, Focus ST, Octavia VRS, RS3, MINI JCW
- abar121
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Z4MR Spring Dilemma
If you want to lower it, now would be the time.
I would refresh the dampers though and really get dampers that are matched to your springs. Worn dampers and lowering springs are not a great pairing.
The Bilstein B12 kit seems to be popular on here and is great value.
I would refresh the dampers though and really get dampers that are matched to your springs. Worn dampers and lowering springs are not a great pairing.
The Bilstein B12 kit seems to be popular on here and is great value.
'07 Z4M Interlagos Blue. All options except extended leather.
- srhutch
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Z4MR Spring Dilemma
I’d put H&R’s on. Its what I have on mine, but I do have a set of oem springs in a box that I took off just in case I ever need to get back to original.
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Z4MR Spring Dilemma
Eibach will give you the OEM+ look. H&R will give you a greater drop.
- Mr Tidy
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- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
Z4MR Spring Dilemma
I don't know if they are the same for MR and MC but I have a set of H & R springs that came with my car. The previous owner had them on his previous MC, so they don't look very used.
But where you are may be a factor because the fronts are still fitted on OE dampers so freight wouldn't be easy, or cheap!
If they might be of any interest let me know.
But where you are may be a factor because the fronts are still fitted on OE dampers so freight wouldn't be easy, or cheap!
If they might be of any interest let me know.
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
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Z4MR Spring Dilemma
I have h&r on the rear and coil overs in the front. Ride is now spot on
- RedUn
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1108
- Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2012 7:33 pm
- Location: Hertfordshire
Z4MR Spring Dilemma
How many miles on the car? That will make a diffAndyT wrote: ↑Thu Jul 22, 2021 5:56 pm Evening all.
I’m a bit stuck on which route to go down, my Z4MR is currently with BMW after having an Inspection II service and need both rear springs replacing
Do I keep it stock and get them to replace them paying the dealer tax for convenience as they already have the car, or take it else where and go for eibach or H&R springs all round
Part of me likes the idea of keeping it all original, but would also love to reduce the wheel gap somewhat. Not fussed on the coilover route as not going to track it and don’t want it too low, just OEM+
I’ve read as much as I can about people’s thoughts but all tend to be against different springs or coilovers, not necessarily sticking with stock.
Photos below don’t look too bad but that’s with broken springs. so would sit higher when replaced.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
4DB225CD-2988-4F7C-9FAD-006A89E7E8E8.jpeg
CA31FD03-F30A-47AC-A448-FAE96A5D3DE2.jpeg
IMOLA Z4///MR
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Z4MR Spring Dilemma
I recently changed the M to Eibach springs after reading reviews on here with comparisons with H&R.
Mines only on 35000mls but always felt skittish on the rear when pushing on a spirited drive.
Changed to Eibachs and it’s completely transformed the handling,rides so much better and driving over a small pot hole doesn’t feel anywhere near as bad as before.
Added bonus was 20mm drop front and 10mm rear.
Got the springs from Germany for only £165.
Rears only took me 10mins a per side,easiest rear springs I’ve ever done,fronts around 1hr per side.
Mines only on 35000mls but always felt skittish on the rear when pushing on a spirited drive.
Changed to Eibachs and it’s completely transformed the handling,rides so much better and driving over a small pot hole doesn’t feel anywhere near as bad as before.
Added bonus was 20mm drop front and 10mm rear.
Got the springs from Germany for only £165.
Rears only took me 10mins a per side,easiest rear springs I’ve ever done,fronts around 1hr per side.
2007 M Coupe
Interlagos Blue,Sepang leather,carbon leather trim
Interlagos Blue,Sepang leather,carbon leather trim
- Franzino
- Member
- Posts: 851
- Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2010 2:53 pm
Z4MR Spring Dilemma
I would 100% go for Eibach, they work rather ok with the standard Z4M dampers (I used this set up before getting Biltein B-16 on my Z4M). The H&R will drop to low (for the standard dampers) and I found that the car drive less good for my personal taste (drives also more on the bumpstops on really bad roads with the lower H&R).
But honestly; suspension does so much on a car...that in your case (if you don't do track) I would fit new (non adjustable) dampers also and get a Bilstein B12-Pro Kit to replace everything (also check possible worn out bushings at that time). I used to have Bilstein B12 Pro Kit on my e46 325i when I replaced my (worn out) standard suspension and it was a nice upgrade for daily use.
