Lowering an X5 5.0: Eibach or H&R?
 

Been reading up lately, have an '11 X5 5.0 sport (non-M) that BMWNA was kind enough to delete the sport suspension off of :banghead:

The handling is noticeably inferior so it must be addressed. I do not want to go with the extreme drop (2"+) kits, just the mild ~1.2" setup as I want the OE shocks to remain happy. Tirerack sells all of these setups, so which is the way to go? It will NOT be tracked, it is a daily driver that needs better handling while still maintaining close to factory/good ride quality.

Thanks for the insight.

I have the H&R....love it.

Almost no one has the Eibachs. Or if they do, nearly no one comments on them.

The H&Rs are cheaper and include lowering links. The Eibachs are for non air-ride rears, which mean they come with 4 springs. Cost to lower is higher still for the Eibachs as you'd have to purchase a set of lowering links for the rear air if you have that option.

I'm almost swayed to purchase the Eibachs just to see for myself if they're good. Some owners of the H&Rs don't like the harshness of the ride, where a nebulous Eibach comment I ran across said they ride better than the H&Rs.

Good to know, thank you finagle.

About to do my install on the front springs... is there anything to look out for that would be trickier than other modern vehicles? I ended up getting rear links.

also for the rear links... can you take them off with the car jacked up? does anything need to be supported before removing them? or do you just take them out and line everything up with the shortened links and re-install?

As for your first question, it's pretty standard. I used the rented spring compressors from Pepboys. Just be sure to unclip all the cables to get them out of the way first.

I didn't do the links, so I can't answer the second question.

H&R
 

Did mine last month... Awesome!

I have H&R great ride!

H&R 1.2" kit

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...ik/lowered.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...erik/dirty.jpg

Skunkd ..hows the quality ride after HnR?...any picsof your car?>