Eibach Springs VS H&R Springs

[SlammedR8]

I currently have H&R Sport Springs, but I am thinking about swapping them out for Eibachs.

Can anyone chime on the difference in ride quality and which one is lower or higher than the other?


Thanks!

[MrHarris]

H&R
1.0 F
.6 R

Eibach
.8 F
.6 R

I too thought about changing them out because the H&R's were too harsh or bumpy, but lately I've been driving at higher speeds and maybe I just got used to it but it feels pretty alright now.

[Lemans_Blue_M]

Originally Posted by slammedm3

I currently have H&R Sport Springs, but I am thinking about swapping them out for Eibachs.

Can anyone chime on the difference in ride quality and which one is lower or higher than the other?


Thanks!

Go with the EIBACH lowering springs.

Here's why...

When you are trying to decide between 2 different lowering springs you have to figure out what is more import to YOU first.

Individuals are different and this is what I caution my local clients against. Don't follow the crowd to closely as it may not be what you are looking for exactly.
The first step is too understand the differences in the lowering springs out there and then make the call based on what appeals to you more as a potential buyer.

Here is a brief overview of the differences between the H&R sport and Eibach lower springs:

H&R - Uses a very stiff 54SiCr6 alloy spring steel that has a higher progressive spring rate than the Eibach springs. That results in less body roll and firmer more precise suspension control. It also reduces the travel of the struts and shocks more than the stock (OE) springs. You gain more control over the suspension movement at the expensive of ride quality.


Eibach - Uses a high strength, high toughness spring steel called "Hi-Ten" in their Pro-Kits. The progressive rate of these springs is not quite as stiff as the H&R sport springs. Eibach focuses more on engineering a balance between ride quality and precise suspension control. Eibach springs will provide the exceptional handling and precise vehicle responsiveness and stability with minimal effect to the ride quality. Eibach engineers are very good at achieving that perfect balance. (optimizing handling vs. ride quality) Eibach springs are designed to allow the suspension to move in a controlled and predictable manner, and they do not compress the OE struts and shocks too much. That can lead to ride harshness that you won't particularly like.

There is a breaking point in regards to aftermarket lowering springs. A spring kit that lowers the vehicle too much, will inadvertently restrict the suspension travel, which results in a less comfortable ride and uneven handling characteristics. The vehicle may skip over bumps and road transitions, causing the tires to loose contact (adhesion/traction) with the road surface. A race prepared vehicle has a chassis and suspension designed for use solely on racetracks. The requirements for an everyday, street-driven vehicle that encounters potholes, expansion joints, weathered tarmac etc. are completely different. Eibach spring kits lower the vehicle center of gravity properly while properly maintaining adequate suspension travel. They have resisted the urge over the years to offer a more "aggressive" drop to their lowering spring kits, and in discussions with their chief engineer a few years ago...I think I know why that is the case. Eibach believes (and I tend to agree) that lowering a vehicle too much is counter-productive, because you will likely end up riding on the bump stops. This is compounded by the fact that OE shocks do not respond very well to being compressed more than the factory springs would allow under normal circumstances. The ride quality will decrease as a result. Eibach Pro-Kits are designed to work with original equipment shocks and struts. The lowering springs MUST NOT impede the suspension travel beyond a certian point...if you want to maintain good performance, and ride quality. (at the same time)



Bottom Line: Every suspension set-up is a critical balance between two contradictions:

Making it as soft as possible...while maintaining some measure of control. (which requires some spring stiffness) Finding that balance between the smooth softer initial characteristic for increased traction and comfortable cruising, while also maintaining a stiffer final progressive rate (as the spring compresses under load) for reduced body roll and better responsiveness under curving, braking and accelerating. That's a very difficult combination to pull off.

I'm a true believer in Eibach springs because they have always performed as advertised over the years. I have had Eibach pro kit on my cars since I bought my first E36 M3 in 1997. I also had them on my E46 M3 as well.

Eibach manufactures the best performance spring kits on the market in my opinion.

