rubencr

Is it my imagination, or is the ride height of the AWD (xi) sedan and wagon higher than the RWD chassis? Does anyone know why the height is different (clearance for AWD system components, improved clearance for travelling unimproved roads, appearance!?!)?

I would like to lower the ride height, being careful not to upset the original ride quality, but I want to make sure that there are no mechanical limitations that are different than the RWD chassis. I have the original 17" rims, which I'd like to size up to 18" or 19", and I'd like to bring the car down by 1/2" -1" to close up the gap between the tire and the fender rim. Losing tire sidewall height is sure to sacrifice some of the ride compliance, but should provide a more "directly connected" feel. I'm hoping that the proper progressive-rate springs will allow a good ride/handling compromise without bottoming on moderate bumps.

Any guidance is appreciated!

Craig

ExGMan

I may be wrong about this, but I think when the 525/530xi models were first introduced, someone figured out that the xi vehicles are maybe 1/2" higher off the ground than the non-xi models. It may have had something to do with wheel size, but I do recall information to that effect. Perhaps a search here or in Germancarfans.com might find that information...

jrsamps

530 XI Height 57.8
530 I Height 58.0 in