Bilstein upgrade question?

[kramerica5000]

Did you ever figure this out? I think you were sent the wrong springs because 50424-55 is the model # for OE Sports on an E36, so it makes sense that they wouldn't fit.

Also ... does anyone know what the exact difference is between the 50404 (HR Sport for 318is) and the 50404-55 (OE Sport for 325)? Since the model # is the same save for the -55 at the end of the OE Sports, I'm wondering if the two models have the same spring rate and the -55 is just a little taller. I wish HR provided spring rates for all their models ... lame.  

I like the way Eurospec's car looks, so I decided to pick up some HR OE springs and Bilstein HDs.  

The HDs fit just fine, but it looks like I need a new strut housing in order to mount the springs.  The top fits fine, but the bottom of the spring is too wide to fit in the stut housing.  

Is there a way around this problem, or am I stuck either picking up M3 strut housings or attempting to return the springs?

And yes, the model number I bought was 50404.55

edit:  Now the plot thickens....   The box says part number 50404.55.  The springs inside the box say 50424.55.

[Nick_318is]

I believe the H&r has two different spring rates i'm not sure the difference but I believe its the Spring rate on the fronts since the engines are different and the m42 cars are lighter.  The h&R sports have a nice drop without going too low and with some Bilstien sports would be a nice upgrade.  With a 17" wheel I would also recommend using a 215/40 tire size (its what I have and very similar to the stock circumference) and rubbing isn't a problem.  I think the 16" wheel is the perfect size for most e30 wheels though.

If you don't want to lower you could try some bilstein HDs which will keep the same ride height and add a little more stiffness.