I just bought my first BMW wagon. I've had 3 Audi S4 Avants over the past 10 years and with 08 as the last year of US import I couldn't find a decent low mileage example. So I went for the 535, I found a 2010 with 33k lightly used. I'm trying to figure out how to improve it's handling characteristics and have it look a little less dowdy. My shop is a Porsche/Audi facility and don't know how to deal with the self-leveling suspension. Can I do a straight coilover swap and run 19's? My car doesn't have the spot option. Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated.

 

There are companies which make lowering springs and coilovers for the E61. Hands down the best option is the KW V3s, KW only offers the V3 (I probably would of gone V1s if it were possible).

The KW kit is composed of a full strut/spring coilover in the front, the rear is only a strut; height adjustment is done via a small threaded bolt/nuts/ball-joint link to replace the OEM link for the load-leveling sensor.

You can run 19s or 20s on these cars with relative ease, it all depends on preference and road quality where you live. I chose to run 19s with a meatier tire setup (235/40F and 275/35R) IMO it looks good: wheels don't look small adn tires don't look too balloony. It offers great performance with also a decent ride quality all things considered.

Hope this helps, feel free to check out my other threads for mow info on how I modded my wagon!

Evan

 

Ooooh you answered a much curious question I had.

So, the rears you still keep the bags even with a coilover system?

 

Yes, bags remain!

 

I bought an 08 S4 Avant mt6 new. I love my E61 but it will never handle as tight and confidently as the S4 does. I still drive the S4 every so often which reminds me how much more precise and planted it is compared to the wonderful travel car that the E61 is.

There are aspects I like better in the BMW but right off the line the S4 is superior in handling, and of course emotion through that engine growl.

The E61 is nicer for long trips although I did a 7000 mile loop in 2009 in the S4 which I enjoyed all the way, especially at the VIR track during an HPDE day.

 

The S4, size wise, is like an A4, which is equivalent to a 3 series wagon in BMW. I wouldn't doubt that it would handle better than our E61's. There's no 335 wagon with sport suspension here unfortunately!

If you compared an A6 Avant with an E61, it would be a better comparison.

 

Exactly. S6 Avant with 4.2 V8

There is a certain refinement or something I really prefer in the BMW though for the overall experience traveling. For one it's much quieter inside at highway speeds.

 

I had three A6 avants before the 535Xi, and from my point of view, the 535Xi handles better than the A6s any day.

 

True


Here are some of my feelings on my E61 which has KW V3s, RD Sport Sways, new strut mounts and control arm bushings; tires are Hankook V12s 245/40/19 and 275/35/35. I do not track my car or thrash it consistently so take my comments for what they are worth...

There is no hiding the weight of the car but coming from a modified E39 M5 riding KW V1s (also relatively heavy) I found the balance of the chassis did a great job at hiding the weight.

I feel the E61 is not as well sorted as the E39 M5 (which makes sense) and the suspension/chassis feels a little looser and clunkier. In addition the steering feel is where I really notice a huge separation in driving experiences; I am not sure if the front transfer case plays a large role in this or not, it has been a while since I drove a rwd e6x, M or non-M.

Where there are noticeable flaws in the refinement of the driving experience, my wagon is still extremely capable and covers ground quickly, the xi system adds some much needed traction to keep the big beast planted and exploit the power available. Although not as enjoyable or agile as other options (performance wagons) I think it would be hard for most cars to shake a well modified E61.

I often tell people that I my E39 M5 dearly as it offered an extremely vivd and stimulating driving experience (long tube headers and race cats! nom*nom*nom) but the world of "point-n-shoot" performance I would put money that my wagon would be as fast if not faster doing anything up to ~100mph, corners or not. Once my downpipes, intercooler, and chargepipe go in it will probably be lights-out.


Evan