[J08M3]

^-- well put.

I'm happy with my Eibach springs as well.... Not to mention they are also the cheapest on the market (I think). Never base my choice on price, it's just an added bonus.

[SlammedR8]

Originally Posted by Lemans_Blue_M

Go with the EIBACH lowering springs.

Here's why...

When you are trying to decide between 2 different lowering springs you have to figure out what is more import to YOU first.

Individuals are different and this is what I caution my local clients against. Don't follow the crowd to closely as it may not be what you are looking for exactly.
The first step is too understand the differences in the lowering springs out there and then make the call based on what appeals to you more as a potential buyer.

Here is a brief overview of the differences between the H&R sport and Eibach lower springs:

H&R - Uses a very stiff 54SiCr6 alloy spring steel that has a higher progressive spring rate than the Eibach springs. That results in less body roll and firmer more precise suspension control. It also reduces the travel of the struts and shocks more than the stock (OE) springs. You gain more control over the suspension movement at the expensive of ride quality.


Eibach - Uses a high strength, high toughness spring steel called "Hi-Ten" in their Pro-Kits. The progressive rate of these springs is not quite as stiff as the H&R sport springs. Eibach focuses more on engineering a balance between ride quality and precise suspension control. Eibach springs will provide the exceptional handling and precise vehicle responsiveness and stability with minimal effect to the ride quality. Eibach engineers are very good at achieving that perfect balance. (optimizing handling vs. ride quality) Eibach springs are designed to allow the suspension to move in a controlled and predictable manner, and they do not compress the OE struts and shocks too much. That can lead to ride harshness that you won't particularly like.

There is a breaking point in regards to aftermarket lowering springs. A spring kit that lowers the vehicle too much, will inadvertently restrict the suspension travel, which results in a less comfortable ride and uneven handling characteristics. The vehicle may skip over bumps and road transitions, causing the tires to loose contact (adhesion/traction) with the road surface. A race prepared vehicle has a chassis and suspension designed for use solely on racetracks. The requirements for an everyday, street-driven vehicle that encounters potholes, expansion joints, weathered tarmac etc. are completely different. Eibach spring kits lower the vehicle center of gravity properly while properly maintaining adequate suspension travel. They have resisted the urge over the years to offer a more "aggressive" drop to their lowering spring kits, and in discussions with their chief engineer a few years ago...I think I know why that is the case. Eibach believes (and I tend to agree) that lowering a vehicle too much is counter-productive, because you will likely end up riding on the bump stops. This is compounded by the fact that OE shocks do not respond very well to being compressed more than the factory springs would allow under normal circumstances. The ride quality will decrease as a result. Eibach Pro-Kits are designed to work with original equipment shocks and struts. The lowering springs MUST NOT impede the suspension travel beyond a certian point...if you want to maintain good performance, and ride quality. (at the same time)



Bottom Line: Every suspension set-up is a critical balance between two contradictions:

Making it as soft as possible...while maintaining some measure of control. (which requires some spring stiffness) Finding that balance between the smooth softer initial characteristic for increased traction and comfortable cruising, while also maintaining a stiffer final progressive rate (as the spring compresses under load) for reduced body roll and better responsiveness under curving, braking and accelerating. That's a very difficult combination to pull off.

I'm a true believer in Eibach springs because they have always performed as advertised over the years. I have had Eibach pro kit on my cars since I bought my first E36 M3 in 1997. I also had them on my E46 M3 as well.

Eibach manufactures the best performance spring kits on the market in my opinion.

WOW! Thanks for the nice review on Eibach. Im sure both are of good quality. But I am relatively happy with the look of the H&Rs, and if the Eibach is .2 inch higher up front, I dont think I would like that. Im barely satisfied with the front on the H&R, Im happy with them; but just barely. If it were any higher, I wouldn't like it.

[BHairsto]

Originally Posted by Lemans_Blue_M

Go with the EIBACH lowering springs.

Here's why...

