Recommendation for "sports" suspension

stockguy · 10-04-2003, 07:01 PM

Hello guys. Thanks for reading my thread. What do you recommend for turning non-sport 528i into "sports" suspension? H&R, Eibach,or some others like Hammann or ACS? Also, is it a good idea to swap the shocks at the same time? If so, what shocks? Bilstein? Please share your experience with us if you are using any or them. Thank you very much.

safetywork · 10-06-2003, 08:49 AM

Stockguy,

I have always gone with either Eibach or H&Rs. There are a couple of options in terms of suspension.

1. Lowering springs
The springs will allow your car to sit more aggressively - lower. Since I haven't done anything to mine (yet), I believe there are types of springs; sports and racing(?). The sport springs lower the car about 0.75 inches and the racing springs lower the car around 1.25 inches. If you just do the springs, your shocks may wear prematurely and you may need new shocks in about 15k miles (? - this varies).

2. Shock and Spring
Since you'll need to remove the shocks when you swap out the springs there's shouldn't be an excessive charge on labor. It's a good idea to swap both the shocks and the springs both economically as well as performance wise. By performing the swap at the same time, you can get shocks that'll work with the springs.

3. Coil Overs
Coil overs are springs and shocks with one difference, you can adjust the hieght. There are "perches" on the shock body that allow you to set the hieght of the car. These are more expensive but it gives you this flexibility. I've seen coil overs with a main spring (300lbs?) and a little spring (150lbs?) - I'm not sure what the springs are rated, they're different for the type of driving you do. Anyway, the heavier loaded spring compresses for larger bumps while the smaller spring compresses for "lighter" bumps. You get the best of both worlds. It rides nice when you're just driving around town and stiffens up considerably when you start to push the car. This system costs a lot more. But there are also coil overs that do not have the dual springs which may cost less.

Let us know which one you went with and how differently it rides.

stockguy · 10-06-2003, 11:57 AM

Hello. First of all, thank you very much for the detailed reply. Your input is much appreciated. As you suggested, I am thinking about swapping both the shocks and springs at the same time. I've heard the Bilstein Sports shocks are rather "harsh". I may look into Koni Ajust. though. I am not looking to "slam" my ride but, I like to keep my ride heights as set by the factory..After all, I am a stock guy.

One thing i was wondering about the coilover is that, when you change your ride height, you have to go to a tunning shop to do that, right? I don't have any hydrolic lifting device at home or any tools to mess around with the perches. I guess that would be a hassel.... Either way. I will see what happens...

PS: what do you think I would expect to spend for a set of springs and shocks alll together plus labor to install them?
I am thinking it would cost about $700.....oh well...

stealthn · 10-06-2003, 08:07 PM

Stock,

What do you want it for agressive street or track?

Eiback makes a nice kit for street with shocks, springs, swaybars, maybe otherstuff (I can't remember). Most packages will change your ride height a bit.
Or you could go to BMW and get the Sport Suspension afterall you are the stockguy

safetywork · 10-06-2003, 08:26 PM

I don't know how much the install would be. When I did the shock and spring swap on my '01 Passat, I paid around $600 for the springs and shocks and got it installed by a fellow club member who did it for lunch and cold drinks.

As for adjusting the height, yes you probably require some tools to adjust the perch. Usually, once the height is adjusted you'd probably won't be doing it again (at least I wouldn't).

As for shocks, you have several choices.... Bilstein shocks are great shocks, I believe BMW uses them as factory equipment. There are two types of Bilsteins, heavy duty and sport. I had the sport version on the VW and the ride wasn't that bad (of course this is subjective). But from what I understand, the sport and the heavy duty are basically the same, except the sport is made for lowered cars, perhaps a shorter shaft? I had Konis on my old Maxima, I remembered the ride as being jarring, but I didn't have the adjustables.

