3.0 Lowering

[windblow]

Originally Posted by Kewl X5

Unfortunately, unless you go with AC Schnitzer, no other companies currently make sports struts/shocks for the X5 in the U.S.

KW suspension makes full coilovers variant III for the X5 3.0i. Do a search on the internet and you shall find, more expensive but allows for more adjustments.

Originally Posted by Kewl X5

My recommendation is NOT to lower the X5 3.0i and accept it for what it is. The sports package has a nice compromise with handling/ride. You can put lowering springs, but you won't have enough dampening with the OEM Struts/Shocks and your ride will be even more "bouncy" and less settled and even though you have lower center of gravity, when you hit a bump, you'll be bouncing around everywhere....

I think different. The Eibach springs are good, you can install together with the Bilstein struts/shocks combination to provide you with better handling than the sport oem setup. Bilstein makes shock/struts for the X5, and their aftermarkets products for the X5 are firmer than stock. The 1.2in drops all around are best suited for the X5. It allows you room for more utility, leave room to add bigger wheels and fatter tires for more roadholding. And if you want, you can increase track by choosing aftermarket wheels offset carefully, or add H&R spacers. Then you can add some negative camber to the front wheels with a set of RE camber plates. If you do, it's very important to get the right type of spacer for safety reasons.
The bottom line is you can do a lot to improve the handling of your X5. They come suited to the average consumers, sport for the more demanding drivers, but you'll need to mod if you're an enthusiast. I'd say go for it!

[jlevi]

That's a good point. We can get you a great set of Bilstein shocks for the X5 and combine them with some springs.

JL

[windblow]

Originally Posted by dkl

Why would anyone get an SAV for it's added ground clearance and then turn around to lower it? If the extra ground clearance is not needed, why not just pick up a 530Xi sports wagon instead (no mod needed to get it lowered)?

NOT EVERYONE BUY A CAR/TRUCK FOR THE SAME REASON. The ground clearance may be the reason for you to buy an SAV/SUV, but if it's that important, why don't you get a vehicle with say, 10in clearance instead of 8in like the X5? Then you can comfortably go offroad. The X5 is not designed to go offroad, and in most cases lowering makes no difference in how it's being used. It only makes the car handle better in all situation.

IF SITTING POSITION IS IMPORTANT TO YOU, YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER A MULTITUDE OF OTHER CARS/TRUCKS. The truth is, modding is not for everyone. But that's what the forum is for, distributing user experience. If you haven't had experience in a lowered X5, let someone else who has already done so speak about their experience.

[Kewl X5]

Hey, that's great if Bilstein finally makes struts/shocks for the X5. At the time I was considering these mods (back in 2002) there wasn't any Bilstein struts/shocks for the X5. I agree that Eibach makes great springs, but you should match it with decent struts/shocks. However, if you have X5 with a rear air suspension and if you lower it with BMW's computer, what amount of dampening are you going to use?

Anyhow, good luck with the mods. Trust me, you don't me---I have plenty of mods on this X5.....Come check us out at West Fest IV in California to check it out.

Good luck with your mods.

Originally Posted by windblow

KW suspension makes full coilovers variant III for the X5 3.0i. Do a search on the internet and you shall find, more expensive but allows for more adjustments.


I think different. The Eibach springs are good, you can install together with the Bilstein struts/shocks combination to provide you with better handling than the sport oem setup. Bilstein makes shock/struts for the X5, and their aftermarkets products for the X5 are firmer than stock. The 1.2in drops all around are best suited for the X5. It allows you room for more utility, leave room to add bigger wheels and fatter tires for more roadholding. And if you want, you can increase track by choosing aftermarket wheels offset carefully, or add H&R spacers. Then you can add some negative camber to the front wheels with a set of RE camber plates. If you do, it's very important to get the right type of spacer for safety reasons.
The bottom line is you can do a lot to improve the handling of your X5. They come suited to the average consumers, sport for the more demanding drivers, but you'll need to mod if you're an enthusiast. I'd say go for it!

[Eurosport]

Bilstein HD is more firm than stock sport?

hd is recommended for use with stock springs per bilstein website
so they still don't make bilstein SP for X5

[Dblock2151]

Originally Posted by jlevi

That's a good point. We can get you a great set of Bilstein shocks for the X5 and combine them with some springs.

JL

Anyway you can get me the KW V3's Jon?

[eddii]

does anyone have any problems with tyres scrubbing against the guards when lowered. ive got 20" staggered and a bit concened that it might scrub.