When you are trying to decide between 2 different lowering springs you have to figure out what is more import to YOU first.

Individuals are different and this is what I caution my local clients against. Don't follow the crowd to closely as it may not be what you are looking for exactly.
The first step is too understand the differences in the lowering springs out there and then make the call based on what appeals to you more as a potential buyer.

Here is a brief overview of the differences between the H&R sport and Eibach lower springs:

H&R - Uses a very stiff 54SiCr6 alloy spring steel that has a higher progressive spring rate than the Eibach springs. That results in less body roll and firmer more precise suspension control. It also reduces the travel of the struts and shocks more than the stock (OE) springs. You gain more control over the suspension movement at the expensive of ride quality.


Eibach - Uses a high strength, high toughness spring steel called "Hi-Ten" in their Pro-Kits. The progressive rate of these springs is not quite as stiff as the H&R sport springs. Eibach focuses more on engineering a balance between ride quality and precise suspension control. Eibach springs will provide the exceptional handling and precise vehicle responsiveness and stability with minimal effect to the ride quality. Eibach engineers are very good at achieving that perfect balance. (optimizing handling vs. ride quality) Eibach springs are designed to allow the suspension to move in a controlled and predictable manner, and they do not compress the OE struts and shocks too much. That can lead to ride harshness that you won't particularly like.

There is a breaking point in regards to aftermarket lowering springs. A spring kit that lowers the vehicle too much, will inadvertently restrict the suspension travel, which results in a less comfortable ride and uneven handling characteristics. The vehicle may skip over bumps and road transitions, causing the tires to loose contact (adhesion/traction) with the road surface. A race prepared vehicle has a chassis and suspension designed for use solely on racetracks. The requirements for an everyday, street-driven vehicle that encounters potholes, expansion joints, weathered tarmac etc. are completely different. Eibach spring kits lower the vehicle center of gravity properly while properly maintaining adequate suspension travel. They have resisted the urge over the years to offer a more "aggressive" drop to their lowering spring kits, and in discussions with their chief engineer a few years ago...I think I know why that is the case. Eibach believes (and I tend to agree) that lowering a vehicle too much is counter-productive, because you will likely end up riding on the bump stops. This is compounded by the fact that OE shocks do not respond very well to being compressed more than the factory springs would allow under normal circumstances. The ride quality will decrease as a result. Eibach Pro-Kits are designed to work with original equipment shocks and struts. The lowering springs MUST NOT impede the suspension travel beyond a certian point...if you want to maintain good performance, and ride quality. (at the same time)



Bottom Line: Every suspension set-up is a critical balance between two contradictions:

Making it as soft as possible...while maintaining some measure of control. (which requires some spring stiffness) Finding that balance between the smooth softer initial characteristic for increased traction and comfortable cruising, while also maintaining a stiffer final progressive rate (as the spring compresses under load) for reduced body roll and better responsiveness under curving, braking and accelerating. That's a very difficult combination to pull off.

I'm a true believer in Eibach springs because they have always performed as advertised over the years. I have had Eibach pro kit on my cars since I bought my first E36 M3 in 1997. I also had them on my E46 M3 as well.

Eibach manufactures the best performance spring kits on the market in my opinion.

Well said! I absolutely love my Eibachs. There is virtually no degradation in ride quality compared to stock, body motion is well dampened, the drop is noticeable and still tasteful, and my car still clears speed bumps and driveway entrances with ease. I have always done complete shock/spring combos or coilover kits on previous cars, but I am completely happy with my current combination of the stock struts/shocks and Eibach springs. Eibach has definitely done their homework on the Pro-Kit for the E92.

[SlammedR8]

does Eibach offer 2 versions likke they usually do ? or just the Pro Kit?

[edcvin]

I love the way my h&r's ride and feel. The only thing is I wish it were a tiny bit lower both back and front..sometimes I regret not getting the rd sport springs as they seem like the perfect drop level. The eibachs although I hear they ride excellent and some say better than h&r's don't bring the car to the lowered look that I'm looking for. However as said the poster above, different springs for different purposes. I love the way your car looks now..I'm sure it'll look good with the eibachs also..but the stance is sexy right now.

