2004 4.8iS BC Coilovers
 

Hi guys. Just wanted to share my newest change to the X5.

Yesterday I removed the SLS on the X. I went with BC Coilovers. I will get a few good pics of the stance after I clean it up this morning. I have the fronts set as boxed and the rears lowered all the way. I also wanted to share the ease of getting rid of the SLS error. It's just a check mark in ncs expert for the cluster errors that are displayed. I unplugged all of the SLS fuses except the one in the glove box and do not have anymore issues. After changing over it tried to pump up the bags 3 times and since then the compressor nor green led indicator have worked and I had the SLS inactive warning until removed for the cluster display list. All in all took about 3 hours to change over and 20-30 minutes for me to figure out how to code.

I must say the body roll is tremendously improved and ride quality as simple as the turn of a knob. I can't complain one bit and absolutely love the ride height now!

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Subs for more pictures...


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More pics please

pics

So not the best but it's been raining all day here so these are what I got.

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Truck looks good, i've been going back and fourth about lowering mine. How does it ride?

I started out in the softest dampening setting. That was really soft but still not as bouncy as the air ride when lowered. After installing and driving I'm now at setting 15 all around and the ride is excellent. Softer than the air ride but less body roll by far.


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Good looking setup

Nice

I've installed the BC"s as well and at one point had the Inactive Air Ride error removed but since then the battery went flat and now it's returned.
Any chance I could get you to take a picture of the screen/s to get the error removed from the cluster?
I cannot seem to locate it again and yes, I'm a greenie with NCS big time.
Thank you

I can try to get back and take pics. All I did was go through the EWS and choose the LCM as the ecu I wanted to process. After that I just scrolled down to the bottom and took the EHC error off the list of warnings that show up in the dash. I am a greenie as well though lol. I found out most tricks the hard way of messing it up and trying to fix it lol. Also coded the double blink on my flashers while I was in there. I love that feature even though it's nothing special lol.


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I don't understand why anyone would install coilovers on a 4.8is with EHC2 (4 wheel adjustable suspension). It's a great system and easily adjustable with INPA. When the system works as it should, it's amazing. It's the main reason the 4.8is beats the 4.6is overall, and the E70 for that matter.

2004 4.8iS BC Coilovers
 

So, for me it's as simple as cost effective and comfort. The 4 wheel adjustable suspension is a nifty feature if you're constantly lowering or raising it up. Also, in my case, I like it lowered. When the air suspension is lowered as far as mine is now it rides like it's on bouncy balls. Very soft and bouncy. I prefer the lowered look and feel. So I went with coilovers. I have had the truck almost 2 years now and spent more money on 2 new front air struts than all 4 coilovers. Also, I can guarantee you that the X5 taking a turn at say 55-60 mph definitely has body roll. Since installing the coilovers the body roll is completely gone with my settings and it is much more responsive. I drive aggressive and enjoy it (why else get a 4.8) and the coilovers beat the air suspension hands down in every aspect from a performance stand point. And as far as ease of adjustment, the coilovers have a 30 setting dampening system you can literally get out and turn the lever to the left or right and adjust the comfort or the ride. Hands down easier than INPA for adjusting the feel of the ride.


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Maybe his wasn't working right jcorreanyc? Or maybe he just wanted coil overs and felt the it works better than the factory setup.

That looks like a great setup! The ride height looks perfect and no body roll! wow!

My question is, on the rear suspension, the coil-overs attach where the shocks would normally. What about the air spring? Is it removed or still there?

Mine are still there. After installing I noticed the bags in the rear are not "smooched" so didn't see a need it taking them out. It's not hurting them anymore than lowering it using the switch on the console. I capped off all air lines to keep them clean in case it was a bust and I wanted to reinstall.

And yea, absolutely no body roll. It handles a corner as good if not better than my 540 with an M suspension setup now.


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A little better pic out and about.


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Truck looks great, but is the rear lower than the front? Looks like it in the pic? Might be just the angle

Yea, I noticed it after I took it. It's just the angle though. Sitting nice and even :)


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Hows your alignment? I couldn't find a cost effective rear camber and toe adjustment.

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It's out a bit. I'm looking for the same at the moment. Rears still need pulled in just a bit.


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Someone posted hardrace adjustable camber and toe arms in another thread. I ended up purchasing them too so I could lower my x5 back down again.

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Did you install already?


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Nope, but this guy installed the adj camber arms...

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Couple more pics of it lowered. Springs are still riding extremely nice. Love the adjustability in the dampers.


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It looks great!


Flatlander

hi, it sure looks great.

I wang to do the same.to.my 4.8is, sick and tired of air suspension.
Can you recommend some coilover kit?
Also, how to delet the self leveling messange?

Does the car.goes into safe mod?

Thaks and again the red X5 looks great

I used BC Coilovers. I am very satisfied with them. The ride is a little bouncy but

It's will not not allow you to drive it just says SLS inactive in the dash. I coded the cluster not to say this while others have done some intricate coding with the vin to make the error disappear. You will need NCS to code the error message out.


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2004 4.8iS BC Coilovers
 

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Just bought adjustable toe and camber arms. She’s a little low and needs the extra adjustment. Just wanted to share. It will be a couple of weeks before they’re installed but seem to be well built!!


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so i looked on BC Rancing and didn't see these.

what brand are these? and where did you buy?

nevermind, found them.

Thayer Motorsport.

https://www.thayermotorsports.com/co...pension-e53-x5

was gonna buy HARDRACE Brand but these look significantly better in quality.

They’re not BC. They are Thayer Motorsports. Bought from their site same day shipping and got em in 2 days.


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The general rule of thumb with heim joints is that you don't run them on a street car. Those joints get damaged when they fill with road debris which can lead to a failure.

my other consideration was the HardRace:
HARDRACE GLOBAL - REAR UPPER CAMBER KIT?8685

those didn't seem to have good reviews from what i found...

maybe i'll put a makeshift boot around them to protect them.