Sports Suspension on XI

[5050punk]

So I tried searching for this, but couldn't find an exact answer.

My E92 335xi arrives in about a month. I know that you cannot get the OEM sport suspension with any of the xi models. You can however purchase an aftermarket suspension, which I imagine would allow you to go lower than even the OEM sport suspension.

My question is, why can you go for aftermarket suspension, but not the OEM sport suspension?

If the OEM sport suspension actually would fit, is there anywhere you can buy this? I imagine the springs are the only difference, and the shocks are probably the same (although I could be wrong).

Thanks.

[Critter7r]

Not that the external dimensions aren't the same, but the part numbers are different from the i to the Xi, so I don't know that they'd be a direct drop-in.

And my BMW Fast Facts book states that the Sport Package on an Xi doesn't contain Sport suspension calibration because (and I quote) "AWD models have own calibration. Same with or without Sport Package."

[Beer Goggles]

I'm guessing they have it a a height for snow since AWD is more of a snow belt option. But there also is the fact that it might go to an angle where the CV joints are stressed more and wear quicker. But I'm sure dropping it with springs will work.

[5050punk]

I'm guessing they have it a a height for snow since AWD is more of a snow belt option. But there also is the fact that it might go to an angle where the CV joints are stressed more and wear quicker. But I'm sure dropping it with springs will work.

Yeah my initial guess was that it is to have the car higher for snow as well. The main reason I'm asking this question is I have an aftermarket suspension in my current car, and it's pretty stiff. I'm sure if I could go with the OEM Sport Suspension, it would do what I want (reduce wheel gap), but not compromise ride quality as much.

[Beer Goggles]

Yeah my initial guess was that it is to have the car higher for snow as well. The main reason I'm asking this question is I have an aftermarket suspension in my current car, and it's pretty stiff. I'm sure if I could go with the OEM Sport Suspension, it would do what I want (reduce wheel gap), but not compromise ride quality as much.

Well my guess is that there is clearance issues in the shocks so they are probably different. So just get some springs that are know to work on the Xi. I wouldn't replace struts and springs when all you really want is it lower.

[Bryan@Jlevi SW]

You can't buy OEM sport suspension for the XI because there isn't one. The RWD suspension will not fit. The best solution for the XI models is the KW V3 coilovers. I wouldn't recommend running just springs on stock shocks because it will cause your shocks to go out pretty quickly. You're going to end up paying a shop twice for installation (once for springs and once for shocks when they go out).

If you're going to alter the suspension, do it right the first time and swap out both shocks and springs.

[Beer Goggles]

You can't buy OEM sport suspension for the XI because there isn't one. The RWD suspension will not fit. The best solution for the XI models is the KW V3 coilovers. I wouldn't recommend running just springs on stock shocks because it will cause your shocks to go out pretty quickly. You're going to end up paying a shop twice for installation (once for springs and once for shocks when they go out).

If you're going to alter the suspension, do it right the first time and swap out both shocks and springs.


99% of people who want it lowered don't need Coil Overs. They never see the track and want a ride height adjustment. I understand piston speed and all that stuff, but considering you'll pay $200 for springs and maybe a total of $500 installed I think wearing the stock ones out a little faster is okay. I'm not even sure we've seen people need a new shock yet. So if they last 60,000 miles and have a 20% reduction in life it's still not a bad idea to just lower it...it is done that way on lots of cars and they don't have issues. I'm sure somebody makes a spring rate that's pretty close to stock.

[clintjg]

You can't buy OEM sport suspension for the XI because there isn't one. The RWD suspension will not fit. The best solution for the XI models is the KW V3 coilovers. I wouldn't recommend running just springs on stock shocks because it will cause your shocks to go out pretty quickly. You're going to end up paying a shop twice for installation (once for springs and once for shocks when they go out).

If you're going to alter the suspension, do it right the first time and swap out both shocks and springs.

+1 KW V3's FTW

I only wanted a shock/spring combo like H&R Bil/Koni or even V1's or V2's but the 3's were on sale at the time. This car is my daily driver.


99% of people who want it lowered don't need Coil Overs. They never see the track and want a ride height adjustment. I understand piston speed and all that stuff, but considering you'll pay $200 for springs and maybe a total of $500 installed I think wearing the stock ones out a little faster is okay. I'm not even sure we've seen people need a new shock yet. So if they last 60,000 miles and have a 20% reduction in life it's still not a bad idea to just lower it...it is done that way on lots of cars and they don't have issues. I'm sure somebody makes a spring rate that's pretty close to stock.

