The H&R 29991-1 is a progressive-rate lowering spring set for the 1995–2001 BMW 740i and 740iL (E38), built for cars without factory self-leveling and without the Sport suspension package. The springs are made in Germany from 54SiCr6 spring steel that is shot-peened, and they are listed at about 1.9 inches lower in front and 1.3 inches in rear. The progressive rate keeps the ride more composed than a cheap drop spring, while closing the fender gap that stock springs leave on this heavy sedan. Owners on user forums say the E38 sits noticeably higher than its sport-package siblings, so this set is a practical way to get a stance change without giving up the car's comfort. Enthusiasts searching for E38 740iL progressive lowering springs, 1.9 front 1.3 rear drop, or H&R sport springs without self-leveling will find this is the set matched to that configuration.
Fitment is the main risk. Owner accounts describe a self-leveling E38 bouncing badly over bumps after non-matching rear springs were fitted, so confirm your car's rear suspension configuration before ordering. For a clean install, plan on a floor jack, two jack stands, quality strut spring compressors, and a set of 13–21 mm sockets. Owners on user forums report that front and rear spring swaps on a related BMW chassis took three to five hours, and E38 springs are shaped differently from many other BMW springs, so take your time with compression. After installation, a wheel alignment is the sensible next step, since the ride height change alters camber and toe.
No. This set is designed only for cars without factory self-leveling and without the Sport suspension package. Owner accounts report rear bounce problems when incompatible rear springs are installed on self-leveling cars, so verify your configuration first.
No. Part 29975-1 is a separate H&R set with a smaller drop of about 1.3 inches in front and 0.6 inches in rear. Some listings mix up the two numbers, so check the part number on the box before installing.
This is an intermediate-to-advanced job because the springs are compressed inside the strut assembly at the front and sit around the shock and control arm area at the rear. Use a floor jack, two jack stands, and reliable spring compressors; owners on user forums warn that cheap compressors make the strut and spring hard to remove without scratching the fender. Lubricate the strut bushing so it slides back into place, make sure the spring seats are aligned before tightening, and budget a full day for all four corners. Confirm the vehicle's self-leveling and Sport suspension status before you start, since that determines whether this set is correct.
