Hello and Good Day to All,
Can I ask for help?
I am stuck on making a decision which way to go for upgrading suspension system on 2006 BMW X5 3.0i (E53).
I am soliciting the BMW Community for recommendations on which option listed below is best for my application.
I have read through a few "threads" both on "Xoutpost" and "Bimmerforums" for suggestions and advice.
However, I could not find definitive recommendations for the X5 3.0i.
Most of the threads focused on the 4.4i or 4.6is or 4.8is with equipped rear air suspension.
Some prefer KW coilovers, others prefer BC Racing coilovers and the rest swear by ST coilovers.
Then there's the debate between Coilovers versus lowering springs and traditional Shock/Strut.
I could use some help, please, to figure out which way to go.
Below is a profile of who I am, my X5, and my questions.
Thank you in advance.
BACKGROUND:
I am hesitant to go with Bilstein B6 Performance Cup kit with H&R Sport Springs on the X5 (E53).
See option 2 below.
REASON: I used the Bilstein B8 Performance Shock/Strut Cup Kit from
ecstuning.com on the
525i (E39) and hate the harsh ride. The B8 for the E39 is matched with H&R Sport Springs
LINK:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...t/35-114079kt/
Don't get me wrong, my 525i (E39) drives great on smooth roads, but when the road is uneven, I can
feel the bumpiness of the road. Drives me crazy ... I do not what my X5 feeling the same.
Who I AM:
Driving Style: Spirited (I want my BMW to respond when I demand it)
Car Function: Daily Drive, occasional Interstate travel, go-to vehicle for inclement weather
Track: NO (however, maybe one day in the lifetime of this SAV, if an opportunity to track presents itself, I will seriously consider it)
Street: Everyday
What I Want:
Adjust height of the X5 to improve handling and cornering by lowering the center of gravity
Improve aesthetics of the car (turn a few heads)
Picture below is the current state. Tissue box to give perspective of the gap.
I want to go low by at least 2 inches, those tissue boxes are about 4 ~ 5 inches
full.jpg
Questions:
1. Coilover or Traditional Shock/Strut with Lowering Springs
(I am hesitant to go with traditional shock/strut/lowering spring, but please convince me otherwise)
(What am I not considering with traditional shock/strut option)
2. If recommendation is to go with Coilovers, which coilover to choose. Why?
Options Researched:
Option One:
I-20 BC Racing BR Series True Coilover Suspension Kit – E53 X5
Price: $995
Features:
9k Front and 12k Rear Spring Rates
Linear Front and Rear Springs
2 inch minimum and 3+ inches of total potential drop
Option Two:
KW Coilover Kit – Variant 3 (V3) – E53 X5
Price: $2464.99
Features:
Individually Adjustable rebound and compression damping
Individually height-adjustable, 35 – 65mm, Front and Rear
Individually height-adjustable, 1.4 inch – 2.5inch, Front and Rear
Option Three:
Bilstein B6 Performance Shock & Strut Set – E53 X5
H&R Sport Spring Conversion Kit – Front & Rear – E53 X5
Price: $794.28 + $444.45 = $1238.73
Features:
Heavy Duty (HD) Shock and Strut set
H&R Sport Springs lowering height of 1.2 inch to 1.5 inch
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
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