Opinions on shocks w/ lowering kit...

[ljnlaw]

I still have not received the lowering kit from Bav Auto, the kit was supposed to be in last week for shipping. Apparently there is a hold up on the shipment coming into the US for what ever reason.

I was thinking that I will need new shocks and if I am putting lowering springs in the front of the X. While in there I think its a no brainer to also replace the shocks, that being said...Bav Auto only sells Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks for my 4.6is. While the Heavy Duties would be better than my OE shocks with the lowering springs, does anyone think I should go with sport shocks and if so what brand (H&R, etc.) Who makes sport shocks for the 4.6is???

Thanks Lawren

[pski215]

lawren when i get back from vacation i really have to take a drive down to see your x.

[ljnlaw]

Sounds great, looking forward to it.

[nra0707]

Too bad about the hold up on shipment. I was looking forward to seeing how your setup turned out since i'm in the market for doing the same.

[ljnlaw]

Well I have searched some old threads around here and searched the net, it appears that no one sells sport shocks for the X5 (or at least my 4.6is). So after speaking with Bav Auto and my mechanic I have decided to buy the Bilstein Heavy Duties and have them installed with the Bav Auto lowering kit once it comes in and gets shipped (still trying to clear customs coming into the US or something crazy). I was told that the Bilstein HDs will be a little stiffer than the BMW OE shocks and should help prevent the X from bottoming out if god forbid I hit a pothole or big dip in the road. I will definitely post pics of the new mods when complete...the next service will include:

- installing the AFE CAI, and
- installing the Bav auto lowering kit with Bilsteins (front) and rear end links.

[TowX]

Sport are really stiff especially on compression stroke. Even Porsche 911 and 930 people only use the sport on the rear and run the HD on the front for some ride comfort. Stick with the HD.

But FWIW, I have the H&R lowering springs with my stock 40,000 shocks and they work well together.

[Txlee]

hi, linlaw

What is the Bav Auto lowering kit for X5? what stuffs inside the kit??

My 4.6is with OEM suspensions has been good enough to run in the worse roads here, HK; I just put on Swaybars to make it better when cornering, pretty good !!

With Bilstein HDs shock, is it similar to a sport shock ....... so hard when riding ... if so, it is not so good for elder ppl to hv a seat in rough roads

I do wanna modify 4.6is to be with adjustable height of suspensions, just like 4.8is, anybody made it out, pls share your experiences and the possibility too .......

Linlaw, what is the outcome after installation of lower kit and Bilstein shock, hope u share yr comments with us asap.

[mrbmwx5]

i just did the h&r spring with an bilstein hd .it is very stiff

[nra0707]

Originally Posted by Txlee

I do wanna modify 4.6is to be with adjustable height of suspensions, just like 4.8is, anybody made it out, pls share your experiences and the possibility too .......

This mod, if possible, sounds expensive and complicated. I would think that at minimum you would need the switch button, level sensors, front suspension airbags & struts, air pump (maybe?), and control module/reprogramming to understand sensor readings. From what I've read on this board, the ride adjustment (if lowered) readjusts to the higher setting at a certain speed. I do like the look of the DIS computer-lowered look of the 4.8 like JS_4.8's ride http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...plica-rbs.html

I bet the same could be achieved through springs and rear end links though as Ljnlaw is doing.

[jst2878]

wont the h&r springs destroy the oem height designed HD struts?