How to get a softer, smoother ride
09-23-2011 | 11:01 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
My Ride: 2010 535i, Sports Package, Nav, Prem Sound
I love the car (2006 530i) but I've always had an issue with the rough ride (my car has the Sports Package). Is there a way I can improve the ride to make it smoother? I read good reviews about the Koni FSD shocks. Would they make much of a difference? Are there specific tires that will help (I currently run Hankook V12s)?
To clarify, I'm more concerned with the the impact harshness when going over bumps and I don't mind giving up the handling edge.
To clarify, I'm more concerned with the the impact harshness when going over bumps and I don't mind giving up the handling edge.
09-23-2011 | 11:11 AM
#3
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
My Ride: 2010 535i, Sports Package, Nav, Prem Sound
The car is stock so it has the standard 18inch BMW rims. I think going to 17s would improve the ride, but I'm wondering if it has to do more with the shocks rather than the rim size.
09-23-2011 | 07:35 PM
#6
Senior Members
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg, VA
My Ride: 07' BMW 550i
Buy a Lexus!
Seriously BMW is not known as smooth rider. You can buy Continental or Michelin, it should improve your ride. I have sport packg, and 18' rims, but I think ride is very good and quite even compare to my Lexus RX330.
Seriously BMW is not known as smooth rider. You can buy Continental or Michelin, it should improve your ride. I have sport packg, and 18' rims, but I think ride is very good and quite even compare to my Lexus RX330.
09-24-2011 | 09:45 AM
#7
Members
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
My Ride: 2008 535xi Platinum Gray, Black Dakota Leather, Sport Pkg
I love the car (2006 530i) but I've always had an issue with the rough ride (my car has the Sports Package). Is there a way I can improve the ride to make it smoother? I read good reviews about the Koni FSD shocks. Would they make much of a difference? Are there specific tires that will help (I currently run Hankook V12s)?
To clarify, I'm more concerned with the the impact harshness when going over bumps and I don't mind giving up the handling edge.
To clarify, I'm more concerned with the the impact harshness when going over bumps and I don't mind giving up the handling edge.
09-24-2011 | 05:07 PM
#9
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
My Ride: 2010 535i, Sports Package, Nav, Prem Sound
The sports package definitely makes the car drive like its on rails. I've tried test driving other cars that cost twice what I paid for the 530i and every time I get back in my BMW, I could never justify selling it! This car out handles all its much NEWER competitors.
I'm just trying to improve the ride and control over rough surfaces. The car's ride is perfect on smooth roads.
I think switching to Koni FSD shocks and Continental tires will do the trick.
I'm just trying to improve the ride and control over rough surfaces. The car's ride is perfect on smooth roads.
I think switching to Koni FSD shocks and Continental tires will do the trick.
09-25-2011 | 03:07 PM
#10
Senior Members
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
My Ride: 2008 535i
+1 my lexus felt like i was driving on a cloud or hovering over the road- which is why i joined the BMW family!!!
I recently switched to H&R springs and koni shocks and have my stock non suspension for sale - has 53k miles on it
I recently switched to H&R springs and koni shocks and have my stock non suspension for sale - has 53k miles on it