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      03-24-2024, 05:20 AM   #1
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Lowering Springs DIY Difficulty?

I want to get H&R Sport Springs and install them over the summer once I have time but I’m stuck between taking it to a shop versus taking a shot at it myself.

I’ve never done any suspension work before and am wondering if it’s easy for someone relatively inexperienced to do. The hardest thing I’ve probably done on a car was a midpipe install on my F87.

I’m thinking if I learn how to do it at home, it’ll not only save me money but I’ll know how to put it back to stock when I want to sell the car years down the line. Am I overthinking it? If there’s a good change I can fuck it up I’d rather just take it to a shop.

Opinions are appreciated, thanks
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      03-24-2024, 09:41 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by turnsignalslol View Post
I want to get H&R Sport Springs and install them over the summer once I have time but I’m stuck between taking it to a shop versus taking a shot at it myself.

I’ve never done any suspension work before and am wondering if it’s easy for someone relatively inexperienced to do. The hardest thing I’ve probably done on a car was a midpipe install on my F87.

I’m thinking if I learn how to do it at home, it’ll not only save me money but I’ll know how to put it back to stock when I want to sell the car years down the line. Am I overthinking it? If there’s a good change I can fuck it up I’d rather just take it to a shop.

Opinions are appreciated, thanks
Another owner posted about swapping springs (to lower the car) and breaking a connector on top of the strut and is probably facing having to replace a very expensive part (strut?) to get a new connector.

Thread:

https://g87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2088321

My recommendation is have the springs replaced by a highly regarded/reputable shop.

This can be at a dealer's service department or at an indy shop.

Be aware there is the risk the lowering springs -- being stiffer -- may not be compatible with the shocks. The shocks may not be as good at dampening the springs as they are the stock springs. And the added forces involved may shorten the shock life.

My auto tech buddies advised me to if I replaced springs -- to lower the car/stiffen the car for auto-crossing -- to swap shocks/struts with ones that were matched to the springs.

I ended up leaving the springs alone. I added a stiffer front sway bar -- with solid bushings -- and added a rear sway bar.
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      03-24-2024, 10:01 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by turnsignalslol View Post
I want to get H&R Sport Springs and install them over the summer once I have time but I’m stuck between taking it to a shop versus taking a shot at it myself.

I’ve never done any suspension work before and am wondering if it’s easy for someone relatively inexperienced to do. The hardest thing I’ve probably done on a car was a midpipe install on my F87.

I’m thinking if I learn how to do it at home, it’ll not only save me money but I’ll know how to put it back to stock when I want to sell the car years down the line. Am I overthinking it? If there’s a good change I can fuck it up I’d rather just take it to a shop.

Opinions are appreciated, thanks
No matter who does the job, ensure that they treat the connector on top of the strut for the ECS with respect. There have been multiple cases on these groups of broken connectors with the proper disconnect technique not used (should follow the BMW online ISTA instructions). In general, the fix for the broken connector is an expensive new strut or coding out the adjustable suspension.
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      03-24-2024, 10:13 AM   #4
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“A man’s got to know his limitations”
-Harry Callahan
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      03-24-2024, 10:24 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by turnsignalslol View Post
I’ve never done any suspension work
I'm gonna stop you right there.

Don't.
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      03-25-2024, 07:13 AM   #6
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There is only one way to learn; just take your time. There is nothing complicated about any of this; just pay close attention and think through the process. Find some videos/guides online. It seems all the G8X cars are about the same, so any guide will be helpful. You'll never have done suspension work if you never do suspension work.
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      03-25-2024, 12:43 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WhiteRqbbit View Post
There is only one way to learn; just take your time. There is nothing complicated about any of this; just pay close attention and think through the process. Find some videos/guides online. It seems all the G8X cars are about the same, so any guide will be helpful. You'll never have done suspension work if you never do suspension work.
Yup, just find a book or video and you’ll be on the road to success.
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      03-25-2024, 03:02 PM   #8
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https://g87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1995831

