79 528i aftermarket spring choices...?

[kidballistic]

Hey guys, I am a new owner of a 79 528i. I have been doing some research on springs. Thus far I have only been able to find Eibach Pro-kits. 1.0 inch lowering. Are there any other choices out there? I would like to be more in the 1.5 inch down range... I have had these springs on a 87 325is. They are decent, but I would like something a bit lower, the car seems sky high. My other ride is a porsche 944 so I guess anything that is not on the ground seems "sky high" to me...

Also, can anyone tell me about the 5 speed options in this car? I notice my shift diagram on the dash says 4 speed, yet this is clearly a factory 5 speed. Also, the other 79 528i I test drove was the same...

[Mike W.]

All 79's were 4 speeds, 5 speeds started in 80. The conversion is not terribly difficult, but not all that common either. Be happy you have a 5 speed, it makes for a much nicer car.

[kidballistic]

Yea, I would hate to have a 4 speed. I guess both of these 79's are late 79's? Both have the 5 speeds, doubt either were converted.

[T.Hanson]

Good if you really found Eibachs, but they've been NLA for a long time.

Google search previous posts for (I've forgotten) ST, B&G, H&M whatever they are. Used sets show up every now and then, new seem to be hard to actually get delivered.

Some take the option of cutting coils of the stock springs, supposedly the original factory 535 solution.

[Eddie in TO]

There’s a set on eBay right now for H&R lowering springs: item no. 310133102898
I can’t recall if it’s the same seller, but this is how I found out H&R offered lowering springs for the E12 chassis.

It lowers the ride height 40mm (~1.5")
I have them on my E12 and I'm happy with the ride quality and height.
I’m currently running these springs with Bilstein Sports. This will also allow you additional rear height adjustment as the shock tube has 6 spring perch settings.

My previous setup was Eibach and Bilstein HD's which resulted in a great ride but I wasn't completely happy with the overall ride height.

I ordered them over 2 years ago from a local distributor and it took 3 to 4 months to receive.
If you go the eBay route, you may want to contact the seller and ask about availability.

Adam Wilson ordered a set through Tire Rack. Perhaps he can chime in on his ordering experience or do a search through the archives.

[tacomagabe]

Do you have a picture of your car with the H&R springs? Better yet a before and after? It's hard for me to picture what my car would look like lowered 1 1/2 inches because I'm pretty sure the springs and shocks I have now are a little saggy. More so in the back which drives me nuts

[kidballistic]

It does'nt show those available from tire rack. Maybe they have to order them... I will look into it-

[Eddie in TO]

Yes, you will need to special order them through tire rack.

before: Eibach springs with Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks/inserts
Note: rear on lowest spring perch setting


after: H&R springs with Bilstein Sport shocks/inserts
Note: rear on lowest spring perch setting

[tacomagabe]

Yeah the H&R do look better IMO. Another option I would personally love is ground control coilovers. $1,550 at their website though...I know some people here use them. Anyone want to share pictures? Or their thoughts on how to justify the price tag?

[garyinwestoz]

Alpina Germany will also sell you a set of their suspension setup
http://www.alpina-automobiles.com/filea ... an_E12.pdf

email them
export@alpina.de