I don't know how you drive your car or when the dampers were replaced, but on my own cars that I drive hard I change the dampers and bushings after +/- 100.000km (60.000miles) which is after every 4 years in my case (on my daily driver). For my taste; most dampers lose their best operation after 90.000km of hard use...but I'm really sensitive about road handling and it's not something I would safe money on.
- Franzino
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- Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2010 2:53 pm
Z4MR Spring Dilemma
So original dampers with H&R spring at the rear and adjustable coilovers at the front....wow this is a strange suspension set up.
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- Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2019 2:06 pm
Z4MR Spring Dilemma
It’s done 46k miles at the minute and looking to do 4-6k a year.
--- Currently - 2007 Z4MR
--- Previous BMWs - Z4 M40i First Edition, Z4 2.5i Sport, 430d xdrive Coupe, 330i Coupe, 525i, 540i, Z4 2.5i, 330ci Convertible, Z3
--- Plus over 40 non BMWs inc. S2000, Focus ST, Octavia VRS, RS3, MINI JCW
--- Previous BMWs - Z4 M40i First Edition, Z4 2.5i Sport, 430d xdrive Coupe, 330i Coupe, 525i, 540i, Z4 2.5i, 330ci Convertible, Z3
--- Plus over 40 non BMWs inc. S2000, Focus ST, Octavia VRS, RS3, MINI JCW
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- Member
- Posts: 108
- Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2019 2:06 pm
Z4MR Spring Dilemma
Did you replace the dampers at all or are you still on the original ones?Jon2215 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 24, 2021 5:33 am I recently changed the M to Eibach springs after reading reviews on here with comparisons with H&R.
Mines only on 35000mls but always felt skittish on the rear when pushing on a spirited drive.
Changed to Eibachs and it’s completely transformed the handling,rides so much better and driving over a small pot hole doesn’t feel anywhere near as bad as before.
Added bonus was 20mm drop front and 10mm rear.
Got the springs from Germany for only £165.
Rears only took me 10mins a per side,easiest rear springs I’ve ever done,fronts around 1hr per side.
--- Currently - 2007 Z4MR
--- Previous BMWs - Z4 M40i First Edition, Z4 2.5i Sport, 430d xdrive Coupe, 330i Coupe, 525i, 540i, Z4 2.5i, 330ci Convertible, Z3
--- Plus over 40 non BMWs inc. S2000, Focus ST, Octavia VRS, RS3, MINI JCW
--- Previous BMWs - Z4 M40i First Edition, Z4 2.5i Sport, 430d xdrive Coupe, 330i Coupe, 525i, 540i, Z4 2.5i, 330ci Convertible, Z3
--- Plus over 40 non BMWs inc. S2000, Focus ST, Octavia VRS, RS3, MINI JCW
- RedUn
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1108
- Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2012 7:33 pm
- Location: Hertfordshire
Z4MR Spring Dilemma
That's not too bad, I'd probably go for the eibach springs for now and see how you get on with a nice geo
IMOLA Z4///MR
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
- Posts: 23842
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
Z4MR Spring Dilemma
To be fair if I was going to fit Eibach springs I'd just buy the complete Bilstein B12 kit - it seems much cheaper than buying the springs then the dampers later. Always assuming the car is a keeper.
From what I can make out the Eibachs drop the car 20mm at the front and 10mm at the front, whereas H & Rs are one inch (or 25mm) lower all round which can be an issue. Although my H & R coil-overs at maximim height have a 0.9 inch (23mm) drop on the front and 0.75 inch (19mm) drop on the rear and it hasn't caused me any problems. I did have issues before I got them up from the "slammed" stance it had when I bought it.
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
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- Member
- Posts: 154
- Joined: Tue May 19, 2020 6:18 pm
Z4MR Spring Dilemma
Andy I just replaced the springs as the dampers were fineAndyT wrote: ↑Sat Jul 24, 2021 6:22 pmDid you replace the dampers at all or are you still on the original ones?Jon2215 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 24, 2021 5:33 am I recently changed the M to Eibach springs after reading reviews on here with comparisons with H&R.
Mines only on 35000mls but always felt skittish on the rear when pushing on a spirited drive.
Changed to Eibachs and it’s completely transformed the handling,rides so much better and driving over a small pot hole doesn’t feel anywhere near as bad as before.
Added bonus was 20mm drop front and 10mm rear.
Got the springs from Germany for only £165.
Rears only took me 10mins a per side,easiest rear springs I’ve ever done,fronts around 1hr per side.
2007 M Coupe
Interlagos Blue,Sepang leather,carbon leather trim
Interlagos Blue,Sepang leather,carbon leather trim