lowering springs - any interest?

felix · Post by **felix** » Fri 12 Jun, 2009 18:38

Any interest in lowering springs for the "early" Z1s? Those of you with chassis numbers below AL05253 may be aware that Eibach no longer makes their spring kit for the Z1 so a lowering option no longer exists for our cars. But read on...

I recently purchased a set of second hand H&R springs (originally made for Lorenz) and took them to a local company that is a specialist automotive spring supplier to all sorts of businesses and race car preparers in the UK. They measured the spring rates and external dimensions and are quite comfortable duplicating them. Cost per set of 4 would be approximately £200 for the first set with subsequent sets getting slightly cheaper.

I'm very pleased with my springs - the ride is much more controlled without having become harsh or at all jarring. The car sits 40mm lower which certainly looks better and reduces the body roll considerably. Other than the reduced ground clearance I can't find a down side and wonder why BMW didn't go with stiffer springs right from the factory.

Is there any interest in these springs? For those of you in Germany no TUV certification is available but they could be provided in the same colour as the H&R or Eibach springs allowing you to get creative with an appropriate logo to use an existing certificate.

Holland Harry · Post by **Holland Harry** » Mon 15 Jun, 2009 17:03

Very nice Felix!

I will take one set please. Send me a PM with the details.

Regards,

Harold

Racing Tortoise · Post by **Racing Tortoise** » Tue 16 Jun, 2009 10:18

What's the issue with chassis numbers being above or below the number you quote (mine is somewhere in the 4000s)?

Is the suspension different on later cars?

I'd heard that stiffened springs run the risk of causing the bodywork to crack?

felix · Post by **felix** » Tue 16 Jun, 2009 10:52

After AL05253 the suspension changed (presumably to use E36 parts as that series had gone into production instead of the mix of E30 front bits and bespoke rear bits).

As far as bodywork cracking - they all do that sir. Have a close look at the 4 mounting holes for each of the front wings and see if the holes aren't cracked on their inside edges. Most of mine are at under 50K miles with standard wheels and springs. Michael Kossyk has put together a reinforcement kit for just this issue - see http://www.roadster-fashion.de/Shop/cat ... ucts_id=93

The ride isn't noticeably harsher - just more composed with a lot less unnecessary movement.