E53 Sport vs Non-sport suspension (non-air)

[Russianblue]

What are the differences?

slightly higher spring rates?
slightly firmer dampers?
what about sway bars? bigger rear?

has anyone on the board done this upgrade?

[bcredliner]

If you don't already have air suspension, I would be surprised if anyone would recommend you do so. The history of problems with air suspension is much greater than non-air assisted suspension.

[THE VEIN]

I don't think he is asking to swap in air suspension just what's the difference between the sport and non sport suspensions on a non air setup

[Green Dragon]

Originally Posted by Russianblue

What are the differences?

slightly higher spring rates?
slightly firmer dampers?
what about sway bars? bigger rear?

has anyone on the board done this upgrade?

Russian Blue,
I know the rear sway is 22 mm on the non-sport, and 23.5 mm on the sport. Front sways are the same across the field as far as I know. My guess is that the spring rates and dampeners for the sport are more aggressive. This was true for both my sport and non-sport 3.0i. Sorry I can't give you anything definitive, but a sport set up in the Charlotte area would be great. Alot of guys go with Eibach or H&R springs all around with both Bilstiens or stock sport springs, to mildly lower the vehicle and improve handling. It would have been my choice had I not gone with a KW set-up (which I haven't installed yet). GL Buddy.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by THE VEIN

I don't think he is asking to swap in air suspension just what's the difference between the sport and non sport suspensions on a non air setup

That's why my post started with if. And, based on OP asking if anyone has done the "up grade", it is likely something he is considering. I think the first thing that should be conveyed, is that if it is an upgrade at all, it can be a troublesome one.

I think the best value suspension upgrade is first be sure the current suspension is in great shape. Once that is verified, add front and rear aftermarket sway bars, like Eibach, a lower kit, like H&R, wider wheels and tires and wheel spacers that bolt to the hub and come with longer lug bolts. Consideration for spacer width should be that alignment within camber specs can still be achieved, and, to save the paint, the tires should not extend past the wheelwells. A more aggressive camber will get the most out of these upgrades but unless pushing handling to the limits, and maybe not even then, it is not a value when increased tire wear is included in the equation.

[Russianblue]

i have significant experience with suspension upgrades in e28 and e36 form including but not limited....raising, lowering, upgraded sways, urethane bushings, solid M bushings, custom 750il bushings, solid endlinks, adjustable coilovers, bilstein HD's, bilstein sports, stock BMW, solid shock mounts, adjustable (ground control) camber plates, aftermarket springs, sport springs, bigger wheels, lighter wheels, spacers, hubcentric rings and every iteration thereof. Incidentally, i will NEVER use wheel spacers again. they are a NIGHTMARE for alignment and shimmy etc etc.

after ALL of this experimentation over the years, i have certainly learned to respect the engineering of the 'stock' suspension. as such, i am POTENTIALLY looking to do the mildest upgrade possible, particularly based on the enjoyment of my 328is in stock form...which was basically the stock 328i but with different springs and dampers. I liked the BMW 'sport' feel a LOT.

I would assume the e53 Sport suspension (i.e. sport springs, dampers and perhaps sway bars) is a nice, mild upgrade and one that could be done rather easily and inexpensively when the time comes for new struts. Converting to air suspension is not a consideration.

i don't particularly care about lowering the car and 20 inch chrome rims. if i were to upgrade wheels, i'd want the 18"' 5-spoke kind.

i am reticent to choose an aftermarket, off the shelf shock and spring combo. in my opinion, combining aftermarket springs, Bilstein HD/sport or some other shock is a complete crap shoot. shocks and springs go hand in hand. dampers need to be valved to match the springs. this is where i assume BMW did some sort of research with the 'sport' suspension.

advice is nice, but everyone's opinion is completely different. especially as it relates to springs I have come to find out (kidney belt in hand)!! anecdotal evidence and information is invaluable in a situation like this. "i had this and upgraded to that, and the difference was X".

i don't want to end up with something that is harsh (according to MY perspective) and changes the characteristics of the vehicle drastically. that said, i think there is some room for improvement without giving up much of the very nice ride i have now.

which brings us back to the gist of the original question...which was not "should i upgrade?" rather, have any of YOU upgraded? what parts were needed? what were the results?

thus far, we have established
1) that sport suspension contained a larger rear sway bar
2) likely different shocks and springs

at the end of the day, i will need part numbers. this stuff just takes tons of time to verify and I am sure i can figure it out. it'd just be a heckuva lot easier if i didn't have to reinvent the wheel.

[Gregory891]

My X5 is a 2002 with rear only air suspension, std front springs & 22 mm rear bar. I have the "low spec" factory 17" wheels.

During the "replace all front suspension arms, ball joints, etc. as well as rear" I installed Bilstein (B6 - the yellow ones) shocks, both front & rear and added a factory rear sport bar (23.5 mm). I have firmer and a bit flatter cornering. Not planning to lower or try to make it M-ish.

I have another set of 18" factory wheels & tires (discounted take-off) to put on the car after my 17" wear out. Didn't want radical or sway bar wars - I did this when I was 25 and I'm not any more.

Car is firmer, not too choppy. In short, I'm pleased with the results - it's "just right".

[bcredliner]

There is no way of know your level of experience or knowledge unless it is conveyed in your post. I apologize if you are offended by my post. I suggest if you only want to hear from folks that have the same year and model X that you have, that have made that particular change, to made that crystal clear. As you know, this is a forum and opinions are the norm rather than the exception. You more than likely than not will hear opinions even if you post you don't want any.

I also have great respect for BMW engineering. I went a different route than the differences in regular to sport as they are primarily cosmetic. Nor are they the same from year to year. As far as handling improvements bigger wheels and tires were a constant. The years that you had a center console button changed suspension settings. The posting saying the sway bar is thicker is positive so I will assume that that was a part of at least some years.

Not my first suspension rodeo either. I have made some bad mistakes regarding aftermarket parts but most of the time with research what I got was what I was seeking. Obviously, you don't always stick to BMW engineering with your list of what you have done in the past.

I agree, there are some pitiful spacers out there. FYI-I have never experienced a shimmy or camber issue with spacers.

To get where you want to go, I would suggest going to RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog, won't take that long and then come back with the parts list and ask if you got it right if you are not sure.

[bigwave2255]

i would not consider upgrading to sport springs, as in my case i found them tiresome

every imperfection in the highway reminded me that this car has NO suspension.

i would / and did replaced my springs with eibachs and replaced the struts/shocks.

now i feel for me anyway that i have the best of both worlds, good handling and a decent ride quality.

i have also had a KMAC rear camber kit fitted and i have to say while my tyres are now wearing beautifully however the handling has dropped off a little not having that factory negative camber

[absentmathis]

I've presumably got sport springs on the rig I've got, at least it's got the sport package. Converted from air to standard in the rear. Got no complaints, but don't have a lot to compare it to either as I'm rather new to the e53. Much like you, though, I have much love for factory sport setups after years of playing with lowered cars and everything else. I'm in Charlotte, PM me if you like and maybe we can catch up.