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E46 · Handling

E46 Lowering springs

Your E46

Pick your year to see what fits.

In the US, 1999 E46s were sedans only, and 2006 E46s were coupes and convertibles only. The M3 came as a coupe or convertible.

Stance + less roll
Hard$225–$3904–6 hrs
All E46 mods

Why do it

Drops the car and cuts body roll while keeping your stock struts.

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

    • Raise the car, remove the wheels and take the struts out.
    Watch this step (on an E46) (1:07–2:45)

  2. Swap the front springs

    • Compress each spring, take the strut apart and build it back up with the new spring.
    Watch this step (2:45–3:48) Watch the new strut go together (3:48–4:12)

  3. Refit the front struts

    • Bolt the struts back into the car.
    Watch this step (4:12–5:18)

  4. Do the rears

    • Lower the rear suspension, swap the springs and bolt it back up, then get an alignment.
    Watch this step (5:18–7:50) Watch it go back in (7:50–9:03)

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.