Lowering e60 523i

[BZSAB]

Seriously considering lowering my ride this week but damn blur about it... Mod Gurus, please offer your adivce. My ride is stock with the exception of recently changed 19" rims and tires. I am an old man with weak right foot so I dont loot and cheong corners. All I want is to lower the ride and to maintain ride comfort.

I was told the cheapest option is to change springs only but was also advised that this will affect balance of the ride. Thus the confusion. What's the theory on this?

Is there a KW Var 1 available for e60 523? I was told that it cost approx $1.1K, is this true. If so, then the obvious choice would be to switch the entire suspension rite?

Please advice.

 

[TripleM]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

The cheapest option is to change springs, indeed.
I dont see the reason why it has to affect the ride's balance coz after all, the springs are designed to match the stock dampers. Eg, Eibach or H&R
Ensure u find the springs that are designed for your ride. DO NOT Compromise!

Once u hv done it, then ride the car for a week or so and go for wheel allignment and you are done.

A more expensive option is to change the entire damper+springs of ur stock set up. In this case, u can opt to get a sport cup suspension set up or if not, a coilover which allows you to adjust the height to your preference.

Where u got the quote for KW Var1 for 1.1k? Impossible price IMO.
At least near 2k for your ride.

 

[BZSAB]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

The cheapest option is to change springs, indeed.
I dont see the reason why it has to affect the ride's balance coz after all, the springs are designed to match the stock dampers. Eg, Eibach or H&R
Ensure u find the springs that are designed for your ride. DO NOT Compromise!

Once u hv done it, then ride the car for a week or so and go for wheel allignment and you are done.

A more expensive option is to change the entire damper+springs of ur stock set up. In this case, u can opt to get a sport cup suspension set up or if not, a coilover which allows you to adjust the height to your preference.

Where u got the quote for KW Var1 for 1.1k? Impossible price IMO.
At least near 2k for your ride.

Thanks TripleM for the prompt reply. How do I know if the Eibach Spring is designed for my ride huh? By the way, in addition to other forummers, Fong Kim was the one who suggested Eibach springs.

 

[TripleM]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

Well , hv a visit or google eibach/ H&R website and see if they have the springs made for your ride. I am sure they have 525/530/545 but dunno 523 tho I'd think 523 should use the same springs as 525

Gd luck dude

 

[BZSAB]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

Well , hv a visit or google eibach/ H&R website and see if they have the springs made for your ride. I am sure they have 525/530/545 but dunno 523 tho I'd think 523 should use the same springs as 525

Gd luck dude

Thanks Bro... will be visiting Fong Kim tomorrow to do springs..... and exhaust. Wish me luck

 

[TripleM]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

If die die u want it and they offer you 530 springs, ask em if any problem, can they accept return n refund ?
Problem typically seen is too hard ride and vibration at high speed.

And Gd Luck!

 

[Scuderia]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

Thanks Bro... will be visiting Fong Kim tomorrow to do springs..... and exhaust. Wish me luck

I would advise to change both springs and shocks at the same time. My previous experience from changing the springs first was bad, and have to incur double labour cost to change shocks one week later on my ex E39.

The new springs indeed lowered the car but when you go over humps, it bumped the humps as the stock shocks cannot take the shorter springs. Eventually I have to change to harder shocks. I was using Eibach/Bilstein combo.

 

[TripleM]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

That was because the Eibach springs weren't meant for your Bilstein shocks.....They didnt compliment each other.

 

[Scuderia]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

That was because the Eibach springs weren't meant for your Bilstein shocks.....They didnt compliment each other.

They worked well after I changed the stock shocks to Bilstein, what I meant was the Eibach does not work with the stock shocks.

What shocks would u recommend for Eibach springs? Koni?

 

[TripleM]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

Hmm...probably...
Havent tried that...
But I know Koni has good collaboration with Eibach as seen in the product Ground Control suspension set up

 

[AC Boy]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

Thanks Bro... will be visiting Fong Kim tomorrow to do springs..... and exhaust. Wish me luck

so u go 1 big rd & now doing only springs or wat? u spoken to ricky, i presumed?

 

[BZSAB]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

so u go 1 big rd & now doing only springs or wat? u spoken to ricky, i presumed?

AC, after TripleM advice I tot I was sure leow... Now damn confused because Scuderia says Eibach not good with Stock Shocks.....

 

[T6]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

BZSAB,

Juz lup in the Bilstein PSS9 and enjoy the mod fully lah. If find ride too high, can adjust height. If find ride too soft, can adjust to make it harder. Swee swee.

 

[AC Boy]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

AC, after TripleM advice I tot I was sure leow... Now damn confused because Scuderia says Eibach not good with Stock Shocks.....

as i've spoken to you before, its advisable to go with set of shocks & springs which can't go wrong, in terms of set up, ride comfort (depending wat brand) + u've a pc of mind as opposed to just opting to change to springs only. if u decide to go with the latter's decision, make sure you get the right brand of lowering springs.

 

[BZSAB]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

as i've spoken to you before, its advisable to go with set of shocks & springs which can't go wrong, in terms of set up, ride comfort (depending wat brand) + u've a pc of mind as opposed to just opting to change to springs only. if u decide to go with the latter's decision, make sure you get the right brand of lowering springs.

I am pretty sure rite now that I will go for the spring option. Worst case, change entire set when stock shock dies.... So far only know about Eibach.... what else works with Stock Shocks har? Please advice.

 

[Scuderia]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

I am pretty sure rite now that I will go for the spring option. Worst case, change entire set when stock shock dies.... So far only know about Eibach.... what else works with Stock Shocks har? Please advice.

Keep us posted how it goes.

 

[kopi_o]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

Is there a KW Var 1 available for e60 523? I was told that it cost approx $1.1K, is this true. If so, then the obvious choice would be to switch the entire suspension rite?

Please advice.

The quote I got for Var 1 was $2100. KW also has lowering springs. Here's the blurb about the springs from the email I got regarding Var 1 quote:

KW suspensions lowering springs are suitable for reducing the height of the vehicle by up to 60 mm. In addition to the improved looks, the lowered centre of gravity contributes to increased agility and driving pleasure. Lowering springs up to 40 mm can be used with standard shock absorbers. In general, however, the use of sports shock absorbers is recommended, and is a compulsory requirement for any further lowering.

• lowering from 40 to 60 mm, including wedge shape
• lowered centre of gravity
• improved looks
• increased agility and driving pleasure
• OEM quality according to DIN ISO

Keep us posted on your decision as I would like to do the same soon!

 

[AC Boy]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

I am pretty sure rite now that I will go for the spring option. Worst case, change entire set when stock shock dies.... So far only know about Eibach.... what else works with Stock Shocks har? Please advice.

try ACS, should cost you abt 900+, u'll get the lowered effect/looks which you're looking for but don't quote me in terms of handling. can't comment how or will it work well with your stock shocks coz never consider that option before tho.

 

[titanic]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

Do not change springs alone. Your car will bob up and down like crazy when running over uneven surface. Also make sure the springs lower front and rear equally. My recommendation would be to go for those coilovers which allow you to adjust each wheel individually.

 

[kopi_o]

Re: Lowering e60 523i

If the spring rate is not changed from stock then it should not bob. Having said that, shorter springs would probably mean an increase in spring rate to prevent bottoming out since suspension travel is now less. This would cause a mismatch with insufficient dampening to control the springs. Like titanic and a few others have said the best option is to change both the springs and dampers.

I read somewhere that BMW makes a "sports" spring for standard shox that lowers by 20-30mm. If so that might work quite well.