XI Suspension Poll / Guide......

Thanks for the replies, I think the tech said he set the camber to -2 or -.2 (the guy who did initial alignment/assessment after I bought the car)

Ya, the wear was on the inside of the front passenger tire. Do you guys think just getting an alignment (from a credible shop) will fix the issue?....I'm beginning to think that tech didn't know what he was doing.

Edit: I meant the front drivers side tire (inside)

bump^, any input?

Yes, the tech's input is questionable at best. Alignments and opinions are best served from qualified independent shops not your local "all makes" service centers. My son works at a large West coast tire dealer (Les Schwab) that will not align BMW's or any lowered cars due to policy, warranty and liability reasons. He points out their computer provided alignment data is often wrong where they maintain "cheat sheets" of correct specifications. A proper 4-wheel alignment should run about $150 and they should identify your tire issue if alignment related.

You should clearly know if you're so low that you're scraping the fender liner from obvious scraping sounds and gouge like wear.

I had a cupping issue on the front, outer edges with brand new tires. The dealer explained it was a "common BMW issue due to the camber specs". I fought hard to get this resolved. Turns out it was the tire (Yokohama S Drives) where after the same size tires (Toyo Proxes 4) were installed, the problem disappeared. The car was inspected at no charge for alignment. The dealer was truly puzzled as they've installed Yoko's on many other cars without this occurring. My point is, most dealers are not purposely idiots or out to chase away business with incompetence, they just don't have vast experience with our cars.

bump

This is a great thread, and would love to see more updates! Looks like the most popular options for the e46 xis are stock, KW V1 Coilovers, Bilstein/Koni + Eibach/H&R combos. Dinan maybe less so.

Personally I would love to lower the car-on-tippy-toes appearance, while increasing road handling yet not sacrificing comfort too much. Living in PA, we get snow and potholes a lot and my 2005 330xi is my daily driver.

Looks like KW V1s are a great choice to have something so adjustable from stock to slam, but at a cost. But they are designed for bad weather like the xi. Sounds like the spring/shock combos may lower at a lesser cost, but would love to see more photos of those along with the details provided. My guess is that you can lower your car somewhat and still keep it comfortable if you don't go too low and don't go with low profile wheels.

The ride height is my main negative with the car, and would love to address that in the future!

This thread has been very helpful, does anyone recommend buying any other parts to go with the new springs/struts? Im not going with the coilovers but with H&R sport springs and either Bilstein or Koni struts and I cannot find a solid answer either way if other parts need to be refreshed while I'm in there. Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by Nachos23

Year and body style: 2004 330XI
Setup being rated: H&R Sports Kit with Bilstein Sports shocks and struts
Additional aftermarket components: ACS Strut Bar, ECIS Cold Ari Kit, AA Stage 2 tuning, SS Brake lines, Angel eyes, upgraded lights @ all corners, M3 Steering wheel with Paddle Stift kit, M3 Sports seats, upgraded all wood trim to Carbon Fibre, running M6 rims.
Additional info: car has about 20,000 miles on this setup and 170,000 miles total.
Intended use of car: Daily Driver
Preferred ride style: I prefer a ride that feels connected to the road, firm and predictable, yet still suitable for daily use and road trips.
Would you recommend this setup? Handling, Yes. Comfort, Yes. The setup feels tight but not overly aggressive. Not "coffee friendly" for first few sipps.....
Price paid, including installation (if applicable): $ never kept track. do my own work, so no installation charges.....
Rider Comfort: 7
Handling: 10 - Flat and on rails in the hardest of turns and no understeer. Phenomenal handling!

How much did it lower I want to get this kit but Ive heard that it can lower more than advertised.

Originally Posted by mikedubb5

This thread has been very helpful, does anyone recommend buying any other parts to go with the new springs/struts? Im not going with the coilovers but with H&R sport springs and either Bilstein or Koni struts and I cannot find a solid answer either way if other parts need to be refreshed while I'm in there. Any suggestions?

Yes. All new hardware (nuts/bolts), new upper shock/strut mounts, and new front perch bushings at the very least. Also a good time to do your front sway bar endlinks if they've never been replaced.

So the only coilovers available for the XI are the KW V1, the Fk Silverline, and the H&R's?