Least expensive way to lower an xi?

mimmitt · 09-30-2010, 07:12 AM

Guys - I just picked up a 2011 335xi after going in to get an i. Is there a relatively inexpensive way to lower the ride height without causing myself warranty issues, etc? I will not be tracking the car, just DD.

SpmnE9zero · 09-30-2010, 07:23 AM

Same way I did..... H&R sport springs on stock struts. Have been on for about 5000 miles with zero issues at all! Some people say the struts wear out faster, I say no they dont, this is my second car lowered on stock struts and have yet to blow a strut. All depends on the bumps you hit and how you drive, it is relatively flat here with minimal bumps so take caution to this as I have heard in NJ the roads can be pretty bad.

msp116 · 09-30-2010, 07:23 AM

H&R Sport springs is the cheapest way to go.....check around for pricing. It will definitely give you a lower ride height, but it also give you a harsher ride. The best route it a set of coilovers. They offer the best ride and adjusability for the price. "Its relatively flat here with minimal bumps" you must live in a different Pittsburgh.....

cyphr · 10-01-2010, 01:44 AM

Most aftermarket springs won't work with the stock shock valving. I'd go for a matched spring/shock combo.

MassBimmer · 10-01-2010, 09:43 AM

H&R springs for xi

danniexi · 10-01-2010, 02:52 PM

fat chick in the front, cinder blocks in the back.

cloud009 · 10-01-2010, 03:21 PM

I'll have a set of H&R sport springs for sale next week. I just bought a set of KW V1's and am getting them installed on Monday. The springs have about 5k miles on them. Let me know if your interested.

Mrbig · 10-01-2010, 03:22 PM

im also looking into this wat is the best way to lower the car awd just sit to high stock keep ride nice just lower no tracking just 1/4mile runs maybe ..........

mimmitt · 10-01-2010, 03:32 PM

I just spoke with H&R and they're unable to confirm yet that the 2007-2010 sport springs will work with a 2011 chassis. Can't see whay they shouldn't...but that's the case for now.

Atsnow · 10-01-2010, 04:09 PM

Eibach Pro-Kit

BRAISKI · 10-01-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackb

Eibach Pro-Kit

Only? I am thinking of getting the Pro-kits as well...

mimmitt · 10-01-2010, 09:17 PM

OK, so after doing some searches on here and reading about going with just HR springs - these things come up as an issue often:

1. rake
2. doesn't mesh with camber - so tires wear faster
3. harsh ride

I can tell you that I come from an E46 M3 so I can't imagine I'll be bothered by what some folks are calling a harsh ride. But what about these other issues - serious or not? Thanks.

Atsnow · 10-01-2010, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRAISKI

Only? I am thinking of getting the Pro-kits as well...

Pro kit only with 19"s

MassBimmer · 10-01-2010, 10:47 PM

Pro kits are not engineered for the xi so be careful

BRAISKI · 10-02-2010, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassBimmer

Pro kits are not engineered for the xi so be careful

I don't think there is a springs engineered for the xi, unless they came with shocks or coilovers.

Dinan even uses the stock front shocks with lowering springs...

http://www.dinancars.com/store/produ...cat=505&page=1

Quote:

Stage 1 Suspension System (Performance Spring Set, Koni Rear Shocks)

BMCoupe_782 · 10-02-2010, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danniexi

fat chick in the front, cinder blocks in the back.

this made me laugh hard.

cb1111 · 10-02-2010, 09:07 PM

I can't think of anything that won't cause you warranty woes.

seis-speed · 10-03-2010, 09:45 PM

I have H&R and the ride is very good. It is harsher on things like speed bumps and train tracks, but for the road it feels a little smoother.

The rake is no worse than stock rake and is more visual than real.

MassBimmer · 10-03-2010, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRAISKI

I don't think there is a springs engineered for the xi, unless they came with shocks or coilovers.

Dinan even uses the stock front shocks with lowering springs...

http://www.dinancars.com/store/produ...cat=505&page=1

H&R is the only company that makes springs specifically for the xi
Dinan also approves use of their suspension kit for xi, Eibach does not

spdy330 · 10-03-2010, 10:20 PM

Question: Least expensive way to lower an xi?

Answer: Don't

325/528 · 10-03-2010, 10:25 PM

Take the wheels and tires off. Pretty hard on the rotors though!

spdy330 · 10-03-2010, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 325/528

Take the wheels and tires off. Pretty hard on the rotors though!

