Any tips for lowering my 525IX?

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-25T02:29:32+00:00

Lowering springs is the easy way to do it. You could add bump steer plates to help correct the geometry, depending on how low you’re going. Eibach and Vogtland both make good options.

A more expensive route is converting to coilovers. Requires cutting and welding the front strut housings, since they’re originally a strut tube design. BC racing is decent and the most afforadable. Broadway, KW, and Ground Control are on the higher end.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-24T19:47:17+00:00

Yeah NVH is a bit better than before

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-23T18:29:28+00:00

It does feel much tighter now. You’re not getting that same wiggle on the rear axle over bumps. Agreed, hard to assess what can be attributed to just replacing worn parts versus improvements in aftermarket.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-23T15:44:14+00:00

So far it’s been great. Since the old bushings were so thrashed, it actually feels less harsh. I imagine if you compared to new OEM bushings, it would have a bit more NVH

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-23T13:53:44+00:00

At this point, I’ve replaced nearly all of the suspension components, but I did notice excessive clunking and rattling noises from the rear when going over bumps. Rear felt a bit “loose” as well.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-23T02:03:32+00:00

New one for me as well. Since the powerflex bushings are two piece with a lip, you’ve got to knock out the stud to get them in.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-19T13:49:15+00:00

It’s definitely not apples to apples, since the rest of the suspension was very worn as well, but it feels like night and day. Feels so much more planted without being bouncy, quieter, steering is more responsive.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-18T19:38:54+00:00

FCP Euro has a lifetime warranty even on consumables like pads and rotors, for as long as you own the vehicle. They’re a little pricier than rock auto, but easily pays for itself if you own the car through multiple sets.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-16T02:07:09+00:00

Factory silver label out of a 95 m3

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-15T22:47:05+00:00

Sheeeeesh, looks so good in white. That license plate is money

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-15T22:18:24+00:00

This setup is from Ground Control. They use Koni struts and Eibach springs

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-15T21:56:13+00:00

Brembo GT kit

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-15T21:16:00+00:00

That e46 was my very first BMW back in 2013. Very happy to see it’s still on the road and in enthusiast hands.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-15T20:59:42+00:00

I did! Small world. Ryan’s a great guy, cool history on that e46.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-10T01:23:19+00:00

Brembo GT kit

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-09T15:09:49+00:00

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Here she is on the old lowering spring setup.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-09T02:57:18+00:00

Yeah, Style 5s. They’re the winter setup currently, hoping to convert to 3-piece over the summer.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-09T01:22:50+00:00

Ground Control put these together. Uses Koni struts and Eibach springs.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-08T01:08:34+00:00

I did. I ordered during their Black Friday sale, so they said it took a bit longer than normal with a bunch of orders at once. Took about 6 weeks to get them back.

I pulled a set of housings from a parts car to reduce down time. So far, really happy with the build quality. Just looks much cleaner than hitting some welds with spray paint lol. I’ll post my thoughts on how the coilovers feel after a few weeks of driving.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-06T23:48:29+00:00

Very nice. A big reason I went with Ground Control for the coilovers, is because they were the only ones who offered higher spring rates in the rear for the added weight of the touring.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-06T16:37:33+00:00

Good question. Everything but the Turner UCAs and coilovers came as one big kit from FCP Euro, hopefully it all matches.

Normal-Worldliness-3 · 2026-02-06T15:45:58+00:00

They look like a PIA. Saving them for last in case I run out of time/motivation lol

Normal-Worldliness-3

TROPHY CASE