I want a set of lowering springs for my 218iS 1998 (R)

Anything considered!

I think there's a set for sale on Roverload.

what advantages do you get from lowering the car?

Purely cosmetic......well maybe trying to stop myself buying 19's next year :lol:

how does it affect the handling? the ride? i presume speed bumps are more of a problem?

I'm sure this has been done to death but...........

It depends on what you do and how low you go!

Basically, it lowers the centre of gravity of the car and reduces airflow under the car = better road holding especially when cornering (sometimes feels like the cars on rail - so be warned - IT'S NOT ;) )

Just springs......
25 or 30mm drop - Will make the ride a little firmer especially if you have bigger wheels with lower profile tyres. when lowered the shockers 'piston' is further in the gas/oil and this increased pressure means the piston has less travel and makes the the shock hard.
60mm drop on std struts - if they actually fit - Would make the car undriveable IMO because it would feel like there was no suspension at all (piston right in the gas/oil) Nasty - get ready to bite your tongue off :lol:

Full suspension kit...... (Springs and shocks)
These kits replace the strut as well as the springs and generally have a shorter reach to match the lowering - therefore, the piston has the correct starting point and doesn't start 'pressured up' this give a like standard feel to the ride. However, expect to pay £400+ for a good set rather than £80 for just springs.
You can get adjustable ones that offer a soft ride nipping around cruising and you can turn em up for ultimate hard cornering precision on the track.

Coil overs......... I'd only bother if ur a nutter, loaded or fancy 20" rims on your motor. The coil over is as it says the spring surrounds the strut and it's an integrated unit as aposed to the big fat ugly things the manufactures use. Expect to part with £800+

Spring chops........ Get out of my sight!!! Cheap and easy - can lower a car in 20 mins by cutting through the spring. WARNING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!! Mot failure as the spring can hop out of the carrier when driving and take your life! I would newer do this or recommend it - I only mentioned it as a WARNING!

Errrmmmm 1/2 ton of bricks in the boot...... That'll lower the back but the front will still look poo :D

Speed bumps, taken carefully, shouldn't be a problem for a small drop UNLESS you have bodykits and splitters - Then u may have to plan you route carefully :bgrin2:


Hope this helps - I apologise if anyone disagrees it's my opinion and I have a stinking hang-over :beer:

thanks for the comprehensive answer,.. saddly due to the increased pervasion of speed bumps in this country I'm going to keep my car non-lowered, i nearly hit my head on the roof over every bump, (i used to, but I've learnt to duck)

:lol: DRIVE SLOWER FOOL!!! :lol:

come on, i have aroudn 1" clearance above my head, it doesn't really matter what speed i go over them.:lol:

Fit MK2 front seats - SEi or GSi ones! That will give you another 1" mate! 8)

hmm, at what cost? I like the seats, just the headroom causes problems...

I paid £130 for MK2 1/2 leather seats front and rear - Rears needed modifying (I've done this a few times @£50 if you need help) Get a pair of cloth bucket seat for £20??

Swap the seat belt pretensioners over - Job done! :)

i just leave my sunroof open m8 theres so many speed bumps where i live you would have a headache by the time you went 2 miles :lol: