Love those 128's!

As for lowering options, here's what I'm about to install (along with another Xi member). I have a set of short H&R Sport springs already sitting at my house, and I just ordered a set of Bilstein B8 dampers for Xi. These used to not be available in the States, but alas, another member and myself have just ordered a set each so if you're interested in this option, talk to Michael (Acute Performance) - he hooked us up with an awesome deal. The cost of this is about half (if not less) than that of the KW's. I believe we will be the first E60 Xi's with this setup in the States.

B8's are shorter dampers than the OEM replacement B6's, hence they will sit perfectly with the slightly softer progressive H&R Sport springs. I will do a full write-up on this setup after I install everything. I don't "track" my car competitively - E60 isn't really for that. But I do love me some curves, so rest assured I'll be pushing this setup to the limit soon enough - and will report my findings as best I can.

Coincidentally, I have been ramp-testing my car for body roll past couple of days and I want to tie down the lower points of the rear suspension. Which should be possible, since Xi's rear axle specs are same as the RWD's AFAIK, which means RWD E60's rear anti-roll bar should fit. Will double check this against some hard specs, as I could, of course, be wrong on this hypothesis. But if I can tie down the back end a little, I believe the handling limit will go up very significantly - the front doesn't seem to roll at all.

 

Possibly very big news - if this gets confirmed.

http://www.nextgentuning.com/D2_Raci...uct--2686.html

According to this site, the D2 Racing RS Coilovers are available for Xi. Under a grand too! Of course, I've been over-excited about coilovers being available for the Xi before, so we'll have to get some vendors/manufacturer to confirm this is true. Then there's the case of quality, etc. But something to consider.


The reason I found these in the first place is because I'm looking for a lower sway bar for the rear, and according to this site, Ultra Racing makes one. Will try to get it confirmed. Might be getting it, but I've heard Ultra's bars are on the heavy side - would much rather go with something light.

Stay tuned

 

PLease keep me posted! I'd love to go that route and save some $$.. Looking forward to seeing what it looks like as well!

 

So, of course, it turned out to be yet another BS

Here's the answer from the site:

Sorry guys.

 

How much were the bilsteins?

 

Just to be sure before I order my wheels, does everyone think an ET32 9" rim will be ok on the E61 xi wagon? BMW oem wheel, 9"x18" ET32

I plan all 4 to be 9" / ET32. I am ok if it requires rolling fenders for hard cornering but would prefer if it's not required for just rolling along. I also realize tire size affects the results and I'm ok with stretch just a touch but not too much if it affects handling. I'm thinking a 255/40 most likely.

 

So, I'm waffling on which wheel I want and part of this is wanting a certain design while hoping it could be made to fit.

I am not going to ever lower the car at all. So, is there any chance that a front 8.5" ET29 and rear 9.5" ET23 could work?

 

I don't think those offsets will work, maybe the front but the rear is questionable.

Michael
Owner
Acute Performance

 

First of all, neither of these would work with 20's IMHO. Your fenders would have to be pulled (not rolled) by something like 10mm, which would crack the paint and is just not worth it.

Would be too wide up front and most likely will rub - with or without fender roll.

Would come out too far in the back - this is whether you go with 20's or 19's.

 

I thought others had done et32 up front, on a 8.5" ? so a 9" ET32 will not work for sure up front?

thanks