E36 M3 What is this in the spring?

Hi everyone,

I purchased a 1997 M3 few months ago. It runs well to me so far. But since I am new to M3, there is a lot for me to learn about this car. One thing I noticed last time I took off one of the rear tires, there is an metal object inserted into the spring coil. Then I found the same kind of object in the spring coil on the other side as well. It looks like they were put in the springs with a purpose. Can anyone tell me why these objects were in the spring coils and should I keep them there?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

No idea what it is or why someone would put it there. It could be compromising handling integrity, I'd take them off there...

They probably affect the springs compression properties. I'd take them out. It doesn't look safe.

Looks like someone was trying to raise the car slightly by putting those blocks in between the coils. I would remove them.

This car has been lowered. The wheels are 18" aftermarket wheels. I have concern if I take them out, it may cause some problem. I got advice from the other forum that I should check out the spring first and see what they are then make next move. This is not my daily drive. In the meantime, I need to take care of the CV boot. Over the weekend I will raise it up and check out the spring then see what will be the next. Thanks a lot, everyone for the response.

What you are seeing is called a spring spacer and you almost never see them anymore...
Designed to help weak springs that need lift...

Does it mean I have the weak springs? Instead of having these things in my springs, should I consider replace the springs at this time? What are my options? Thanks