-Vin

[SlammedR8]

Originally Posted by vinnycg

I love the way my h&r's ride and feel. The only thing is I wish it were a tiny bit lower both back and front..sometimes I regret not getting the rd sport springs as they seem like the perfect drop level. The eibachs although I hear they ride excellent and some say better than h&r's don't bring the car to the lowered look that I'm looking for. However as said the poster above, different springs for different purposes. I love the way your car looks now..I'm sure it'll look good with the eibachs also..but the stance is sexy right now.

-Vin

Well good news,

I just found out that the E93 Specific springs from Eibach, are actually 1 inch front, and .6 rear. which is the same as my H&Rs now.

[SlammedR8]

any E93 guys with the Eibach springs installed?

[SV Concepts III]

Originally Posted by Lemans_Blue_M

Go with the EIBACH lowering springs.

Here's why...

When you are trying to decide between 2 different lowering springs you have to figure out what is more import to YOU first.

Individuals are different and this is what I caution my local clients against. Don't follow the crowd to closely as it may not be what you are looking for exactly.
The first step is too understand the differences in the lowering springs out there and then make the call based on what appeals to you more as a potential buyer.

Here is a brief overview of the differences between the H&R sport and Eibach lower springs:

H&R - Uses a very stiff 54SiCr6 alloy spring steel that has a higher progressive spring rate than the Eibach springs. That results in less body roll and firmer more precise suspension control. It also reduces the travel of the struts and shocks more than the stock (OE) springs. You gain more control over the suspension movement at the expensive of ride quality.


Eibach - Uses a high strength, high toughness spring steel called "Hi-Ten" in their Pro-Kits. The progressive rate of these springs is not quite as stiff as the H&R sport springs. Eibach focuses more on engineering a balance between ride quality and precise suspension control. Eibach springs will provide the exceptional handling and precise vehicle responsiveness and stability with minimal effect to the ride quality. Eibach engineers are very good at achieving that perfect balance. (optimizing handling vs. ride quality) Eibach springs are designed to allow the suspension to move in a controlled and predictable manner, and they do not compress the OE struts and shocks too much. That can lead to ride harshness that you won't particularly like.

There is a breaking point in regards to aftermarket lowering springs. A spring kit that lowers the vehicle too much, will inadvertently restrict the suspension travel, which results in a less comfortable ride and uneven handling characteristics. The vehicle may skip over bumps and road transitions, causing the tires to loose contact (adhesion/traction) with the road surface. A race prepared vehicle has a chassis and suspension designed for use solely on racetracks. The requirements for an everyday, street-driven vehicle that encounters potholes, expansion joints, weathered tarmac etc. are completely different. Eibach spring kits lower the vehicle center of gravity properly while properly maintaining adequate suspension travel. They have resisted the urge over the years to offer a more "aggressive" drop to their lowering spring kits, and in discussions with their chief engineer a few years ago...I think I know why that is the case. Eibach believes (and I tend to agree) that lowering a vehicle too much is counter-productive, because you will likely end up riding on the bump stops. This is compounded by the fact that OE shocks do not respond very well to being compressed more than the factory springs would allow under normal circumstances. The ride quality will decrease as a result. Eibach Pro-Kits are designed to work with original equipment shocks and struts. The lowering springs MUST NOT impede the suspension travel beyond a certian point...if you want to maintain good performance, and ride quality. (at the same time)



Bottom Line: Every suspension set-up is a critical balance between two contradictions:

Making it as soft as possible...while maintaining some measure of control. (which requires some spring stiffness) Finding that balance between the smooth softer initial characteristic for increased traction and comfortable cruising, while also maintaining a stiffer final progressive rate (as the spring compresses under load) for reduced body roll and better responsiveness under curving, braking and accelerating. That's a very difficult combination to pull off.

