03-17-2024, 03:17 PM | #1 |
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E70 Diesel finally getting mods
Hi guys, I’m new to the forum and wanted to show off my E70 and how I’m building it out. I’ve had this baby for almost two years now and I’m finally getting around to some major maintenance and adding a few performance bits.
She’s got 130k miles, so first order of business was suspension. Replaced all upper control arms, and added the BC Racing BR coil overs (16k/14k swift springs). I’ve also replaced most of the trim with black or painted it, and I painted the wheels myself (it shows lol). I read up on this coil kit a bunch and kind of knew what to expect… yep, it’s bouncy alright. I was surprised how how high the rear is at max low, but the forward rake is growing on me. It feels like the springs are settling out some now, and the handling is a very noticeable improvement. Currently set at 22F/13R on the dampers. Spring rate is sporty but not uncomfortable. Next list items are wheel spacers, replace lower control arm bushings, sway bar links, and engine/trans tunes. Probably going to repaint wheels this summer when the sun is out here in Denver. Excited to get to know some of you guys! Tristen |
03-17-2024, 03:19 PM | #2 |
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StradaRedlands5959.50 |
03-17-2024, 11:51 PM | #3 | |
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Doing just that was exactly what my e34 needed to get it from feeling like it was hoping down the freeway. Also, if you didn't get the adjustable camber top hats from BC, I'd definitely recommend getting some adjustable upper control arms from FCP Euro. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...hd-31126863785 |
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StradaRedlands5959.50 |
03-18-2024, 04:58 AM | #4 | |
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The car does have a lot more negative camber after install/alignment. I just assumed the mechanic did this on purpose…. Is it necessary to correct this? I love the way it looks, and (on even roads) it drives like a gokart now |
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03-18-2024, 06:07 PM | #5 |
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I was wanting to do this exact set up on mine.
It’s interesting the rest is sitting so high, almost looks like it hasn’t been adjusted? Yes, you want to get the camber as close to factory spec utilizing adjustable arms etc as blowing through 315 rears is not a cheap game. I had planned on BCs, spacers and someone’s adjustable rear camber arm. I wasn’t aware that BC made a adjustable hat for the front for this car. |
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StradaRedlands5959.50 |
03-18-2024, 06:14 PM | #6 | |
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I’ll look you know how the coils feel once they’re installed CORRECTLY. |
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StradaRedlands5959.50 Smonkbmw79.50 |
03-18-2024, 08:00 PM | #7 | |
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03-21-2024, 05:08 PM | #8 |
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Definitely interested in seeing some pictures when you get it all adjusted, this is the next thing I'm looking at doing to my X5D. I'm just trying to decide if I want to go with the extreme lows or not to get the ride height I want.
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03-27-2024, 10:16 AM | #10 |
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Update: things have been rough to say the least. The guy I paid to install the kit screwed everything up. Loose control arm bolts, stripped threads, nothing was installed correctly. Had to pay another mechanic to reinstall everything ($$$$) and now it’s doing better. The ride height is still an issue, I can’t get the rear to go down any lower than 2” wheel gap. Kate from BC Racing confirmed the 228mm front springs and 178mm rears are the correct length, so we are still not sure why it won’t go any lower. Hopefully will get it figured out soon.
BC’s customer service is stellar, they always respond within a few hours and have been super helpful. For anyone deciding on spring rates, I got the 16k/14k swift springs. They are STIFF. Almost track car stiff. I wouldn’t recommend unless you’re really willing to sacrifice ride quality for performance. They do handle like a dream, on the Colorado mountain roads it makes a 5000lb SUV feel like a go kart. Major performance upgrade, even at stock height. I Will continue to update as things happen. Tristen |
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03-29-2024, 11:44 AM | #11 | |
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03-29-2024, 11:54 AM | #12 |
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If you’re going to get coilovers, the BC ones are just fine and there’s no need to spend the extra money. They perform very well, very little body roll and tight predictable handling (especially with -2 degrees of camber). But, you are sacrificing any comfortability the X5 has for this performance bump, so it better be worth it to you. BC will sell you any spring rate you want, but I’d stick with the stock 14k/12k unless you are going to the track. If it’s not your project car, just don’t do it. I somewhat regret the decision as the roads around me suck and I drive it to work every day.
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