Does anybody here knows the proper orientation of rear coil springs?

[bmw540san]

I'm in the middle of rear coil springs conversion and I simply don't know which is the right way. I got the kit from ECS Tuning and it's all OEM parts:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...FdgcgQod91ABiA

Here is the problem:

The coil spring is wider on one side and narrower on other. If I install it with wider part up it's perfect fit on top but the spring doesn't sit all the way on the bottom:

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If I install it with narrower part up it's perfect fit on the bottom but it doesn't fit on top.

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I did quite a bit of search but I can't confirm one way or the other. I believe this is proper placement of pads:

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I'll check with ECS Tuning tomorrow but I'd appreciate if somebody can confirm the proper placement.

[jcp240z]

I believe that the plastic cap is key. It should fit into the top hole of the spring. Then that slides into the rubber cap with the fingers. That is what aligns it.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by jcp240z

I believe that the plastic cap is key. It should fit into the top hole of the spring. Then that slides into the rubber cap with the fingers. That is what aligns it.

I wish if it was that simple, but the problem lies in the fact that both ends must seat the pads all the way and it's simply impossible. Anyway, here is the real problem:

After a long search I came to conclusion that ECS Tuning kit contains the wrong springs. At the moment they refusing to agree with me but I'll provide additional proof on Friday when I receive Suplex springs from another vendor.

The issue:

The whole point of this kit is to replace rear air springs with OEM coil springs found on some 3.0 models. ECS Tuning kit supplies 33 53 6 779 860 OEM springs found on later 2009+ E70 models and maybe some other.

These springs simply don't match the upper and lower spring pads provided since pads belong on E53 and springs don't. I keep telling them to check any BMW catalog, these springs won't fit on E53 due to different shape of ends.

I've also sent the link of this thread and ask them to open one of their kits in warehouse and to try to match springs with pads.

The correct part # is 33 53 1 096 302 or Suplex 06204 which I'm getting on Friday. These are direct fit to E53 3.0 which again is the whole point of the kit.

Once I show them a picture of springs pads they supplied (which are perfect fit to E53) matching the coil springs I'm getting, I'm hoping they'll finally realize their mistake.

While I'm trully pissed of by wasting 1/2 a day and ECS Tuning claiming they're right, I'll be fair and wait to receive the springs and show them irrefutable proof. They also claim they sold bunch of these kits with no issues but I simply don't believe that.

They agreed to take them back (I saved the packaging and they're in as new condition) and we'll see if they live up to their word.

[upallnight]

Had the same problem with Turner Motorsport. Order a wheel sensor from them because I wanted an original BMW part. They sent the wheel sensor and it looked nothing like the sensor I removed. Contacted them and told them that they sent the wrong part. They replied that according to the VIN that I sent with my order they sent the right part. Had to take picture of the original part and the part they sent and they finally told me to send the part back at my expense and they will credit my order. Well, they credit my order less a 15% restocking fee. That was the last time I order anything from Turner Motorsport.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Had the same problem with Turner Motorsport. Order a wheel sensor from them because I wanted an original BMW part. They sent the wheel sensor and it looked nothing like the sensor I removed. Contacted them and told them that they sent the wrong part. They replied that according to the VIN that I sent with my order they sent the right part. Had to take picture of the original part and the part they sent and they finally told me to send the part back at my expense and they will credit my order. Well, they credit my order less a 15% restocking fee. That was the last time I order anything from Turner Motorsport.

I hear you.
I'm trying to be patient here but they're acting as there is no way they're wrong. They're the only ones to list those springs as E53 fit while everybody else doesn't. I pointed that out to them and all I get is: We have to research it first.
17 million websites lists them as no fit on E53 and yet that's not proof enough?
When it turns out I'm right, they better refund me every single penny I paid, not to mention 1/2 day of frustration and searching internet which I could've been done by now.

[Joshdub]

Unfortunately this is par for the course with ECS. That place blows

[Qsilver7]

If the conventional kits don't work out...and all you needed where the rear air springs...Arnott sells them for $133: https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...21_pid162.html

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

If the conventional kits don't work out...and all you needed where the rear air springs...Arnott sells them for $133: https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...21_pid162.html

I have no doubt the kit will work with the right springs. I've confirmed it 100%. I simply prefer simplicity of coil springs vs. potential issues with blown air springs, blown air compressor, leaking reservoirs, failing sensors etc...

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

Unfortunately this is par for the course with ECS. That place blows

I'll wait till tomorrow just in case I'm somehow wrong and the springs I'm getting are the same.
But if I'm right, then the claim that they sold bunch of these kits with no issues is either blatant lie or everybody who bought them are blind.
I'll update on what happens tomorrow.

[ECS Tuning]

bmw540san sorry about all the confusion with these my kit caused. I currently have my guys reviewing your findings and updating our kits accordingly. Honestly looking at your findings I feel you are correct and my guys made an error. You also have a PM from me, I'd like to get a little info from you so I can be of service.

Joshdub I'm sorry to hear you feel that way, feel free to PM me some more info if you'd like.

-James