Folks, my tuppence worth.

The bounciness has gone, or is certainly much reduced. Roll reduced too.

The ride is no harsher than the harshness that exists as standard IMO. But then my BM has 19" runflats which make the 500's ride luxurious by comparison, so I may be biased.

The 'crash' that exists over speed humps is gone (is that different rebound?)

Aesthetics much improved.

Got to say, the positives of which there are many, outweigh the negatives in my view.

Message from me is plain and simple : GET IT DONE GUYS !!!

Murano16v said:

Not having driven a 500 yet, but hope to get round to it soon, how does the "bouncyness" differ from say a bog standard Panda or a 100Hp, bearing in mind that the 500 shares the same platform. Anyone owned both?

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Ive owned a standard Panda, the ride on the 500 is more fidgety and although the Panda bounces too, the 500 does it a bit more more hectic, if that makes sense.
Not had any experiences of a 100HP Panda.

My 500 is currently with SPAX for suspension development work and I will advise what the results are in due course.

Murano16v said:

Not having driven a 500 yet, but hope to get round to it soon, how does the "bouncyness" differ from say a bog standard Panda or a 100Hp, bearing in mind that the 500 shares the same platform. Anyone owned both?

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The 500 and the 100HP have very similar rides. The normal Pandas are a good bit softer.

To those who have fitted their own springs, how long did it take? I'm guessing just a decent tool kit & a set of spring compressors would do the trick?

I had mine done for me, took about 90 minutes. The backs took about 10 minutes !
Tracking spot on afterwards, needed no adjustment on mine to stock.

Had a word with the insurance company about the lowered springs, & it's only £20 a year more to insure.

Mark Elvin said:

Had a word with the insurance company about the lowered springs, & it's only £20 a year more to insure.

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didn't cost me any extra at all

Opted for the Apex kit in the end, £73.75 delivered.

Mark Elvin said:

Opted for the Apex kit in the end, £73.75 delivered.

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enjoy mate.

Now to think about the lower strut brace once I know how close to the ground it's going to be.

Mark Elvin said:

Now to think about the lower strut brace once I know how close to the ground it's going to be.

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Then you can rent yourself to the council as a snow plough.

grimwau said:

Then you can rent yourself to the council as a snow plough.

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That's my only worry, I'm sure I have some steel aero "teardrop" tubing from my days in F1 in the garage somewhere, about 10mm x 50mm, I could get my own "low profile" one made up. :idea: