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      08-17-2020, 04:59 AM   #1
Ninefourteener
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G05 BBM lowering links, full install + pics + measurements

Figured this might help a few people out. Full installation and adjustment took less than 2 hours. SUPER easy.

I figured it would be easier to install them now, and just adjust them when the new wheels arrive.... rather than doing the full install + adjustments then.

My measurements are moderate intentionally. I did a 1/2 inch front drop, and a 1-inch rear drop, which to me, was perfect. I can go lower if I need to when the new wheels arrive. The measurements I provided, are based upon those standards.

This install is SO easy.... my instructions are pretty quick, because they don't need to be in-depth. Total time was under 2 hours, and that included taking pictures, writing down measurements, etc.

Easiest suspension install I've done in 25 years..... and I've done a lot.

Tools required:
Hairdryer/heat gun
8mm box wrench
10mm box wrench
Large screwdriver/pry tool
Small pair of pliers.

That's it..... literally.

Couple things to consider;

1. Front links need to be EXTENDED LONGER than OEM to lower the car. (Longer links go on the front)
2. Rear links need to be SHORTENED from OEM to lower the car. (Shorter links go on the rear)
3. You do NOT need to remove any of the wheels to install links, but you do need 2 floor jacks to be able to get the rear end up high enough to lay under the car comfortably.
4. Front jacking height to access = tires just barely touching ground.
5. Rear jacking height to access = tires 4 inches above ground.
6. Location of front links, = just aft of suspension, directly above tire.
7. Location of rear links = just forward of axle, just above control arm
8. To remove links, it helps to use a hairdryer or heat gun to heat up the ball/socket.
9. ALWAYS be sure to disconnect the electrical connector before you remove the OEM links. Don't forget to re-install it before taking the car off the jacks. Electrical connector is simple, no tools required. Squeeze and pull.
10. MAKE SURE THE CAR IS OFF.... NOTHING IS RUNNING..... NOT IDRIVE..... NOT THE RADIO..... NOTHING.

Let's start with OEM sport mode setting. Fender to center of hub = 16.75 inches.

Jack the front of the car up on both sides.

Locate links. Unplug connection. Adjust new links accordingly, install new links. Super easy.
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Last edited by Ninefourteener; 08-17-2020 at 08:31 AM..
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      08-17-2020, 05:00 AM   #2
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Step 2..... remove links.

Adjust new links 3mm longer for a 1/2 inch FRONT drop.

Install new front links.

Drive about 150 yards so the suspension adjusts itself.
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Last edited by Ninefourteener; 08-17-2020 at 08:23 AM..
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      08-17-2020, 05:03 AM   #3
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Now to the rear.

Adjust links 2mm SHORTER than OEM for a 1-inch drop. 17.9" stock ride height (in sport mode).... 16.9" ride height after install.

Ride height measurements were taken from fender lip, to the center of the wheel centercap.

Lowering link measurements were taken from dead center of each of the ball/socket joints.
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Last edited by Ninefourteener; 08-17-2020 at 05:45 AM..
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      08-17-2020, 05:05 AM   #4
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And..... because I know everyone will want to see it..... Loading mode:
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      08-17-2020, 08:03 AM   #5
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Just a friendly reminder...... after staring at my car for a couple hours, I decided to give the front passenger side 1/2 turn.... now it's perfect. If you look at all my notes, it was actually a few mm higher from factory.

Anyway.....Except..... I didn't follow my own advice and disconnect the electrical connection before adjusting.

Poof..... chassis error light. All suspension adjustability is restricted. Grrrr.

NBD... I have a scan tool and cleared the code. Everything is fine now, after a minor panic episode. But, if you don't have a scan tool that can clear codes.... it's a trip to BMW.

So.... I'm re-emphasizing the importance...... DISCONNECT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION BEFORE DOING ANYTHING...... and MAKE SURE YOU RECONNECT IT BEFORE TURNING THE CAR ON!

Last edited by Ninefourteener; 08-17-2020 at 08:41 AM..
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      08-17-2020, 08:33 AM   #6
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So basically, you just remove the old ones, and install the new ones that have been adjusted for length? No other tools besides the jack lifts required?
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      08-17-2020, 08:42 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bforbrian View Post
So basically, you just remove the old ones, and install the new ones that have been adjusted for length? No other tools besides the jack lifts required?
Exactly. Absolutely STUPID easy.

Pay attention to the step about disconnecting and re-connecting the electrical connection. That's important. Otherwise.... piece of cake. I didn't even remove the wheels.

A couple of minor tools. Nothing significant. I updated the 1st post.
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      08-17-2020, 08:52 AM   #8
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Awesome. Only concern now is after aggressive, aftermarket wheels are installed, on sport setting (second lowest height), will the fenders hit the wheels on deep dips at high speeds?
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      08-17-2020, 08:55 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bforbrian View Post
Awesome. Only concern now is after aggressive, aftermarket wheels are installed, on sport setting (second lowest height), will the fenders hit the wheels on deep dips at high speeds?
I don't think so. The rolling diameter of my 22" tires is actually slightly smaller than my 21s. If anything, I may go a few mm lower when I install the 22s. If it rubs on bumps... I'll go back up a few mm.

I'll let you know when my 22s arrive. They are quite beefy. 22x10.5 front with 295/30.... and 22x12 rear with 335/25

They are infinitely adjustable..... a mm at a time. You are not stuck with specific heights.

The front links don't even need to be removed to adjust.

The rears do.... but it's a 10-minute job.

Not worried in the slightest.

