Topic: Lowered 2000 3 Series...taking springs off?

[1TSX]

My friend just bought a 2000 328i. Its in MINT condition, it is currently lowered, and has 18 inch wheels. The previous owner never drove the car in the winter...but my friend needs this car year round.

The car is REALLY low and I would think he would get stuck VERY easily, even with winter tires (hes thinking 16inch). RWD + low ground clearance = bad winter car. Also, I'd think his front bumper would be done for after one winter. 

Is there a way to bring the car back to stock height at a reasonable cost? And wouldn't he need to do all sorts of alignment work if he just leaves the lowering springs on, and changes to winter wheels/tires?

[rrocket]

He can find a set of springs either used at a Bimmer forum (car nuts replace their suspension all the time) or a set of new springs with close to stock height.  I generally pay $50 per shock for spring install/removal when I'm too lazy to do it myself. 

I do an alignment after putting in new springs...but not switching tires.

[airbalancer]

Like RR wrote there a number of forums to check , a couple around Toronto
With the 328 I do no believe he can run 16s, if  he looking for r17"s I have an extra set rims with  winter tires

[The Mighty Duck]

Restoring the car to its stock ride height should be easy enough. Stock or equivalent shocks and springs... it might need camber work and alignment depending on what the previous owner did. If it's as low as you say, then I'd hazard to say it will.

Also, !

[1TSX]

Thanks, I'll let him know. I am sure 16's will fit, according to Tire sites, 16inch wheels were standard on the 328i, with larger sizes optional (sport pkg, etc).

The car is a beauty. I'll ask him if I can post pictures. 

[airbalancer]

Thanks, I'll let him know. I am sure 16's will fit, according to Tire sites, 16inch wheels were standard on the 328i, with larger sizes optional (sport pkg, etc).

The car is a beauty. I'll ask him if I can post pictures. 

Does he have a Sport Package ?
 We have a Sport Package on our 323, 17" is the smallest I can go

[1TSX]

Thanks, I'll let him know. I am sure 16's will fit, according to Tire sites, 16inch wheels were standard on the 328i, with larger sizes optional (sport pkg, etc).

The car is a beauty. I'll ask him if I can post pictures. 

Does he have a Sport Package ?
 We have a Sport Package on our 323, 17" is the smallest I can go

I am not sure...what would tell us it would? The car didn't come with stock rims so we don't know.

[airbalancer]

Thanks, I'll let him know. I am sure 16's will fit, according to Tire sites, 16inch wheels were standard on the 328i, with larger sizes optional (sport pkg, etc).

The car is a beauty. I'll ask him if I can post pictures. 

Does he have a Sport Package ?
 We have a Sport Package on our 323, 17" is the smallest I can go

I am not sure...what would tell us it would? The car didn't come with stock rims so we don't know.

What does steering wheel and seat look like?
3 spoke wheel, Sport Package, nicer seats sport package
look here http://www.e46toronto.ca/forums/index.php, CDN Site
http://maxbimmer.com/forums/index.php  CDN Site  http://forum.e46fanatics.com/ US site

[1TSX]

So he decided to stay low for the winter. He bought some used 16inch winter tires on steelies, and they fit.

Here are pictures of the car, with the summers on:

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs277.snc1/10416_146899946237_505196237_2790704_7496333_n.jpg

His is the blue one.

[mmret]

Nice house.

[vdk]

So he decided to stay low for the winter. He bought some used 16inch winter tires on steelies, and they fit.

Here are pictures of the car, with the summers on:

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs277.snc1/10416_146899946237_505196237_2790704_7496333_n.jpg

His is the blue one.

Next time you guys should order those bimmers properly

[1TSX]

  I believe that those 3 are 6 years apart...2006, 2000, and 1994. Jealous.