Re: will this suspension setup workout? (archive)

1. H&R Springs. These springs are on the stiff side, but still offer a tolerable ride. RD Springs are stiffer, and Eibachs I don't recommend because the quality isn't as good as RD or H&R. H&R Springs will drop the car about 1.25", so you have to consider the lower ground clearance when driving.

2. Bilstein Sports. These are a good value, and work well with H&R's. If you can stretch, go for Koni Yellow Adjustables. The adjustability of the Koni's are worth the extra money, and they're built a bit better than the Bilsteins. Do NOT use Bilstein HD's on springs that lower the car more than about 1/2" (which are practically all the springs on the market out there).

3. 25/19 or 25/18 sway bars. Any sway-bar set-up that is 25/19 or 25/18 works wonders on these cars. Remember to weld the reinforcing brackets on the sway bar mounts and sway bar link mounts!! They WILL rip out if you do not do that. M5 Sways are 25/18. Suspension Techniques offer adjustable 25/19 bars also.

4. Stress bar. Definitely recommended. You can't go wrong with a BMP one.

5. 16"x7.5" wheels are plentiful for these cars. If you go to Tirerack or Discount Tire, you can find a good set. 16"x8" fit as well, but you may have to roll the fenders, and be a little more careful with offset. 16"x7.5" with 18-20mm offset work on both front and rear with 225mm tires. 16"x8" are a little more tricky. You may have to go to 13-15mm offset in front and roll the fenders, and at least 20mm in the rear. www.bmwwheels.com, have OE BMW wheels for sale. And don't get wheels that need spacers, they're not recommended.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Remember, though, with lowering springs and sway bars, you will stiffen the suspension a lot compared to stock. I recommend trying to find someone with the modifications already done so you can actually feel what it will be like before you do the mods.

I have bilstein HDs I should have got sports. But, i didn't. So, don't lecture me on why you shouldn't lower shock like these, it is done with stock shocks on new cars all the time. Besides, I am using what I have. I was planning to lower them with H&R springs from BMP, use a stress bar from BMP, racing dynamics sway bars, and upgrade to 16inch wheels with 225/50's. I am trying to accomplish a ride that will not give me as much body lean in turns. With the hd's it is not where i want it to be. Can anyone tell me is this resonable setup that will work? Please help.
josh
thx
535i to is
Colorado

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