BMWs way is actually more tedious if you are just changing springs but at least all the torque specs are listed here. Research is your friend.
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      03-29-2024, 08:39 PM   #9
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So I just finished DIY replacing springs. This was my fourth car replacing suspensions (2019 Miata - TIEN Coil-overs, 2009 911 - BC Coil-overs, 2018 F80 M3 - Eibach front springs and last night, the G87 M2 - Front and Rear Eibach Springs), I'm fairly confident I can do the job. I have the tools that I need and the experience. I'm happy to say I was able to finish it in one day (Consider that I am 52 and takes meds for various ailments already, I had to phase myself).
I did encounter a few hiccups but with a bit of determination I did it. For me, the easy part was actually changing the front springs if you drop the suspension from the middle nut method.
To my surprise the worst part was jacking up the car and installing the rear springs because it just required a lot of physical and mental work.
I already have a front lip sticking kind of low, I ended up navigating two jacks and propping the rear tires with 1" wood to make sure when I drop the jacks I have enough clearance. Just make sure your car is properly jacked for safety, we do not want anyone breaking their necks around here.
The difficulty in the rear came when I did not have enough leverage to loosen the nuts to separate the lower arm from the shocks and the alignment bolts as the car was only about a foot off the ground and it was a bit tight to navigate around. I had to use a little creativity and leg power to accomplished it. Make sure everything is seated properly before reinstalling it back.
In conclusion, if you are younger and healthier than me and maybe a buddy, it will be much easier. Make sure you have the right tools and get as much information you can online specially proper torque specs. I had a knocking on my rear left on my first test drive and I was stressing that I might have to redo it but I happened to forget to tighten the tie rod to torque specs and that was the issue. So just double check everything to lessen the chance of redoing things.
If I opted for the adjustable springs that involves taking off the front shocks I probably won't DIY it. It was hardwork for me but fulfilling when all is said and done.
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      03-30-2024, 12:18 AM   #10
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Great job ^^ … so how does the car ride and corner with the new Eibach springs?
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      03-30-2024, 12:35 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by BroDoze View Post
Great job ^^ … so how does the car ride and corner with the new Eibach springs?
So far so good for the limited time. I just gave it a test run in around my area and freeway. A few spirited pulls and made sure lock to lock had no fender rubs. As predicted since I found the stock springs a tad soft in comfort I thought it will have a bit of added stiffness without corrupting the subtle ride. When stock at high speed corners in comfort I felt it wasn’t settled, I think with the Eibach springs that’s now eliminated and feels more stable. In sport plus it also feels just fine. Hopefully it will just get even better after it’s settled and aligned.
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      04-16-2024, 02:30 AM   #12
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Replacing just lowering spring probably the most easiest among all shock/spring mods.
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      04-16-2024, 09:33 PM   #13
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I'm doing it next month. I have the springs on my garage, but I'm waiting for my wife to leave on Vacation because she hates it when I lower my cars 🤣 third car, I do it without telling her 🏃🏻 💨
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      04-18-2024, 04:05 PM   #14
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[QUOTE="Sergeant_GiO;31078820"]I'm doing it next month. I have the springs on my garage, but I'm waiting for my wife to leave on Vacation because she hates it when I lower my cars 🤣 third car, I do it without telling her 🏃🏻 💨

