Springs vs. KW Sleeves

[simpleM3]

I have been researching lowering options for my car. I haven't had my car long enough to determine if I want to fully upgrade the suspension. It's highly unlikely that I will ever track my car. I would like to lower the car, but I want to do that without compromising the stock performance (handling). i would also like to avoid creating suspension noises. What's the benefit of springs over KW sleeves or vice versa? Also, what am I losing, if applicable, if I changed to one of these two options. 3k on coilovers for a car I put maybe 50 miles a week on. All inputs are welcome

[pooyab]

The KWs are just height adjustable springs and they're 3xs the price of eibach, swift and h&r. I wouldn't spend 3k on coilovers if you're not tracking it.

[k3silk]

Im in the same boat as you... Live in Rockville Maryland first I have to research what springs to get then I have to find out where to get them installed.

[simpleM3]

Let me save you the trouble. If you're going to do springs, Swift springs are the best and should be the only choice. best drop and performance combined. i'm almost 100% about going with them, just need to know where to go to get them installed. i've always had coilovers, but with the EDC, I rather just go with lowering the car and if things change, go from there.

Originally Posted by k3silk

Im in the same boat as you... Live in Rockville Maryland first I have to research what springs to get then I have to find out where to get them installed.

[atruelunatic]

Originally Posted by simpleM3

Let me save you the trouble. If you're going to do springs, Swift springs are the best and should be the only choice. best drop and performance combined. i'm almost 100% about going with them, just need to know where to go to get them installed. i've always had coilovers, but with the EDC, I rather just go with lowering the car and if things change, go from there.

Changing out springs are super easy for a DIY if you have the space to work under your car. I'm not too savy in car mechanics, but was able to do the spring change with a DIY in the DIY thread. If not, I would think a shop would charge about 3-4 hours worth of labor (Most BMW familiar shops charge about $80-125/hr).

[simpleM3]

I've done coilovers several times, but never springs because I don't have the spring compression tool. I also don't want to spend the time on it because my time is very limited these days.

Originally Posted by atruelunatic

Changing out springs are super easy for a DIY if you have the space to work under your car. I'm not too savy in car mechanics, but was able to do the spring change with a DIY in the DIY thread. If not, I would think a shop would charge about 3-4 hours worth of labor (Most BMW familiar shops charge about $80-125/hr).

[NoSHAM3]

Originally Posted by simpleM3

I've done coilovers several times, but never springs because I don't have the spring compression tool. I also don't want to spend the time on it because my time is very limited these days.

The spring compression tool can be borrowed for free from your local auto parts store. Time, on the other hand, is most certainly not free.

[atruelunatic]

Originally Posted by simpleM3

I've done coilovers several times, but never springs because I don't have the spring compression tool. I also don't want to spend the time on it because my time is very limited these days.

Very understandable. I would think a shop would probably charge 4 hours on this (highballing at 1 hour per spring). Rates will of course be dependent on where you are.

[m3aviator]

Buy a spring compressor tool from harbor freight for $12. Springs are very easy diy.