I agree about going too hard and/or the wrong combination of parts. For my 7, I went with tested and proven parts from well known aftermarket supplies that others have used with success, and then I dipped into BMW's own stock parts bin. I did Bilstein HD shocks (OE supplier), H&R Stage II springs (slightly lower than Stage I), upgraded to the larger Euro diameter sway bar in the front and then custom brackets were made to add the Euro sway bar in the rear (which only come on 740is and 750's in the US), 750iL brakes (direct bolt-on for a dual piston caliper) and a good set of tires. Poly bushing are a coin toss for trade offs of longevity vs ride. Stan made a good point that it also takes competent shop that knows what it takes to install BMW suspensions, ie putting the weight on the wheels when torquing bolts, weight properly placed inside the car when doing alignments, etc.
Another good way to make your car handle better is to learn how to drive it, seriously. Taking driving schools have been invaluable to me, just like taking advanced motorcycle classes. Anyone can drive/ride down the road, but it takes instruction from a pro to truly learn your form of transportation and how to make the best of it. Throwing cool parts at it is one thing, but if the operators techniques are all wrong, it all goes to waste. Ever meet a hot chick, smoking body...who didn't have a clue of what she was doing in the bedroom?
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650hp 10 X5///M - Stage 2, Vibrant 1794's , gutted cats, custom intake, AC Forged 22's
325hp 98 BMW 740iL -
///M5 6spd,
www.bavengine.com w/ Performance Option, electric fan, CF intake tube w/ heatshield, Mag 14816 w/ notched bumper, Bilstein/H&R Stage II/Powerflex
600+hp 02 Harley F150 - MHP900 Stage 3 engine, KB2.3, 8# lower, 60# inj, Walbro FP's
135hp 01 TL1000R - M4 full exhaust, K&N, Yosh box, -1/+2 gears, 2CT's