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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > All-Wheel-Drive (Xi / xDrive) Talk > what is the consensus here about lowering an xi/x-drive car?



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      12-14-2016, 11:19 PM   #1
Richards335
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what is the consensus here about lowering an xi/x-drive car?

I've been doing some research online and it seems like lowering an x-drive model is tricky, and can have some ramifications. Apparently x-drive models are not made to be lowered. I'm on the stock suspension of a 2011 e92 x-drive car and I was wondering if theres a safe route to lowering it about an inch, inch and a half.
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      12-15-2016, 10:32 AM   #2
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http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=767485
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      12-15-2016, 11:08 AM   #3
madskillzE90
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Yes you can lower your car but do it right!

My car is slammed perfect with lowering springs and lowered sport suspension on 20" wheels with performance tires no rub at all.

And I take it to the road courses and mountain roads monthly
Handles awesome!!!
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      12-15-2016, 06:14 PM   #4
stashtrey
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Been lowered on koni/H&R and then KW V3's for 50k miles with no problems. Just make sure you do it right and get proper front struts that are modified/proper fit for the xi.
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      12-16-2016, 01:56 PM   #5
zipstic
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It's not tricky as long as you have the proper parts. Lots of members on here have coilovers (I'm on KW V1 myself) or shock/spring combos. Just make sure you get parts that are specifically for an xi, get an alignment, and enjoy driving.
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      12-19-2016, 07:03 AM   #6
Herakles
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Im so happy with the ride height look of my car- After thorough thought, i decided the only thing i will do is replace the shocks with bilstein or koni FSD.
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      12-19-2016, 09:38 AM   #7
moopdoop
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I'm using Dinan springs with Koni yellows, and I'm happy with the set up. It's probably the most conservative drop you can get and brings it down to about the height of the M-sport suspension on the RWD models.
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      12-19-2016, 11:50 AM   #8
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The "consensus" is: just do it. People have been doing it for 15 years, ever since the E46 325xi/330xi came out. They've been doing it even in the face of (rather muted warnings) the fact that the front axle design doesn't really accommodate lowering, and stresses the CVJ's in the front axle's drive.

That being said, there are relatively few real problems with lowered cars. You definitely need to pay attention to the CVJ boots, and some people have had to get new axles when the CVJ's go - but they eventually go anyway, just sooner. YMMV, you're paying for the lowered look so don't complain if things break.

Here's a guy having problems: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1323175
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      12-20-2016, 11:22 AM   #9
CantCatchMe
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I'm on Koni yellows and eibach i springs. Car handles just as good as the KW V1's I had on. Front axles might wear over time but that's given on a lowered car.
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      01-21-2017, 11:05 PM   #10
Julian2485
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Quote:
Originally Posted by madskillzE90 View Post
Yes you can lower your car but do it right!

My car is slammed perfect with lowering springs and lowered sport suspension on 20" wheels with performance tires no rub at all.

And I take it to the road courses and mountain roads monthly
Handles awesome!!!
How are you not rubbing ? I'm running sonic tuning s3 and rubbing on the rear with m3 219m rims. I raised the rears to max height and still slightly rub over bumps and dips. Tires size is 255 35 18
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      01-21-2017, 11:06 PM   #11
Julian2485
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Anyone else not rubbing ? What did you do to not rub ? I do need to get an alignment and I rolled rear quarters.
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      02-10-2017, 10:40 AM   #12
RMNB
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Richards335 View Post
I've been doing some research online and it seems like lowering an x-drive model is tricky, and can have some ramifications. Apparently x-drive models are not made to be lowered. I'm on the stock suspension of a 2011 e92 x-drive car and I was wondering if theres a safe route to lowering it about an inch, inch and a half.
I put on Koni FSD's but didn't lower it yet but folks mentioned Eibach pro springs to match up with the FSD's. Mild drip as you stated above but you can certainly go with something adjustable which most everyone prefers. Also, check out the issues with the stock springs. Something else to address when/if you do it.
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