09-30-2010, 07:12 AM	#1
mimmitt Private First Class 10 Rep 146 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	Least expensive way to lower an xi? Guys - I just picked up a 2011 335xi after going in to get an i. Is there a relatively inexpensive way to lower the ride height without causing myself warranty issues, etc? I will not be tracking the car, just DD.
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09-30-2010, 07:23 AM	#2
SpmnE9zero DENY THE WORLD THAT SURROUNDS YOU 512 Rep 35,580 Posts Drives: JB 33ZERO Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: City of Champions iTrader: (14) Garage List 2006 330xi [0.00]	Same way I did..... H&R sport springs on stock struts. Have been on for about 5000 miles with zero issues at all! Some people say the struts wear out faster, I say no they dont, this is my second car lowered on stock struts and have yet to blow a strut. All depends on the bumps you hit and how you drive, it is relatively flat here with minimal bumps so take caution to this as I have heard in NJ the roads can be pretty bad. __________________ Eurocharged V5 \| ROW's / CC Delete \| K&N's \| H&R Springs \| Single Fin G.B. Grill \| Mode Carbon Diffuser \| JBSpeed CF Spoiler \| Arkym Style CF Splitter \| CF Mirror Caps \| 5% Tints \| 12mm Spacers \|
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09-30-2010, 07:23 AM	#3
msp116 Private First Class 9 Rep 116 Posts Drives: BMW 335XI Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (0)	H&R Sport springs is the cheapest way to go.....check around for pricing. It will definitely give you a lower ride height, but it also give you a harsher ride. The best route it a set of coilovers. They offer the best ride and adjusability for the price. "Its relatively flat here with minimal bumps" you must live in a different Pittsburgh..... Last edited by msp116; 09-30-2010 at 07:40 AM..
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10-01-2010, 01:44 AM	#4
cyphr Major 71 Rep 1,239 Posts Drives: 08 335xi coupe Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (12)	Most aftermarket springs won't work with the stock shock valving. I'd go for a matched spring/shock combo.
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10-01-2010, 09:43 AM	#5
MassBimmer Major General 316 Rep 7,438 Posts Drives: 2023 i4 M50 Join Date: May 2009 Location: MA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2009 BMW [9.24]	H&R springs for xi
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10-01-2010, 02:52 PM	#6
danniexi Brigadier General 3271 Rep 4,459 Posts Drives: 2022 F97 X3M Comp LCI Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ/NY iTrader: (15) Garage List 2022 BMW X3M Compet ... [10.00] 2016 BMW F80 M3 [10.00]	fat chick in the front, cinder blocks in the back. __________________ BMW MY22 F97 X3MC LCI - CURRENT BUILD THREAD\| Instagram: @danniexi BMW MY16 F80 M3 - GONE BMW MY08 E92 335XI - GONE BMW MY06 E46 325XI - GONE
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10-01-2010, 03:21 PM	#7
cloud009 Private First Class 7 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 E90 335i [0.00]	I'll have a set of H&R sport springs for sale next week. I just bought a set of KW V1's and am getting them installed on Monday. The springs have about 5k miles on them. Let me know if your interested.
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10-01-2010, 03:22 PM	#8
Mrbig Major 118 Rep 1,470 Posts Drives: 15 M3 Join Date: May 2007 Location: N.Y.C iTrader: (1)	im also looking into this wat is the best way to lower the car awd just sit to high stock keep ride nice just lower no tracking just 1/4mile runs maybe ..........
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10-01-2010, 03:32 PM	#9
mimmitt Private First Class 10 Rep 146 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	I just spoke with H&R and they're unable to confirm yet that the 2007-2010 sport springs will work with a 2011 chassis. Can't see whay they shouldn't...but that's the case for now.
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10-01-2010, 04:09 PM	#10
Atsnow Captain 82 Rep 967 Posts Drives: E92 335xi, 2010 Boxster S Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Montreal /Plattsburgh,NY iTrader: (1)	Eibach Pro-Kit __________________
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10-01-2010, 09:17 PM	#12
mimmitt Private First Class 10 Rep 146 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	OK, so after doing some searches on here and reading about going with just HR springs - these things come up as an issue often: 1. rake 2. doesn't mesh with camber - so tires wear faster 3. harsh ride I can tell you that I come from an E46 M3 so I can't imagine I'll be bothered by what some folks are calling a harsh ride. But what about these other issues - serious or not? Thanks.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-01-2010, 10:47 PM	#14
MassBimmer Major General 316 Rep 7,438 Posts Drives: 2023 i4 M50 Join Date: May 2009 Location: MA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2009 BMW [9.24]	Pro kits are not engineered for the xi so be careful
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10-02-2010, 09:07 PM	#17
cb1111 I ask the questions you're afraid to ask. 44 Rep 2,489 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: DC iTrader: (2)	I can't think of anything that won't cause you warranty woes.
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10-03-2010, 09:45 PM	#18
seis-speed #savethemanuals 2598 Rep 2,060 Posts Drives: 1M \| GT3 \| J392 \| G80 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: West Coast iTrader: (0)	I have H&R and the ride is very good. It is harsher on things like speed bumps and train tracks, but for the road it feels a little smoother. The rake is no worse than stock rake and is more visual than real.
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10-03-2010, 10:20 PM	#20
spdy330 Major General 540 Rep 6,148 Posts Drives: 05 Tundra, 15 FIT, 17 CRV Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chino Hills, CA iTrader: (163)	Question: Least expensive way to lower an xi? Answer: Don't __________________ If you will be purchasing ANY AT&T services online or in store could you mention that you were referred by me? My Employee Referral ID is eo4489. This would be a great help and it costs you nothing, thank you!
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10-03-2010, 10:25 PM	#21
325/528 Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 278 Posts Drives: pinto Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: lost soul iTrader: (7)	Take the wheels and tires off. Pretty hard on the rotors though!
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