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E70 xDrive 35i Lowering Options (Bilstein nationwide shortage)
I have a 2012 X5 35i with premium package, no third row, no rear air self-leveling suspension. My intention was to drop it slightly using H&R lowering springs and Bilstein B8 struts/shocks. I purchased the 1.25" drop springs many months ago but have since not been able to find the Bilstein B8 in stock anywhere. Apparently there is a nationwide shortage. Any suggestions on comparable alternatives? If anyone done a full refresh (new mounts, etc.) and maybe has a list of what other parts they needed that would be great too! My thought was to keep the stock suspension and springs assembled so if I ever sold the car it would be relatively easy to return to stock height. If nobody has a line on where to get Bilstein B8s is there a similar alternative from Koni or such that works good with lowered setup? I'm considering coilovers as an option too. Seem like BC or Broadway options might be similar cost to the H&R / Bilstein B8 setup. I know KWs are great but more than I want to spend. Thanks in advance! Jeff |
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#2
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Koni Special Actives should work
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I know you're looking to keep the stock suspension to replace in case you sell the vehicle, but I just wanted to chime in with my experience in not replacing the shocks. I just lowered mine on H&R sport springs(the 1.2" drop ones 50435-3). I bought my vehicle with 85k miles but it was clearly well maintained and lightly used. I decided to do a budget drop and only replace the springs and whatever installation items were needed. I figured if I wanted to put on coilovers later I could recoup some of the $250 on springs and all I would be out was labor.
When I got the shocks out of the struts in the front they were in very good condition...I can't tell if they've been replaced by they are in good working order. I was only going to replace the strut mount supports(~$20 total for both sides) but I ended up replacing the strut mounts(~$100 total for both sides) as well. Mine actually looked fine but I could tell the rubber bushing in the middle was weaker than it should have been, although it wasn't cracking. The strut mount supports actually weren't horrible, but just starting to flake/crumb, so it was time. I've only put a few hundred miles on the vehicle, but I like it so far. For sure it's a little bumpier, but I wouldn't say it's harsh, just bumpier ride. I suppose the stock shocks will wear out faster being use in a lowered setup. The drop looks great. Only concern is the camber in the back looks off, I think I should get it aligned to maximize tire life. |
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Quote:
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#5
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Anyone tried BC Coilovers
Thanks for the feedback guys! I'm at about 90k miles and I feel like the suspension is more bouncy and noisy than it should be so I think it may be time to do the struts/shocks along with the springs. I probably will do the swap myself and then just get the car aligned at a shop so I'd rather not do the work twice if I can help it.
I found the Koni Special Actives for around $775 not including new shock mounts or such. They are also backordered but only for a few weeks not indefinitely. I'll check strutmonkey too just in case for the B8s! Anyone tried the BC Coilovers? Looks like they are $995 or ~$1350 with swift springs upgrade. so wouldn't be too much more to go that option. I don't envision adjusting them much if ever but they obviously would be more able to dial in exact height, etc. |
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