Use RealOEM to find the springs' part # and plug that into FCP's search bar.

Springs don't usually need to be replaced unless they're broken or deteriorated or you're super OCD. Struts are the typical wear item.

Make sure you replace all the rubber bits under there also (bump stops, strut mounts, dust boots, spring pads).

You might consider going for Bilsteins rather than the OE Sachs. They're not any more expensive (last I checked) and they'll sportify the ride a bit more.

 

I would consider bilsteins but this is a clapped out E46. I don’t need sportiness, I just want a comfortable OE ride that’s safe (which is why i changed my mind about ebay quick struts LMAO)

If there’s no part number for OE springs then somebody please inform me on where to find springs for sport suspension so i can buy the front and rear springs. I don’t wanna just replace the struts and have the shocks not done either that doesn’t sound too comfortable lol

Honestly, the shocks and body of the car are in such poor condition that i’m considering buying an E39 body and taking the engine from the E46 to get it dropped in. Maybe i’m thinking too hard.

 

I don't believe the springs have a part number - at least when I looked at RealOEM when I replaced my shocks. They seem to use a color code only and no on has been able to figure out the color schema.

Note - no number for the spring:

 

This was discussed at length about two weeks ago. Search for "Suplex and or Sachs" which is what was recommended for springs and dampers.
That said, I'm not sure about replacing them. The shocks do the bouncy bouncy stuff, so replacing them should make a big difference. Springs hold the car off teh ground, more or less. They don't wear out as such. But see above questions in #5.
If youre paying someone to do this, four Suplex aftermarket springs might be an idea so you don't end up doing it twice. The other consideration is the rear springs which are prone to breaking at teh very bottom. But some will tell you to keep on truckin.
The part number is stamped/molded into the last coil. Or at least teh last 8 or 9 digits.
Measure from the bottom edge of rim to fender lip through the wheel center. Report back.

 

the dealer has the part numbers in their system. springs have part number AND the stripes (to identify them easier).

 

Are aftermarket springs going to be compatible is my question? like would I get any abnormal wear or something out of the ordinary… Thinking about just throwing some coilovers since they don’t come apart like struts and springs and all of that and I can do coilovers on my own… Easier and saves me money just would turn into a serious sport ride. Coilovers are adjustable too and cost less than OE then i’d have to get somebody to install the OE crap, it’s a mess thinking about it now 😒

 

Springs are vin specific as options and packages change the vehicle weight and specification of the spring. That is why Realoem does not list them. I would call my favorite dealer parts guy and ask him to give you the correct spring part numbers for your VIN. Then you can cross reference to Lesjofors or Suplex. Eibach even had an oem replacement line at one time that I used with success (non lowering). But for most of mine I think Lesjofors was the OEM supplier, but they may have multiple OEM suppliers for springs - I am not sure on that.

Damage to the spring or incorrect ride height are the only 2 reasons I can think of to replace them. As you mentioned it sits low, perhaps yours have lost some of the ends, been heated or have some other damage.

 

stock rears are a lot easier to install than coil-over type rears springs. and if you think you can install fronts you can install stock fronts. only thing you might need done is the a spring compressor to install stock springs. you can take to an suspension shop that has stationary spring compressor clamp and pay them for the job.
matching quality aftermarket springs are just as good as Genuine BMW springs.

 

Standard or Sport suspension?

I'm looking to purchase new front struts for my 2003 330i sedan and have run into a lot of conflicting info about how to identify whether a car has sport suspension or not. Here's the specifics on the car: 2003 330i sedan (11/02 build) Sport seats & steering wheel M-Tech bumpers Style 68...

www.e46fanatics.com

Post #16

Make sure to check your options and read the chart notes before ordering....

 

If you have the money these were a game changer for me (comfort wise):

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-553459-fsd-2100-shocks-struts-kit/

 

But not for the sport package the OP has - it is for the standard suspension.

 

If you look at the Lesjofer or Suplex catalogues, or contact fcpEuro or other knowledgeable supplier, you can find suitable springs. If you look for teh article as I suggested, all of this was explained in detail. but do you need them?

 

From this product page: BMW Strut Assembly Kit - Sachs 556873KT

Do you also need coil springs? Please read the information below:
This kit does not include coil springs. Coil springs are specific from BMW to BMW based upon the equipment that is installed in the vehicle from the factory. If you would also like to order replacement coil springs please email the last 7 characters of your BMW's VIN to products@fcpeuro.com.

 

If your springs have made it more than 200k without breaking there's a very good chance that they'll outlive the rest of the car. They only need replacement if they're broken and they only break if the powder coat has failed and allowed them to rust - that happens fairly early if it's going to happen at all.

<---230k on stock sport springs. No plans to replace them.

 

If your springs have made it more than 200k without breaking there's a very good chance that they'll outlive the rest of the car. They only need replacement if they're broken and they only break if the powder coat has failed and allowed them to rust - that happens fairly early if it's going to happen at all.

while I agree with all this it’s still worth noting the pre 10/02 production E46 rear springs are a potential failure item. BMW supposedly fixed this Oct 2002.

 

31331093082 Part number for front sport suspension spring. I would replace your springs if you are going to do the struts. I did and it helped.

 

guess this TSB doesn’t say much

 

"Improved springs"

 

Meanwhile, OP has gone awol.

 

It was AWOL(absent without leave) when I was in. Now it's called; UA (unauthorized absence)

 

Buying coilovers. Not interested in dealing with spring compressors or OE suspension and I want an adjustable sporty ride.

 

Ah, well, you confused us with post #4.