[delvek]

Anyone install a spring kit, from what I have found they range from 30mm to 25mm in lowering. I am looking for some feedback on the ride, has the lower center of gravity greatly improved the handling aspect of the car while not compromising ride comfort? How has the lower suspension interacted with the adaptive drive? Any thoughts or insight would be welcome as I am strongly considering this for not only its cosmetic appeal but a performance improvement as well. I have never lowered a car and any pros and cons are welcome as well. Thanks.

[Vinfast]

I have a '11 550 M-sport and couldn't take the wheel gap and the soft suspension even in sport mode. This is my 4th BMW with sport suspension and my first mod. From what I've heard, modding a car can be a trial and error effort.

I put on H&R springs, but the front dropped way too low. I found out the H&Rs drop much lower on a 550i than they do a 535 or 528.

It drives great around town, but on the freeway, when you hit a dip in the road, the car kind of bounces front to back. It handles much more like my 08 550i M-sport around curves -- it's just feels much heavier than the 08.

Like other members have said, maybe the spring rate is off, or I'm just speculating that the H&Rs aren't right for the adaptive drive.

I've ordered the RD sport springs, and they'll be here in a week or two, so I'll let you know how it goes. They're not suppose to drop the car as much and they have a set for the adaptive drive and one without, so I hope they'll work better with the stock suspension components.

[delvek]

Please do, I am considering AC Schnitzer spring package. I believe theirs is a little more modest, 25mm rather then the 30mm.

[Vinfast]

I just had my H&R sport springs swapped out for the RD sport springs. Wow, it rides so much better with the adaptive drive. No more bouncing around on the interstate. The spring rate is perfect --- they were made for the car. Also, they brought the front of the car up about a half inch over the H&Rs which is exactly what I wanted --- well worth the extra money!!!!

[RyanS]

Originally Posted by Vinfast

I just had my H&R sport springs swapped out for the RD sport springs. Wow, it rides so much better with the adaptive drive. No more bouncing around on the interstate. The spring rate is perfect --- they were made for the car. Also, they brought the front of the car up about a half inch over the H&Rs which is exactly what I wanted --- well worth the extra money!!!!

Awesome to hear!

[lakerpride05]

Can you please post a pic of your car with the RD Springs? How much did they run you?

[Vinfast]

I will once the rain stops.

[wannes]

what sollution they offer for the rear ?

[Vinfast]

The rear wasn't really a problem -- they're about the same as the front now. The front was lower than the front.

[cidair]

Originally Posted by delvek

Anyone install a spring kit, from what I have found they range from 30mm to 25mm in lowering. I am looking for some feedback on the ride, has the lower center of gravity greatly improved the handling aspect of the car while not compromising ride comfort? How has the lower suspension interacted with the adaptive drive? Any thoughts or insight would be welcome as I am strongly considering this for not only its cosmetic appeal but a performance improvement as well. I have never lowered a car and any pros and cons are welcome as well. Thanks.

I think You are right about being very careful lowering the car. It rides fantastic in OEM setup ( maybe a little too soft in sport mode ), but looks way too high.

I did the mistake with my M5 E60 - lowered too much = looked awesome with the 21" wheels, but destroyed the ride completely.

[cidair]

I´m eagerly waiting for the AC Schnitzer springs for my car ( xDrive ).

[cidair]

Here´s my friends lowered 550i. Too much in the front IMO.

[Vinfast]

It does look a little too low -- what lowering springs are on the car?

[cidair]

Originally Posted by Vinfast

It does look a little too low -- what lowering springs are on the car?

H&R

[Vinfast]

Originally Posted by lakerpride05

Can you please post a pic of your car with the RD Springs? How much did they run you?

I got my RDs for $800 plus shipping. Here are a few pics.

[KRUZNM3]

looks good with the RD's! It's crazy how low the H&R's are for 550s

[bobblehead]

Damn, that's lot of weights on your front wheel.

[lakerpride05]

Thanks for the pics. Your car looks amazing! Much better than the HR's. Does it ride as smooth as stock even with the 20's? Can you still tell the difference between comfort, normal and sport?

[Vinfast]

Originally Posted by lakerpride05

Thanks for the pics. Your car looks amazing! Much better than the HR's. Does it ride as smooth as stock even with the 20's? Can you still tell the difference between comfort, normal and sport?

Thanks, I think it looks a lot better than the H&Rs although it only brought it up a little. I thought it would be a little higher, but I like it.

It does ride as smooth or smoother with the 20s w/o the runflats. Although I use Sport Mode all the time, you can tell the difference in the other modes -- very cushy.

[lakerpride05]

Very nice! Thanks for feedback and being the Guinea pig for the springs �

Where did you purchase the RD springs from?

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by Vinfast

I got my RDs for $800 plus shipping. Here are a few pics.

Looks really good, are those 20" wheels?

[Vinfast]

Originally Posted by lakerpride05

Very nice! Thanks for feedback and being the Guinea pig for the springs �

Where did you purchase the RD springs from?

I got the RD sport springs from Alan at **********s.com. He also gave me a 10% discount since I also bought my H&R springs from him before I got the RDs.
Yes, these are 20" rims.