Like Stealthn had asked, what you using the car for? I have a 5 series with the factory sport option and though the handling is good, I think the ride is too soft. I'd take it off and sell it you cheap but I have a wagon, I don't think it'll work for you. In any case, I believe the aftermarket goods will probably be cheaper.

stockguy · 10-07-2003, 06:49 AM

hi again guys. You guys are great! Well, I guess I can say I am going for the "aggressive street look," with an inch drop on four corners. One of the reasons I ask this question is that I am thinking about upgrading my 15" stock rims to 17" and I was told that the factory shocks would wear out prematurely? Is there any truth to this at all? This is why I thought about swapping both shocks and springs at the same time while doing the wheel upgrade. If my stock shocks can handle the wheel upgrade, i may be forgo the suspension mods, as I am the stock guy..LOL...Charles hehe thanks for the offer...mine is 4dr. sedan..though

...Yeah Stealthn, I checked with my dealer about doing shock work...oh boy, they were very hesitant about doing it, not to mention they want $$$ for it

safetywork · 10-07-2003, 08:53 AM

Stockguy,

No problem, actually I just got my 5 series wagon and didn't plan on doing anything to it till later. As for 17" wheels wearing out the shocks and springs..... I haven't heard of this. I don't see why it would but I'm not sure. However one thing I've noticed with stock setup and upgraded wheels - it makes the car look like a truck. Lowering the car with upgraded wheels always looks better. Why don't you have the suspension done first, see how it looks then go for the wheel upgrade after the tires have worn? That's what I do.

Also keep in mind that once the suspension has been done, the alignment will be off (even after having the alignment performed). Therefore expect to get less miles from your tires.

stockguy · 10-07-2003, 12:59 PM

Hello,

My thoughts exactly. I couldn't agree with you more. I think that would be a logical thing to do. I certainly am with you on the wide fender gap issue arising from the wheel upgrade. Since you have E39 sports, I want to personally ask if you could tell 5 series non-sports from the sports one(assuming they have the same wheels on them). I know the sports models are 1" ??lower than non-sports but, when I look at them, I can barely tell one from another. Maybe it's just me

I think E39 doesn't have that much of feder gap to begin with when compared to others like hondas or Mercedes and this is a big plus. In any case, thanks agin Charles and others for your Tremendous help. I am very thankful for it.

stealthn · 10-07-2003, 02:25 PM

Here ya go....

Go to this site and hold the mouse over the suspension to see the ride height difference with the Bilstein's and H&R's.

http://www.540i6.com/

Jared at Pelican Parts · 10-07-2003, 03:21 PM

Personally, I reccommend the Bilstein Sports with either H&R or Eibach Springs. The H&R's will be a little stiffer on the road, whereas the Eibachs will be more of a street feel. Either way you go, be sure to replace all strut mounts, bushings and pads while you are at it.

stockguy · 10-07-2003, 05:36 PM

Stealthn, that's just great...I love playing with it

...That's all the height drop I need... Also, moderator, now that you mentioned it, where can I get some new bushings, pands, and other stuff you mentioned? Do aftermarket companies offer them or do i just get new OEM parts? Thanks for such a great forum. I am glad I joined it. I promise I won't ask any more questions......

hehe...God Bless

safetywork · 10-07-2003, 08:22 PM

Stockguy,

I don't know how much of a difference there are between the sports package and the non-sports package car. I've never parked one next to the other. But I don't believe the drop from the factory is that dramatic, more like 0.75 inches (if that much). You're right though, the E39's didn't have that much gap to begin with.

safetywork · 10-07-2003, 08:29 PM

Jared,

Okay, its my turn to ask some questions. For my information (when its time for me to lower my car), what would happen if I didn't replace the strut mounts, bushings and pads?

When you mention strut mounts, do you mean camber it?

In regards to bushings, you're talking the bushings on the sway bars right?

And pads, are these the pads that are located between the springs and suspension arm? What would happen if I didn't replace these? Are these part of the lowering kit from Eibach or H&R?

Thanks