[ahschell]

Ive done some searching and can't seem to find it. All I have learned is that the xi models do not come with sport suspension. My question is can you put the sport suspension on an xi model?? (i have an 08 328xi).
Thanks

[ajsalida]

Originally Posted by ahschell

Ive done some searching and can't seem to find it. All I have learned is that the xi models do not come with sport suspension. My question is can you put the sport suspension on an xi model?? (i have an 08 328xi).
Thanks

Front struts are not interchangeable xi vs non xi, of any type (OEM or not). Springs are. Rears can be swapped (shocks and springs). Sway bars I believe fronts are Xi-specific as well, not sure (somebody chime in here). Rears will swap but be advised you must drop subframe to do it.

There are a number of various M3 bits that swap too, mainly rear control arms, bushings and such, see the sticky at the top of this section.

Short answer if you want "sporty" springs and shocks that are matched on an Xi your best bet is go aftermarket, and that is your only option for front struts.

[ahschell]

Would it be best then to just put sport springs(h&r, kw, etc) on the stock shocks? I mainly just want my ride lower. It handles great already ha its a bimmer! Im trying to keep cost relatively low as well.

[ajsalida]

Originally Posted by ahschell

Would it be best then to just put sport springs(h&r, kw, etc) on the stock shocks? I mainly just want my ride lower. It handles great already ha its a bimmer! Im trying to keep cost relatively low as well.

Some people do this, I would not recommend it. If you think the Xi susp handles great maybe you ought to just leave it alone. Putting lower stiffer springs on stock shocks will make it very bouncy and unpleasant. Shocks need to be matched to the stiffness & range of motion of the springs.

However if you do go with matched springs and shocks, or even coil overs, it will blow you away how much better it is than stock. Stock IMHO sucks and is one of if not the worst susp ever conceived by BMW.

[ahschell]

Thanks for the help! I will look into new shocks and springs or coil overs

[Fun w/N54]

Research KW V1s. Sounds like best option for you. I'm looking as well.

[M BROK3]

Originally Posted by ahschell

Ive done some searching and can't seem to find it. All I have learned is that the xi models do not come with sport suspension. My question is can you put the sport suspension on an xi model?? (i have an 08 328xi).
Thanks

You can run just the sports suspension springs and car will be lower and handle much better, I was running these until I got my coilovers and had no complains, if you are on a budget throw on some sports springs and when its time to upgrade get kw v1 or v3's.

[Tdanderson]

You should just lift it like 3ft and turn it into a monster truck. It would be almost as cool as those lifted Camaros.

[Fozzy]

I'm really happy with my KW V1...I'm surprised you think stock handles well. I thought it was simply terrible with civics or corollas being able to corner tighter.

[ahschell]

Originally Posted by Fozzy

I'm really happy with my KW V1...I'm surprised you think stock handles well. I thought it was simply terrible with civics or corollas being able to corner tighter.

I used to drive a G35 Coupe and coming from that to the 328 its a HUGE difference. When I originally had the factory rims that were like 16" and 215's all around it didnt blow me away but now having a staggered setup on 18" rims with 225's and 255's(michelin pilot sports) it really handles well! But again Im comparing this to my G35 coupe. I have driven a sport model though and can tell a difference.

[ahschell]

Originally Posted by Tdanderson

You should just lift it like 3ft and turn it into a monster truck. It would be almost as cool as those lifted Camaros.

hahaha Im a bimmer owner not a redneck!!

[ajsalida]

Originally Posted by x-ception

You can run just the sports suspension springs and car will be lower and handle much better, I was running these until I got my coilovers and had no complains, if you are on a budget throw on some sports springs and when its time to upgrade get kw v1 or v3's.

OP, this might be a good interim option, esp if you are doing the work yourself. The OEM non-Xi sport springs are probably not going to be significantly stiffer so the stock Xi shocks won't be very overworked.

However it depends on your local roads and driving style, I was bottoming hard on stock Xi. So with shorter not much stiffer springs I can't imagine how bad it would be. Roads are terrible where I live.

Cost wise if you are paying someone else to do this you may save money on some used OEM sport springs but end up paying for install & alignment twice when you upgrade to whatever later.

Let us all know what you do.

[wazzza]

Originally Posted by ahschell

Ive done some searching and can't seem to find it. All I have learned is that the xi models do not come with sport suspension. My question is can you put the sport suspension on an xi model?? (i have an 08 328xi).
Thanks

There are tons of threds/posts on suspension for the xi. Although it depends on how much of a drop you are looking for, Bilstien Sport + Eibach Pro seems to be one of the best options for handling + comfort. H&R tend to be stiffer/lower and coilovers are more $$$ -- unless you plan on track days.

