4.6is Suspension refresh
 

Looking to get the stuff to refresh the suspension on the X. Anyone have a list of part numbers needed? Also any recommendation on any performance aspects? I'm considering the H&R springs to obtain a little bit of a drop and also ditching the rear airbags for a coil conversion. Don't need to go crazy with anything just want a little more aggressive stance and solid stock feel. Thanks for the input!

I just finished this job on my 4.8is. I went with the FCP Euro 20 piece kit. I also purchased new subframe bushings and ballpoint and subframe tools. Part numbers are detailed on FCP, ECS has similar sets with part numbers listed. Good luck! https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...e53-x520piecel


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Cool, thanks. How many hours did it take?

Having the balljoint and subframe tools was important to go quickly. I tried generic pullers and got nowhere, wasting hours. Also, pulling the rear bumper for the exhaust was key. Not exactly sure on timing. The X5 is my winter car, so I just worked on it slowly this summer. If I had the right tools, removal sequences and torques, I could probably do it in 3 hours per axle.


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Gothca, mines flipped, the X is the summer car so going to work on it this winter. Good call on the tools. May have to see if anyone local has some I could use or just rent.

I found the tools on amazon or eBay for much cheaper than dealer


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Why are you getting rid of the rear air suspension? That's one of the best features IMO, especially for towing and carrying heavy stuff. It's easy to lower the rear as well, you just need some lowering links.

I do recommend buying the subframe and rear lower ball joint tools... you'll suffer for a very long time if you don't have the correct tools.

I wouldn't do lowering springs. The 4.6is is a rare car and maintaining the stock set up as its a perfect blend of sportiness and comfort is the best route IMO. Also, the rear air suspension on the pre facelift X5's is actually pretty bullet proof aside from replacing the bags once every 150k miles or so.

I dont tow or haul anything in the X. It purely is a family/enjoyment vehicle. After looking at some things, another option I may consider is BC coilovers. For the cost compared to new struts/shocks and lowering springs it's minimal. Trying to still look for sway bars. Reason for wanting to ditch the bags is personally I'm not a fan of electronic components vs mechanical. Plus since this is my canyon blaster a little lower and firmer ride isn't going to be a big deal.

I have about 14 months / 7k miles on this setup and it's working flawlessly.
I know it's never ending debate to keep or rid of air suspension but my argument is simple:
There are post almost every day about this or that air suspension issue. I wanted to keep stock appearance and function and Suplex springs were perfect replacement.
The air suspension will never be reliable as steel springs and I really don't see enough benefits to keep it.
I do quite a few spirited runs well over 100 mph (with no traffic around and short interval) and combination of Bilstein HD, stock springs and all new Lemforder arms are perfect blend.
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