Touring springs

[Alwyn]

My 325 touring currently has the wrong springs on it, as the previous owner did not understand that the additional weight meant stiffer springs. The result is that the centre section of my exhaust is currently being destroyed every time I go anywhere near a speed bump.

My options now are either (1) the correct 35mm drop springs, or (2) go for standard touring springs.

Ideally I would like the benefits of stiffer springs but with the clearance of the normal ride height. Does anyone know of any standard height springs that are stiffer, or what can be done to effect this (i.e. normal height but harder ride)?

[StuBeeDoo]

Standard Touring springs are pretty stiff Chap. I've been told that Tourings ride harder than the saloons.
If you want it a bit stiffer still, try Convertable springs in the back.
HTH
Stuart.

[dazleeds]

if you look around the net there are places that will make you a set of springs
to the exact poundage you want to suit your car and drop etc

i have the same prob with my sport
bloody exhaust centre hits everything

the other option could be to have an exhaust place heat up and bend the pipes so they sit a little higher

im considering doing this as im happy with the height of my car just sick of hearing the box scraoing all the time

[Alwyn]

Custom winding of springs sounds pricey to say the least: I like to keep my organs for sale when I need to get my car through it's MOT.

Looking on the ETK there appear to be three different springs for convertables, and a shed load more for tourings. Any ideas on which are the stiffest??? BMW part number would be useful.

[StuBeeDoo]

OK, here's what I've done with my Touring.....
On the front, I've got MTech springs, part number 31 33 1 130 043. These lowered it 20mm. They're not listed for your 325i Touring, but I can't see why you couldn't use them when they are listed for the 320i Touring.
I've kept the rear standard height, as I do some load carrying and I also tow a trailer.
This set-up doesn't seem to have had any adverse affect on the handling. Nor has it made the front noticably stiffer.

If I didn't have to allow for the extra weights in (and on) the back, I'd go for Touring MTech springs 33 53 9 058 543. These should be 15-20mm lower than standard.
If you want the part number of the standard ride height Touring rear springs, it's 33 53 9 057 349.

HTH
Stuart.

[KDS]

They're not listed for your 325i Touring, but I can't see why you couldn't use them when they are listed for the 320i Touring.

This might be a dumb question, but, wouldn't front springs intended for a 320i have a tough time with the extra mass of a 325i engine?

[Brianmoooore]

320 and 325 engines are similar weight. 325 has bigger holes in the block, so may be lighter!

[KDS]

OK, here's what I've done with my Touring.....
On the front, I've got MTech springs, part number 31 33 1 130 043. These lowered it 20mm.

Hey Stuart,

Does your Touring have the self-levelling rear suspension? Mine does, so it MIGHT already have the springs that you've recommended above. When I search for that part number, the description comes up as: "Front coil springs for vehicles with levelling device and sporty suspension".

I'd hate to buy your recommended springs and have them turn out to be the exact same as what I've already got!

[StuBeeDoo]

Does your Touring have the self-levelling rear suspension?

No, mine doesn't have self-levelling. Your car should already have the -20mm springs.
Looking at your sig pic, I'd say mine sits about the same height as yours. If you want to lower it any further, you'll have to go aftermarket. Example: If you go for "-35mm" H&R springs it will actually lower it roughly another 15mm.

[Ant]

I have a full set of Mtech springs for the touring ( 2.5 ) in the unit, if you want to return to stock they'll do you proud dude, came of a 77K car so still lots of life in them

gimme a call if you want these dude alternative is source some lowered springs to suit the touring, zone shop can source these for you M8

[KDS]

Stuart, thanks very much for the clarification.

Ant, thanks for the offer, but I'm located halfway around the planet! I've ordered stuff from the UK before, and the shipping killed me. Cheers, anyway.

[Simon13]

Saloon springs are not bad honest

not that i know

my touring is on 60/40 saloon springs and is pretty low and i've yet to touch the underside yet

[Alwyn]

Mine is on 30mm drop Touring springs and the back is way too low. I cannot be certain but the monkey that chose the springs my have got them for a four cylinder saloon which would explain why I catch every single speed bump if I have a passenger in the car.