Wife is not happy...

Front end collapsed on the 4.8is over the weekend. Checked the codes, now it's the valve body has sh$t itself... She's now driving the 4.4 and I'm back to the old work pickup

It was operating correctly on everything except a sideways slope which got it confused...

So... it's going...

Now to the moment of truth.... what to install

I've read SOOOO many threads and posts, and the BC Racing coilovers seem to be suitable for those who want to lower their car... each one who's done it though eventually comments that it's bouncy or too firm even on softest settings....

I'm still leaning to Bilsteins or poss KW's...

Is there anyone here that has done a 4.8is and not ended up with a go kart?

Cheers

Sorry to hear it.

Why not just put OE 4.4 or 4.6 springs/struts on the nose? Several part outs around. Would solve it & give you a predictable ride. A friend did the full delete on his 4.8is with Eibach/Bilsten setup. Drives great & sits low.

Here's a previous thread where it's discussed.

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...rsion-kit.html

Thanks mate... I have a 4.4 sports and it rides higher so not sure the parts from it would be adaptable to the 4.8is

I read that thread.... and I think the Bilsteins are going to have to be the solution.

The Eibach springs look interesting but I could sure use some advice about spring rates for the 4.8is....

The suspension shops here in Australia look at me funny when I ask them about doing this. "Can't be done!" "E53's don't have air suspension"

Yeah... right mate... moving along.... :bustingup

Hi mate

I read your thread but can't see any pics these days... do you still have them?

Also, how is your suspension riding? I see you used sachs springs instead of H+R's? Would you call it a firmer ride?

RE which springs I'm gonna use, I've read hundreds of posts on various forums about Bilsteins/H+R's and BC racing.

Both seem to result in firmer setups than original and a 'bouncy' rear end...

The H+R springs distributors are unhelpful motherf&&s. I know they must get every tool on the phone but gee, I'm over 50 and not some boy racer.... didn't even want to know about it...

Had a chat at length this morning with the Australian distributor for the BC's about spring rates. Completely different outcome....

They supply 9 kilo front springs and 12 kilo rears with the coilovers. They've stated that they can take out the rears and change them to 9 or 10 kilo springs and give it a try to start with, then I can play around with other combo's (buying heavier or lighter springs only as required) if I want to...

I think I need to find out roughly the spring rates of the 4.8is to begin with...

Had a win today and found some Bilsteins in stock and happy with the price so they are ordered along with all the bits....

Just need to find some springs now...

Luckily you're down under where plenty of e53's came with springs on all four corners from the factory - like mine-
So it should be easy enough to grab some springs from the wreckers...:thumbup:

Thanks mate ... I need a lower ride height than standard sports (it's a 4.8is)...

Not many suppliers doing lowered style springs other than H+R and they are difficult to deal with...

you should call Ground Control Suspension. they did my coilovers for my e28 and are experts at matching shocks and spring rates for the type of ride you want. they have a vast inventory of eibach springs at about every rate under the sun and if they don’t have it they’d probably tell you where to get it. something that would match the Bilsteins you bought.