IE Stage 3 Vs. H&R Sports

[achtungE30]

I'm wondering what everyone's opinions are, preferably those that have experienced both setups.

I've ran sport and race springs in the past, IE pricing direct is roughly $100 more than the cost of the H&R sports from bimmersport.com.

My goal is a tighter handling car, minimal wheel gap yet somewhat complaint ride - more compliant than stock springs + blown stock shocks. I'm also partial to appearance. I'd ultimately like to run deep dish 16x9s and look slammed down the road.

As a side question, is it advisable to switch out front / rear shock mounts when doing this? The car has 168k.

[Febi Guibo]

yah, change your rear shock mounts at a minimum... cheap insurance...

I have H&R Sports, and I've driven thumper3ld's car with H&R race springs (very similar rates to IE Stage 3 springs) and I have to say there is a really big difference. I was surprised, but it's like two different cars.

Since yer in jersey, maybe you guys can meet up and (if you ask nicely) he'll let you drive his car. I really liked the way it handled.

The H&R sports are much closer to OE, but firmer. I love my setup because it's well balanced etc. but Jay's (thumper's) is a lot flatter and more aggressive both in and out of turns. Having said that, the ride is relatively harsh.

[mikesjo]

The IEs are about $60 more than the sports but are $100 less than the H&R race which are supposedly the same spring rate :).

[achtungE30]

Thanks guys, put my name on the IE Stage 3 waiting list (ordered) lol

[GrippyDrifty]

Maybe this will give you an idea:

-----------------F / R
"Stock M3 -> 140 /250
Dinan Sport -> 172/ 300
H&R Race -> 315/ 570
H&R Sport -> 185/ 380
Eibach Pro-kit -> 102/ 277
Eibach Race -> 160/ 445
Ireland Stage 3 -> 315/570"

2002maniac posted these rates on r3v a while back. One can see that there is a HUGE difference in spring rates between HR sports and IE's

[M42boy]

Got my IE adjustable camber plates today. SHWEET! :D

http://www.s-cars.org/postnuke/modules/gallery/albums/danh/IMG_4745.jpg

[mikesjo]

Are the IEs back ordered?

[1991318is]

I love my IE's, they have just enough give to let it be streetable but even after a month still amazes me at how well it corners compared to stock

[Eurospec]

Are the IEs back ordered?Refer to post #4.

[mikesjo]

Refer to post #4.

It's not clear to me :).

[achtungE30]

Arghhhh....Brand spankin new set of Bilstein Sports sitting here in my office and no springs yet... :(

[///Motorsport]

then are the H&R races identical to the IE3s?