BMW 525i enhancing looks

[777mech]

Looking for advice on how to make my 1994 alpine white 525i look less boring and sportier. I’m am in the process right now if tinting all the windows and I plan on picking up a set Of 18” M parallels to replace the stock bottle caps. I’m also torn between painting the rockers and lower front and rear bumper black plastic to match the alpine white panels. Any suggestions or pics for enhancing the look of a white E34?

[bimmer@15]

Wider and lower, not slammed but lower

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[777mech]

Can anyone suggest a budget friendly way to lower it? I will be using M Parallels from an e38 so I would like to avoid any clearance issues.

[bimmer@15]

Lowering springs will be the cheapest quality method

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[777mech]

What drop do you think will look/function best with the 18” M parallels? Inch drop in the front and back

[bimmer@15]

Im not sure, ive never done it before but what size are the wheels on it right now and how much gap is there?

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[777mech]

There are stock 15s now. I want to run the M par 18s with 235/40/18 in the front and 265/35/18 in the rear. I want to find a ride height that best complements this setup.

[bimmer@15]

Make sure your offset is correct before anything else

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[777mech]

Apparently the m pars off an e38 fit the e34 with no issues

[bimmer@15]

Will you be able to lower it with those wheels?

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[moroza]

Lowering springs will be the only quality method

Fixed that for you. Do NOT cut springs!

My experience is that Eibachs, at least in the front, are the best compromise for lowering springs for a North American E34. Vogtlands are too soft, H&R too stiff, factory sport springs harder to find and not much of a drop. Racing Dynamics, Spax, King, Jamex, and others aren't readily available here AFAIK.

18s are great for form, especially MPars, but are inferior for function. Too heavy, not enough sidewall. Whether it's worth the improvement in looks is your call.

Are you aware of 1995/M5 side skirts? They clean up an E34's lines and add visual bulk down low. Best combined with a roof rail delete...

Before:

After:


Tint goes a long way.

Some more eye candy and inspirations...

[bimmer@15]

I say cheapest quality because coilovers are a quality method just pricy

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[moroza]

Gotcha. I consider those lowering springs as well, just with extra features. I guess cut stock springs are technically lowering springs as well, but... don't.

[bimmer@15]

Correct, that will ruin your ride quality and you will scrape guaranteed

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[cirrusblau]

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...d-all-the-time

There was a discussion regarding Vogtlands recently. Maybe get a good read on that thread on the pros and cons of that particular set of springs.