Good afternoon,

I have a 2004 E60 non-sport 530i. My wife drives a E90 sport 330i, and what a ride that is. Simply put the sport ride, bumpy, is very fun. So I started thinking - I'm mechanically inclined... I've seriously modified my Jeep by lifting it 4" by replacing the suspension springs, shocks, control arms, and anti-roll bars. Then had to get my driveshaft lengthened to rid the vibrations from the new drive line angles, and follow this all up with an alignment so the tires didn't wear funny. Point is I'm savoy when it comes to Jeeps...

So my question is related to suspension only... For the E60 suspension, what all differs from the E60 Sport and Non-Sport suspension components? Obviously the springs would have to be different, and I'm also thinking the shocks too... How about the anti swaybars? I know, and aware there are some aftermarket manufactures that make aftermarket springs, but how do these compare to those of OEM? What I'm driving at here is I'd consider the work if I knew what all I needed to pull this off - if reasonable it would be my weekend winter garage project.

v/r,
Jay

 

Well you can't do the OEM active roll stabilization yourself because of the complexity of the electronics involved. To get the most flexible setup, get some adjustable coilovers and H&R or ACS anti sway bars. There are a few different coilover systems out there, I'd love to go with the Bilstein B16 Electronic Adjustable Coilovers myself but you can search on here and there are lots of other good opinions from people.

 

Obviously there are several items that are different, ASC as mentioned above, but Id be willing to bet just changing the springs, shocks and adding strut braces will go a long way in improving your handling w/o significant costs.

 

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Have you thought about trading it in for a one with a sport pkg? buyers market now.
just an idea...

 

Thanks a lot...now you have me looking for a new car...

 

Thanks for all the responses... I'll have to start putting a list together, but think basically springs, shocks, and strut braces might just do it for me. Another question, if I get a sport spring for the 530i I'm thinking the car will be lowered... Is this a correct assumption?

Got your PM NeRwEEzy - want to send me a quote for springs, shocks, and strut braces?

MacoBMW4life, yes and no... Umm how do I want to say this. M5? :-) I'm saving, and watching the price of M5's fall in a big way. Ideally I'd like to purchase an M5 outright - weekend warrior kind of thing. I've started, but it's just going to take some time. Meanwhile I'll enjoy the 530i, which for me is a GREAT car. Perfect for the family....

 

M5?...say no more. I've watching the price drop on them too, but i still can't get into one, even though it's extremely tempting, I need to think with my head before doing the hand shake at the dealer; (the head above my shoulders.)

 

Jay - that is correct your car would be approximately a little over an inch lower depending on which springs you choose. Id also assume if you have the non-sport you may have 17" wheels, if you go with a wider larger wheel that also improves the handling. Just some food for thought.

 

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