35d H&R install and Bilstein upgrades

[335dsleeper]

I recently started getting a very annoying rattle going over bumps. I swapped the sway bar end-link and both lower control arms. The noise was still there. I assumed the noise was coming from the upper strut mount so, I ordered a set.

I also ordered Bilstien sport struts, the shorter ones designed for lowering springs to match the H&R sport springs I ordered a few weeks back. I opted for the 2" version. This weekend I had the time to install everything.

The drivers side bushing that goes above the strut mount and under the washer and nut was literally gone. Part #10 in the diagram.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=31_0791

I replaced 8, 9 and 10 and 7 came with the new struts.

The install was straight forward and only took a few hours. The front is a noticeable drop of just over 2.5" and the rear was even lower, close to 3.5" with the rear links at the 65mm H&R recommends. I turned the links 4 full rotations and now, the rear ride height is 2" lower than stock and ride is perfect. Zero bounce etc. The distance from the ground to fender flare is 29 13/16 in the front and exactly 30" in the rear.

The front struts along with the springs is a perfect combination. It rides great and has literally transformed the X5. Bilstein says the sport struts and shocks are not designed to work with 3rd row seat or self leveling. I said screw it and ordered them. The front is absolutely perfect and I just ordered the rear shocks to match. The sport shocks are designed to work with lowering springs so, with the rear being 2" lower than stock, the shocks should improve ride quality and handling over the stock shocks.

I was initially concerned with the air ride warning etc but, now that the ride height is set, the X5 will always target that ride height regardless so, i do not see how or why we cannot use the shocks. I'll update once I install the rear shocks but, for now, the front is absolutely perfect. It rides great and there is no bounce. It feels better than stock and much sportier!

[Doctor///M]

Fantastic! I'm definitely not skilled enough to install new suspension, so I'm leaving it to a shop to do it. I'm looking into the Dinan spring/ride handling kit. Will report back on the ride quality versus stock. Not too many posts with detailed info on new setups, so much appreciated!

[335dsleeper]

***Update***

The rear Bilstein's wont fit. Boo!

We've put roughly 500 miles on the X5 since the I installed the springs ad front Bilstein struts and we're very happy with the ride quality, handling and overall look the vehicle.

Unfortunately the Bilstein sort shocks will not work with the rear air suspension. The Bilstein shock tube is 1.5" longer than the stock (with air suspension) shock and is too long to fit properly.

We're loving the X5 now. I do wish the rear Bilstein sport shocks would've fit but, it's OK as the rear shocks work fine.

Here's a quick pic.

[mitch808]

Which bilsteins are these? B4, B6, or B8?

[335dsleeper]

Looks like B8. Part number 24-143967

Originally Posted by mitch808

Which bilsteins are these? B4, B6, or B8?

[robinasu]

Looks good- what size wheels are in the picture?

Originally Posted by 335dsleeper

***Update***

The rear Bilstein's wont fit. Boo!

We've put roughly 500 miles on the X5 since the I installed the springs ad front Bilstein struts and we're very happy with the ride quality, handling and overall look the vehicle.

Unfortunately the Bilstein sort shocks will not work with the rear air suspension. The Bilstein shock tube is 1.5" longer than the stock (with air suspension) shock and is too long to fit properly.

We're loving the X5 now. I do wish the rear Bilstein sport shocks would've fit but, it's OK as the rear shocks work fine.

Here's a quick pic.

[sunny_j]

20" 214s

[robinasu]

Originally Posted by sunny_j

20" 214s

Thanks!

[robinasu]

Guys, what bump stops are people using with the B12 kit?

[sunny_j]

I'm running unmodified factory sport bump stops all around and I don't think I've bottomed it out yet

[robinasu]

Ok, I ordered the B12 kit. Hope it comes soon.

When you say sport bump stops, do you mean the X5M stops or the F10 M5 bump stops?