Stand Out with Stance
Let's face it, stock cars can look a little...uninspired. While manufacturers have spent a lot of time and money ensuring their cars offer plenty of room for tolerances, this often leaves the arches a bit too open and the wheels sunken inside.
Fortunately there's a simple, effective way to transform your vehicle's stance and driving experience without breaking the bank: lowering springs and wheel spacers.
Ever wondered why the higher spec or a track variant of your car looks so much better? Besides the added aero, a part of that is due to the more aggressive stance - lower ride height, wheels that meet the arch, and tires that fill out all the gaps.
Sure, this reduces your ability to go over speed bumps at speed. You’ll have to watch out for curbs when parking, but the benefits to the handling characteristics of your car outweigh this.
Improved Handling
Lowering springs aren't just about aesthetics. By lowering the center of gravity, they also reduce body roll during cornering. This translates to sharper handling, better responsiveness, and a more connected driving experience.
Flatter cornering also inspires confidence as the car feels less unsettled and isn’t as weight biased on the tire sidewall mid-corner, resulting in enhanced grip to all 4 corners.
Types of Lowering Springs
Fixed Height Lowering Springs
These are your standard lowering springs, fixed height springs which are generally 10-35mm lower than your stock ride height. They are a direct replacement of your OEM spring.
Pros:
- Good price point
- Easy installation
- Predictable drop
- Improved handling
Cons:
- Not adjustable
- Potentially harsher ride
- Less customization of ride adjustability when compared to a coilover
These fixed kits start at around £210
AUTOID recommends Eibach or Cobra lowering springs for fixed height adjustable springs. Using both of these brands on our cars we have noticed an equal performance in handling and comfort.
Height Adjustable Lowering Springs
Height adjustable lowering springs offer a balance of performance and customization compared to fixed height springs with often a wider range of height drop.
Pros:
- Adjustability
- Improved Ride Quality
- Versatility
- Improved handling
Cons:
- Higher Cost
- More Complex Installation
- Potential for Sagging
- Limited Adjustment Range
The kits start from £900 and will work with your OEM adaptive dampers.
AUTOID recommends Cobra Height Adjustable Suspension or BMW M performance Height Adjustable Suspension. Cobra Suspension offered a lower ride height, as much comfort and for a cheaper price than the BMW M performance kit.
Watch us fit a set of cobra height adjustable lowering springs to our customers BMW G82 M4 in this video:
Variable Spring Rate Lowering Springs
Variable spring rate lowering springs, like the MSS Hybrid Suspension system, offer a unique blend of performance and comfort. Triple spring-rated technology covers all road surface eventualities, giving a compliant yet predictable handling experience.
Pros:
- Optimal Balance
- Enhanced Handling
- Improved Ride Quality over OEM
- Customization
Cons:
- Higher Cost
- More Complex Installation
These kits start from £1279 and work with your existing OEM adaptive damper suspension.
AUTOID recommends MSS Sport Height Adjustable lowering springs as the best and only in its class. We run the MSS hybrid kit on our G87 M2 and AUDI R8 4S Facelift.
We fit a set of MSS hybrid lowering springs to our AUDI R8 in this video:
Will Lowering Springs Affect My Warranty?
While it may not explicitly state that lowering springs void the warranty in your car's manual, many car manufacturers consider modifications that affect the vehicle's suspension to be outside the scope of the original warranty.
If you're considering lowering springs, it's highly recommended to check your car's warranty terms and conditions carefully. You may also want to consult with your dealership or a qualified mechanic to get their specific advice.
In some cases, there may be options to maintain your warranty coverage, such as:
- Obtaining Written Consent: Some manufacturers may be willing to provide written consent for modifications if they do not believe they will significantly impact the vehicle's safety or reliability.
- Using OEM-Approved Parts: Choosing lowering springs that are specifically designed for your car model and approved by the manufacturer may help to mitigate warranty concerns.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to lower your car is a personal one. It's important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before making a decision.
Wheel Spacers
Lowering springs can sometimes leave your wheels tucked uncomfortably within the wheel wells. That's where spacers come in. These precision-engineered components effectively "push out" your wheels, creating a wider, more muscular stance. This not only enhances the visual appeal but can also improve handling by increasing the track width.