Here is a detailed review/discussion (particularly on the Bilstien Sport + Eiback Pro setup) on an 335xi started by AWD Addict. This should cover all your questions. Good luck!

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=664385

[ajsalida]

Just a note on the Bilsteins, some folks are not pleased with the drop they are getting, e.g.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=780476

esp last few posts

[wazzza]

Originally Posted by ajsalida

Just a note on the Bilsteins, some folks are not pleased with the drop they are getting

True. Therefore, I mentioned - depends on how much of a drop you want. Yes, with the Bilstein + Eibach, you will get a modest ~1" drop. Since the xi has a higher stance than the regular 'i', you may not be pleased with the drop. But people generally seem pretty pleased with it as the best combo for handling and comfort -- you lose comfort in some of the lower drop, and may gain handling .. and vice versa.

So it is a trade-off one way or the other -- something's got to give, right?

[ajsalida]

Originally Posted by utsavized

True. Therefore, I mentioned - depends on how much of a drop you want. Yes, with the Bilstein + Eibach, you will get a modest ~1" drop. Since the xi has a higher stance than the regular 'i', you may not be pleased with the drop. But people generally seem pretty pleased with it as the best combo for handling and comfort -- you lose comfort in some of the lower drop, and may gain handling .. and vice versa.

So it is a trade-off one way or the other -- something's got to give, right?

Koni SA + Eibach is a another good choice IMHO.

[AWD Addict]

Originally Posted by ahschell

Would it be best then to just put sport springs(h&r, kw, etc) on the stock shocks? I mainly just want my ride lower. It handles great already ha its a bimmer! Im trying to keep cost relatively low as well.

It will ride pretty terribly, according to numerous reviews posted on this and other forums. If you're going to lower the car, you really need to put dampers on that are tuned for the lower ride height.

Also, you'll end up prematurely wearing your dampers, which will mean you'll need to replace them sooner, and pay again to have the system repaired. At that point, you'll have paid the labor costs twice, only to spend the same money on parts.

I would not reccomend just replacing the springs with lowering springs on this vehicle. You should replace both struts and springs together, or go with a coilover option.

[AWD Addict]

Originally Posted by ajsalida

Just a note on the Bilsteins, some folks are not pleased with the drop they are getting, e.g.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=780476

esp last few posts

I'm not sure what those people are talking about. Here's a pic before my car before it was fully settled. There's basically no rake now. Maybe 0.25", could be less.

[wazzza]

I also read somewhere that you could get the xi to the standard 'i' height by replacing the top hat. So springs + top hat could get a decent lowering.

But like AWD Addict mentioned, it is strongly NOT recommended. Stock suspensions are not designed for lower height and well wear out very prematurely while giving you sub-par handling and comfort.

[ahschell]

Based on what I've read im getting a better idea on what i want. Ive heard many good things about Eibach pro kit springs but am iffy about putting springs on stock shocks. Im thinking about waiting until my factory springs/shocks need to be replaced and just buy the KW V1 coilovers. Although I'd really like to just buy springs due to cost

[VIZSLA]

As someone who owns both a 4WD Coupe with S/S and an 4WD wagon I have to ask why you'd want an X with a lower, stiffer setup?
Four wheel drive BMW style is about traction in low grip conditions. That means a softer suspension and in snow, adequate ground clearance.
If you want a keener handling BMW go with the RWD and the S/S. Four snow tires and traction control will handle most winter situations.
if you're looking for enhanced bad weather grip go with the X.
If you try and mix the two you'll end up with something worse than either.

[ajsalida]

Originally Posted by VIZSLA

As someone who owns both a 4WD Coupe with S/S and an 4WD wagon I have to ask why you'd want an X with a lower, stiffer setup?
Four wheel drive BMW style is about traction in low grip conditions. That means a softer suspension and in snow, adequate ground clearance.
If you want a keener handling BMW go with the RWD and the S/S. Four snow tires and traction control will handle most winter situations.
if you're looking for enhanced bad weather grip go with the X.
If you try and mix the two you'll end up with something worse than either.

I can't speak for the OP but IMHO the stock Xi suspension is terrible at everything except ground clearance, and even then only standing still. Just all around sucks, in addition to looking bad.

A mild drop with a Koni/Eibach or Bilstein/Eibach transforms the car into something that is vastly more pleasant to drive, and handles bad roads far better. Without losing winter or rough road capability. There is more to a good AWD than ground clearance, as the Audi, STi and Evo crowd know. They aren't jacked up into the air. BMW blew it on this suspension, but the rest of the chassis is brilliant.

If you haven't driven an Xi with a good aftermarket suspension you ought to see if you can. You'll be pleasantly surprised. It is not harsh at all and feels so much better than stock, a little like an M3 or a tighter, slightly lower, 335i sport.