[F30.Krystian]

Does anyone know what's the safest and lowest ride height that an xdrive car can be at to not worry about popping/snapping the front axles?

[johnung]

Originally Posted by F30.Krystian

Does anyone know what's the safest and lowest ride height that an xdrive car can be at to not worry about popping/snapping the front axles?

Rule of thumb is don't lower the front of an XDrive more than 1.5". Take accurate baseline measurements

[F30.Krystian]

Originally Posted by johnung

Rule of thumb is don't lower the front of an XDrive more than 1.5". Take accurate baseline measurements

Originally Posted by johnung

Rule of thumb is don't lower the front of an XDrive more than 1.5". Take accurate baseline measurements

Do you know what stock xdrive ride height is? I already lowered my car and I don't remember the stock ride height

[johnung]

Originally Posted by F30.Krystian

Do you know what stock xdrive ride height is? I already lowered my car and I don't remember the stock ride height

It varies by model. For consistency I measure from the centerpoint of the BMW emblem on the wheel vertically to the fender lip. That way you have the measurement to the center of the axle which won't change regardless of any variation in wheels/tires.

[F30.Krystian]

Originally Posted by johnung

It varies by model. For consistency I measure from the centerpoint of the BMW emblem on the wheel vertically to the fender lip. That way you have the measurement to the center of the axle which won't change regardless of any variation in wheels/tires.

Originally Posted by johnung

It varies by model. For consistency I measure from the centerpoint of the BMW emblem on the wheel vertically to the fender lip. That way you have the measurement to the center of the axle which won't change regardless of any variation in wheels/tires.

I appreciate it, i have like slightly less than a finger gap right now, but I'm going to raise it to about a two finger for piece of mind

[casualDIYer]

Originally Posted by F30.Krystian

Does anyone know what's the safest and lowest ride height that an xdrive car can be at to not worry about popping/snapping the front axles?

Each axle is about $1400, each so don't go crazy with lowering. I've got ACS springs and you'd think the ride height is factory. I believe Eibach also makes a reasonable set as well that makes the car look more factory than the slammed look. Dinan and H&R offer something a little lower and I haven't seen any complaints from xDrivers for F3x chassis so that might be something to look at. Keep in mind some springs are OE damper friendly and some are not. Choose carefully.

[F30.Krystian]

Originally Posted by casualDIYer

Each axle is about $1400, each so don't go crazy with lowering. I've got ACS springs and you'd think the ride height is factory. I believe Eibach also makes a reasonable set as well that makes the car look more factory than the slammed look. Dinan and H&R offer something a little lower and I haven't seen any complaints from xDrivers for F3x chassis so that might be something to look at. Keep in mind some springs are OE damper friendly and some are not. Choose carefully.

h&r springs are about a two finger gap no?

[casualDIYer]

Originally Posted by F30.Krystian

h&r springs are about a two finger gap no?

I've heard H&R is lower than Eibach or ACS but there might be more than one model of H&R. I'd double-check that. I checked my car right now and the ACS springs have a 2~2.5 finger gap.

[rcaso26]

I have a 2015 328i xdrive and have this exact setup which in my opinion is the best lowering option for this car without crashing over bumps or a super harsh ride. Also, big thanks to johnung who helped answer tons of suspension questions for me!

- Eibach Pro Kit Spring - part no. E10-20-031-04-22
- Koni Special Active struts - part no. 87451378KT
- shortened front bump stops from BMW E39 - part no. 31331138814
- shortened rear bump stops (I didn't end up installing as it wasnt necessary) - part no. 33536762722

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by johnung

Rule of thumb is don't lower the front of an XDrive more than 1.5". Take accurate baseline measurements

Prudent guidance from johnung. I would be even more conservative - no more than 1".

[johnung]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Prudent guidance from johnung. I would be even more conservative - no more than 1".

I've usually felt confident saying 1.5" because spring manufacturers like H&R list xDrive springs with 1.5" drop. But then again a buddy of mine has a 435ix and when it's parked next to my 335ix, his chassis appears lower to begin with.

That's just eyeballing it though. Would have to actually take measurements to make sure that it isn't an optical illusion. I typically recommend to take before/after measurements from the center of the BMW logo on each wheel to the lower edge of the fender lip. That provides a true axle center measurement that shouldn't change if wheels/tires are swapped.

Problem is everyone does what I did three years ago. Throw those new lowering springs on without doing a "before" measurement! 😀

[F30.Krystian]

Originally Posted by casualDIYer

I've heard H&R is lower than Eibach or ACS but there might be more than one model of H&R. I'd double-check that. I checked my car right now and the ACS springs have a 2~2.5 finger gap.

Attachment 2729327

Great, I will raise my car to a 2 finger gap

[F30.Krystian]

Thanks for the advice guys