I'm a true believer in Eibach springs because they have always performed as advertised over the years. I have had Eibach pro kit on my cars since I bought my first E36 M3 in 1997. I also had them on my E46 M3 as well.

Eibach manufactures the best performance spring kits on the market in my opinion.

I explain this everyday and honestly could not have said it better myself. Figure out what you want out of the suspension and pick which you think works best for YOU.

[nusevad]

so bottom line is that no one spring is really better than another? I guess it depends on what your looking for correct?

[achenator]

where does the RD sport springs fit into this?

[Poppin Fresh]

This post is making my boil down my decision to go for the Eibach's even more. Ride quality with performance still in mind = Eibachs.

[SV Concepts III]

Originally Posted by FifthStreetz

so bottom line is that no one spring is really better than another? I guess it depends on what your looking for correct?

Agreed. Suspension is a subjective upgrade. One person's stiff is another person's cloud. You have to figure out how much you want to lower the car and what you are willing to accept in terms of stiffness and performance.

[SlammedR8]

Originally Posted by Nick@Jlevi SW

Agreed. Suspension is a subjective upgrade. One person's stiff is another person's cloud. You have to figure out how much you want to lower the car and what you are willing to accept in terms of stiffness and performance.

Agreed,
but ride quality is very important to me. My question is, will the Eibach raise my car (compared to the H&Rs) or is the drop exactly the same?

[tunawi7cheese]

We should start an experiment. A blind suspension test. Two M3. One with Eibach. One with H&R. Driver have to visually determine which is which. Then driver will drive both car and compare ride quality. (Too bad we don't have the means to pull this experiment of)

Can you really visually notice a .2" difference or is it just in your head?

Secondly, can you tell the ride quality difference or is it again just in your head?

Good luck, I'm thinking about switching from H&R to Eibach too. I'm in the same dilema as you.

[SV Concepts III]

Originally Posted by slammedm3

Agreed,
but ride quality is very important to me. My question is, will the Eibach raise my car (compared to the H&Rs) or is the drop exactly the same?

Eibach and H&R rate their drops at 1.0"F and .6"R for the E93 so theoretically it should not change your ride height.

[SV Concepts III]

Originally Posted by hvd.kevin

We should start an experiment. A blind suspension test. Two M3. One with Eibach. One with H&R. Driver have to visually determine which is which. Then driver will drive both car and compare ride quality. (Too bad we don't have the means to pull this experiment of)

Can you really visually notice a .2" difference or is it just in your head?

Secondly, can you tell the ride quality difference or is it again just in your head?

Good luck, I'm thinking about switching from H&R to Eibach too. I'm in the same dilema as you.

There is something to be said for this as well. We can nitpick all we want over the height and ride differences but the only way to tell is drive it yourself. I would be willing to wager most could not tell the difference. We need a Pepsi v. Coke challenge for springs

[SlammedR8]

Im willing to bet there is a noticable difference between H&R & Eibach's ride quality. EVERYONE I have spoken to who is on Eibach Springs has said that there is almost NO difference from stock to the Eibach, but I myself and many others who have H&Rs definetly felt a difference once they installed them.

[SlammedR8]

Originally Posted by hvd.kevin

We should start an experiment. A blind suspension test. Two M3. One with Eibach. One with H&R. Driver have to visually determine which is which. Then driver will drive both car and compare ride quality. (Too bad we don't have the means to pull this experiment of)

Can you really visually notice a .2" difference or is it just in your head?

Secondly, can you tell the ride quality difference or is it again just in your head?

Good luck, I'm thinking about switching from H&R to Eibach too. I'm in the same dilema as you.

My H&Rs just barely satisfy me in the looks department (on the front springs). So if the Eibachs were .2 inches higher, I would DEFINITELY notice if it was ANY higher than it is now.

[tunawi7cheese]

Originally Posted by Nick@Jlevi SW

Eibach and H&R rate their drops at 1.0"F and .6"R for the E93 so theoretically it should not change your ride height.

oh yeah! slammed has an E93. i didn't catch that.