Coil springs

[Stabbobully]

Hi

had front coil springs changed on 2013 420d M sport coupe, whilst its started to sit a little better than at first, the ride is horrendous. So hard compared to before. I’ve triple checked the springs are correct and they are. Does anybody know if this new firmer ride will last or will it get better? I don’t think I can live with it if it doesn’t change as it’s so bad. Any help would be appreciated 

 

thanks 

[Greydog]

Hi Craig

Welcome to the Forum

A question, are the springs OEM or after market. I have read that after market springs can be very hard 

Second were the struts rebuilt correctly new spring mounts etc 

Dave

[Stabbobully]

Hi dave

 

no they are after market. On the struts, no new mounts fitted. I didn’t do the job I had a mobile mechanic come out and do it. Starting to think he’s done something wrong. I couldn’t take it to a garage as it was undrivable with the snapped spring. 
 

thanks

[Greydog]

Morning Craig

I just checked and it seems BMW don't actually list a spring for your car (I guess they would try and sell a complete strut assembly) I believe the OEM springs are rising rate type matched to the shocks. Many After market springs are rated by use e.g.Road, Sport, Race, your mechanic has probably fitted them correctly just the rate is high possibly combined with stiff shocks gives a harsh ride.

The answer probably isn't what you want to hear but sourcing a matched set of Coil Over adjustable struts or Rising rate springs will be the only way to get a comfier ride

Dave

 

[Stabbobully]

Hi dave

thanks For that. I thought the same to but my son ordered them for through motor parts direct as he works for Arnold Clark. So do you think the only way to get the ride back is full strut?

thanks

[Greydog]

Afternoon Craig

It may be a PITA but if your struts are fine then a change of spring would be the route I would take

Not trying to teach Granny but ride is a combination of Spring/rate (how stiff they are) and Shock absorber Bump/Rebound rate. BMW like rising rate springs (fairly soft to begin then stiffening as load increases) no surprise that they spend a lot of engineering time getting the right blend of spring rate against shock absorber bump/rebound 

Have you tried talking to a BMW Dealer to see if you can get just the springs ? Another route would be a Bilstien Agent (Bilstien are an OEM supplier) I have been told a Company called EAL Automotive have original spec springs again worth Google search and talk to them.

Hope this makes sense 

Dave