How to ruin an x5

[TerminatorX5]

Originally Posted by KyleNatolix5

ride is stiff but the it feels much more responsive and planted to the ground

I'm just joking around. I said that because the huge loss of performance when going this low. When going up driveways the car 3 wheels and looses traction. You have to be extremely careful when on the highway to avoid anything to Bottom out out on. It's fun and an attention grabber, that's why I did it and still working to get it lower

I am confused...

Is it stiff and planted to the ground or is it huge loss of performance??

If it is stiff and planted to the ground, i can see doing this mod, if it is the other way around, they can't see this as a mod that gained some function...

[KyleNatolix5]

Very stiff and planted to the ground= harsh ride. You feel every bump in your in back. Having to keep your eyes peeled for any holes in the street gets annoying. It has its pros and cons. The cons seem to outweigh the pros. Cv joints are constantly breaking etc. Burning through tires. Don't get me wrong I still love the car it's just a different beasts now.

[RajB]

I think tbh going that low with this particular kit will hugely stiffen it up as there will be very little travel in the dampers. Great for highway/motorway and smooth bends. But I think maybe a little crashy?

The KW's in the pics in the 4.8is thread show mine at the minimum drop and for me it's spot on for handling and looks without being unroadworthy that getting up driveways you end up 3 wheeling.

That's just my opinion of course.

[TerminatorX5]

Originally Posted by KyleNatolix5

Very stiff and planted to the ground= harsh ride. You feel every bump in your in back. Having to keep your eyes peeled for any holes in the street gets annoying. It has its pros and cons. The cons seem to outweigh the pros. Cv joints are constantly breaking etc. Burning through tires. Don't get me wrong I still love the car it's just a different beasts now.

So, with such a loss of performance and compromised ride, is it worth it? I understand the looks of it but maybe a different air ride system, that gives a slightly lowered look while in motion, and you can drop it to the ground while parked? Thus, you will retain ride comfort and safety, and at the same time stay low to the ground for the looks... Just trying to figure out if it is possible to have the cake (low ride) and eat it at the same time (no sacrifice the ride quality)...

I think, X5SND has done something to that effect, even though I am not sure that is how he is using his ride...

[KyleNatolix5]

Oh yea thought about a different air system. Definitely doable. My original plans were not go this low, but things changed. It's just a because kind of thing now. I'm exaggerating about the performance loss, but it is still noticeable but not as bad as I make it seem

[RajB]

This is how mine sits on KW V3's.



That's at minimum drop so can wind them down a lot further BUT I don't think going lower is practical. Handling is superb and no issues with driveability.

[4.8isX5]

Damnnn... the way i push mine i definetly want that BBK rajb. On my down the road list.

[TerminatorX5]

Here are couple of pick of two E53s - I just took these a few moments ago, both cars are parked outside, one is stock 2004 4.4 and the other one is stock 2006 4.8. The 4.8 is in the "ACCESS" mode on the full air ride.

The Access mode can be programmed to be a bit lower, for the looks...

[RajB]

Originally Posted by 4.8isX5

Damnnn... the way i push mine i definetly want that BBK rajb. On my down the road list.

Favourite mod for sure.

[Clockwork]

personally I NEVER understood the advantage to lowering an SUV or Pick-up truck.
removing the advantage of height and the vehicles look foolish when done so.
If a person wants a lowered vehicle, why not buy a car and lower it?
SUV/trucks are meant as utility vehicles and for bad road conditions, no? Yes they may have performance in them to a degree, but they are still not meant to be lowered as this changes everything about them.