Which Suspension to go with?

[hinchcliffe]

Hey guys, first post and I searched but couldn't find a definitive question similar.

have a 2005 4.8is with air issues....

I've found a bunch of info and made a few calls to get pricing on springs / struts / shocks

~$1900 - Stock BMW parts
~$1800 - Strutmasters branded stuff
~$1500 - Bilstein's with stock BMW springs
~$1100 - Bilstein's with H&R sport
~$995 - BC Racing BR Coil overs

Prices include the strut bearing and all mounts for the equipment along with the "plug-in" suspension issue light reset.

I hear good things about the BC but not necessarily long term responses to how they hold up. But for a few bucks more Bilstein / H&R is a similar package to what I've had before on my e39 528i and e46 328ci.

Thoughts, I plan to do the install myself so that cost is irrelevant. Who's done it ("Raj" seems to be the best go to guy?) and what issues did you run across when in there. I plan to leave plumbing in place, though remove and sell most of the rest.

Drivers front and passenger rear air bag just went, I just replaced the pump motor so its time for a change. The front struts (BWI Group) were from 2012 based on the sticker on them.

Thanks guys.

[X53Jay4.8is]

I run the H&R springs with Sachs dampers on my X5is and couldn't be happier.

[Qsilver7]

I'm asking only because it wasn't actually stated...but is it your plan to purposely ditch the dual EHC II air spring system for a conventional set-up?

I ask because I didn't see anything mentioned about Arnott...they are a vendor that sells reasonably priced air springs for BMWs with the EHC I & EHC II systems: https://www.arnottindustries.com/part_BMW_yid21.html

{the e53 X5 4.8is has the dual axle EHC II system}

[hinchcliffe]

Dual air, though the pump only has a single airline coming out.

Planning to dump air system for conventional shocks and springs.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by hinchcliffe

Dual air, though the pump only has a single airline coming out.

Planning to dump air system for conventional shocks and springs.

Just for clarification...EHC II is "dual AXLE"...not "dual AIR". The front & rear have air spring/struts in the EHC II system on the 4.8is has.

[hinchcliffe]

Apparently my autocorrect has struck again on my phone keyboard. Axle is correct

[Qsilver7]

Ah...gotcha...been down that road many times.

[hinchcliffe]

OK, got the Bilstein / H&R package today. It "supposedly" has all the spring perches/seats and mounting gear. Anyone have pictures of there rear suspension with springs? I want to make sure i have all the correct parts before I start looking at the part numbers they sent me.

Been searching and must not be using the correct keywords to find pictures.

[stryker14]

Following up on this thread, how did you like the h&r / Bilstein combo? How does it compare to the stock dual axle air? Stiffer? Softer? Bumpier? Thanks!

[hinchcliffe]

It's AWESOME... Yes, it is pretty stiff but I do have the 20" wheels.

I would absolutely recommend this set up to anyone. Ride is similar to the air in the lowest setting, very responsive and can be slightly harsh but not as harsh as my track car.