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      08-28-2012, 02:59 PM   #6
jftoha
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Drives: 2012 X5 M Sport /2011 535is
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Washington

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I have 21" Alpina wheels on my 535i and went through a similar internal debate before I got these wheels. I also had concerns about the ride and potential issues with potholes on the 21". After doing a bit of research I noticed that a few people had put 21" wheels with the slightly taller tires of the 7 series that come with 21" like the Alpina B7. When I got my wheels I made the decision to get the tire size of the B7 and once mounted I was pretty surprised to find that the ride was actually much better than the OEM 19" with Run Flat tires. Also, the car looked actually lower because the tires made the gap 1/2" smaller. The car itself was 1/2" taller, but the gap at the fender was 1/2" smaller.

A week ago I finally got around to lowering the car with a set of AC Schnitzer springs and the car dropped 1". Now the gap is even smaller and the car sits lower than stock but retains a great ride, still better than the stock with RFT. In my view this combination is perfect for me. I get a great ride, lower stance, great handling and do not scrape my bumpers anywhere. I live in downtown Washington, DC and have not had issues with the quality of the streets, which is not ideal. I have ridden in cars with H&R springs and did not want to get that bouncy ride they get. I take clients around and my wife and baby on weekends and nobody has even said a word about a rough ride.

If you are wiling to mess with the circumference of the wheel tire combination, I think the 21" with ACS springs can be a good combination if you get the taller tires.

If you want to see photos of my ride, check out my gallery. Those photos were taken only two days after the spring install and the car has settled a bit and sits about 1/4" to 1/2" lower by now.

I hope that helps.

Jo
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José Tohá ---------------------------------Chilean Architect, Living in Washington, DC.
PRESENT: F10 535I Sport, Alpina 21" wheels, AC Schnitzer springs, M5 Grill.
PAST: E63, E39 (2), E34 (2), E36, E24, E30 (2)
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