Wheel spacers are one of the most popular modifications used to widen the stance of a vehicle, giving it a more aggressive and visually appealing look. However, there are both pros and cons to consider before installing them.
Pros:
- Improved Aesthetics: Wheel spacers can make your car appear wider and more aggressive, enhancing its overall visual appeal.
- Enhanced Handling: By widening the track, wheel spacers can improve stability and reduce body roll, leading to better handling characteristics.
- Dial-in fitment: Because spacers generally come in multiple widths down to the MM, you can get the wheels sitting exactly how you want inside the arch whether you’re running OEM or aftermarket wheels.
Cons:
- Increased Stress on Components: Wheel spacers can put additional stress on your suspension components, steering joints, and wheel bearings.
- Reduced Tire Life: The wider stance can cause increased tire wear.
- Legal Concerns: In some jurisdictions, wheel spacers may be illegal or require specific modifications to maintain compliance with safety regulations.
Disclaimer: Before installing wheel spacers, it's important to consult with a qualified mechanic or the shop you're buying the spacers from to ensure they are compatible with your vehicle and to assess the potential risks and benefits. Additionally, be sure to check local laws and regulations regarding wheel spacers to avoid legal issues.
Bimecc Wheel Spacers
Recommended by AUTOID as the go-to for wheel spacers. Bimecc are a well-respected brand with a strong reputation of offering high-quality wheel spacers for a large variety of vehicles, making it easy to find the perfect spacer for your car. Manufactured from forged aluminum, making them durable and strong, and precision engineered ensuring an accurate fit.
While Bimecc wheel spacers offer many advantages, it's important to consider other factors as well, such as price, availability, and compatibility with your specific vehicle. It's always recommended to do your research, alternatively speak to our team for expert advice.
Shop our range of Bimecc wheel spacers starting from £85 including fitting kit.
Stud Conversion kits
What are Bimecc Stud Conversion Kits?
Bimecc stud conversion kits are designed to replace your vehicle's original wheel studs with longer, extended studs. This allows you to use thicker wheel spacers or wider wheels without compromising the strength and safety of your wheel mounting.
Benefits of Bimecc Stud Conversion Kits:
- Wider Wheel Options: Stud conversion kits allow you to run wider wheels and tires, improving your car's stance and potentially enhancing performance.
- Easier Wheel Removal and Installation: Longer studs can make it easier to remove and install your wheels, especially if you frequently change them.
Important Considerations:
- Vehicle Compatibility: Ensure that the Bimecc stud conversion kit you choose is specifically designed for your vehicle model.
- Professional Installation: It's highly recommended to have a qualified mechanic install the stud conversion kit to ensure proper fitment and safety.
- Legal Compliance: Check local laws and regulations regarding wheel spacers and extended studs before making any modifications.
By using a Bimecc stud conversion kit, you can safely and effectively widen your car's track, improving its appearance and potentially enhancing its performance.
Get in touch with AUTOID today to find the right stud conversion kit for your car, UK installation and express international shipping.
Stance kits
After receiving lots of enquires like ‘what springs and spacers for my car’ we put together ‘Stance kit’ for the most popular vehicles. These include a set of Eibach fixed lowering spring kits and Bimecc wheel spacers. Browse our range of stance kits to find the right spring and spacer package for your vehicle.
UK based? Pop down to AUTOID:
Here at AUTOID, we're passionate about helping car enthusiasts transform their rides. We offer a wide selection of top-rated lowering spring kits, including industry leaders like Eibach, Cobra Suspension, and MSS. Struggling to decide which kit is right for you? Get in touch with our team for expert advice on finding the right lowering springs and spacers for your car.
Expert Fitting:
UK customers can take advantage of our professional fitting service. Our experienced technicians will ensure your lowering springs and spacers are installed flawlessly, so you can enjoy a smooth, safe ride. Get in touch today for a free fitting quote.
2 comments
Joe
Headlights do not need adjusting with any suspension modifications Marcus, all modern BMWs feature self levelling headlights.
Marcus
If I fit a set of the MSS springs on my G87, will the headlights heights need to be adjusted?
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