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E36 Lowering springs Install Guide

Your E36

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the US E36 325i, 323i, 328i and M3, not the 318i or 318ti.

Fixes the wheel gap
Hard$300–$3503–5 hrs
All E36 mods

Why do it

Drops the car and fixes the wheel gap.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • A cheap spring compressor can fail. Use a good one, or have a shop swap the springs.
  • Book an alignment before you start.

Steps

  1. Remove the front struts

    • Take them off.
    Watch this step (H&R on a 328i) (1:55–3:39)

  2. Take apart the struts

    • Compress the spring and take them apart.
    Watch this step (3:39–5:51)

  3. Build the front struts

    • Fit the new springs.
    Watch this step (5:51–7:14)

  4. Refit the struts

    • Refit them.
    Watch this step (7:14–8:50)

  5. Prepare the rear

    • Prepare the rear springs.
    Watch this step (9:58–11:02)

  6. Swap the rear

    • Swap the rear springs and torque everything.
    Watch this step (11:02–14:09)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.

Lowering Spring install guides for other cars

More E36 mods