Hi there,

Just thought I would upload a picture of my brand new Fiat 500 after a quick wash!

It truly is a fantastic car! Done a few minor exterior upgrades already but one of the bigger ones is tomorrow...Eibach Sportline springs! Have just ordered a Ragazzon exhaust system too!

Will keep this thread updated!

Oh and a before pic to show the car before it's lowered!

Now lowered on the eibach sportline springs! What a difference and not as crashy as what I expected! Is it true that springs take a while to "bed" in?

How do the springs compare with the standard ones ride wise? Am I correct in thinking that the Sportline springs are "progressive" ie the initial bit of compression is soft, giving a smoother ride over minor irregularities but over bigger bumps they have the same resistance as the standard springs?

Hi there,

You are right in terms of there progressive nature.

In all honesty, they are firmer than the standard springs but not crashy or offer an uncomfortable ride. I've went over a few large bumps and you do notice them a bit more than she the suspension was standard but nothing that feels as if the car will fall apart.

I would certainly recommend them! Glad I bought this kit over the pro springs. Once they bed in a bit more, the car might sit lower

I have 16" wheels on my 500s, and they fill the wheel arches very nicely.
Thought of bigger wheels?

I'm actually thinking of 16s in a few months time. I think 17s would look too big in all honesty.

Quick question though... Might be a daft one!

Am I right in assuming that with a larger wheel, tyre profile is reduced? So in theory, with the extra inch of alloy, the tyre height is reduced so the difference won't be that noticeable in terms of profile and arch gap? I hope that makes sense

Cumminz said:

Am I right in assuming that with a larger wheel, tyre profile is reduced? So in theory, with the extra inch of alloy, the tyre height is reduced so the difference won't be that noticeable in terms of profile and arch gap? I hope that makes sense

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The basic idea is to keep as close as possible to the original rolling diameter, so if you go up a rim size, the profile reduces to maintain the original diameter of the wheel/tyre combination. The arch gap is reduced by lowering the suspension (obviously), but should stay (almost) the same as you move through the different wheel size options.

So if you go to 16" or 17" rims, you'll be running lower profile tyres, which will likely worsen the ride somewhat. Those who've done it generally seem to post that 16" is a reasonable compromise which doesn't affect the ride too much, but that 17" is a step too far for the 500.

Looks good, although I wouldn't want it any lower. I agree with JRK's comments above. My TA Lounge has the optional 16" multispoke alloys, carrying 195/45 16 tyres, and it has a firmer ride than my mate's Twinair, which has stock 15" alloys and (I think) 55 profile tyres. It's not too bad, though, and the bigger wheels look better IMHO and also grip well. Cumminz, did you change the dampers too?

TrevC said:

Looks good, although I wouldn't want it any lower. I agree with JRK's comments above. My TA Lounge has the optional 16" multispoke alloys, carrying 195/45 16 tyres, and it has a firmer ride than my mate's Twinair, which has stock 15" alloys and (I think) 55 profile tyres. It's not too bad, though, and the bigger wheels look better IMHO and also grip well. Cumminz, did you change the dampers too?

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I certainly think 16" wheels are the way to go. To be honest though I'm in no rush to replace my wheelset, would rather get as much use out of the tyres as possible etc.

Dampers are stock, been reassured from Eibach and a few mechanics that standard shocks should comfortably cope with the springs. To be honest if the ride was very crashy then I might object but In terms of ride stiffness, it hasn't increased too much from standard!

Here's a pic of my 500s with16" wheels... Very happy with the ride...

Yes, but the roads in Australia are like a billiard table compared to those in the UK

306maxi said:

Yes, but the roads in Australia are like a billiard table compared to those in the UK

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Hmm... We do have our share of crappy potholed roads... Been a while since I've driven in the UK... Interestingly our roads vary state to state according to funding. Victorian roads are much better I'd say than NSW...

306maxi said:

Yes, but the roads in Australia are like a billiard table compared to those in the UK

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The roads in Outer Mongolia are like a billiard table compared to some of those in Dorset.

My parents live in Gloucestershire, not far from the border with Warwickshire and the tourist magnet that is Stratford Upon Avon. The contrast between the roads on either side of the border amuses me, there is a visible change for the worse as you leave Warwickshire.

The roads in Gloucestershire are very poor.

It has been a while since I last updated my thread but since then, my 500 has seen numerous changes!

Changes include a Ragazzon exhaust, new wheels, carbon fibre tailgate handle/doorhandles/mirror caps and eyelids, incudtion kit and a few other exterior mods. I think it looks great! A few other bits to install in the future...

Love it. What are the wheels?

babyferrari said:

Love it. What are the wheels?

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Thanks mate! Wheels are Ronal R50 aero 16"