Heavy duty shocks or Sports for my Xi??

Ok so I'm ordering my suspension tonight for the 325xi. I'm going with Bilstein shocks and H&R springs to slightly lower the ride height. Idk whether to get the Heavy Duty Bilstein shocks or the Sports? Suggestions?

And will BBS CH's for an Audi fit on my car or do I need anadapter??

No the Audi wheels won't fit. I don't know about adapters.

If you want a small drop I would go with Bilstein HD and Eibach springs- not H&R (way too rough for me).

If you decide to go with H&R, go with Bilstein sports.

I'm thinking of going with H&R springs with Bilstein sports mainly because they have a package at Turner for around $650. Where can I get Bilstein HD's with eibach springs..can you recommend a good place to order from?

I don't mind a stiffer ride. I just wanna get rid of the huge gap, but definitely don't need it slammed.

Why don't you just get an H&R cup kit?

Shocks are $430 at bavauto.com. Tirerack has Eibach springs for $245. Can probably find those cheaper somewhere though. Dont forget rear shock mounts and gaskets, front strut retaining bolts, and spring pads.

What you guys aren't realizing is that I have an XI. My ride can NOT get slammed or get an H&R cup kit and from what I heard H&R springs are the best ride.

Originally Posted by CoreyGuNz11

from what I heard H&R springs are the best ride.

Well that's why you made a thread on e46fanatics . . .because you don't really know do you?

Here you go . . . . $100 bucks off eibach springs:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/att...7&d=1284693343

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=484914

I recently put Bilstein sport shocks and Eibach springs on my 325xi. I can say the drop is noticeable, but considered slight compared to other setups. I'd say that the car now looks like a similar E46 without the XI. Body roll is greatly reduced and the ride firmed up nicely. Its not overly harsh, but it is noticeable on really bad roads. Before/After pictures below:

Before


After

Thanks for the link Kubica

Originally Posted by CoreyGuNz11

Ok so I'm ordering my suspension tonight for the 325xi. I'm going with Bilstein shocks and H&R springs to slightly lower the ride height. Idk whether to get the Heavy Duty Bilstein shocks or the Sports? Suggestions?

And will BBS CH's for an Audi fit on my car or do I need anadapter??

Originally Posted by N89

Why don't you just get an H&R cup kit?

The combination of H&R springs and Bilstein shocks offers the best of both worlds. An aggressive stance with the handling you've come to expect from H&R and Bilstein.

Included in this kit are H&R sport spring which offer more a lowered stance without the harsh ride, making your BMW comfortable and fun to drive.

Also included are Bilstein Sport shocks these are designed to be the best shocks in the world.

Featuring Monotube technology which allows for superior heat dispensation and longer life.

Click HERE for more information.

Please let us know if you have any questions! Feel free to shoot me a PM or email.

Best,
Joe

NYC + H&R with Bilstein sports = HORRIBLE.. i drove through the city one week after i installed mine and those roads sucked for that setup (especially the cross bronx expway). If all the roads you are on are the quality of that road, forget it.. keep it stock..

heres a before/after of the drop i got with H&R.
Before:


After:


If you want a mild drop, go with what kubica said for a good ride and not punishing for your streets.

Originally Posted by ECSTuningJoe

The combination of H&R springs and Bilstein shocks offers the best of both worlds. An aggressive stance with the handling you've come to expect from H&R and Bilstein.

Included in this kit are H&R sport spring which offer more a lowered stance without the harsh ride, making your BMW comfortable and fun to drive.

Ummmm . . . .let's see . . . .NO. Absolutely no. False. Nice try, but no.

^^^ you guys should know by now all ECS reps do is copy and past from the adverts. (not knocking you guys at all ECS has been great to me)
I've got H&R sports and Bilstines sitting in my room now, Been debating on putting them on because I've herd the ride is sho shoddy. I'd like to see more pictures because I think I may want to go lower. (I know its not reccomended for the XI, but I've herd frist hand from people with big drops on Xi's, and they've reported no issues)
So More Pics Please!

I've been a lurker for a little while now and this is my first post. Seems to be some good experienced people on this thread. Rear spring broke the other day so I've decided to go for it and get the Eibach Pro-Kit springs as a replacement. I've been told it's pretty much mandatory to get new shocks as the stock ones will blow at some point. Eyeing up the Bilstein HD's but with everything, it's going to be a little stretch on my wallet right now. So here's the question....can I wait a few months on the shocks or am I just asking for major trouble? I only drive 75 miles per week but I am in NJ with the crappiest roads. Any advice would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by slimwest1

I've been a lurker for a little while now and this is my first post. Seems to be some good experienced people on this thread. Rear spring broke the other day so I've decided to go for it and get the Eibach Pro-Kit springs as a replacement. I've been told it's pretty much mandatory to get new shocks as the stock ones will blow at some point. Eyeing up the Bilstein HD's but with everything, it's going to be a little stretch on my wallet right now. So here's the question....can I wait a few months on the shocks or am I just asking for major trouble? I only drive 75 miles per week but I am in NJ with the crappiest roads. Any advice would be appreciated.

The worst that would happen if the stock shocks are blown is your car rides bouncy with the new springs. You should be able to save on labor cost if you do both at the same time if you arent doing it your self.

Thanks for the info Seth! My friend says that we can put the rear shocks on with no problem but was leary on putting the front ones on so I guess I have to see what I can afford right now.

Originally Posted by slimwest1

Thanks for the info Seth! My friend says that we can put the rear shocks on with no problem but was leary on putting the front ones on so I guess I have to see what I can afford right now.

What makes the front more difficult is you need a spring compressor since it is a strut.

Your alignment shouldn't change significantly, but I would still have it check since the toe settings will change some. I'm pretty particular about having my steering wheel straight and the alignment in spec, so personally I would have the alignment checked and corrected if needed.

well, I think I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and have the shop put on the front springs and struts. They wanted 3.5 hours to put the front springs on so I'll have to see what they want with the struts included. It would stink to have to pay for the labor twice in the long run. Having them do an alignment sounds like a good idea too. Thanks for all of your advice!

Originally Posted by slimwest1

well, I think I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and have the shop put on the front springs and struts. They wanted 3.5 hours to put the front springs on so I'll have to see what they want with the struts included. It would stink to have to pay for the labor twice in the long run. Having them do an alignment sounds like a good idea too. Thanks for all of your advice!

I have H&R + Bilstein Sport... VERY harsh on bad roads, on good roads it is 100% AMAZING, but I live in an area infested with cracks & holes in every road, so I wouldn't buy this setup again. To me, it would be worth spending much more $$ to get the performance of what I have BUT keeping the comfort of OEM. I am waiting for a warranty replacement rear shock tomorrow, it will be nice to get rid of the CLUNK over every little bump. (one clunked a bit from day 1, noticed leak about 6 months after install)

If it were me, I would let the shop install all 4 corners. The rear really only takes minutes, so it shouldn't add much to your labor bill AND it may make them happier that you give them the whole job + alignment.
Happy mechanics, are the best mechanics
If it was anything longer than a shock install, I would not say that, but for the $30 or so it's worth it.
To be honest, I'm betting they could install all 4 within the time they quoted you for the front, so maybe they would charge way more than I assume for the rear...