lowering

[JupiterBMW]

Been thinking some more lately about lowering... I'm curious, what are the general thoughts on the Dinan springs? They say only 3/4" drop front and rear. I would really like to go a little lower (I think). I also just ordered some spacers (15f/20r).

Has anyone installed the supplemental Dinan handling kit (bump stops) with either the Dinan or H&R springs?? South Florida has pretty good roads, but I wasn't pleased with the H&R springs on my E46, was quite bouncy. I don't want that...

[JeST]

Dinan charges $209 for a piece of rubber and a plastic covering... Ridiculous. OEM isn't much better @ ~$70 a piece either.

Anyone here who's installed the H&R's not replace the bumpstops (maybe even taken them out completely)? Curious how the ride handles.

Dinan: http://www.dinancars.com/product/d19...0-x5m-e71-x6m/

[windtendo]

You need the bump stops to protect the shocks and mounts, but there's nothing special to them. They only come into play when you bottom out or hit a pothole and the shock travels all the way into the fender. Just get some replacements at an Autozone or PepBoys, cut them in half if needed, and use them.

[XXX5brettM]

Originally Posted by JupiterBMW

Been thinking some more lately about lowering... I'm curious, what are the general thoughts on the Dinan springs? They say only 3/4" drop front and rear. I would really like to go a little lower (I think). I also just ordered some spacers (15f/20r).

Has anyone installed the supplemental Dinan handling kit (bump stops) with either the Dinan or H&R springs?? South Florida has pretty good roads, but I wasn't pleased with the H&R springs on my E46, was quite bouncy. I don't want that...

I had a Dinan spring kit installed in mine. I went ahead based on reviews and pictures of other members rides on this site. I did not get the drop I was expecting. Not sure if they changed the Dinan kit at some time but I was disapointed in the outcome of mine.

Mine is going in today to get a KW V3 kit installed. Looking forward to it.
I'll post some pics of my current Dinan setup.

[JupiterBMW]

Originally Posted by XXX5brettM

I had a Dinan spring kit installed in mine. I went ahead based on reviews and pictures of other members rides on this site. I did not get the drop I was expecting. Not sure if they changed the Dinan kit at some time but I was disapointed in the outcome of mine.

Mine is going in today to get a KW V3 kit installed. Looking forward to it.
I'll post some pics of my current Dinan setup.

Yeah, I've read a few people that say that. Can you post before and after pics of the Dinan. Is it even noticeable?? Others say they got a full 1" drop, others say they weren't happy...

Perhaps you're interested in selling the Dinan kit also..?

[windtendo]

There is so much fender gap in these vehicles that a 3/4" or 1" drop isn't going to give a very noticeable change. Just a heads up....

[JeST]

Originally Posted by windtendo

You need the bump stops to protect the shocks and mounts, but there's nothing special to them. They only come into play when you bottom out or hit a pothole and the shock travels all the way into the fender. Just get some replacements at an Autozone or PepBoys, cut them in half if needed, and use them.

Nice, didn't even consider that as an idea. Stock ones has a minor rip in the boot and the bumpstops look like they've seen better days but I reused them. Couldn't justify new ones when I got the sticker shock.

[larryv]

wintendo is right on. I first installed the H&R 1.2 kit and was very impressed with the ride but wanted more of a drop so i switched to the KWV'3. I am sitting at 30-3/8 inches from the ground to bottom of fender. At this height i believe any spring kit out there would be an uncomfortable ride.

[XXX5brettM]

Originally Posted by JupiterBMW

Yeah, I've read a few people that say that. Can you post before and after pics of the Dinan. Is it even noticeable?? Others say they got a full 1" drop, others say they weren't happy...

Perhaps you're interested in selling the Dinan kit also..?

Here is a picture of mine with the Dinan suspension installed. I don't think it is much different from stock. My local dealer said they would refund me for the kit. If that goes sideways then I will be looking to sell...

[JupiterBMW]

Damn, are those 21 or 22s? Can you measure fender edge to ground??

[XXX5brettM]

Originally Posted by JupiterBMW

Damn, are those 21 or 22s? Can you measure fender edge to ground??

Mine are 22s. Too late to measure the height as it is in the shop for the KW V3 suspension.

[XXX5brettM]

Just got my X5M back after the KW V3 install.

[Gatoferoz25]

Originally Posted by hatmandew

Has anyone else done the drop on their own?

Yes I did sir

[JupiterBMW]

Ok, so it looks like Dinan barely does any lowering... Can anyone comment on the H&R 1.2" kit? How's the ride? How's the ride with the H&R 2" kit?? I really don't want to sacrifice ride too much, but I do want to know that it is lowered.

Thanks in advance...

[JeST]

I just installed the 2" H&R's and its noticeably more "bouncier" in the rear (less so in sport). Wondering if this was what previous members were talking about when they said to increase the rake...

[larryv]

XXX5brettM... them some MEATS in the rear! You will love the KW's

[XXX5brettM]

Originally Posted by larryv

XXX5brettM... them some MEATS in the rear! You will love the KW's

I can say I am impressed with the little bit of driving I've done so far. The KWs damping is incredible compared to stock.

[larryv]

Originally Posted by JupiterBMW

Ok, so it looks like Dinan barely does any lowering... Can anyone comment on the H&R 1.2" kit? How's the ride? How's the ride with the H&R 2" kit?? I really don't want to sacrifice ride too much, but I do want to know that it is lowered.

Thanks in advance...

The H&R 1.2 kit rides pretty close to stock. I didn't have the rear self leveling so with the rear springs provided i was very happy, i mean no bounce. After the springs settled the front was a 1.5 drop. The X5 looked so much nicer in my opinion. I have 22 inch wheels and no bottoming out with the stock struts.

[hatmandew]

Gato and xxx, looks awesome. I am getting the local BMW dealer to put on my h&r 1.2 drop Thursday and should have my Forgestar F14's at the end of the month. Only went with 20's as the roads in Michigan totally suck ass. So very excited to get everything done.

[XXX5brettM]

Originally Posted by hatmandew

Gato and xxx, looks awesome. I am getting the local BMW dealer to put on my h&r 1.2 drop Thursday and should have my Forgestar F14's at the end of the month. Only went with 20's as the roads in Michigan totally suck ass. So very excited to get everything done.

Excellent! Post some pics when it is done. With bigger rims you have to be a lot more careful I had to send my rims out for repair over the winter after a tough year. With 20s you won't have any worries.