[BMCoupe_782]

Haven't had a chance to take pics yet, but just got this done today. After doing just about every other mod I could think of, I left this late. Boy do I wish I did this earlier! I had KW V1's for xi -- then got spooked because of supposed rust and leak issues (so I sold them off). Swore I would never lower the car since I'm on 19's and NJ/NY roads are atrocious. Got tired of the "boaty" feeling though and the wheel gap; so, decided to go with the H&R Sport /Bilstein combo. Had to wait 2 months for the Bilstein's since they were on back order everywhere. Finally, did it today and wow what a difference. The car immediately feels more study and the handling much tighter (the analogy people use is like it's "on rails"). This is a great mod -- not only looks wise but just for handling. The Bilstein's really absorb the bumps on the road and the ride doesn't feel too harsh at all. Non runflats + lowering springs + new shocks = WIN.

Car still sits higher than I would like...but still much better than stock. I am hoping that it settles a bit more over time. Will probably get an alignment soon. Seriously, if you're on the fence about lowering an xi -- just do it. You'll feel the handling differences immediately. It's worth the stress of worrying about scraping your front lip on a speed bump or hitting a massive pothole. Next to my Valentine 1 - the shocks/springs (or coilovers) mod is a "must do."

CLIFF NOTES: Lowered on H&R Sport/Bilstein Sports and love it!

[henry418]

How's the steering feel? I read that with the bilsteins the steering becomes unresponsive

[BMCoupe_782]

Originally Posted by henry418

How's the steering feel? I read that with the bilsteins the steering becomes unresponsive

So far, it actually feels like it's more responsive. Hopefully I'm not drinking the koolaid -- the car just feels planted and tighter.

[SS e93]

How is the ride compared to stock in regards to stiffness?

[BMCoupe_782]

it's pretty stiff - especially with 19's...but the shocks do a fantastic job of absorbing the imperfections in the road. I don't feel the need to cringe before I hit a pothole (or a crater, as we call them in NJ).

[klov335]

We need pics!!!!

[BMW72]

[BMCoupe_782]

I know I know! haha

[Yvette]

I am not really enjoying handling of 335xi.
My last car 128i spk w/ eibach spring drove better.... I know what you guys mean by "boat feeling". I wonder dropping car will get rid of the "boat feeling".

[BMCoupe_782]

Here are a couple of amateur snaps using my iPhone. It's been about 1.5 weeks since the drop and I've put on less than 500 miles. I expect it to settle a bit more (although I'm not getting my hopes up too much for the front). Rear sits nicely, front could be lower (but we all know this -- these aren't coilovers).

Still loving the ride....I have panic attacks around potholes -- but it's worth it. The Bilstein's do a brilliant job of absorbing the impact. Steering feels on point and handling has really improved. I will probably get an alignment done soon.

[HellsBells]

Originally Posted by henry418

How's the steering feel? I read that with the bilsteins the steering becomes unresponsive

that is just silly...

[E36graduate]

Funny...I just replaced my KW V1's on my Xi with Bilstein Sports and HR Sport Springs for "i"..not "XI".....I too was amazed.

However, I kept the KW coil over set up on the rear to eliminate the "raked" look you are experiencing...my preference. Now I can't even sell the 1 year old KW v1's for the front I took off??? I was hoping to get some money for them to pay for the new suspension and methanol injection kit.

[E36graduate]

there is a spacer that sits on top of your strut spring plate, just underneath where your strut mounts to the frame...you can drop about 1/4+ by eliminating that part, however I guess if you hit a lot of pot holes over time you may "mushroom" the area where your strut mounts to the car???

[CobraMarty]

What is the measurement in inches from the ground to the fender arch? Stock mine is front=26.5" and rear=26.0".

[klov335]

I have e90 lci xdrive with hr and blistein and i hate the freaken rake might go eibachs anyone recommend me where to get eibachs, thanks

[CobraMarty]

AJUSA.com best price.

[AddictedToBavarian]

Has the front settled at all? I am on the fence about the H&R sports but your front needs another 3/4"! Damn these xis.

[BMCoupe_782]

it has a bit - maybe about 1/4 of an inch. I know, I wish it was a tad bit lower but it's certainly better than before!

[ilumo]

why did you guys both ditch the KW V1's for this setup? I'm in the market for some upgrades and am debating between a few diff options. KW V1, H&R coilovers, and the H&R springs/bilstein combo. thanks!

[DrtyJersey]

Originally Posted by BMCoupe_782

Here are a couple of amateur snaps using my iPhone. It's been about 1.5 weeks since the drop and I've put on less than 500 miles. I expect it to settle a bit more (although I'm not getting my hopes up too much for the front). Rear sits nicely, front could be lower (but we all know this -- these aren't coilovers).

Still loving the ride....I have panic attacks around potholes -- but it's worth it. The Bilstein's do a brilliant job of absorbing the impact. Steering feels on point and handling has really improved. I will probably get an alignment done soon.

You don't have pics after they settled in? I'm iffy on that front wheel gap still. The back looks nice but that front isn't doing it for me.

[BAL278]

Awesome!

[issabmw]

looks great