[BMWSKI]

Hi all.

I've been investigating a few 'extras' for my 335d and one thing I've thought about are lowering springs to get the ride height similar to the s-drive M-Sport.
I was under the impression that the 335d could NOT be lowered due to AWD and I'm sure my dealer told me this when ordering...Can anyone else please clarify what they've been told by BMW?

Anyway, I've had a long chat with a specialist RE different mods and this was their reply in regards to lowering a 335d...

"As I suspected the drop in ride height is around 25mm when you fit our springs to an X-drive car. Specifically it’s 20-23mm at the front and 27-30mm at the rear. There is some variance because cars don’t sit *perfectly* level left/right, that’s why we don’t quote a precise figure...
...The ride firmness is not changed noticeably – the springs are progressively wound to maintain ride quality, and the adaptive damping functions are retained. Our customer feedback is that the springs work very well with the adaptive suspension."

Not sure what to think about this because when I went into BMW this afternoon (to organise getting my bloody bumper resprayed!) I spoke to the parts department and they said a 335d can't be lowered???

Any thoughts guys? (and gals)

[nordberg]

You'll always find a "specialist" willing to do things that the manufacturer forbid.

Whether you choose to take them up on the option is something only you can decide......

[teaston]

When a main dealer says something can't be done, they mean they can't do it!

Of course you can lower it, and lots have already, see this thread:

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showth...738320&page=14

[dopper99]

But the problem is ...... Warranty .... Will they fix your car if you start having driveshaft/xdrive issues? Could get expensive...

[Alkidrew]

And insurance, you would be crazy not to tell your insurance company who would a) add a premium and b) reject your claim, if you didn't tell them.

Leave it alone IMHO

[BMWSKI]

Originally Posted by dopper99

But the problem is ...... Warranty .... Will they fix your car if you start having driveshaft/xdrive issues? Could get expensive...

Well apparently they provide a 2 year warranty as standard but you can extend it to 3...

Originally Posted by Alkidrew

And insurance, you would be crazy not to tell your insurance company who would a) add a premium and b) reject your claim, if you didn't tell them.

Leave it alone IMHO

I would definitely tell my insurance company. Same as I did when enquiring about my rear spoiler...

[Waitey]

Some have fitted 330d S drive springs. Simple.

[BMWSKI]

Originally Posted by Waitey

Some have fitted 330d S drive springs. Simple.

I presume that would lower the car by around 10mm then? Seeing as the x-drive is around 10mm higher as standard over the s-drive... Or have I got it completely wrong?

[Tengocity]

I'm assuming it is AC Schnitzer?

I'm keen to do it at some point. BMW dealers won't do anything with parts that aren't OEM, and I wouldn't assume your average parts guy is any sort of expert!

The warranty is a potential issue though, but only justifiable if there was an issue on something that the ride height could have affected- not sure how many things that could really be though.

It's never going to affect the engine, gearbox, electrical components.. so the big expensive things that could go wrong... so as someone who is prepared to take a chance I can live with that. If there is an issue with a component at the front then you could always swap the original springs back on before you take it in!

The Americans modify their new cars left, right and centre and don't seem to worry too much!

[Tengocity]

I might have a chat with Kevin Bird at Bird Garages, who do the Hartge stuff, would be interesting to hear if they'll do lowering springs there, perhaps in a package with the stiffer Anti-roll bars too.

[BMWSKI]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I might have a chat with Kevin Bird at Bird Garages, who do the Hartge stuff, would be interesting to hear if they'll do lowering springs there, perhaps in a package with the stiffer Anti-roll bars too.

Let me know what they say if you don't mind.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by BMWSKI

I presume that would lower the car by around 10mm then? Seeing as the x-drive is around 10mm higher as standard over the s-drive... Or have I got it completely wrong?

I believe the x drive is 6-10mm higher than SE models, so m sport is 16-20mm lower than x drive.

[F30AM]

You're halfway to an SUV with an xDrive.
But I would leave well alone.

[Steven1077]

Why would BMW raise the height on the xdrive if it wasn't necessary?

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Steven1077

Why would BMW raise the height on the xdrive if it wasn't necessary?

Maybe for easier fitting of snow chains? And ground clearance for snow, rocks etc.

I couldn't even get snow socks on my m sport without jacking it up!

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by teaston

Maybe for easier fitting of snow chains? And ground clearance for snow, rocks etc.

I couldn't even get snow socks on my m sport without jacking it up!

This is my best guess, perhaps the xdrive demand is biggest in the alpine countries. Or it may its a marketing driven thing to ensure that xdrive is not seen as a performance related option, but a safety and security enhancement.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

This is my best guess, perhaps the xdrive demand is biggest in the alpine countries. Or it may its a marketing driven thing to ensure that xdrive is not seen as a performance related option, but a safety and security enhancement.

I can't remember where i read it, but it said BMW designed the Xdrive as a utility vehicle, so yes they saw it being mainly for people in Alpine and/or rough terrain.

It's obvious they don't see it as a performance upgrade as the M3/4 are not 4 wheel drive like Audi's performance models!

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by teaston

I can't remember where i read it, but it said BMW designed the Xdrive as a utility vehicle, so yes they saw it being mainly for people in Alpine and/or rough terrain.

It's obvious they don't see it as a performance upgrade as the M3/4 are not 4 wheel drive like Audi's performance models!

Exactly, so jack it up to make sure of it!
I just find it hard to believe that 2cm is going to make much difference to the system... It's still with the normal range of motion that you expect the wheel to travel through.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Exactly, so jack it up to make sure of it!
I just find it hard to believe that 2cm is going to make much difference to the system... It's still with the normal range of motion that you expect the wheel to travel through.

The yanks that have lowered their x drives with the -4cm springs say it all works fine, just crashes a bit on bit potholes, so -2cm springs should be fine.

[M4dski11z]

I think h&r also do springs but they are a 40mm drop. I think that would make it sit about perfect for me.

[Steven1077]

From I've read the ride height is something to do with the front axle cv joints, and the xdrive uses the same length springs as an F32/F30 without m sport suspension meaning they are only 10mm higher, I could ask my niece to check if the x drive uses the same springs as other non m sport cars as she works for a BMW service department

[Cootie]

Seems quite a few places offer lowering springs now including all the well known players ie eibach, h&r and kW so I don't see there being anything technically preventing it. Certainly an option I'm interested in learning a bit more about to see if it's a route I might go down