Are Vogtland springs available in Australia?

[pundit]

I've been Googling for a while to try and find a distributor in Australia for Vogtland springs - but without success. I'm thinking I might put them on my 535i along with some Koni Reds. I want to drop it about 1.5" but avoid too harsher ride. Which brings me to some wheels I saw yesterday... M-Parallel replicas.

They are Taiwanese replicas which looked very well made. I talked to the sales guy who said they came from one of the better Taiwanese manufacturers. He had seen some Chinese M-Parallel replicas that he wouldn't touch with a barge pole but said they import other wheels from this Taiwanese supplier and had not had any quality issues with them. He suggested going for 8" all round rather than 9.5" on the rears as that would allow me to rotate the tyres.

I know these are 18" which are frowned upon as they ride harsher than 17"s but they look so good on the car that I'm really tempted. I'm considering Michelin Pilot Precedas 235/40/18"

With the M-Parallels, the Michelins, the Vogtlands and the Koni's I'm wondering whether the ride is going to be too unbearable or not?

Here they are stuck in front of the basketweaves just to get an idea... pretty damn sexy, don't you think? ;)

http://clients.net2000.com.au/~rowmat/BMW/m-parallel_front.jpg

http://clients.net2000.com.au/~rowmat/BMW/m-parallel_rear.jpg

[Paul in NZ]

the m5 came with 18,s.you will have a firmer ride for sure the only time i wish for a softer ride is over expansion type bumps,or sharp hits,normally not a problem.What is the weight of those wheels?You will notice a decrease in suspension responsiveess if they are heavy,and less traction on bumpy corners.the bmw heels are forged and quite light.the other issue you may have is bending the suckers on big hits.