Lowering vs. larger wheels
02-14-2009 | 04:22 PM
#1
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Hi everyone! I'm a newbie with a question about my new 2009 535 (no longer xi, now "X Drive"). I have a small decision to be made whether to try (if possible) to lower the car an inch or 2 with springs (Dinan is in my area) or go with a larger diameter wheel (the car has 18's). The dilemma is possible rubbing with 4 people in the car or loaded cargo.
I have a 750Li with 22's and had to have the well lips 'turned in' because of rubbing. If I had to do it again, I'd use a smaller wheel (20's max) because with 4 people in the car and a dip in the road, they still rub just a bit.
I imagine the spring choice would be stiffer (with compatible shocks) which may dampen things more than stock suspension and larger wheels.
Who has experience on these matters? I don't want to 'waste' money again like on the 750 (wishing I'd gone with the 20's).
My wife has a 530 and my son a 330ci, so we're a pretty committed BMW family to say the least. My son's 330ci is next to be worked on (after dad's wagon)!
Thanks to anyone and everyone!
Bob
I have a 750Li with 22's and had to have the well lips 'turned in' because of rubbing. If I had to do it again, I'd use a smaller wheel (20's max) because with 4 people in the car and a dip in the road, they still rub just a bit.
I imagine the spring choice would be stiffer (with compatible shocks) which may dampen things more than stock suspension and larger wheels.
Who has experience on these matters? I don't want to 'waste' money again like on the 750 (wishing I'd gone with the 20's).
My wife has a 530 and my son a 330ci, so we're a pretty committed BMW family to say the least. My son's 330ci is next to be worked on (after dad's wagon)!
Thanks to anyone and everyone!
Bob
02-14-2009 | 04:24 PM
#2
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02-15-2009 | 09:20 AM
#5
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Originally Posted by Sam@sleekmotoring' post='793176' date='Feb 15 2009, 02:03 AM
I would personally lower it, rather than just doing wheels. What is your 7 series rubbing on?
As an example, when on the freeway, when loaded with passengers, if a dip is in the road, the lip of the wheel well will rub on the 10.5's on the rear.
02-15-2009 | 01:40 PM
#6
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From: San Francisco Bay Area - Mountain View - Ca.
If you wanted, bring it by my shop so i can see where its rubbing. You may need to roll the fenders a little, or even just shave a small portion. I have 11's with a 295 on the back of my 745, lowered with H&R's and there is absolutely no rub.
02-15-2009 | 03:08 PM
#7
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It comes down to the right offsets, tire size etc and you will not have any rubs... also larger wheels without lowering isnt any better, I think it looks worse because your car sits like a 4x4 off the ground. 20 or 22" lowering is a MUST.
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