Everything I researched on the E36 Coupe board suggested that adding track width to only the rear would noticeably add understeer. My primary goal was looks, but I also wanted to avoid replacing the wheel bolts (with 5mm - 20mm H&R spacers you're looking at replacement bolts that are silver.. and won't hold black paint well. 25mm DRA spacers allow you to bolt the spacer to the hub, and then bolt the wheel to the spacer with the factory bolts).
My plan was to put 25mm DRA spacers on the rear of the Coupe and the X5, and then evaluate whether I had to put them on the front for looks... or to counter act the increased understeer.
I have to say, and am pleased to report, that both cars handle waaaaaay better with just the rear spacers installed. A full 2" of track added (1" per side). I'm not detecting ANY additional understeer. Now.. to qualify that, I'm not tracking either car, and I'm not cornering the car on country roads at 117mph. I'm definitely taking these cars to 8/10ths, and so far, I see only benefit.
So there it is. Something actually worked out for once... where you get good looks, safe simple easy install, and the car's performance actually noticeably improved.
I would highly recommend getting rear spacers on yer X5. Cheap easy mod that makes your BMW look fat and cool.
05-08-2008, 09:34 PM
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