I have 8.00x 18" ET45 Tec Speedwheels AS2 on my car. I plan to install H&R 40mm lowering springs in the next couple of weeks, but I'm nervous about any problems once the springs are installed.

 

Does anyone have experience here? Will the geometry work and I won't have any issues with space in the wheel arches (scraping etc.) Last thing I want to do is install the springs then find out that I have to take them out again....

 

Cheers!

Edited 18 June, 20188 yr by edition82

First and most important - I don't think you should install -40mm springs on stock dampers.

 

Can you clarify what problems you forsee?

the lower you go, the more stress will be applied to the standard dampers, which leads them to wear out quicker.

 

Standard dampers are made for standard springs.

 

You've 3 options; leave it and hope for the best, install a set of aftermarket dampers designed for lowered springs or have a look at a set of coilovers.

 

The added benefit of having the coilovers is you can adjust the ride height yourself and it's a complete kit

You will be dramatically reducing the travel of the dampers with consequential reduction in available damping giving a very harsh ride.

What does TÜV have to say? The ABE of the wheels and springs will also define what you're allowed to do (if the car is running German plates...)

 

 - Bret

For sure. Both the wheels and the springs have an ABE. But it's highly unlikely they are tested in combination. So I know that as individual installs, they are fine. Together, the mods will have to be tested and certified by the local Dekra, for sure. I don't anticipate any issues, I'm just asking if anyone has experience.

 

The wheels and the springs also have an ABE for the RS, which is 25mm lower than the non RS, and 15mm higher than having installed the -40mm springs.

 

Edited 19 June, 20188 yr by edition82

on a non rs?

Non RS model, standard ride height...

My personal suggestion would be to talk it through with your friendly Dekra guy before putting money on the table, because I've heard stories of stuff being accepted, occasionally as an Einzelabnahme (with the associated fees) and occasionally with just the paperwork saying "this should be OK". Taking the half-hour to go through it with Hr. Testingenieur should avoid disappointment. If the first one disagrees, try a second, and maybe a third testing station. If they're all in agreement that it's not acceptable, then maybe they're right

 

I'd also though ask what is OK. Normally the ABE for the wheels should specify any max lowering - read the notes at the back - but I'd expect them to want to test with full load and full lock and if it rubs *anywhere* it's not going to be acceptable.  I'd also want to make sure the ABEs for all components are in the car all the time, or at least a copy. 

A quick search on here appears to show a couple of people who've done this and there appears to be no problems, but I'd certainly take the time to talk to the test guy first. 

 

 - Bret

Hey Bret, thanks, that's some good advice.

 

I can't see anything on the ABE which mentions a maximum lowering, but maybe I missed it. https://www.felgenshop.de/gutachten/1540440

 

 

no, there's nothing there. But on the H&R paperwork - http://www.h-r.com/bin/28833.pdf - they state the requirement for inspection, even if theoretically it ought not to be necessary. If it was standard wheels, no issue, but they specifically state if aftermarket wheels are used in combination, then inspection is necessary. They also comment on the height of lights, but that shouldn't be a problem with only a 40mm drop.

 

 - Bret

 

(once upon a time, I used to live in Germany...)

Yeah for sure, I noticed that too. The car is already booked into the local Dekra. I'll do the install with a mechanic friend in the morning and go straight for the inspection.

@JohnnyType2 You've got 40mm lowering springs haven't you? How do you find the ride with the 19 inch alloys?