M35/M45 Lowering Springs - Brand Comparisons w/ Pictures

[jiggersplat]

So, I've been trying to solve the mystery of why some cars seem to look lower in the back than the front after installing lowering springs (not coilovers). I went around the forum and stole everyone's pictures. The Tein's seem to be hit or miss as far as an even looking drop. The Eibach's look like they are pretty consistently even looking front to rear. I am missing a few combos though. And of course I have an M45x, of which I haven't seen any lowered on just springs.

Code: Select all

                  Tein      Tein
                 H-Tech    S-Tech  Eibach   Espilir
M35                           x       x
M35s
M35x               x          x                x
M45                x
M45s               x          x       x
M45x

Tein H-Tech

Vehicle: M35x | Courtesy of User: Steelcity


Vehicle: M45s | Courtesy of User: yosM45


Vehicle: M35x | Courtesy of User: mgokool


Vehicle: M45 | Courtesy of User: sda206


Vehicle: M45 | Courtesy of User: 06M4.5



Vehicle: M35x | Courtesy of User: TDot


Tein S-Tech

Vehicle: M35x | Courtesy of User: bbs350z


Vehicle: M45s | Courtesy of User: KoMikeey


Vehicle: M35 | Courtesy of User: SunLitSandMax00SE


Vehicle: M35 | Courtesy of User: Wangtang408







Eibach

Vehicle: M45s | Courtesy of User: redline122


Vehicle: M35 | Courtesy of User: James-4-Prez!!


Vehicle: M45s | Courtesy of User: DeanM45


Vehicle: M45s | Courtesy of User: KevyKev0805


Vehicle: M45s | Courtesy of User: mexillis


Vehicle: M35 | Courtesy of User: LOODA



Espilir

Vehicle: AWD M | Courtesy of User: Jason B (from Burtman Industries)


Vehicle: M35x | Courtesy of User: stumbleweed

[Ilya]

Good work. If you don't mind, I'm going to clean this up a bit. Also, good work with the code tag . I have also added this to the FAQ.

Thanks for the effort, sir.

[Wangtang408]

Correcrion, I'm on S techs, not H techs

[Ilya]

Correcrion, I'm on S techs, not H techs

Fixed. Thanks.

[manolo87]

Ok so as of right now 1 person out of a handful has had issues with the back being lower on the X models?

[jiggersplat]

Based one what I've seen, I don't think that issue is actually related to AWD or RWD. If you go through the pics there are some RWD's that look to me like the rear gap is smaller than the front, in particular with the Tein's. I saw one set of Espilir's that I thought looked a little funny but couldn't find that photo again. All the eibachs look even to me. Again, it's kinda hard to tell though with different size rims and different size tires and different photo angles, etc.

[manolo87]

Ugh this is annoying. I'm bout to get some 19's so my next mod is springs which I've never lowered any of my cars so this will be a first to me. According to your little chart I don't see any awd' using eibach. I don't wanna be crazy low out here in this Ny f'd up streets

[Larz]

Manolo, you didn't include the model, year, or drive system in your profile. When you get a minute, please complete that. One thing to consider is the mileage and age of your car. You might want to consider replacing more than just springs if you have say 75,000+ miles or if the car is more than 5 years old. After all, when you see what is required just to replace the rear springs, I'm sure you won't want to do it twice.

I'm considering Tien S-Techs. I am told by some car specialists that they always recommend Teins to people who want to slightly lower the car without losing the stock ride. My car has low mileage (~30k) but is is 6 years old. Although the dealer never finds anything wrong with the suspension, I reckon after 6 years it might be best to replace the stock struts, etc and add the Tein springs whilst getting the rest done. I won't be doing this myself, so I reckon it's best to pay just once for the dismantling instead of paying for a second time after everything but the new springs goes titz-up.

As for adding 19's ... I have done that. I went with 19 x 8.5 (40) all around - no effect on suspension or clearance - no spacers needed and the tires come just slightly inside the edge of the fenders which looks great. To negate the extra height it causes, I changed tires to 255/40/ instead of 245/45 so the slight reduction in sidewall height almost completely cancels the added height from the 19 inch wheel. I can attest that the difference of the ride is not noticeable. The ride remains like factory. No increased 'feel' or thumping over bumps and road joints. The only difference is in the handling which is in my opinion is sharper and with increased grip from the 255 series tires. I highly recommend the Ventus S1noble2. (second M with these tires). They come very close to the Michelin Super Sports I used to swear by, but are much much quieter and less expensive.