My wife worries a lot during my 1st and 2nd diy suspension change. Now she could care less.
Funny how I never notice the 2 series. Now with my M2 I see them everywhere. Btw, Nice color.
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      05-23-2024, 10:39 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by izzyM2 View Post
So I just finished DIY replacing springs. This was my fourth car replacing suspensions (2019 Miata - TIEN Coil-overs, 2009 911 - BC Coil-overs, 2018 F80 M3 - Eibach front springs and last night, the G87 M2 - Front and Rear Eibach Springs), I'm fairly confident I can do the job. I have the tools that I need and the experience. I'm happy to say I was able to finish it in one day (Consider that I am 52 and takes meds for various ailments already, I had to phase myself).
I did encounter a few hiccups but with a bit of determination I did it. For me, the easy part was actually changing the front springs if you drop the suspension from the middle nut method.
To my surprise the worst part was jacking up the car and installing the rear springs because it just required a lot of physical and mental work.
I already have a front lip sticking kind of low, I ended up navigating two jacks and propping the rear tires with 1" wood to make sure when I drop the jacks I have enough clearance. Just make sure your car is properly jacked for safety, we do not want anyone breaking their necks around here.
The difficulty in the rear came when I did not have enough leverage to loosen the nuts to separate the lower arm from the shocks and the alignment bolts as the car was only about a foot off the ground and it was a bit tight to navigate around. I had to use a little creativity and leg power to accomplished it. Make sure everything is seated properly before reinstalling it back.
In conclusion, if you are younger and healthier than me and maybe a buddy, it will be much easier. Make sure [...]
Thanks for the writeup, I saw Daily Downshift’s video where he installed a KW HAS kit on his G87 and he did the same thing as you, foot power to loosen the rear control arm lol
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      Today, 06:05 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by izzyM2 View Post
So I just finished DIY replacing springs. This was my fourth car replacing suspensions (2019 Miata - TIEN Coil-overs, 2009 911 - BC Coil-overs, 2018 F80 M3 - Eibach front springs and last night, the G87 M2 - Front and Rear Eibach Springs), I'm fairly confident I can do the job. I have the tools that I need and the experience. I'm happy to say I was able to finish it in one day (Consider that I am 52 and takes meds for various ailments already, I had to phase myself).
I did encounter a few hiccups but with a bit of determination I did it. For me, the easy part was actually changing the front springs if you drop the suspension from the middle nut method.
To my surprise the worst part was jacking up the car and installing the rear springs because it just required a lot of physical and mental work.
I already have a front lip sticking kind of low, I ended up navigating two jacks and propping the rear tires with 1" wood to make sure when I drop the jacks I have enough clearance. Just make sure your car is properly jacked for safety, we do not want anyone breaking their necks around here.
The difficulty in the rear came when I did not have enough leverage to loosen the nuts to separate the lower arm from the shocks and the alignment bolts as the car was only about a foot off the ground and it was a bit tight to navigate around. I had to use a little creativity and leg power to accomplished it. Make sure everything is seated properly before reinstalling it back.
In conclusion, if you are younger and healthier than me and maybe a buddy, it will be much easier. Make sure you have the right tools and get as much information you can online specially proper torque specs. I had a knocking on my rear left on my first test drive and I was stressing that I might have to redo it but I happened to forget to tighten the tie rod to torque specs and that was the issue. So just double check everything to lessen the chance of redoing things.
If I opted for the adjustable springs that involves taking off the front shocks I probably won't DIY it. It was hardwork for me but fulfilling when all is said and done.
Hey man, checking in. How are you liking the Eibach springs? I had EMD springs on my car for around a month and had to take them off due to just making the car an absolute pain in the ass to drive. San Diego roads are absolutely awful and it just sat too low. I see that the Eibach's are a happy medium between super low and stock height.
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      Today, 07:59 AM   #17
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[QUOTE=turnsignalslol;31631251]Hey man, checking in. How are you liking the Eibach springs? I had EMD springs on my car for around a month and had to take them off due to just making the car an absolute pain in the ass to drive. San Diego roads are absolutely awful and it just sat too low. I see that the Eibach's are a happy medium between super low and stock height.

I absolutely have no issues with my Eibachs. Best choice for me getting that height and ride quality. Funny how you ask as my friend rode on EMDs on his newly acquired 2016 M3 2 years ago and after a few under scrapes from driveways and front lip he decided to replaced it with Eibachs and helped him install it a while back. My opinion, EMDs give you that showroom look but it’s not for daily.
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