After market springs/shocks VS. stock sport suspension
01-09-2009, 06:57 AM
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My Ride: 1985 325e (sold it in 1996) // 2001 Z3 2.5 / White / Blk Lthr / 5-spd (wife's) // 04 530i / Metallic Blk / Beige Lthr / 6-spd / Logic7 / 19" 166 Michelin Pilot Sp
As I have posted recently, I have a non-sport 04 530i, and am considering getting springs and shock absorbers to both lower it a bit and to make it handle better.
My question is: how would such a setup differ from what one would get with the factory sport suspension? Is it better/worse/same as the factory sport setup? I ask because I am wondering whether I should look for a used sport suspension, or if I should go ahead and get after-market springs/shocks instead.
I am also a bit concerned about ride quality in any event. I live in Minnesota, and the roads here are not in great shape--very bumpy, with smooth stretches rare. I would think that my non-sport suspension is a good thing here. But I would like to have the tighter feel and lowered look, but is it worth the (supposed) reduction in ride quality? Thanks.
My question is: how would such a setup differ from what one would get with the factory sport suspension? Is it better/worse/same as the factory sport setup? I ask because I am wondering whether I should look for a used sport suspension, or if I should go ahead and get after-market springs/shocks instead.
I am also a bit concerned about ride quality in any event. I live in Minnesota, and the roads here are not in great shape--very bumpy, with smooth stretches rare. I would think that my non-sport suspension is a good thing here. But I would like to have the tighter feel and lowered look, but is it worth the (supposed) reduction in ride quality? Thanks.
01-09-2009, 07:27 AM
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2004 U.S. E60 factory sport suspension has Active Roll Stabilization (computer controlled hydraulic actuated sway bars). I think it would be cost prohibitive to retrofit this system.
01-09-2009, 07:37 AM
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Get aftermarket. I'm in Chicago area, roads are shit. I've gotten used to the bumpiness. Its definitely, definitely not as smooth as stock. I mean, once I put on sport springs AND sport shocks AND low profile wheels its like riding a rail. AHHAHA But man, it sure does handle and look great. =p
I have the same car and year as you. I also had no sport on it. I upgraded to H&R sport springs and Koni adjustables, (that means shocks and struts). If you DO get springs, make sure you get the rest installed at the same time because you're going to wear our your stock shocks fast with that much of a lowering. You need a suspension that will react accordingly to match the springs. Since the wheel will be much closer to the well, you need a stiffer ride to prevent bottoming out.
In all honesty, it isn't that bad of a ride, even with my 19's on in the Summer.
I have the same car and year as you. I also had no sport on it. I upgraded to H&R sport springs and Koni adjustables, (that means shocks and struts). If you DO get springs, make sure you get the rest installed at the same time because you're going to wear our your stock shocks fast with that much of a lowering. You need a suspension that will react accordingly to match the springs. Since the wheel will be much closer to the well, you need a stiffer ride to prevent bottoming out.
In all honesty, it isn't that bad of a ride, even with my 19's on in the Summer.
01-09-2009, 07:58 AM
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There is such variety out there where suspensions are concerned, you could get your suspension very close to a stock sport setup in terms of feel, so it really comes down to what you are comfortable with. 
I'm in the same boat as I DESPERATELY need to lower my car too,(also non-sport suspension) it's at the top of my Mod list right now! 
I'm in the same boat as I DESPERATELY need to lower my car too,(also non-sport suspension) it's at the top of my Mod list right now!
01-09-2009, 08:12 AM
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My Ride: Mach5 05' 530i Black Sapphire Metallic w/Auburn Leather Seats, Heated Front/Rear Seats, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Pkg, Sports Pkg, Xenon Headlights, NAV, Mud Flaps, 20" 166 Style Rims
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Check Bilstein, they have anadjustable model! 
01-09-2009, 08:18 AM
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My Ride: 1985 325e (sold it in 1996) // 2001 Z3 2.5 / White / Blk Lthr / 5-spd (wife's) // 04 530i / Metallic Blk / Beige Lthr / 6-spd / Logic7 / 19" 166 Michelin Pilot Sp
Originally Posted by Howitzer' post='763636' date='Jan 9 2009, 10:37 AM
Get aftermarket. I'm in Chicago area, roads are shit. I've gotten used to the bumpiness. Its definitely, definitely not as smooth as stock. I mean, once I put on sport springs AND sport shocks AND low profile wheels its like riding a rail. AHHAHA But man, it sure does handle and look great. =p
I have the same car and year as you. I also had no sport on it. I upgraded to H&R sport springs and Koni adjustables, (that means shocks and struts). If you DO get springs, make sure you get the rest installed at the same time because you're going to wear our your stock shocks fast with that much of a lowering. You need a suspension that will react accordingly to match the springs. Since the wheel will be much closer to the well, you need a stiffer ride to prevent bottoming out.
In all honesty, it isn't that bad of a ride, even with my 19's on in the Summer.
I have the same car and year as you. I also had no sport on it. I upgraded to H&R sport springs and Koni adjustables, (that means shocks and struts). If you DO get springs, make sure you get the rest installed at the same time because you're going to wear our your stock shocks fast with that much of a lowering. You need a suspension that will react accordingly to match the springs. Since the wheel will be much closer to the well, you need a stiffer ride to prevent bottoming out.
In all honesty, it isn't that bad of a ride, even with my 19's on in the Summer.
What kind of price are we talking about here for a setup such as yours? I'd need it installed for me. Thanks!
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