XiT Owners who are using H&R Bilstein Sport Set Up

Fanatics... I'm in the process of tweaking my XiT and I'm looking for any owners that have applied the H&R Springs with Bilstein Sport Shocks set-up on their Touring. Ride quality, height reduction, tire rubbing issues etc. I'm running VMR VB3's with 225/40/18 rubber. I really want a subtle drop, with a positive rake... want to keep it as stealth as possible.

The H&Rs (found HERE for the ix touring) which lower your car about an inch all the way around, ride is typically considered slightly firmer than stock sport springs. They are typically the springs I suggest to anyone looking for a subtle drop.

A for rubbing on stock wheels and tires you will not run into any rubbing issues. With your VMRs the offset and width will be key in not having any rubbing. What are the specs on your wheels?

18 x 8.5 with 40 offset

With those specs you shouldn't run into any rubbing issues with the H&R sport springs for the Xi touring.

I run that and it's a bit harsh but I like it - feels like a sports car... Well more like a sports car!

I would say it lowers a 325 an inch - the XI it's more than that i think. It's not subtle really. Not "slammed" though either. Perfect in my opinion but your feelings may be different. I will say I run a newer 3 series OE wheel and staggered set with 225 front and 255 rear 17" wheels and given the stiff ride wouldn't want any larger wheel here on Maine roads.

Doug

Thanks Doug. I don't mind a harsh ride. Some say a stock E46 M3 runs harsh... but I prefer the more athletic feel. Would you say it drops it to that height of a rear drive touring with a sports package? That would be perfect. Was it a straight bolt on and ride or did you have to trim any bump stops or add any additional parts. I've been readind about "xi's can't handle lowering" it and the "bump stops need to be trim for the reduction in wheel travel". And what about your ability to align it correctly. Thanks for your input.

Kevin

I'm using that setup and I like it.

may be interested in selling it to go coilovers. pm me if interested

Redbull - Car looks great! Was it a straight bolt on and ride or did you have to trim any bump stops or add any additional parts. Were the SPC rear arms necessary for the application or was that just something addtional you've added? Are you running 19" wheels.

Originally Posted by ParadigmShift

Redbull - Car looks great! Was it a straight bolt on and ride or did you have to trim any bump stops or add any additional parts. Were the SPC rear arms necessary for the application or was that just something addtional you've added? Are you running 19" wheels.

It was all bolt on (except that I *gasp* chopped a coil off the front to get rid of the reverse rake), I added the spc arms to get rid of the negative rear camber/understeer and yeah running 19s


(OZs pictured)

Not sure about spring rates. They feel progressive. You can feel it stiffen up over large bumps. No I did not have to use the spacers. I just wanted a little lower offset in the rear without putting more strain on the bearings. The ride is so much better than stock. It's almost hard to believe this setup is actually stiffer then OEM. It made me realize how crappy the stick dampers are. There is an initial harshness on sharp road joints but I don't think that's avoidable with any stiffer suspension. I didn't think I would be this low with springs. Now that the springs have settled all 4 tires a little tucked when I sit in the car.

So RedBull - It does give the car a reverse rake (gees! can't have my touring looking like an old 300D Benz Wagon). Was the XiT lifted a bit stock? I thought they raised it a some round 03-04 after the refresh when they added the (mild) sports package which I have.

Rogers what kind of car did you do the application on?

Originally Posted by ParadigmShift

So RedBull - It does give the car a reverse rake (gees! can't have my touring looking like an old 300D Benz Wagon). Was the XiT lifted a bit stock? I thought they raised it a some round 03-04 after the refresh when they added the (mild) sports package which I have.

Rogers what kind of car did you do the application on?

from some document i have:

Originally Posted by BMW

With it's additional 17mm ground clearance, the xi is particularly suited to stretches of snow and ice covered roads and its sure footedness is made possible by the use of the Bosch DSC III 5.7 system, first used on the X5.

what coil overs are you going with?

Paradigm - How did your setup turn out? I have an 04 325XiT and am thinking about going the H&R Sport w/ Bilstein Sport route. I'm definitely not interested in a reverse rake, though. Just curious of your results.

Andynicks - I held off. The only fan that has used that exact set-up on a Xit was Redbull and he indicated that he had to chop the front springs to maintain a positive rake. I don't want to "Frankenstein" my car for a little less height...now he's courting coil overs. So Im gonna lay up and go with the Bilstein HD's and stiffen it where it is. Though its not a daily driver I use it much for road trips... and really wanted a "bolt on and ride" set-up without any major adjustments. Let me know what you do... I'd like to see how it turns out.

said coilovers:

Might have to do coilovers now. Your car is sittin' pretty.

What is the part number of the H&R coilover kit you went with? I have been searching retail sites and it's a mess with all the various models, rear vs all wheel drive, touring vs sedan vs coupe. Turner Motorsport has part# 29382-1 but references the Xi sedan with no mention of the touring. I've been using the search function as well but haven't found much.

HR spring part numbers for the xit (which uses the same coilovers as the 325xi sedan but different springs):

Sport Spring: 50419
Street Perf. Coil Over: 29382-1

... now thats tight