Cut springs?

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Spoona_Jay21
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Joined: Mon May 26, 2014 9:00 am
My E21(s): Cypress Green 1981 US 320i
Location: Snohomish WA, USA

Cut springs?

Post by Spoona_Jay21 »

So, i am trying to build my little E21 on a budget, so 1000$ for good Coil-overs is not really an option for me :lol:

So i was thinking, and from what i have found there would be no problems with cutting off a single coil from my stock springs.

Now what I need to know from you guys:

1. is there any negative effects to cutting ONE coil off my factory springs?
2. any thing i should beware of if i decide to go that route?
3. do any of you have any Horror stories, or good experiences with a cut this mild?

Eventually i plan on putting Airbags in mine, but that will cost a bit much. and i plan on keeping my stock wheels for a while, and would just really like to eliminate wheel gap and get a possibly better Handling rig.

Any info on this would be appreciated, and yes i know this sounds extremely noobish, but as said i am on a really tight budget so any help is appreciated.


D-M93E21
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Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2013 10:17 am
My E21(s): bmw e21 316 manual 12000 miles

Re: Cut springs?

Post by D-M93E21 »

you can buy the SPAX spring for the standard shocks I would un the risk of cutting standard because it wont sit in the housing probably
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Jeroen
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My E21(s): '81 323i Baur
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Re: Cut springs?

Post by Jeroen »

Even though it appears to be pretty common practice I too strongly advise against cutting springs, and it's even forbidden for Dutch MOT since there is not enough bedding for the spring which may cause the spring to move out of the plate, or right through it. New or used springs, they're never expensive so I really can't understand why people would take a risk there.
Regards/groeten, Jeroen
E21noob
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Re: Cut springs?

Post by E21noob »

Yeah dont do it, the "bosch lowering kit" is not the way to go. Get some lowering springs. You should be able to pick up something cheap second hand - way less risk. Put an ad up on wanted and see what happens :)
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Spoona_Jay21
E21 starter
Posts: 30
Joined: Mon May 26, 2014 9:00 am
My E21(s): Cypress Green 1981 US 320i
Location: Snohomish WA, USA

Re: Cut springs?

Post by Spoona_Jay21 »

Alright guys thanks for the input thats all i was lookin for =P
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