Suspension Question: Xi vs I
 

Just curious if anyone knows the difference between a 325xi and 325i when it comes to modding the suspension. i was told you could easily mod 325i coilover to fit an XI...seems like they cant be that different. but i dont know much about cars so i thought i'd ask the forum!

has anyone retrofit coils to fit an XI??

TIA :hi:

xi axles, boots and CV joints can be stressed if dropped too much. I have dropped mine about 1.5 inches by installing an Eibach Pro Kit and replacing the spring pads with the thinnest available. The back pad was 15mm and I replaced it with a 5mm pad. Then get an alignment annually, a good tech will tell you if there are any suspension components that need replacement. So far no problems as a result of the drop.

:hi:

just get xi specific coilovers...

that is my plan. i was just wondering what makes the coilovers different. like what would possibly happen "if" i put normal 325i coils on??

so do you have Xi specific coils? or did you just mod it to Xi specs?

maybe different spring rates to make up for the added weight.

The rear springs & shocks would fit between XI and non-XI. The front struts may have a different mounting location for the sway bar endlinks, otherwise they would be swappable too. You can buy adjustable length endlinks though, so maybe that would solve it if there even is a difference. As far as differences in the actual springs & dampers, I would imagine they would be tuned for the added weight (220lbs) and thicker roll bars of the XI. Don't know how much of a difference that would make though.

I didn't buy coils-over since I didn't want to slam the car although I would like to have the ability to adjust for more winter clearance.
The Eibach Pro Kit sport springs had a different part number for an xi
325xi part number #: 2089.140
325i part number #: 2067.140

thanks a lot that answered my question kind of :hi:

Can you share how much a shop would chard to have the springs installed?

Any pics?

^ what he said.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/c...a/DSCN6484.jpg
This is a pic of the drop on winter wheels.
Gap in rear is 1 1/2 fingers. The Eibach Prokit plus pulling out the 15mm spring pad and using a 5mm spring pad gave a 1.9 inch drop.
Gap in front is 2 fingers. All from the Prokit. I didn't find any rough road spring pads in my front strut to remove.
Gaps are similar to OEM Sport suspension.
Approx a year on the stock Sachs xi shocks. Comfortable, sportier handling. :thumbsup:

looks good.. not sure how it would look with rims...i want no gap. low as i can go. slamber lamps style. :rofl: