Coding to lower the ride height of rear airbags

[asudevil]

I just saw in an old post where someone mentioned for those of us that have 3rd row seating in our E70's, which have airbags in the rear, that there is coding that can be done to lower the rear end of the X5. Since I just installed a new set of 20' 469m takeoff wheels and tires from a new F15, I'm EXTREMELY tempted to lower the rear end of my wife's 09' 4.8i just a tasteful amount in order to help close up the large gap left between the tire and the wheel well.

Can anyone please point me in the right direction on how to go about having this done? What all is involved by doing this? Is it a fairly expensive & complicated process? Does it change the ride quality very much? And also, does it increase wear and tear on any parts associated with the rear suspension? I'd prefer to not be forced into having to replace the airbags or any other parts shortly after making this mod.

If anyone here has done this, can I please see any pictures you may have to give me an idea of the outcome? I've also attached a picture of my wife's E70 after the wheels where installed to give you and idea of the gap I'm attempting to eliminate. Thanks in advance for any help!

[fourpointeight]

Nicee wheels!

If you were to lower the rear only it would look and drive completely different, also the level sensors for the headlights would have to accomodate for the new angle.
If you want a little bit of a drop you should get the H&R 1.2" lowering kit. It comes with the adjustable lowering links for the rear so u dont need to code it.

[asudevil]

Originally Posted by fourpointeight

Nicee wheels!

If you were to lower the rear only it would look and drive completely different, also the level sensors for the headlights would have to accomodate for the new angle.
If you want a little bit of a drop you should get the H&R 1.2" lowering kit. It comes with the adjustable lowering links for the rear so u dont need to code it.

Thanks for the advice fourpointeight! Will the H&R kit require me to remove the rear airbags and replace them with springs (I would assume)? How much does that kit along with installation normally run?

[jrmccain]

Originally Posted by asudevil

Thanks for the advice fourpointeight! Will the H&R kit require me to remove the rear airbags and replace them with springs (I would assume)? How much does that kit along with installation normally run?

You don't replace the air bags with springs on the rear, you replace the OEM rear link to one that is adjustable so that the bags inflate to the level that you desire.

I have a spring kit for sale in the classifieds,

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1236565

[Cattivo]

Originally Posted by jrmccain

You don't replace the air bags with springs on the rear, you replace the OEM rear link to one that is adjustable so that the bags inflate to the level that you desire.

I have a spring kit for sale in the classifieds,

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1236565

Is yours the 1.2'' or 2'' drop in the add? might be interested

[Ryan_M]

I recently got the H&R 1.2 done on my 3.0 with rear bags. Gonna get a proper shoot done but here is a pic for reference.

[Ryan_M]

Originally Posted by Ryan_M

I recently got the H&R 1.2 done on my 3.0 with rear bags. Gonna get a proper shoot done but here is a pic for reference.

Attach photos

[fourpointeight]

Originally Posted by asudevil

Thanks for the advice fourpointeight! Will the H&R kit require me to remove the rear airbags and replace them with springs (I would assume)? How much does that kit along with installation normally run?

No rear bag removal, just swap the coils on the front struts and install the adjustable links on the rear and level it out to your desired height.
Search up bmw e70 lowering kit w/ self leveling. It'll have 2 springs and 2 little links.
Costs around $800 CAD shipped and installed with alignment.

[Cattivo]

If I recall in another post, you mentioned you had a new born...I would hold off lowering until he/she gets a little older

[mitch808]

Originally Posted by Cattivo

If I recall in another post, you mentioned you had a new born...I would hold off lowering until he/she gets a little older.

Why? I've got a near 4yr old and a 4month old. I've taken my kids in lowered cars (my subaru on a race setup) in a car seat no problem. They don't give a damn about ride quality and sleep through most of the noise and drone.

The M-Sport suspension on 20" wheels isn't too far off from my Subaru frankly, and it too is fine with the kids.

It's not like this forum caters to the "hella flush," crowd.

[Cattivo]

Originally Posted by mitch808

Why? I've got a near 4yr old and a 4month old. I've taken my kids in lowered cars (my subaru on a race setup) in a car seat no problem. They don't give a damn about ride quality and sleep through most of the noise and drone.

The M-Sport suspension on 20" wheels isn't too far off from my Subaru frankly, and it too is fine with the kids.

It's not like this forum caters to the "hella flush," crowd.

I had my 335 lowered and my daughter would scream her head off every time we would start driving and bouncing around, I've held off lowering the X5 until now since she's turned 2

All kids are different and react different to lowered cars/trucks...I was simply looking out for the OP is all

[asudevil]

Thank you to everyone that contributed their advice!

[asudevil]

So nobody has seen or heard of someone that only opted to add the the rear lowering links to only get maybe an inch or so drop (at most) out of the rear end in order to get a truly level stance?

[fourpointeight]

You can get it coded to lower it for under $50 but the x5 rides and handles a lot better with a higher rear.

[asudevil]

Interesting point fourpointeight. I wasn't aware of that.

Originally Posted by fourpointeight

You can get it coded to lower it for under $50 but the x5 rides and handles a lot better with a higher rear.