Front Suspension Advice

[av8r]

Well its time to redo the front end. I would like to lower the car an inch and still maintain a fairly soft ride. I would like some advice on what combination i should look at.
Thanks in advance.
Chris
95 530i, 1975 Cessna 172M
140,000 miles. But the engine was replaced at 80,000 by BMW.

[Jay 535i]

I'm REALLY happy with my Sachs kit. Teriffic handling (the improvement over stock is incredible) and still a comfy ride. The lowered ride height is nice, too.

Probably best to do all four corners at once.

Sounds like a nice plane, BTW. Come on up and take my car for a spin if you like!

[dacoyote]

http://www.bmw4life.com/shocksSpringsGuide.htm

[dacoyote]

I'm REALLY happy with my Sachs kit. Teriffic handling (the improvement over stock is incredible) and still a comfy ride. The lowered ride height is nice, too.

Probably best to do all four corners at once.

Sounds like a nice plane, BTW. Come on up and take my car for a spin if you like!

Darn... almost got first post...

[632 Regal]

dont forget that you have a V8 and the front is a little heavier than the 6s so it will sit lower than any advertised listing. The Bav autos are sick low on our cars, I have the eibachs (maybe H&Rs) are doable but a bit low. I like the looks but if your roads are really shitty they may be too low.

Read up on this if you decide to use the Bilstein sports...

http://www.bimmer.info/~regal632/Bumpstops.htm

[Jay 535i]

dont forget that you have a V8 and the front is a little heavier than the 6s so it will sit lower than any advertised listing.

Are you certain that's right?

I know the V8-engined cars weigh more, but I thought that was down to the drivetrain -- not the engine itself. And so the extra weight isn't all on the front wheels.

I thought that a BMW aluminum V8 weighed about the same as the iron-block M30.

I could be wrong, of course.

[632 Regal]

[Bruno]

Are you certain that's right?

I know the V8-engined cars weigh more, but I thought that was down to the drivetrain -- not the engine itself. And so the extra weight isn't all on the front wheels.

I thought that a BMW aluminum V8 weighed about the same as the iron-block M30.

I could be wrong, of course.

I heard about the lowering being different on the V8, I even have a disclaimer on my website: "It seems that on the 540i, it created a drop of 2" front and 1.25" rear..."

[632 Regal]

yep, I'd say about 2 inches or a little more.

I heard about the lowering being different on the V8, I even have a disclaimer on my website: "It seems that on the 540i, it created a drop of 2" front and 1.25" rear..."

[Kalevera]

Jaybaby, absolutely. It has to do more with weight distribution. Drive E34 versions of the 535/5 and 540/6 and you'll feel the difference in handling: the V8 has more forward weight. Additionally, the tranny is bulkier and heavier. More weight up front = different handling. I'm not going to judge it to be better or worse, but it's a reason why I decided a V12 doesn't work in an E34, and that adds something like 15kg to the weight.

best, whit