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Thread: e39 530i suspension question

  1. #1
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    e39 530i suspension question

    Greetings,

    I am finally going to upgrade the suspension in my 2002 530i. I am planning on using the pro-kit version of Bilsteins B12 kit.

    My question is: what other items, other than the obvious springs and shocks / struts do I need to properly get this done?

    Will the OEM adjustment be enough to align out the extra negative camber created by the lowered stance?

    Thanks in advance, if there are other items needed please include p/n etc where applicable

  2. #2
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    moved to E39 forum
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  3. #3
    JimLev's Avatar
    JimLev is offline Artifically Aspirated Moderator
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    Not familiar with that kit. I lowered my 540 with H&R springs, the front dropped 1.5", the rear about 1/2".
    Didn't have any problem getting it aligned to the BMW spec.
    I later raised the front up 1/2" so I wouldn't scrap every speed bump.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by JimLev View Post
    Not familiar with that kit. I lowered my 540 with H&R springs, the front dropped 1.5", the rear about 1/2".
    Didn't have any problem getting it aligned to the BMW spec.
    I later raised the front up 1/2" so I wouldn't scrap every speed bump.

    great info. you got pics ?

  5. #5
    JimLev's Avatar
    JimLev is offline Artifically Aspirated Moderator
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    Quote Originally Posted by poltergeist187 View Post
    great info. you got pics ?
    Yes, can't post them. Will do it later.

  6. #6
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    How did you raise it with springs?

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by atobe View Post
    How did you raise it with springs?
    IIRC, he put a small spacer between the bottom of the strut and the knuckle/wheel carrier, so it would be 1/2 an inch higher than the H&R springs come from the factory.

    I'm thinking about doing the same, honestly. I don't have a problem clearing speed bumps, but when I go over a sharp speed bump, I wack the bottom of the car after the front has cleared.
    Nate J.

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  8. #8
    JimLev's Avatar
    JimLev is offline Artifically Aspirated Moderator
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    Quote Originally Posted by atobe View Post
    How did you raise it with springs?
    Ya gotta think outside the box.
    I had some 1/2" rings machined that I slid onto the bottom of the struts.
    That allowed the strut to sit 1/2" higher in the wheel carrier which lifted the front 1/2".

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