thinking of lowering the X

[gdlbmw]

Yes, I do only have air bags in the rear.

How about spacers? I am adding the 4.8is front and rear bumper I am not thinking of adding the wheel arches but I would like the wheels to have the staggered look.

[Cadesto]

To chime in.. I ordered HR lowering springs for my non air ride sport 06x..
As ive learned ( i suppose to lack of demand and age) these are pretty much made to order should be here around nov11th..
Main question.. Should i take itnto the stealership, or can any suspension shop do this job without fubaring my x up?
Also alignment.. Ive upgraded wheels to 9 front and 10 back on 20's.. Wheres the best place for alignments?
While im at it.. The steering wheel is off to the right about 3-5 degrees.. No problems driving but bothers me..
Thanks in advance

[X5SND]

C, any Indy well versed with the E53 or BMW's in General should be able to get those springs in with no worries. As for alignment...That's the only thing I go to the local dealer for as it's not something I'd trust to any of our Indys. Make sure you ask for a print out of the results though.

[tmv]

Originally Posted by gdlbmw

Yes, I do only have air bags in the rear.

How about spacers? I am adding the 4.8is front and rear bumper I am not thinking of adding the wheel arches but I would like the wheels to have the staggered look.

Depend on what wheels you have. I would put at least 15mm in the rear on the stock style168.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by Cadesto

To chime in.. I ordered HR lowering springs for my non air ride sport 06x..
As ive learned ( i suppose to lack of demand and age) these are pretty much made to order should be here around nov11th..
Main question.. Should i take itnto the stealership, or can any suspension shop do this job without fubaring my x up?
Also alignment.. Ive upgraded wheels to 9 front and 10 back on 20's.. Wheres the best place for alignments?
While im at it.. The steering wheel is off to the right about 3-5 degrees.. No problems driving but bothers me..
Thanks in advance

Where are you in Texas?

The H&R lowering kit can be easily installed by a decent Indy shop. It is not a difficult DIY but you would need to rent a spring compressor from Autozone or O'Reillys. The rear installation is very easy to do as it is only a replacement of the ride height sensor arm links. There is no reason to change the struts unless they are due but they they are removed to change the springs--what you have will work fine. The rear shocks are not touched to lower the rear so there is no need to replace the rear shock unless they are bad.

Most independent shops will not align an X. I go to the same dealership each time
so its is more likely to be the same tech. I keep each alignment sheet. Cost at Dallas dealers is $195.

If you are going to add spacers I suggest you do so at the same time so you only need one alignment. Purchase a brand that uses a longer bolt into the rotor and longer lug nuts as most tire stores will not change tires if the spacers and tires are not adequately secured. The steering wheel off may mean you have other problems with the suspension but it can also be caused by being out of alignment so the re-alignment may correct it.

at some point of spacer width negative camber to specs may not be possible. I suggest choosing spacer width by measuring the gap between the outside tread to the lip of the outside fender wheel. If you go beyond that you will be throwing debris on the side of you X. I don't think spacers wider than 20mm certainly 25mm should be considered but there are many that have gone wider. If you want more than 20 I suggest wider rims with a greater negative offset.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by gdlbmw

Hi everyone after some research i am thinking of lowering my X with some H&R front springs and the rear links that the kit comes with for the air bags.

I am currently running a style 214 replica 22" wheels and was wondering if anyone here is running anything similar.

Has the ride changed dramatically?

I will be doing an alignment once the X is lowered.

Thanks in advance for any input you might have.

Cesar

I have the H&R kit with stock shocks and struts. I tried aftermarket struts and shocks and ride was miserable and the handling was not as good.

The H&R springs are the same or almost the same spring rate. They are just shorter. I really noticed the change in center of gravity. I think the ride is little stiffer, not much at all. It was much more than offset by how much more comfortable I am with the handling. I have the stock wheels (87s) 20" wheels that came on my X. If you like the ride of what you have I think you will be fine with the H&R difference.

[DYPWICK]

FWIW I did H&R's with Bilstein sports in the front (rear air susp) and I find the ride to be absolutely perfect for my tastes. Highway cruising is amazing and I feel like city driving is very civilized, yes it is a touch more firm than stock but very smooth and more responsive.

IMO it comes down to how you use your X and what you want out of it.

Just my .02, best of luck with your setup👍