Need input: stock springs vs Eibach

[Canuckistan]

I would appreciate some input on the following dilemma:

I recently bought a used 2008 E90 M3, which came with Eibach springs installed, but the OEM Mtech springs also came as part of the package. I was going to go back to OEM springs because I was not obsessed with lowering the car and was under the impression that the Eibachs were firmer resulting in a harsher ride. I took the car back to the garage that did the initial switch, but the owner’s opinion was that the OEM springs actually had a choppier/harsher ride than the Eibachs, and that the Eibachs resulted in better handling and less roll than the OEMs. As he was basically talking himself out of some revenue, I felt he was giving me his honest opinion and agreed to keep the Eibachs on for the time being.

Since then, I have found that my higher speed turns feel a bit mushy, which may very well be the fault of the somewhat economyish tires (car came with Falken 452s). Regardless, with winter coming I am again thinking of putting back the OEM springs and would very much appreciate some input from folks who’ve had experience with these two springs. I do not track the car, but do drive it fairly aggressively in the city and on the highway.

So, my questions regarding the OEM and the Eibach springs are:

1. Which has the harsher/choppier ride?
2. Which has the better handling characteristics?

[joseph328]

Try to find this video on youtube.com
It shows the difference between Eibach and Stock , i think there were no M3's but a 3 series with M-technic(paket)

[david @ eas]

Originally Posted by Canuckistan

So, my questions regarding the OEM and the Eibach springs are:

1. Which has the harsher/choppier ride?
2. Which has the better handling characteristics?

1. Well technically speaking since Eibach has a stiffer spring rate, the Eibachs will obviously bit a bit stiffer, but more harsh, that's tough to say because the spring rates are still considered pretty conservative out of the grouping of springs you have available. Choppier? Could be, but that depends on what seating you have your EDC Set at.

2. From being a bit stiffer and lower, the Eibach's will give you a better handling experience, hands down.

[Canuckistan]

Originally Posted by jurrian @ eas

1. Well technically speaking since Eibach has a stiffer spring rate, the Eibachs will obviously bit a bit stiffer, but more harsh, that's tough to say because the spring rates are still considered pretty conservative out of the grouping of springs you have available. Choppier? Could be, but that depends on what seating you have your EDC Set at.

2. From being a bit stiffer and lower, the Eibach's will give you a better handling experience, hands down.

Thanks, Jurrian.

Only two replies? Come on, people, there must be some more opinions out there on this topic! You're certainly not shy with your opinions elsewhere on this forum...

[klammer]

i actually enjoyed the eibach ride a bit better, and thought performance was a bit improved. have since gone with dinan stg 3 (noticeable improvement over both) and couldnt be happier, but only did that cause was bit by the track bug... (powerful bite and venom)

[808MGuy]

I'm guessing it has to do more with your tires than the springs. When I installed the Eibachs I thought the same thing. It seems like the ride was really harsh but I also noticed that my OEM PS2 were really worn. I replaced the tires and upgraded to 20" wheels and now the ride is near stock as far as comfort with the benefit of less body roll and brake dive that the stiffer spring rate provides.

[m3heaven]

I'd keep the Eibachs on and replace the crappy FK452s with some real performance tires. I don't think you'll be disappointed in leaving the Eibachs on. They're one of the few aftermarket springs that carefully take into consideration OEM shock specs and don't drop the car too much to negatively affect the suspension.

[JH M3]

I noticed that the ride was noticeably less harsh with my Eibachs over highway bumps, but more harsh at slow speeds. Turn-in feels sharper than stock. I'm not an expert, but I think that it may have to do with the progressiveness of the springs. The Eibachs are initially softer, but get stiffer faster as it is compressed. Thus, when suspension travel is small like on the highway, the ride feels smoother. Conversely, during larger amounts of suspension travel like over a pothole during city driving, the ride is harsher. Anybody who knows better feel free to correct me on this.

[MNm3]

I installed Eibachs on my car this summer and couldn't be happier with them. Gives the car a tad bit better appearance without slamming on the ground and it is still very comfortable for daily driving.

I would definitely keep them on.

My advice to you would be to try and find someone in the area that has the stock setup on an M3 and compare.

[JDM3]

Those with eibachs, are you using E36 bumpstops?

[J08M3]

Originally Posted by 1SICKM

Those with eibachs, are you using E36 bumpstops?

No

[1MORELAP]

OP, call Dinan and see what they recommend.

[G-SPQT]

nice post,where to order eibach spring for best price??

[BMRLVR]

I really like my Eibachs and am running them with E36 bumpstops and OEM EDC dampers on an E90 with ZCP. I actually did not notice much difference in the ride from the OEM ZCP Springs.

The Eibachs may have a slightly stiiffer ride but not by much, I actually really like the ride and stance with the Eibachs installed and have about 20,000KM (12,000Miles) on them now.

As for Handling, I don't think an average person can notice a difference in the Eibachs vs OEM springs on the street. The Mushyness you describe in high speed turns is definitely not the fault of the springs...... I am sure the OEM springs would feel the same, probably more so since they have a slightly a softer overall spring rate.

[RomanK]

Hello guys.

I'm wanted to install Eibach Pro Kit to my car M3 E92 2010 EDC.
Need to know which E36 bumpstops I need... it seems that it can be two types..
And one more question - need I install rear bumpstops from E36 too?

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by RomanK

Hello guys.

I'm wanted to install Eibach Pro Kit to my car M3 E92 2010 EDC.
Need to know which E36 bumpstops I need... it seems that it can be two types..
And one more question - need I install rear bumpstops from E36 too?

Wow this brought up a thread from the past. The Eibach Pro kit drops the car less than 1" but I would still use the E36 M3 bumpstops front. I don't think you need the rear.

Dave

[RomanK]

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

Wow this brought up a thread from the past. The Eibach Pro kit drops the car less than 1" but I would still use the E36 M3 bumpstops front. I don't think you need the rear.

Dave

Thank you Dave. Just wanted to little drop my car without replacing a dumpers.