Using sport lowering springs compromise comfort?

[peckchoonheng]

After having the 18” rims on my E39 for almost a year, I am convinced that my ride is not getting that “look” unless I lower it down by changing the springs. I think it would be cool if lowering of 35mm can be achieved, other wise my 5 series may just look like an “Uncle’s” car. Recently, I have received a very attractive offer for a set of 19” original rims and have been assured by many experts in this forum that I should just “DO it”! What is the point of having 19” when there are big gaps between the tyres and the body? Therefore, I would like to appeal all the Beemers’ owners here with big rims and lowering spring to share their INSIDERS’ stories especially on the comfort. Thanks.

 

[vmsdisc]

bro u r not the only one with such dilemma, me oreadi with 19" and look like rally car some bro quoted on the look

my early post and some feedback frm members

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14616

After having the 18” rims on my E39 for almost a year, I am convinced that my ride is not getting that “look” unless I lower it down by changing the springs.

I think it would be cool if lowering of 35mm can be achieved, other wise my 5 series may just look like an “Uncle’s” car.

Recently, I have received a very attractive offer for a set of 19” original rims and have been assured by many experts in this forum that I should just “DO it”!

What is the point of having 19” when there are big gaps between the tyres and the body?

Therefore, I would like to appeal all the Beemers’ owners here with big rims and lowering spring to share their INSIDERS’ stories especially on the comfort. Thanks.

 

[Daniel]

Comfort = softer or oem spring & strut rate

but in your case you want a lower stance with comfort. not possible unless you custom make the springs that u want.

spring and susp manufacturers design their lowering kits to be heavier in their rates will compensate the reduced height to reduce/prevent bottoming out.

 

[Bimmer910]

Hello chaps, I dont own a 5 series, but instead a E90.

My opinion of rims / tyres / springs etc is always that it depends on how you drive, and how often you use your car.

I drive 700kms per week, so im using 17" rims + tyres. Using 18"s would be too expensive to maintain.

I want to lower my ride too, but i question whether the potholes + bad road conditions would kill it for me. I bought my car for the pleasure of driving it, not for parking it and looking at it. So i have to figure out what works best !

Cheers!

 

[Daniel]

+1

before you do what your peers are suggesting you to do, make sure you know what you want 1st.

 

[peckchoonheng]

Comfort = softer or oem spring & strut rate

but in your case you want a lower stance with comfort. not possible unless you custom make the springs that u want.

spring and susp manufacturers design their lowering kits to be heavier in their rates will compensate the reduced height to reduce/prevent bottoming out.

Hi Mr Daniel, as the car is primarily driven by my wife, there is hardly any chance she would speed above 120km/hr or negotiate corners at above 60km/hr. In short she just doesn't squeeze the car for performance except for pick up at traffic light.

Wondering if there is any lowering solution that will deliver the look and compromise the comfort only to the minimum?

Thanks.

 

[python_dev]

is there a chance she will go over speed bumps?
That is generally the area concerned for bottoming out.. too soft and you will grit your teeth every time you go over 1.

 

[peckchoonheng]

is there a chance she will go over speed bumps?
That is generally the area concerned for bottoming out.. too soft and you will grit your teeth every time you go over 1.

It is like a stunt performance whenever she drives over a road hump. Maybe humps in Malaysia are too difficulty to notice especially at night.

So now my requirement for lowering has increased, apart from being soft and comfortable, low and being able to cross humps at higher speed.

 

[Daniel]

Ok, you want something just for the aesthetics.

any spring kit available in the market will average a 1 inch drop. With such a drop, you will clear most speed bumps, but do bear in mind, your wife will have to realise and understand the change in the car's height and alter her driving to suit.

its like how a driver can't expect his/her porsche to preform offroad duties.

 

[k3nny]

Your BMW with a spring change wont be as bumpy as some stock cars out there.

Heck my BMW with a spring change is less bumpy than my stock Audi.

30mm - 40mm drop depending on your current springs.

Eibach should set you back around 1.3k
H&R around 1.5k

Eibach abit softer and H&R somewhat firmer although the feeling of firm is more progressive on the H&R but still, softer and more comfy than some stock protons or other cars out there.

 

[Zipperhead]

with "19 on my E39 is 66.5cm to the top of the wheel arch. how high is yours?