I drive both a 550 Sport and a 911 (996 Targa). I love moving from one car to the other, "remembering" how comfortable the E60 is and how well the 911 handles. But I've sometimes gotten into trouble trying to drive the BMW as though it's the Porsche (it isn't).

So I talked to the guys at Turner Motorsports (an incredibly professional group that I'm lucky to have in my backyard) and we decided to replace stock parts with adjustable Bilstein coilovers. My hope was to get closer to Porsche handling without giving up too much of the BMW's comfort. The Bilsteins are supposed to be set to the most comfortable setting and even so, I think I overshot . . .

It's absolutely amazing how well my 4000 pound E60 now handles. It's been a wet weekend in Boston so I haven't been able to push the limits, but I'm blown away by how hunkered down the cornering now is. But OUCH - even over highway expansion joints. It's not as harsh a drive as the 911, but it's close. I certainly can't have a full cup of coffee in the cup holders anymore!!

Now to figure out what to do. First thing is to verify that the coilovers are in fact set to the most comfortable level. But, the guys at Turner are so professional that I'm not hopeful. From there, I'm not sure. Get used to it?? Go back to stock?? Go to a more moderate option?? Any thoughts or experiences would be helpful.

 

you could get a higher aspect ratio tire for a tad of comfort. Instead of a 30series go 40 series

 

Well, unfortunately I'm running my winter setup - 18-inchers with 40 series tires. Probably will be a bit worse with the stock summer setup - 19-inchers with 30/35 series tires.

 

Ever consider Dinan suspension? Lowering is a minor 1/2" drop at all corners but the ride comfort does not suffer at all. I have Stage 1 suspension which includes Dinan/Koni adjustable dampers + Dinan springs. On straights, the ride is smooth but not race-car like. You'll still feel the bumps but the feel isn't as isolated as stock where the ride is more on the "squishy" side. In the corners is where the suspension comes alive. Cornering is flatter with barely a hint of body roll, and grip is tremendous. So it's the best of both worlds ... comfy when you're taking it easy, and stiff when attacking the curves.

 

handling is x10 better with Bilstein coilovers. but I rubbed a lttle in the front

 

May have been the better solution for me. What was the total cost?

 

You obviosly don't find the ride too harsh? Which setting have you dialed-in?

 

riding in alpinewhite's car, the ride is not that harsh. much improved handling, very limited body roll in turns. probably the "harsh" part would be bumps. as a passenger i could really feel the road and could just imagine what the tires are going over, but not too much that i would say it was harsh. i'd say it was a "sporty" quality of ride. just my opinion.

 

$1488.92 for parts. Unfortunately, labor is huge at 9.2 labor hours leading to a final cost close to $2400. Pricey, yes, but to me, worth every penny.

 

Stick with what you got, have them adjusted to full soft then go from there or increase tire pressure also. If you're at 30psi cold go to 40psi cold, well if you can and its not snowing.