06-05-2019, 03:14 PM | #1 |
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Lowering springs - AST vs H&R (i3s content)
Lowering springs is a popular first mod for many i3 owners.
The i3 caught me off guard when first released. Admittedly not a fan at the beginning, I quickly fell in love after an extended test drive. There were limited options for our previous MY17 i3, except H&R, so we quickly installed a set and was happy with the new height. However as many with H&R springs have already experienced, the ride is ultra-stiff, bone-jarring at times. You can run over a quarter and could tell whether it was heads or tails, it simply made the i3 no longer fun to drive. While H&R is great for other vehicles, it's not the case when it comes to the i3. Moving forward to the i3S, we researched other lowering options (not many out there) for the i3 platform and decided to give AST a try. AST (and Moton) are well known in the motorsports world with their coilover setups on the M3/M4 platforms and have experience with the brand, and was surprised to find they support i3/i3S and immediately ordered a set. A local i3s came in with H&Rs and he took our AST-equipped i3s on a test drive and purchased a set of ASTs on the spot. Before installing, we thought it would be a good opportunity to do a short comparison. The H&Rs do sit a smidge lower than the ASTs, but are very similar in drop. The ride is sporty and not harsh (~10% stiffer) and retains the i3S nimbleness/handling while keeping it super fun to drive. Macht Schnell 15/12mm spacers & lugs bring the wheels flush with the wider i3s fenders. TL;DR: AST springs provide fantastic ride, same price as H&R, missing out by not having a set on your i3. In the meantime, enjoy the photos.
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Tom G. | european auto source (eas)
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06-05-2019, 03:15 PM | #2 |
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i3s Comparison Photos - AST vs H&R
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06-05-2019, 03:17 PM | #3 |
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Spring measurements
Measurements (AST Springs)
Front Rear Measurements (H&R Springs) Front Rear
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06-06-2019, 11:50 AM | #5 |
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The AST springs cover both I3 and i3S applications.
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07-11-2019, 03:22 PM | #6 |
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AST Springs just arrived in stock with orders shipping out today, few sets remaining.
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07-31-2019, 07:37 AM | #7 |
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Great review! Do you have part numbers for H&R and AST springs for BMW i3s with REX. Thanks
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07-31-2019, 01:27 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
We always have the ASTs in stock.
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08-10-2019, 04:54 PM | #9 |
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08-12-2019, 11:43 AM | #10 | |
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Quote:
Running 12/15 Macht Schnell Competition Spacers on both i3s.
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08-13-2019, 01:10 PM | #11 | |
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Quote:
Not what I wanted to hear.. I purchased some HR springs a few months back and haven't gotten a chance to install them yet. I have an i3s.. do you feel the ASTs improve the handling as well or is it just for the look? I assume you carry Macht spacers? Thats the perfect fitment, I was worried that spacers might have rubbing issues because the "widebody" is just the taped-on fender extenders, the inside well spacing isnt any different. |
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08-13-2019, 01:27 PM | #12 | |
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Quote:
We also have the Macht Schnell spacers in stock as well when ready.
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09-01-2019, 01:40 PM | #13 |
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Hi Tom@EAS - thanks for this post, was just about to order H&R's and.was doing some recon. Can you PM me a quote for the AST Springs with Spacers as shown?
I see that you are also an ACSchnitzer dealer. What do you think of their just released product besides the big price difference. I am after lowering with the smallest change in ride quality possible. The roads where I drive are some of the best in the US but nonetheless not looking to drive a skateboard either as my wife has a bad back and need to use the i3s on date night. |
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09-03-2019, 01:18 PM | #14 | |
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Quote:
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09-11-2019, 04:15 PM | #15 |
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Hey Tom - can I also get a quote for the same?
Compared to the stock ‘S’ suspension, what can be expected in terms of feel/comfort? Looks like you’ve had the setup for a while, any more insight with the added time? I live in Richmond VA and we’ve got some fairly rough roads |
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09-11-2019, 05:12 PM | #16 | |
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Quote:
PM incoming.
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10-15-2019, 05:52 PM | #17 |
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New AST spring shipment arriving soon, taking orders.
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11-04-2019, 06:50 PM | #19 |
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Shipment arrived - ASTs are shipping now.
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11-22-2019, 02:21 AM | #20 |
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I am looking to buy...
I am also curious about the AST vs. the AC Schnitzer, have you tried them? How did the AST affect ride? Did it improve handling or was it more just the optics of the lower ride? So you are running 12mm spacers in the front and 15mm rear? Sam |
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11-22-2019, 02:33 PM | #21 | |
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Quote:
Comparing to the H&Rs, night and day difference. Otherwise, it's very similar to the stock feel in the i3S, which would be slightly sportier in those with non-S. Running 15mm Macht Schnell Competition spacers in the rear, 12mm up front.
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12-01-2019, 01:27 PM | #22 | |
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How crucial are the spacers to the overall performance and feel? |
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