Lowering with springs alone is a bad idea IMO. It's not only about shock piston speed it's about range of motion and optimal operating range. Non-OE springs take you out of both. That and you're not always talking a 20% reduction in the life of the shock/strut it could be as much as 80% depending on how the car is driven and under what road conditions.

Springs with stock shocks can be dangerous in a car with an inexperienced driver... ask me how I know.

Modding 101:

Cheap, fast, reliable - Pick any two.

To the OP:
I have a '07 328xit w/ coilovers. I suggest saving money now and waiting for someone to do a matched spring/shock set for your car or spending a little extra money for the coilovers (knowing that it's probably a bit of overkill).

[5050punk]

Well since the OEM sports are not an option, if I do decide to lower it, I probably will go with the coilovers, not just springs and shocks. In my current car, I upgraded the springs and shocks, and didn't get the exact drop I was looking for. I'd like to be able to dial in the ride height to exactly the way I want. I'd also like the option to be able to raise the car back up a little for the winter when I want to go snowboarding.

[StigNV]

I tried to look into improved suspension for my xi. I didn't find anyone that makes it yet, mainly Dinan. I also looked at the Brembo Brake upgrade, and it wont work with the xi either. The dealer put the template on me car, and everything is off from the 335i by 1/8 of an inch. The change is enough to not me compatable, from the awd axles to the arm mounts to the fitting of mating to hubs. It's all different. I'm not sure if the will make suspension stuff for the xi any time soon. Please let me know if you have seen mods made.
Only crossover mods I have seen are for the engine, exhaust, software, and driveline. The only intake mod I have seen is a K&N filter that goes into the stock air box.

[clintjg]

I tried to look into improved suspension for my xi. I didn't find anyone that makes it yet, mainly Dinan. I also looked at the Brembo Brake upgrade, and it wont work with the xi either. The dealer put the template on me car, and everything is off from the 335i by 1/8 of an inch. The change is enough to not me compatable, from the awd axles to the arm mounts to the fitting of mating to hubs. It's all different. I'm not sure if the will make suspension stuff for the xi any time soon. Please let me know if you have seen mods made.
Only crossover mods I have seen are for the engine, exhaust, software, and driveline. The only intake mod I have seen is a K&N filter that goes into the stock air box.

KW makes a suspension for an XI.

[Edison@Jlevi SW]

99% of people who want it lowered don't need Coil Overs. They never see the track and want a ride height adjustment. I understand piston speed and all that stuff, but considering you'll pay $200 for springs and maybe a total of $500 installed I think wearing the stock ones out a little faster is okay. I'm not even sure we've seen people need a new shock yet. So if they last 60,000 miles and have a 20% reduction in life it's still not a bad idea to just lower it...it is done that way on lots of cars and they don't have issues. I'm sure somebody makes a spring rate that's pretty close to stock.
I certainly agree with that statement however the Xi models are fairly limited in their suspension offerings. If you don't want to get a coilover kit, I would do the H&R Cup Kit which is a matched spring/shock combo that swaps out the entire assembly for a sportier and lower setup. This way you get the advantage of improved suspension while saving a good $500 over a coilover setup.

With that said, H&R only offers a coilover or spring replacement for the Xi models so I recommend doing the coilovers if you are going to replace it all.

[MMOTION]

I just picked up a 2006 330xi w/ sports package and new to the forums. Can i assume that my car doesn't come with a sports suspension?

[mryakan]

I just picked up a 2006 330xi w/ sports package and new to the forums. Can i assume that my car doesn't come with a sports suspension?
You assume correctly. The x-drive versions come with steel suspension parts (vs aluminum), and a higher softer ride. From BMW's point of view, x-drive vehicles are weather enhanced not performance enhanced, thus the extra clearance.

[MMOTION]

My 2006 330xi looks pretty low and comparable to the 330i sports? Maybe 06' was an exception. I know for a fact that the newer 335xi versions don't come with the sports suspension.

[StigNV]

Dinan just endorsed Stage1, 2, and 3 systems for the xi. I'm trying to get some info in if it actually lowers the car. It doesn't say anything on the sight. I'll make a call later today.

The black car on the Dinan home page is a 335xi. It is the model car they used for suspension upgrages, and is a Stage 3 suspension. It is lowered about a half an inch to the 335xi.