** TEMA 30mm Lift Install **
This is what happens when I am on Covid quarantine lock down - I get a ton of work done in my workshop! Over the past 4 days I installed the lift kit, installed new brake rotors and pads, flushed and bled the brake fluid, and replaced the rear diff fluid!
The TEMA lift installation is complete. It took me about 3 hrs per rear and 2 hrs per front for a total of 10 hrs to install the lift kit. I'm not that great of a mechanic so if you know what you're doing I am sure that you could do it in less time. I thought I'd start with the results and then I'll post the details of the install in a subsequent post.
The TEMA lift kit consists of front spacers that install on top of the front shocks/struts. The upper shock mount bolts are too short so they have to be replaced with longer bolts so they reach through the spacer. This means that you have to remove the front strut and remove the top mount to get to replace the bolts. The rear spacer installs under the coil spring and above the lower spring bushing. This means that you have to compress the spring and get the lower control arm to fully extend to have enough room to install the spacer on top of the lower spring bushing. Overall, its a good amount of work.
The result: 1.25" lift in front and 1.5" in rear.
My initial impression is that this is not a huge lift so the overall change in appearance is somewhat subtle, but noticeable compared to stock (see photos below). In terms of driving, the X5 seems to drive just like stock. Handling was as surefooted as ever and the ride wasn't noticeably stiffer - just smooth as always. I only had time for about 30 mins of driving around town this afternoon so I didn't have a chance to experience freeway driving or off road. The good news is that I was able to hit road dips at a lot higher speed without any fender rub.
Overall, I am very happy with the initial result. For the $147 price of the lift kit, its hard to beat this kit for value.
Oh, and my Covid quarantine ends today. I tested negative on Friday and haven't had any symptoms so even though I was exposed, I didn't catch it.
Here are some before/after photos:
1. Kit
2. Before
3. After