///M Springs and alignment (again, yawn)

S

stevo///m3

Senior member
 Leeds - you know where it is
Afternoon people, bit of help would be appreciated please. God knows there's about a thousand threads on this topic but someone with some personal experience would be appreciated. I'll keep it brief.

One rear spring broke recently. Choice between new BMW springs and Eibach pro springs (unless you have significantly better ideas!). All four BM springs is about £400 inclusive/delivered from Sopers - just called. Eibachs look like about £200 all in. I understand the Eibachs will lower the car a little - not something I really want but I'm not sure if that carries any issues with it. If you have an MC/MR with Eibachs, are there any problems (like rubbing on/in the arches on full lock etc?). Not really bothered about speedbumps as I'm a total granny when approaching them.

I also want an alignment done (and also new tyres). Looking to put this totally back to standard - I should imagine over time the wheels had been knocked slightly out. There's no obvious problem, it's more of a peace of mind thing. I'm not sure whether having Eibachs will prevent the car being set to the standard factory settings from a suspension (toe, camber etc) perspective? Anyone able to say definitively?

Thanks all.

Stevo
 
I had a rear spring go on my M
I went the eibach route
I replaced the front top mounts at the same time
I had the alignment checked afterwards and it was still to factory spec
No issues with rubbing on full lock although I'm on standard 18s, not CLS rims.

Car looks better,I think it rides and handles better and I have no obvious negative side effects.

HTH
 
Hi Stevo

Same thing happened to me and i bought the Eibachs. No problems rubbing whatsoever, when i did get mine aligned the tracking was almost spot on and i thought that would be out, all other adjustments were made all within factory settings. My only complaint is that i think the ride is slightly harsh on poor roads and speed humps (and we have a few of both them down here) on nice smooth roads its a joy :driving:
I'm actually thinking of going back to standard springs with better quality dampers/struts, something i have to look into.

Good luck

Stu
 
Ok thanks you two, that does help. I'm in the 18s as well and won't change those so the rubbing was a concern. Stu, why the change back - is the ride quality significantly affected in your view? I see Steve doesn't think so - just favouring the Eibachs at present. I'm not a mechanic - but can use the interweb so will check what top mounts are and maybe price them up!!
Stevo
 
I should probably add that I only did about 500 miles before I changed the springs, however, I don't find the new setup a problem at all, I certainly wouldn't call it un-comfy.
 
I fitted Eibachs earlier in the year, much better than standard IMO. I'm in 18s, no rubbing, the car feels more planted and personally I think the ride feels better over rougher roads, the standard set up kind of jolted over bumps, whereas the Eibachs seem to take them much more smoothly.

Also much flatter in corners and under acceleration / braking.

Safe to say, I won't be changing back.

Although, I moved away from factory alignment settings at the same time, which may have affected things also.

I'm currently running:

-1.5 camber front
0.10 toe front

-1.0 camber rear
0.10 toe rear

Really happy with the whole set-up.
 
Guys, its all a matter of opinion and personal experiences. As i said on nice roads its a Joy to drive, on bumpy pot holed roads id rather take it home and drive the Golf. It certainly doesn't take speed humps better, the springs are progressive and quickly get harsh, also as the springs are stiffer than standard, the dampers are not as effective and cant cope. I agree with StevenH72 in the corners and acceleration/braking part as it is better, but that's just when conditions allow.
Just want something that's nice to drive and IMO at the mo its not like that enough of the time.

Stu
 
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