I've owned my 4.4i Sport X5 since 2011 and I'm wondering if it's due for a suspension refresh/rebuild. The current stats are as follows:
- 157K miles.
- Original staggered 19" Style 132 wheels are not on vehicle due to lack of suitable tires. I'm currently running 18" Style 69 wheels with Pirelli Scorpion all season tires with 15K miles on them.
- Recent puncture in left front tire. Tire damaged, so currently on the full size 17" factory spare wheel/tire.
- Original shocks
- Original control arms, bushings, etc.
- New Arnott air springs about 3K miles ago.
- Last alignment was done about 15K miles ago.
- Tire wear is pretty even except for the right rear which has a bit more wear on the inside than the rest.
- Ever so slight vibration at highway speed (before and after installing spare tire).
I recently purchased a nice set of refurbished 4.6is 20" Style 87 wheels (!) that will get Continetal DWS 06 tires, but I don't want to install them until I know the suspension is in top shape. My plan has been to refresh/rebuild the suspension and get an alignment this Fall when things have cooled down. That being said, running on the spare tire (and not having a spare in the trunk) has added some urgency to the situation. On top of that, we're going out of town in a few weeks and wanted to take the X5.
What I have in mind consists of:
- Replace the shocks/struts with new Bilstein B4's.
- Replace all of the control arms, bushings, etc. using Lemforder parts using kit from FCP Euro.
- Replace subframe mounts.
- 4 wheel alignment.
- Install new 4.6is wheels/tires.
My plan has been to do all of the work myself then take it to get an alignment. I like the idea of replacing everything with new and knowing that my suspension is good for another 100K+ miles, BUT is that unnecessary/overkill?
Since I'm now running on the spare, I don't feel like I have the luxury of waiting until Fall. That now begs the question, should I scramble to replace everything myself, OR would I be better off taking it to a known good independent shop and paying them to check/replace only what they deem necessary and do the alignment? Another factor is are there any special tools required to replace any of the aforementioned parts?
I'd certainly appreciate any thoughts/suggestions/advice!