Project Snapshot

Vehicle

2016 Porsche Macan S

Suspension Upgrade

H&R Lowering Springs

Factory Suspension

Non-PASM

Customer Goal

Reduce wheel gap, improve handling, and achieve a clean OEM+ appearance while maintaining daily driving comfort.

Estimated Ride Height Reduction

Approximately 1.2–1.5 inches (H&R published specification)

Additional Service

Professional 4-Wheel Alignment

Labour Time

Approximately 6 Hours

Key Takeaways

H&R Lowering Springs provide an OEM+ stance without requiring a full coilover system.
This 2016 Porsche Macan S was equipped with the standard (non-PASM) suspension.
The advertised 1.2–1.5 inch drop significantly reduces factory wheel gap.
A professional wheel alignment is an essential part of any suspension installation.
The project was completed in approximately six hours and returned to the customer the same day.

One of the Best OEM+ Upgrades for the Porsche Macan

The first-generation Porsche Macan has earned a reputation as one of the best-driving luxury SUVs on the market. With sharp steering, balanced handling, and unmistakable Porsche DNA, it’s a vehicle that feels far more athletic than its size suggests.

However, one aspect that many owners wish to improve is the factory ride height.

Even on the Macan S, the generous wheel gap can leave the vehicle looking taller than expected—particularly on factory wheels. While this higher stance offers practicality, enthusiasts often prefer a lower, more planted appearance that better matches the Macan’s sporty driving character.

For this daily-driven 2016 Porsche Macan S, the owner wasn’t looking to build an aggressive show vehicle or compromise everyday comfort. Their goal was straightforward: reduce the factory wheel gap, sharpen the vehicle’s handling, and achieve a tasteful OEM+ look.

H&R Lowering Springs offered the ideal solution.

Why Choose Lowering Springs Instead of Coilovers?

When owners begin researching suspension upgrades, one of the first questions is whether to install lowering springs or invest in a full coilover system.

For many daily-driven vehicles, lowering springs provide an excellent balance between aesthetics, handling, and value.

Unlike adjustable coilovers, lowering springs retain the factory dampers while replacing only the springs. This helps preserve much of the original ride quality while lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity and improving overall appearance.

For drivers who aren’t planning to adjust ride height regularly or build a dedicated track vehicle, a quality spring package can often achieve exactly what they’re looking for.

That made H&R Lowering Springs an excellent choice for this Macan.

Why H&R?

H&R has long been recognized as one of the industry’s leading suspension manufacturers, producing springs engineered specifically for each vehicle application.

For the non-PASM Porsche Macan, H&R designed these springs to deliver an advertised ride height reduction of approximately 1.2 to 1.5 inches.

The benefits include:

Reduced wheel gap
Lower center of gravity
Improved cornering confidence
Reduced body roll
Sportier appearance
Maintained everyday drivability

Rather than dramatically changing the vehicle’s personality, the goal is to enhance what Porsche already engineered.

Inspecting the Factory Suspension Before Installation

Before beginning the installation, we inspected the suspension components and prepared the H&R Lowering Springs for installation.

Using application-specific components helps ensure proper fitment and ride characteristics.

Because this Macan was equipped with the standard suspension rather than Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), the spring selection was specific to the non-PASM configuration.

Installing H&R Lowering Springs on the Front Suspension

The front suspension was carefully disassembled to access the factory springs.

Replacing suspension springs requires specialized equipment and proper procedures, as coil springs store significant energy even when the vehicle is lifted.

After safely compressing the original springs, the H&R replacements were installed before reassembling the front suspension to factory specifications.

Careful attention was paid throughout the process to ensure proper seating and alignment of every component.

Replacing the Rear Factory Springs with H&R Lowering Springs

The rear suspension followed a similar process, with the factory springs removed and replaced by the H&R units.

Each component was inspected during reassembly before final torque procedures were completed.

Taking the time to properly reinstall suspension components helps ensure long-term reliability and consistent handling characteristics.

Performing a Professional Four-Wheel Alignment After Lowering

Once the suspension installation was complete, we performed a professional four-wheel alignment.

This is one of the most important steps after lowering any vehicle.

Lowering changes suspension geometry, which can affect toe, camber, steering feel, and tire wear. Without correcting these alignment settings, even a well-installed suspension upgrade may result in premature tire wear or compromised handling.

By aligning the vehicle to specification after the springs had settled, we ensured the Macan was ready for everyday driving with predictable handling and optimal tire contact.

The Finished OEM+ Transformation

The transformation speaks for itself.

The excessive factory wheel gap is greatly reduced, giving the Macan a lower, wider, and more purposeful stance while maintaining the refined appearance expected from a Porsche.

Rather than appearing heavily modified, the finished result looks as though it could have left the factory this way—exactly what many enthusiasts refer to as the OEM+ look.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do H&R Lowering Springs lower a non-PASM Porsche Macan?

For the non-PASM Porsche Macan application featured in this case study, H&R specifies an approximate ride-height reduction of 1.2 to 1.5 inches. The final stance can vary slightly depending on vehicle condition, factory equipment, wheel and tire setup, and how the suspension settles after installation.

Will H&R Lowering Springs reduce the wheel gap on a Porsche Macan S?

Yes. Reducing the factory wheel gap was one of the main goals for this 2016 Porsche Macan S. The H&R springs lowered the vehicle enough to create a more planted, proportional OEM+ appearance without making the Macan look excessively modified.

Do lowering springs improve the handling of a Porsche Macan?

Lowering springs can improve the Macan’s driving feel by lowering its centre of gravity and reducing some of the body movement associated with the factory ride height. Drivers may notice a more planted and connected feel through corners, although the exact result depends on the condition of the dampers, tires, alignment, and overall suspension.

Are H&R Lowering Springs suitable for a daily-driven Porsche Macan?

For an owner seeking a moderate drop, reduced wheel gap, and a sportier feel while retaining the factory dampers, H&R Lowering Springs can be a practical OEM+ option for a daily-driven Macan. Owners seeking adjustable height or more extensive suspension tuning may be better served by a coilover system.

Are the springs different for PASM and non-PASM Porsche Macans?

Spring applications can vary depending on the vehicle’s suspension configuration. This 2016 Porsche Macan S was equipped with the standard non-PASM suspension, so confirming the correct part application before ordering and installation was important.

Is a four-wheel alignment necessary after installing lowering springs?

Yes. Lowering a vehicle changes its suspension geometry and can affect toe, camber, steering response, and tire wear. We completed a professional four-wheel alignment after installing the springs so the Macan could return to daily use with corrected alignment settings and predictable handling.

How long does it take to install lowering springs on a Porsche Macan?

This H&R Lowering Springs installation, including the related suspension work and four-wheel alignment, required approximately six labour hours. Actual time can vary depending on vehicle condition, suspension configuration, corrosion, seized hardware, and the specific parts being installed.

Do lowering springs require replacing the factory dampers?

Not necessarily. Lowering springs are designed to work with compatible factory dampers, but the condition and mileage of the existing dampers should be considered before installation. Worn dampers may reduce ride quality and suspension control, so an inspection is recommended before deciding whether the original components should be retained.

Can Speed Projects Laboratory install Porsche Macan lowering springs in Richmond, BC?

Yes. Speed Projects Laboratory provides professional suspension installation, four-wheel alignment, maintenance, and performance upgrade services for Porsche vehicles in Richmond, serving customers from Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland. Click here to view other Porsche performance projects.