330Xi suspension setup for DD?

Mixzzz · 09-12-2023, 11:56 AM

Hi,

So I recently bought 2005 330Xi e91 auto coming from 2008 320d e91. I was originally planning to convert it to rwd, but different transmission tunnel width killed that idea, oh well. However driving for 2 weeks Xi something needs to be done about the front suspension, its fucking awful. My 320d drove much better and it's on standard suspesion just with new regular shocks. Even on tiny bumps Xi sometimes is very harsh for no reason, it feels like bottoming out but it actually isnt. 320d on the same bumps and potholes did not do that.

Now I probably want to lower it with Eibach springs but I am unsure about which shocks to buy. Normally I'd go for B4 bilsteins as I have done in the past which turns into a lowered but still comfy car but if they are anything like stock Xi shocks, I am afraid to buy them. The price is nice though - 100euros/piece. In the rear the previous owner had already put new sachs shocks which are the same number as rwd cars so I'll keep those for now.

Does anyone here have experience with Xdrive, B4 bilsteins and Eibach springs?

What other shocks should I look at as well? Its going to be a daily driver so nothing too harsh.

lordnikon · 09-12-2023, 12:23 PM

I test drove a 330XI and the ride was comfortable. May be the shocks are blown.

Mixzzz · 09-12-2023, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordnikon

I test drove a 330XI and the ride was comfortable. May be the shocks are blown.

Thats the thing, it seems like its too soft. Seen many complaints on forums about Xi suspension specifically. And it handles much worse than rwd variant. The height difference is only 4mm.

lordnikon · 09-12-2023, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mixzzz

Thats the thing, it seems like its too soft. Seen many complaints on forums about Xi suspension specifically. And it handles much worse than rwd variant. The height difference is only 4mm.

Your original post said the ride was harsh. It's not supposed to be. XI models handle worse also due to additional weight.

Look at Koni Special Active shocks

ppointer · 09-12-2023, 01:59 PM

I have seen people on the forum have good results with Koni and Bilstein. I have only used Bilstein B4s and B6s on my BMWs, but I have no xi suspension experience to share.

Andy198712 · 09-14-2023, 06:45 AM

Don’t use the eibach springs and b4s’s…. Not compatible without mods (check my thread about harshness )

crashoverride · 09-20-2023, 11:52 AM

Sounds like the shocks are done for. Just simply replacing with factory will give you a better ride.

09-12-2023, 11:56 AM	#1
Mixzzz Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: E91 330i N52 Join Date: Sep 2023 Location: Latvia iTrader: (0)	330Xi suspension setup for DD? Hi, So I recently bought 2005 330Xi e91 auto coming from 2008 320d e91. I was originally planning to convert it to rwd, but different transmission tunnel width killed that idea, oh well. However driving for 2 weeks Xi something needs to be done about the front suspension, its fucking awful. My 320d drove much better and it's on standard suspesion just with new regular shocks. Even on tiny bumps Xi sometimes is very harsh for no reason, it feels like bottoming out but it actually isnt. 320d on the same bumps and potholes did not do that. Now I probably want to lower it with Eibach springs but I am unsure about which shocks to buy. Normally I'd go for B4 bilsteins as I have done in the past which turns into a lowered but still comfy car but if they are anything like stock Xi shocks, I am afraid to buy them. The price is nice though - 100euros/piece. In the rear the previous owner had already put new sachs shocks which are the same number as rwd cars so I'll keep those for now. Does anyone here have experience with Xdrive, B4 bilsteins and Eibach springs? What other shocks should I look at as well? Its going to be a daily driver so nothing too harsh.
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09-12-2023, 12:23 PM	#2
lordnikon Lieutenant 367 Rep 461 Posts Drives: Break My Wallet Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i xDrive [0.00]	I test drove a 330XI and the ride was comfortable. May be the shocks are blown.
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09-12-2023, 01:59 PM	#5
ppointer Major 743 Rep 1,096 Posts Drives: '01 Z3M, '12 335is, '22 540i Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: FLL iTrader: (4) Garage List 2012 BMW 335i [5.25] 2012 BMW 335is [5.00] 2008 Infiniti QX56 [0.00] 1967 Chevrolet Corv ... [10.00] 2001 M Roadster [10.00] 2022 BMW 540i [0.75] 2009 528i [9.50]	I have seen people on the forum have good results with Koni and Bilstein. I have only used Bilstein B4s and B6s on my BMWs, but I have no xi suspension experience to share.
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09-14-2023, 06:45 AM	#6
Andy198712 Major 145 Rep 1,011 Posts Drives: 2010 E91 325d Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Cornwall iTrader: (0)	Don’t use the eibach springs and b4s’s…. Not compatible without mods (check my thread about harshness )
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09-20-2023, 11:52 AM	#7
crashoverride Lieutenant 178 Rep 582 Posts Drives: na Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: na iTrader: (0)	Sounds like the shocks are done for. Just simply replacing with factory will give you a better ride.
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