Coilovers or springs

Hey guys I'm looking to lower my e46 convertible and was wondering if anyone could help with best way to to it coilovers or just springs and best places to buy them from ?

It's all about cost. You can lower with springs and a set of Koni FSDs for around $900, or Bilstein PSS9 coil overs for around $2k. I have the FSD on my e39, on stock MSport suspension, & they're awesome. They're even better than the Koni Yellows that I had on my WRX. Coil overs though are more costly, but better if you can afford it. Bilstein PSS series are great, along with reputable brands with 9-10 way adjustable. Don't cheap out either way, you'll feel the difference. The cheap ones will be too harsh, & beat up on your internal organs.

This is like a Coke or Pepsi question, your gonna get mixed reviews from both sides.

Had Bilstein PSS coilovers for a year on my touring...went to FSD/Eibach kit for more comfort. If you aren't tracking your car or going to slam it, FSD/Eibach are the best. Comfortable for commute, tighten up in the corners. NOPI had the best deal when I ordered in Nov.

Cheers!

What price range are you wanting to stay in? Each price range has a recommended coilover.

Not to tread jack but I had the same concern with my 330ci vert. I have H&R sport springson stock shocks right now and want to either get the H&R touring cupkit for verts or add FSD to my H&R sport springs. Will the FSDs work well with the H&R sport springs on a vert since they also sell them with eibach pro-kit or is it better to pair with stock sport pkg springs. My concern is because the cupkit is vert specific whereas the FSD are not.

From my understanding, one model of FSD were made for stock springs (4005, I think), and one model for eibach springs (4006, again, I think). Eibachs are notorious for their lower spring rate, so this is probably why they are paired with FSD in a package...which I bought. H&R's seem to have a higher spring rate, so Koni doesn't recommend anything, other that Eibach with the 4006, lest the warrenty be voided.

Honestly, having the FSD/Eibach set up, I can't imagine having a very planted ride with a higher spring rate like FSD/H&R...the spring would overwork the dampers.

I have a touring, FSD aren't specific to my vehicle, but I put a thicker spring pad in the rear to keep from the sagging look. The same would probably be true for verts too since the weight difference is similar. Although I do remember reading of another vert with this kit, and the drop was TOO much due to the weight.

H&R cup kit would be ideal for the vert, I would think, since they are engineered for it.

Not sure about H&R, but I have FSDs on MSport suspension on my e39, & it works just fine. I'm planning to do the same with the e46, just use the stock sport package springs with FSDs. I'm more into overall performance, & daily drivability, than the slammed look.