Phoenix1

Does anyone have a GOOD experience with upgrades to springs, shocks and/or stabilizer bars for the wagon? If so, could you let me know the manufacturer, part # and (if possible) a US distributor? Seems there are very few options for the Xi with the rear self leveling air suspension.

2008 535Xi Wagon with Dinan Stage II software - what a blast and still under warranty!

asujosh1

TireRack has Eibach springs and coil-overs. There is a guy on here that had his wagon lowered on Eibachs. I think the thread was titled something about 20" hartage.

edit, found it: https://5series.net/forums/topic/687...on-20-hartges/

BlaSTiWi

Sorry for jumpin' in ...

AFAIK only H&R made lowering spring for the xi/AWD model so you might wanna contact TireRack in person to verify if Eibach actually available.
Also, E61 Euro spec is not the same as E61 US spec ... US spec is only available in AWD while Euro spec is RWD model that's why wheel specs also different.

Actually, KW v3 is available for xi/AWD just very costly ...

Phoenix1

Thanks - Tire Rack does have both the springs ($250US) and full coil over kits (v3) @ $2400US. Does anyone have experience with how either of these are to install (issues with electronics...) and what it does to the ride? Cost aside, both sound like good ideas - but are they worth it in the real world?

BlaSTiWi

I'm on H&R sport springs for xi/AWD for more than 2 yrs (23K miles) and have no problem at all & I did my own install ... there's no electronic involved on the suspension at least on the sedan which is identical on the front side for both the sedan/E60 and/or wagon/E61 ... but AFAIK the suspension kit for the wagon/E61 only comes for the front (I maybe wrong) since the rear uses air suspension.

As far as coilovers ... a few members here got KW v3 on their xi/AWD ... other than the cost of course the KW will be better 'cuz the matching shocks (instead of re-using the OEM shocks) and w/ rebound & compression (not to mention height) adjustable makes it a better choice.

Either way the ride will be firmer than stock for sure, while spring only will probably more than the coilovers.

Here's an example of xi/AWD wagon/E61 on H&R spring look like http://forums.5serie...with-extras-ga/

TLO03

I have a set of kw3 I got from mod bargains. They took awhile to get here. I haven't even opened yet.waiting till next spring I was told there's a set of links to put in the rear that tricks the leveling system. Maybe I'll open the box to see if there in there. Some people say the dealer can program the rear but I always get long pauses when I call the dealer and ask. There's member that did this install this summer I'm gonna pm him to see if he can chime in..

legwag

TLO03 and I got the KW V3's and I put them on this summer. They came with new rear brackets so your installer can reset your rear height for you without having to go to the dealer. The drawbacks are obviously they're expensive and getting them installed was also pretty pricey but I'm very very happy with the results. I left the coilover settings stock, as shipped, and lowered the car as well. The ride is stiffer but not harsh, it handles much better, and most (but not all) of the body lean is gone.

I am currently a complete idiot and can't figure out how to upload pics of the car. I will try to post them tomorrow so you can see the results.

Phoenix1

How much did you pay for installation of the coilovers?

Seipäänreikä

Here`s my story.

I got my KW3 installed in June and now I´ve been driving 15000 km with it. Still I have to say its absolutely fabulous
No need to change any stabilizers or anything else.

Phoenix1

Thanks so much - and you have one sweet ride. Enjoy!!!

Very good intel regarding installation time (when I get a local install quote) and ride heights (since there is very little experience with E61 in the US - people here just don't understand the concept of "sport wagons"...)

I now need to find someone in New Jersey who has eperience with installing these...