4 Grand Master
Am pretty sure that 740 will be heavier springs than 735; so long as they are both from iL bodies. The weight distribution of the 740 is different to 735, the engine being a bit lighter, the trans much heavier and the rear of the 740 heavier by a maybe 25kg, so I am pretty sure 740 rears would have much higher rates and make the car a little higher than normal too. Of course old rears seem to sag, so maybe all that will just work out perfectly height wise. The front springs would certainly be very different, but if using the touring for carrying things, the springs will need a stiffer rate. I reckon from a balanced point of view 735 spring may be a much safer bet. I'd definately try those first.
Of course, you can alwasy go to a spring company and have them make something 'just right'- they simply measure the front spring rates, the car weight distribution and overall travel- do some calcs and then make the springs.
BTW: Be sure to lay something down in the rear, the carpet doesn't take much of a beating
Last edited by genphreak; 07-30-2010 at 03:56 AM.
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08/88 535i e34 M30+miller MAF, 'stiens, tints & teeth!
4 Grand Master
Hey Tiger, I'm sure he didn't mean it like that... Of course without more words, it can often be hard to tell. Try erring on the side of 'goodwill', I just can't imagine why BD would be deliberately poking like that. This forum is hardly bf afterall...
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08/88 535i e34 M30+miller MAF, 'stiens, tints & teeth!
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Not at all, but if someone pokes the bear, the bear attacksOriginally Posted by genphreak
1995 540iA M-Sport - 76k miles. 1 of 1 auto AW3 cars.
1995 540i/6 - Misc Parts donor for above.
Major Contributor
Again, we shouldn't assume. Just because it "makes sense" doesn't mean to go that way. I have seen many many times that the wrong outcome happen. Why? Because there are so many options and variations in the BMWs. I understand your logic about the iL, but unless you have seen these different springs like I have, I wouldn't assume. Plus iL's were sls too. The height does not depend on spring rate. Spring rate is for the ride. You can always do the old "chop job" and cut a spring coil and you then get a stiffer rate spring with lowering. Again, he can play, or get the euro non-sls spring set. Or he can go cheap and play with existing springs. To get springs made is more than just those simple calculations you mentioned, especially if there is a variable spring rate component. Have you ever gotten springs made? It can be a pain the the rear! Especially waiting to get them made and hoping they actually work right. I have seen custom springs that were not made right from reputable companies. The coil spacing was wrong and even not enough coils. Ha, corners also were different heights by more than 1/2 in. and that is when everything was settled.Am pretty sure that 740 will be heavier springs than 735; so long as they are both from iL bodies. The weight distribution of the 740 is different to 735, the engine being a bit lighter, the trans much heavier and the rear of the 740 heavier by a maybe 25kg, so I am pretty sure 740 rears would have much higher rates and make the car a little higher than normal too. Of course old rears seem to sag, so maybe all that will just work out perfectly height wise. The front springs would certainly be very different, but if using the touring for carrying things, the springs will need a stiffer rate. I reckon from a balanced point of view 735 spring may be a much safer bet. I'd definately try those first.
Of course, you can alwasy go to a spring company and have them make something 'just right'- they simply measure the front spring rates, the car weight distribution and overall travel- do some calcs and then make the springs.
BTW: Be sure to lay something down in the rear, the carpet doesn't take much of a beating
The best solution is to go with what has been tried and tested. You know the result and can trust the outcome. Plus, it is less work overall. Find a matched set for non-sls euro sport. Many wagon owners have done this when they deleted their sls and want a factory sport ride, but nothing too low out back. Or, look for other aftermarket springs that are specifically for sls rear delete. I have seen many people go cheaper and end up spending more in the end to correct things.
4 Grand Master
Indeed, all very valid points. I dare say the best way is seldom to try with these cars- or assume- I too have learned this (too many times). The cheap route would perhaps be a spring mount that spaces the spring the desired height above the strut perch- If one can make one that won't break that is...
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08/88 535i e34 M30+miller MAF, 'stiens, tints & teeth!
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Like Brandon, I haven't posted in a long damn time either.
Where are you located? I've got a pair of non-sls Touring Sport springs bought through Maximillian back in 2000 or 2001. I'd have to dig back and see if I've got the receipts or emails, but I spec'd them for my '92 Touring, they should be well-suited to any other US-spec Touring.
Never used, I installed the front sport springs and then never got around to the rear and the SLS-delete.
email me, micah.oc at gmail. I'm travelling for the next 2 weeks......
--Micah O'C
'17 M2 6MT, Mineral Grey
'04 330i ZHP
'88 M5 2791445
'92 M5T BL01001
formerly '90 535iM, '92 525iT
Throbbing Member
very cool, emailed
1995 540iA M-Sport - 76k miles. 1 of 1 auto AW3 cars.
1995 540i/6 - Misc Parts donor for above.
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