3.0 Lowering

[t3steve]

Hi
I am a new member, I've been been lurking for a while and searched a bit.
I have a 2003 3.0 Sport.
I want to lower it to make it easier to get in (for my wife) and to improve the handling (for me), the improved look won't hurt either. I have used Eibach springs in the past on other cars and like them.

Do the 1.2 Eibach spring improve handling?

I contacted Eibach and asked about the 2 inch lowering springs on the Eibach show car and they didn't know anything about them, has anybody successfully ordered a set?

Steve

[PeteM]

I personally lowered mine with the full ACS suspension system ie springs struts shocks etc.

I found the improvement to handling was very good plus I still kept all my BMW warranty. (ACS is fully approved and fitted by BMW)

In respect of handling, lowering alone may or may not improve the handling. I cannot answer that from your post alone There are also a lot of much more knowledgeable people on this forum who can answer that question for you too.

But before I can give an opinion I would want to know the rest of your setup ie wheels, suspension etc and do you plan on changing any of these after you lower?

[vinuneuro]

Don't just lower it. Get shocks that are valved for such use as well, Bilstein should have some relevan application.

[Kewl X5]

Unfortunately, unless you go with AC Schnitzer, no other companies currently make sports struts/shocks for the X5 in the U.S. I guess the market is not there.

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....

[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)?

[PeteM]

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)?

Thats a really weird thing to say on this forum, the comparison that is. IMO Your missing the point of modding a car/suv etc that you like.

On your logic you could argue that its more appropriate to buy a Land Rover or even a tractor if your after ground clearance. The guy never said he bought it just for the added ground clearance.

People buy the X for many different reasons and uses but ultimately because thats the car they like the look of, from the number of posts you have I thought you would know that and have seen plenty of evidence to that.

[Michelle]

:xoutpost:

[t3steve]

a 2003 3.0 X5 is considerlby cheaper than a 2006 530Xi sport wagon.
If there was a 2003 or 2004 530Xi sport wagon (yes I know there was a 2wd 2.5l wagon in 2003) it would have been a good choice but my wife still wouldn't want a "station wagon"

[t3steve]

Any feedback from sombody who has actually driven an X5 3.0 sport with the Eibach springs?

Steve

[jlevi]

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