I have just bought my 1996 740iL I am going to be doing some mods to it right away. I'm going to put 19 minimum and 20 inch maximum rims on it. I was wondering though, has anyone lowered their E38? If so could you please let me know how it affected the ride if any, and if it improved handling. I would also be interested in finding out where I could get springs from, and if possible how much they are. With 19s or 20s how low should I go, I don't want a rapper ride, I just want to wheel well gap gone. I like Hartage wheels too, but I don't want to pay 10% of the cost of my car new for them, any suggestions on that? I'm also looking for a front chin spoiler, I love the Alpina but I have a funny feeling I will have to take out a mortgage to buy one. If anybody knows where to find front spoilers for a reasonable price please let me know. My final Question is about the exhaust, I love the fact it is dual. I want to have the tips show by cutting out parts of the rear cover like Alpina does. What my other mission is finding an exhaust that doesn't make the car sound like a 81 Firebird, or a Honda Civic. I want a deep throaty sound that is not that loud, and only comes in at revs 3000RPM and over, keeping a constant DB level all the way to Redline, I've heard it on german V8's before so I know it's possible. I know this might be asking for too much but I was hoping it could be some what affordable. I was quoted $2400CDN ($1600USD)on a system uninstalled. Thanks for any help guys, it would be much appreciated. Oh yeah when i say affordable, I'm Canadian so if you quote me $2000 in American funds it's like 2 million Canadian funds.........just kidding I can do the math.

Thanks alot,
Mazen
96' E38

Wassup Mazen, check out my ride via the link below. All of your desires can be easily had. First the springs, you can buy H&R, Spax, Intrax, AC Schnitzer, Racing dynamic, Eibach, Hammann and a few others, but your are limited if you have the self-leveling system in the rear. I recmmend that you find a very, very competent aftermarket customizer who has dealt with BMW's extensively. The springs, depending on which brand you buy, may not give you the drop you're looking for. But the springs can be custom coiled to get your desired height. Next the wheels, and unfortunatly great or even good ones are not cheap in 19 and 20 inch. Maybe your should check out some of our board buddies who are selling some nice used wheels (Alpinas, etc). Very few spoilers are out there and most run $500 - $970 usd. Some include Hamann, AC Schnitzer, and Alpina (rear find and very ugly). I really recommend the AC Schnitzer, about $720 usd, because it is ABS plastic while the Hamann is fiberglass. I had the Hamann originally until a hotel valet graciously destroyed it on a curb. It was much heavier and much less forgiving during curb taps and driveway scrapes. Last the exhaust. Hamann, AC Shnitzer, and Remus make them. All run in the $650 - $850 usd range per side. All give the throaty sound you're looking for, but you may want to get the rear valance add on to hide the mufflers.
Go to these sites for pix:
www.hamann-motorsports.de
www.acshnitzer.com
www.hartge.de