switch to coils or bags? 4.4
 

Looking to lower my X, but unsure of going the coilover route or airbags. Ive read that bags have a multitude of issues, but a luxury of raising and lowering on command is nice. I'm unsure of the cost of this retro fit as well. Coils ive read some reviews stating that they are pretty reliable. No serious issues. Cost being $1, 200 for bc racing coils and ballpark of 2-3k for kw v3. Any info on this topic you guys can share? Not doing this soon, maybe in month or 2. Just starting my research thats all.

does your car already have the air suspension from the factory?

even though the suspension of the E53 is pretty much the same across the year range of production, it is always nice to know which model we are talking about... and here, other than it is E53 and it is 4.4, not much info...

Yes, I'm a proud owner of face lift 2004 BMW 4.4i e53 x5 with rear air suspension. Have to find out how to put that in my signature next :rofl:. Would I be able to utilize my existing rear suspension or would I have to purchase different air struts? I believe they are air struts, correct me if I'm wrong.

Edit: It appears on realoem that the 4.4i and 4.8i share the same rear self leveling rear suspension. So I'm assuming that I only would need to purchase the front air struts? To manually control the ride height I would need to get my hands on a autopilot v1? The autopilot v1 seems to include everything besides the front air struts.

Ricky Bobby has air on all 4 corners: http://www.xoutpost.com/members/ricky-bobby.html

I personally have the rear air with lowering links, and Eibach springs in front. A nice drop, and lower cost compared to the complete air retrofit.

Awkward, your car is the background image in my phone lol. I was debating that how
Much a drop did you get? I was discussing with another member I could achieve a 1.4 inch drop with lowering springs and link. Not bad for $300, but the luxury of controlling the height with airbags. No comparison there. Is it worth thats what I am searching to find out.

IMO, the airbags have their own set of hassles... leaks, sensors, pumps, relays, etc.

I would convert to springs on all 4 corners if I were to make a change.

That's really cool that you look at my truck every time you check your phone, I'm feeling famous now...

I picked up a set of new KW Var3s off e-bay a few months ago ($2300 shipped), at the first hint of airride issues the X will be on coilovers all around.:D

I installed a set of Var2s on the sig Viper after a few laps around Sebring driving a Viper Club members GTS. I had driven several Vipers with aftermarket coilovers and found the KWs were what I was looking for, lowered and still progressive, not harsh/stiff at all.

check out X5SND - he has customized set of air thingies - thingy is a scientific term, i spend a lot of time and effort in a college learning that word!!!

ask him, he will tell you which version of the thingie he has!!!

$995 bc racing coilovers http://m.importimageracing.com/bc-ra...06-bmw-x5.html

Thanks for the shout darks, yes I do have the EHCII system which is found on 4.8is models as standard equipment. It was actually a standalone option on 2002 and 2003 3.0 and 4.4's when you already equipped the sport package, but as you an imagine, on a car that was not equipped with it already, it is rare to find both Sport Package and EHCII equipped cars (non 4.8is models)

I have not ever heard of someone retrofitting the EHCII system into a car that currently has the single axle system, but it is probably more in depth I would think than just getting the OEM air struts. If you want truly factory operation you would have to wire up the switch, get a new air ride module and get it coded, hook up the bags and front ride sensors, as well as different compressor and air tank (they are different on the 2-axle models)

X5SND has a custom setup which is awesome, if I was you I would get the OEM air struts, and do a custom Air Lift system or something similar. Check his old threads for details on how he did his setup and if you want my opinion, thats probably the way to go for you. Get the aftermarket controller and you can still do ride height controls, but use the OEM bags, so its a nice hybrid of factory and aftermarket.