[tyh77]

Hi all,

I recently acquired a 440 xDrive Gran Coupe. But the wheel gap is really annoying me (I can fit 4 fingers between the tire and the top of the arch)... and it just seems like the wheel is undersized - though it is to spec: 225/45/R18

I'm looking to address this issue in a few ways:

1. Larger wheels + tires to fill the gap... perhaps 245/40/R19
2. Lower the vehicle by at least 1", maybe even 1.25"

For method 2 - I've done a bit of research and have heard of the following options

1. Dinan springs + shockware
2. AC Schnitzer springs
3. KW Coilovers
4. Ohlin Road & Track

I do have to mention that I think my car does have m-adaptive suspension (becomes much stiffer in Sport/Sport+dynamic traction) - although I couldn't confirm that with BMW vin lookup.

I do want that flexibility in changing suspension stiffness - because I do daily drive the vehicle and the car is definitely more comfortable in "Comfort". I was wondering if the coilovers from KW would delete that, and how about the other options (Dinan, AC Schnitzer, etc.)

Thanks in advance!

[alohasurftoad]

i'd do eibach springs with the mildest drop and shorter bumpstops so you can retain adaptive with the least potential harm often caused by lowering springs and stock dampers.

if you don't mind the appearance of the stock 18'x8's, i'd keep them but swap the tire size to 235/45/18 with continental extremecontact dws06, yokohama advan sport a/s or general g-max as-05

here's what 235/45/18 square looks like on an f30 and f32.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...45%2F18&page=2

the combination of a mild drop and increased tire diameter will reduce the gap and provide a more comfortable ride and impact protection.

not increasing to 19" wheels also saves a bunch of money which can be spent elsewhere or saved.

[cfm56d7b]

What is budget for the suspension upgrade? Also - what year is your vehicle?

Ohlins R&T coilovers are not offered for xDrive models unfortunately. I had very good experience with KW Street Comfort coilovers. Great product for daily driving. The only suggestion for KW engineers: relocate adjustment controls to the bottom on the rear shocks.

[McLaren720s]

I have the H&R Street Performance coilovers and I’m happy with them. I recommend them or the KW V1 if you’re looking for something “affordable”, not too stiff with a significant increase in cornering performance compared to stock.

[rambleon84]

I was in the same boat with the ride height/wheel gap being too high in my 3GT xdrive. I went with AC Schnitzer springs. They ride nice and didnt lower the car too much.




I've since gone to a staggered 19 setup, it helps fill the gaps better still. I'll have to post back later to show the same angle with 19's before i swap back to the 18s for winter.

[tyh77]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

What is budget for the suspension upgrade? Also - what year is your vehicle?

Ohlins R&T coilovers are not offered for xDrive models unfortunately. I had very good experience with KW Street Comfort coilovers. Great product for daily driving. The only suggestion for KW engineers: relocate adjustment controls to the bottom on the rear shocks.

I would say about $2k, but I don't really have a hard limit. I've been looking at the KW coilovers, does that sacrifice the M Adaptive suspension?

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by timhuang77

I would say about $2k, but I don't really have a hard limit. I've been looking at the KW coilovers, does that sacrifice the M Adaptive suspension?

Your best best would be to review all coilover options at KW web site before making any purchase decisions.

$2K budget will cover the purchase of KW Street Comfort coilovers and installation. Four wheel alignment would be recommended as well. EDC Delete module from KW will negate M Adaptive suspension functionality. It can also be coded out but that's a different debate: whether to maintain or modify OEM programming.