Last edited by Ninefourteener; 08-17-2020 at 09:23 AM..
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      08-17-2020, 09:46 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ninefourteener View Post
I don't think so. The rolling diameter of my 22" tires is actually slightly smaller than my 21s. If anything, I may go a few mm lower when I install the 22s. If it rubs on bumps... I'll go back up a few mm.

I'll let you know when my 22s arrive. They are quite beefy. 22x10.5 front with 295/30.... and 22x12 rear with 335/25

They are infinitely adjustable..... a mm at a time. You are not stuck with specific heights.

The front links don't even need to be removed to adjust.

The rears do.... but it's a 10-minute job.

Not worried in the slightest.
Can't wait to see how it all comes together with your wheels. Thanks for being transparent about this process!
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      08-17-2020, 03:13 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ninefourteener View Post
Just a friendly reminder...... after staring at my car for a couple hours, I decided to give the front passenger side 1/2 turn.... now it's perfect. If you look at all my notes, it was actually a few mm higher from factory.

Anyway.....Except..... I didn't follow my own advice and disconnect the electrical connection before adjusting.

Poof..... chassis error light. All suspension adjustability is restricted. Grrrr.

NBD... I have a scan tool and cleared the code. Everything is fine now, after a minor panic episode. But, if you don't have a scan tool that can clear codes.... it's a trip to BMW.

So.... I'm re-emphasizing the importance...... DISCONNECT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION BEFORE DOING ANYTHING...... and MAKE SURE YOU RECONNECT IT BEFORE TURNING THE CAR ON!
I also made some mistake like that when installing them and I also got an error code for the chassis. When you lock the car, give it some time, it will self adjust and clear the code. No scan tool needed to clear the code.
You also can disable the leveling system (for example when you change wheels, it is in the manual). pull or push the level for 7 seconds, release it. and the led that indicates the height will go out. Same thing to activate the system again. I think this is safer to not get any errors..
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      08-17-2020, 03:24 PM   #12
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another tip use a small socket wrench to pop the original links out. ANd don't forget to close/ lock the new ones
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      08-17-2020, 04:26 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bhe View Post
I also made some mistake like that when installing them and I also got an error code for the chassis. When you lock the car, give it some time, it will self adjust and clear the code. No scan tool needed to clear the code.
You also can disable the leveling system (for example when you change wheels, it is in the manual). pull or push the level for 7 seconds, release it. and the led that indicates the height will go out. Same thing to activate the system again. I think this is safer to not get any errors..
Oh.. NOW this information gets shared.... lmao

Good info. I had no idea. I knew I was supposed to disconnect the electrical connections..... and I did.... just forgot the 2nd time. It all worked out though.

Good info for everyone.
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      08-18-2020, 10:57 AM   #14
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When you began to remove the OEM links, the car setting was in Sport mode? Or did you put it in load mode and begin to remove the links?
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      08-18-2020, 11:57 AM   #15
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Another note to add if you go super low it rides like a Honda on cut springs and you get a chasis malifuntion message when entering loading mode just putting it out there for future installers. Went with recommended adjustments and rides perfect.

First pic was super low and getting errors.

Second pic looks level and rides perfect.
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      08-18-2020, 12:58 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gtz1wickedest View Post
Another note to add if you go super low it rides like a Honda on cut springs and you get a chasis malifuntion message when entering loading mode just putting it out there for future installers. Went with recommended adjustments and rides perfect.

First pic was super low and getting errors.

Second pic looks level and rides perfect.
That looks perfect! Would you say your adjustments are similar to those of Ninefourteener?
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      08-18-2020, 03:03 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bforbrian View Post
When you began to remove the OEM links, the car setting was in Sport mode? Or did you put it in load mode and begin to remove the links?
the installation manual says to put it in highest mode
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      08-18-2020, 03:31 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bhe View Post
the installation manual says to put it in highest mode
I actually used the sport mode setting to set my height. I drive in sport individual 99% of the time, which in my case, is sport suspension, and comfort everything else. I even coded the car to start in sport individual.

For me.... it made sense to set the ride height on the setting I spend the most time in.
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      08-18-2020, 07:41 PM   #19
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I used r33_RGSport links. Different measurements from the BBM links.
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      08-19-2020, 12:47 PM   #20
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I referenced the instructions that RGSport provides before doing the installation, so I could familiarize myself with the process before tearing into it.

RGSport uses measurements on their "specific" product. My measurements on based on the car, not the links. If the measurements are taken from the total length of the link, then it doesn't matter what brand of link is used. That's why I did it that way.

RGSport's directions also said to remove the entire rear assembly, which quite frankly, isn't necessary. I'm not sure why they wanted that done, but it complicates the process far more than need be.

Nevertheless..... they were helpful.
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      08-24-2020, 12:48 AM   #21
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I sure as heck wish someone told me to disconnect the electrical sensors before replacing! I didn't and my suspension maxed out on high until it reset about 20 mins later. It was pretty wild. I drove it a bit like a 2 wheeler and nothing but after parking it for awhile and coming back to it I was okay. Good tips here for sure, too bad I couldn't read German and after google translating the instructions I still saw no mention. Good looking out bud.
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      08-24-2020, 07:53 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. Jekyll View Post
I sure as heck wish someone told me to disconnect the electrical sensors before replacing! I didn't and my suspension maxed out on high until it reset about 20 mins later. It was pretty wild. I drove it a bit like a 2 wheeler and nothing but after parking it for awhile and coming back to it I was okay. Good tips here for sure, too bad I couldn't read German and after google translating the instructions I still saw no mention. Good looking out bud.
I bought my BBM drop links from someone else. They weren't "used", but they didn't come with any instructions at all. I actually obtained a copy of RGSport's instructions, reviewed, analyzed, etc.... and then incorporated some changes.
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