My e39 Koni FSD install and thoughts

[mmm635]

The difference could well be the strut you used as well. Bilstein, right?

I have Koni SA's. The strut shaft really did not give me any problems, just the spring needed more compression than I would have thought. It was a tight fit after everything was put together.

[cdb3113]

I have Koni SA's. The strut shaft really did not give me any problems, just the spring needed more compression than I would have thought. It was a tight fit after everything was put together.

Ok. I didn't think you had a problem; I was just inferring that the strut shaft on your SA's may be shorter than on the FSD's, because of the intended application. FSDs tend to be marketed at OEM ride height, except for the Eibach kit.

[kerryb]

There is peace in the galaxy now... good stuff b5'er

[mmm635]

Ok. I didn't think you had a problem; I was just inferring that the strut shaft on your SA's may be shorter than on the FSD's, because of the intended application. FSDs tend to be marketed at OEM ride height, except for the Eibach kit.

Gotcha.

Did you ever get around to replacing your rear wheel bearings?

[cdb3113]

Gotcha.

Did you ever get around to replacing your rear wheel bearings?

In fact, I am just got my new bearing bolts. Got the inner races off of the flanges just last night.

[bimmerfiver]

My car now drives like a 7 Series on the highway and OEM Sport everywhere else FTW. I'll snag some Eibach sways this summer to reduce roll and increase fun.

[mmm635]

In fact, I am just got my new bearing bolts. Got the inner races off of the flanges just last night.

Curious...how did you get the inner races off?

My car now drives like a 7 Series on the highway and OEM Sport everywhere else FTW. I'll snag some Eibach sways this summer to reduce roll and increase fun.

That will be icing on the cake!

[cdb3113]

My car now drives like a 7 Series on the highway and OEM Sport everywhere else FTW. I'll snag some Eibach sways this summer to reduce roll and increase fun.

Best plan ever. You do seem pleased with the results thus far. Most excellent!

Curious...how did you get the inner races off?

I will post up some pictures in my other thread (Finally all mods/repairs complete (almost)). I wanted to use the same Harbor Freight tool that you used, but Harbor Freight is like 45min to an hour away. I rented a combination of tools and went through a learning process. The process included heat, a chisel, flat head drivers, 20oz hammer, 2lb hammer, 3lb deadblow hammer, and 2 different gear pullers.

Needless to say, the second race came off much faster.

[jburnham]

I've got OEM sport springs / FSDs with M5 sways front and rear and run 8.5" wheels with 255 all around. I think the ride and handling are probably perfect for me. If I wanted to dial out the last bit of understeer, I would get the Eibach rear sway with M5 front - or M5 rear with 540 sport front.

My car now drives like a 7 Series on the highway and OEM Sport everywhere else FTW. I'll snag some Eibach sways this summer to reduce roll and increase fun.

I just saw that you have a 525, so my suggestion may not be applicable. Didn't you get some super-lightweight BBS wheels recently? I'd bet that reduction in unsprung weight goes a long way toward improving ride quality.

[Jason5driver]

Best plan ever. You do seem pleased with the results thus far. Most excellent!


I will post up some pictures in my other thread (Finally all mods/repairs complete (almost)). I wanted to use the same Harbor Freight tool that you used, but Harbor Freight is like 45min to an hour away. I rented a combination of tools and went through a learning process. The process included heat, a chisel, flat head drivers, 20oz hammer, 2lb hammer, 3lb deadblow hammer, and 2 different gear pullers.

Needless to say, the second race came off much faster.

Interesting!
I really want to see more on your rear bearing process!

[cdb3113]

Interesting!
I really want to see more on your rear bearing process!

See other thread, got a pic there. Reference article in the works.

[kaptom540]

is it me or Koni doesn't make FSD anymore for E39 540?

[mmm635]

is it me or Koni doesn't make FSD anymore for E39 540?

Koni FSD 540i

[cdb3113]

is it me or Koni doesn't make FSD anymore for E39 540?

I didn't check this week, but I got mine direct from Koni NA just last month..

[fmzip]

My car now drives like a 7 Series on the highway and OEM Sport everywhere else FTW.

Couldn't agree more.......car rides like a dream!

[Jason5driver]

See other thread, got a pic there. Reference article in the works.

What other thread?

Link?

[kaptom540]

koni na website mentions 540 but when you click on it .. the part number shows up but the 540 model doesn't .. also, one of the vendors on the group buy indicated no FSD's for 2003 540?

[cdb3113]

What other thread?

Link?

Link!

koni na website mentions 540 but when you click on it .. the part number shows up but the 540 model doesn't .. also, one of the vendors on the group buy indicated no FSD's for 2003 540?

This is true. Going thru the process netted me the Touring FSD set. I called Koni and told them it was the wrong set, and that they didn't have the option for the 540i sedan on their site. They said it was a strange thing to not be there, because they had them in the warehouse... and then they shipped them to me in like 3 days. They exist! You just have to specify the part number.

[eric@spp]

Koni is making a small change on the 2100 4030 FSD Kit for 540....

5mm rear spring seat difference change being made

01 and up V8 6speed cars with sport suspension are the ones apparantly that need this small change so they pulled the part number off the site

Due in end of May or early June

[Jason5driver]

Koni is making a small change on the 2100 4030 FSD Kit for 540....

5mm spring seat difference change being made

01 and up 6speed cars with sport suspension are the ones apparantly that need this small change so they pulled the part number off the site

Due in end of May or early June

This is only for the V8 cars, correct?

[eric@spp]

Correct only 01+ 6speed V8 cars...540 or M5

[cdb3113]

Koni is making a small change on the 2100 4030 FSD Kit for 540....

5mm rear spring seat difference change being made

01 and up V8 6speed cars with sport suspension are the ones apparantly that need this small change so they pulled the part number off the site

Due in end of May or early June

Can I get another replacement set, or at least perches? The rear definitely sits higher.

[eric@spp]

I dont know how Koni is going to address this but I can definitely ask for you.

I supposed we can or you can always machine another groove in the shock to lower the circlip height as well

[cdb3113]

I dont know how Koni is going to address this but I can definitely ask for you.

I supposed we can or you can always machine another groove in the shock to lower the circlip height as well

It is actually a raised ridge on the strut. My only thought was to get a new perch ring made, seems like that would be their cheapest fix as well.

I would appreciate it if you did ask. Thanks!

[BlackSapphire]

When I had my 540 with FSDs, I think the rear sat beautifully.





Also bought my FSDs from Eric at Supreme Power Parts - awesome guy to deal with.