[manolo87]

Well that was a fine write up sir. I'm gonna purchase the Rays forged wheels from the 370z 09-13. I think and gonna go 19x10 all the way around hopefully no issues cause I want the extra concave look. Guess I'll figure out what's the tire I can get with the most meat cause these streets be crazy over here with the potholes. I was gonna purchase the Tein H-techs as well

[sugars]

i have tried most of those springs. Am on eibach right now on my x, even drop front to back...Tanabe and espiler sat with the fron higher than the back, H Tech to did not drop the back at all and was a little to stiff for me and the springs are real heavy..

[sugars]

m35x on eibach...

[manolo87]

That looks nice man. I was gonna buy those wheels as well but now I'm seenin to many M's wit them so now gotta find new ones. Guess maybe eibachs will be the way to go. Have you had them on for awhile wit no issues?

[sugars]

Am running 4 rears 19X10 on 245 40 19....no issues with the eibach. ..love them. .. you get comfort and performance. ....hey manolo87 have some fx35 rims if u looking for something different..

[manolo87]

Well that's good those tires fit those wheels cause I just found a good deal on a set and I have a spare set of those size tires. I'm gonna paint the wheels though to make them different then drop with those eibachs

[CPJ LB]

I agree with Larz...it might be a good idea to check the status of the shocks/struts prior to lowering a car - whether AWD or RWD. I think by having a good set of shock/struts when lowering a car, it'll provide a better stance and fall in line with the Brand's lowering specs.

I went with 2 different sets of springs:
1. I got my M in 2010 and went with H-Techs (stock sport wheels, then aftermarket 19”)

H-Techs w/ stock 19” sport wheels (no spacers)


H-Techs w/ Concept One RS-8’s 19” staggard



2. Approx 2013-14, I switched to Eibachs

Eibach w/ 15mm spacers x 4, stock 19” sport wheels


Approx 1.5 years later with same Eibach set up, the springs still provide a great ride.

I am contemplating about putting the stock sport springs back on since I'll be moving to the East Coast and I don't want to hassle with the roads in CT and/or NYC....still deciding

[Six_Legs]

m35x on eibach...

Sugars, do you have more pics of your ride w/ those wheels? I want those wheels but don't want to go w/ staggered set up. Cant remember seeing anyone w/ all 19x10's...

[sugars]

At the BBQ meet last year. ..if u get the staggered set u will need spacers for the front..to me they look way better with 4 rears..

[Six_Legs]

Thx Sugars. I agree, rears all around looks better!

[manolo87]

I ended up getting those wheels. They're in the shop getting powder coated now. 19x10's all the way around.

[sugars]

Great buy manolo87..please drop the car first before u put them on cause they are going to look funny..u need that camber..

[manolo87]

Great buy manolo87..please drop the car first before u put them on cause they are going to look funny..u need that camber..

Gettin the eibachs this week. Ima need a camber set?

[sugars]

I don't have a camber set and my alignment is close to camber spec that I can live with..

[manolo87]

I don't have a camber set and my alignment is close to camber spec that I can live with..

Sorry but not that mechanically inclined. What you mean camber set?

[manolo87]

Lowered my car today on eibachs (used) but does this look normal to you guys?

[mexillis]

Looks lower in the rear. Did you put the springs in the right spot and use the oem cone rubber things in the rear?

[sugars]

Its lower in the back, are u sure thats the springs for the m35 cause if its not and its the springs for the g35 or 37 it will sit lower in the back.

[jiggersplat]

Lowered my car today on eibachs (used) but does this look normal to you guys?

no, it does not.

[manolo87]

He said he had it on his M35 then his brother had it on his G37 or G35. I can't see this being right though. I've heard the drop maybe uneven but this is a little extreme I think

[sugars]

hey manolo87 whats the # of the springs...am really thinking those are for the G...

[manolo87]

Where do I find the number? All he gave me was the springs. No box or nothin. These things are real bouncy too