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Lowering e92 328i xdrive, help with options?
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10-05-2018, 12:19 AM | #1 |
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Lowering e92 328i xdrive, help with options?
So I'm looking to lower my 2009 328i xdrive coupe. Not absolutely slam it by any means but basically just eliminate the front wheel gap.
I'm considering the lowering springs from Eibach. My main concern is that in all of the threads I've read, about half of the people say that new shocks would be absolutely necessary. And the other half say that stock shocks will do. My stock shocks have about 90k on them but seem to be in good shape. So basically, has anyone out there ran lowering springs on stock shocks for an extended amount of time? How long have they held up if so? Could I run the springs on my current shocks? Should I just get aftermarket shocks? If so, what're some of my options? I'm a college student so I'm not exactly rolling in dough. I was planning on spending roughly $500. Let me know if you have any helpful advice! Open to all ideas not necessarily just the Eibach springs! |
10-05-2018, 12:23 AM | #2 |
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There is an x drive sub forum here.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16 https://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=197 Also a suspension sub forum. this sounds like a couple of thousand in parts alone. |
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10-05-2018, 06:52 AM | #3 | |
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That is why most people lowering their xDrive cars use coil-overs. |
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10-05-2018, 05:28 PM | #5 |
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Blueeyesredpanda400.50 Jacobharris5.50 |
10-06-2018, 07:16 AM | #6 |
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Lowering with springs was a miserable experience for me. Perhaps it was the condition of the roads in my area but the vehicle became a lot less fun to drive. The suspension would bottom frequently, loudly and with spine-jarring thumps.
I solved this issue with the purchase of KW V1 coilovers, which not only allowed modest lowering but provided a ride that was both more controlled and more comfortable than the stock setup. You will find my experience was not unusual if you read the forums extensively on this subject. I understand you budget is limited but I think you'll be happier and save money in the long run by spending more up front - unless your goal is prinicipally about how the car looks. I shopped around and paid about $1200 for my set (~5 years ago so current prices might be higher). |
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10-08-2018, 08:52 AM | #7 | |
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But, shocks work by forcing fluid through various orifices - they work on the velocity of the shaft movement - the position of the shaft and its valves has no influence on the velocity and damping. Might want to learn a bit more about how they work |
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10-08-2018, 02:58 PM | #8 |
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Compressing a shock beyond the point where one or move of the valves is never un-covered by the rebound or compression certainly affects things. I could draw a picture, but pretty sure you wouldn't accept it.
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Jacobharris5.50 |
10-08-2018, 03:39 PM | #9 | |
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My knowledge on coilovers isn't too great. I'm still learning. Would the installation of coilovers require any other parts? Or is it as simple as get a set of coilovers and slap them on? That being said, what would my options be? Keep in mind this is going on a 328i DD, it doesn't see the track, never has &never will. So I'm not exactly worried about extreme performance or adjustability. If I can maintain the quality of the stock ride- I'm happy. That's why I was leaning more towards the lowering spring/ shock combo. |
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10-08-2018, 03:44 PM | #10 | ||
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So, from what I gather, it's still completely doable to lower an xdrive vehicle with springs, but aftermarket shocks would be ideal? What are my options? I've heard koni yellow, blisten b6, blisten b8? Are any of these feasible? |
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10-09-2018, 05:24 AM | #11 | |
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Coilover installation does not necessarily require any additional parts but replacement of the guide support (#1 in linked drawing) is often performed ($35-$60 for OE part, $120 for BMW part). It has some rubber and a bearing in it that can wear over time. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=31_0716 I did my own installation which is not much more involved for the coilover than for the lowering springs. A somewhat special socket for the self-locking nut is a good idea so you can get an allen wrench in there while you tighten. An impact wrench can substitute for the special socket but is not recommended - it's very easy to overdo it and break threaded part of the strut off. This is what the socket looks like (although I cannot remember if 21,22 or 24mm is the correct size): https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...xoC8HYQAvD_BwE A spring compressor is necessary and the kind you rent from AutoZone does not fit very well on the BMW spring due to it's conical shape. I did make it work first time I replaced things but it was a struggle. I bought a decent ebay tool to do the job for subsequent work. https://www.ebay.com/itm/MacPherson-...-/321202568345 If the struts have been in there a long time, it can be difficult to remove the lower body from the wheel carrier. This tool made the job easier: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...BoCls0QAvD_BwE Some DIYs describe removing the spring without removing the shock body from the wheel carrier. I found that very difficult to do and gave up trying - I removed the entire strut from the car before taking off the guide support and releasing the spring Good luck Last edited by dpaul; 10-09-2018 at 05:31 AM.. |
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10-09-2018, 07:20 AM | #12 | ||
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10-09-2018, 09:51 PM | #13 | |
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_...sitive_damping https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...s-work-feature https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...orbers-feature Something like the position-sensitive design in the wikipedia entry. But then I don't really know what type of shocks that BMW uses - probably the simplest since they're really into cost-cutting and "cheap". |
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10-10-2018, 06:54 AM | #14 |
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Has anyone cut one open?
I have the stock ones that came out of my car.... was thinking of throwing them away but I'd dig into them for science. |
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10-29-2018, 12:34 PM | #15 |
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10-29-2018, 06:42 PM | #17 |
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12-10-2018, 06:00 PM | #18 |
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Drives: 2007 e91 328xi wagon, '75 911s
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I am currently running Vogtland springs on my stock shocks on my e91 xi (which are super low) and the shocks bottom out way bad. They ride great on the freeway but it is downright gnarly when you nail a pothole. Definitely get shocks with the springs, or go with coilovers.
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12-11-2018, 02:49 PM | #19 |
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Bought used KW V1s from a member here. Sits great, ride is great and definitely should have been what stock suspension should have felt like. Definitely sportier, tighter, no float and surprisingly handles bumps and potholes (ugh) pretty well. I drive on LI/NYC, commute and also drive.spiritdly. picked it up at 3k used, and have added an additional 10k miles. No issues what so ever (knock on wood)
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12-19-2018, 11:23 AM | #20 | |
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