Quick review of the H&R lowering springs. I had them installed yesterday. I was "lucky" enough to have the "awesome" sport suspension delete
from BMW. I have been looking for stiffer handling like I had on my 2005 4.4 sport E53. After doing research I decided to go with the H&R 1.2" lowering springs.
Car: 2011 BMW X5 E70 35xdrive, not self leveling, with the sport package.
Springs: H&R 1.2" lowering front and rear.
Springs: Came in purple color.. even though they were black on the website. Ordered from Tirerack.com. $281 with free shipping and no tax, delivered in about 4 days.
Installation: Had the springs installed at Pep Boys.. I know weird.. My shop was busy and was not able to do it until next week. Pep Boys did a walk in at 6pm and were finished by 8:30pm. With the discount from their website I paid $336 with a 90 day warranty on work. I watched most of the installation and the guy seemed to know what he was doing.
Handling: The X5 was very slugish on turns, wobbly and bouncy. After the installation there was a significant improvement. Turns became tighter, bounce went away. I was expecting a small difference but it was significant for me.
Stiffness: The ride became stiffer and bumps are more pronounce, but not in a bad way. It feels just like the sport suspension on the 05 4.4 that I had (if I remember correctly), maybe just a bit stiffer. Deffinately not a problem, no bounce, and doesnt knock your teeth out as some other members posted.
Lowering Height: The springs lowered the car exactly as H&R said 1.2" in the front and 1.2" in the back. I know some people have experienced a lower effect, which I am assuming is because of the v8 or diesel engine. But on a 35 v6 twin turbo, the height was exactly as advertised. I almost wish I would have went with the 2" lowering in the front instead of the 1.2".
Package:
Before:
After:
