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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wheels / Tires / Suspension / Brakes Lowering springs for 550i Msport help!
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      09-07-2012, 04:59 PM   #1
clarkk41
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Lowering springs for 550i Msport help!

Hi guys,
Need some help withe advice on lowering my new 2012 550 with msport w sport suspension. I have searched all over but can't seem to find a clear answer despite how often this topic has been discussed. I was going to pull the trigger on Eibachs but my shop guy said after speaking to the Eibach rep that there was no point in me getting them. Since I already have sport suspension the drop would probably not even be noticeable and he didn't want to charge me for something that wouldn't deliver. So what do you guys suggest as the best option for lowering something that will be coming from sports suspension. I just put putting 20" wheels on and want to close up that gap. I am not interested in H&R due to reviews I have read so believe it comes down to ACS or RD Sport. What will close up that gap for me while while still maintaining the quality ride. Thanks in advance for any help. Any before and after pics from sport suspension to spring suspension would be appreciated as well. Thanks
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      09-07-2012, 06:14 PM   #2
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I've had H&R, RD, and now ACS on my 550i M-Sport. ACS are by far the best. H&R -- too low and bad ride quality. While RD's ride good, they are still too low. With ACS, the drop is at lest 1 1/2" and great ride quality. Keep in mind, all are only going to really give you a balanced ride in sport mode. The normal and comfort modes ride bad with any lowering springs.
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      09-07-2012, 06:45 PM   #3
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Thanks for the reply. Is that about an 1 1/2" lower then the sport suspension already has? Have you gotten any funky sounds from the springs like I have been reading some ACS owners are experiencing ?
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      09-07-2012, 07:09 PM   #4
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other than springs, would coilovers be an option for you? you can adjust it to the height of your liking.
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      09-07-2012, 07:35 PM   #5
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I thought about coilovers but really don't want to spend that much on the mod. Springs seem like the best option just not sure which one will give the proper drop coming from sports suspension while still supplying a good drive.
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      09-07-2012, 09:03 PM   #6
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I just had my local BMW dealer install a set of Dinan springs on my 550i- M Sport, they don't lower the car as much as the ACS, but they dramatically improve the handling and less floating feel vs. the stock springs. I decided to go with Dinan and have them installed by the dealer for peace of mind. The price for Dinan springs is also way less than ACS, which for some unknown reason ACS charges a lot more for 550i than 535i.

Good luck.
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      09-07-2012, 09:07 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tcandmm View Post
I just had my local BMW dealer install a set of Dinan springs on my 550i- M Sport, they don't lower the car as much as the ACS, but they dramatically improve the handling and less floating feel vs. the stock springs. I decided to go with Dinan and have them installed by the dealer for peace of mind. The price for Dinan springs is also way less than ACS, which for some unknown reason ACS charges a lot more for 550i than 535i.

Good luck.
This is great info. So can you tell me how much of a drop you experienced from the sport suspension to the dinan springs. Do you mind sharing how much everything ran? Did you BMW dealer carry the Dinan springs or did you bring them to them. Do you have pics? Thanks
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      09-07-2012, 09:14 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clarkk41 View Post
Thanks for the reply. Is that about an 1 1/2" lower then the sport suspension already has? Have you gotten any funky sounds from the springs like I have been reading some ACS owners are experiencing ?
No sounds or problems from the ACS at all!
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      09-07-2012, 09:16 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tcandmm View Post
I just had my local BMW dealer install a set of Dinan springs on my 550i- M Sport, they don't lower the car as much as the ACS, but they dramatically improve the handling and less floating feel vs. the stock springs. I decided to go with Dinan and have them installed by the dealer for peace of mind. The price for Dinan springs is also way less than ACS, which for some unknown reason ACS charges a lot more for 550i than 535i.

Good luck.
I've also read on the forum from another member who installed Dinan springs, and it dropped very little --- not enough to really tell --- and he also couldn't tell much of a difference in handling.
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      09-07-2012, 09:56 PM   #10
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@Vinfast
I read a post you did where you had RD Sport but you changed to ACS. Why the change? Do you have pics of what each spring looked like on the ride? Thanks for the help
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      09-07-2012, 10:55 PM   #11
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+1 on ACS--they are awesome!
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      09-07-2012, 11:00 PM   #12
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The RDs were a little too low in the front and would sometimes bottom out, and the ACS ride better overall. The first pic is the RDs, the second, ACS.
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      09-08-2012, 12:01 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinfast View Post
The RDs were a little too low in the front and would sometimes bottom out, and the ACS ride better overall. The first pic is the RDs, the second, ACS.
Thanks for taking the time to post the pics. I definitely don"t want to bottom out. Will probably end up going with the acs springs. Did all you have to do was swap out springs? The shocks and struts should be fine correct?
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      09-08-2012, 06:34 AM   #14
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I've had H&R, RD, and now ACS on my 550i M-Sport. ACS are by far the best. H&R -- too low and bad excellent of journey. While RD's journey excellent, they are still too low. With ACS, the fall is at lest 1 1/2" and high excellent of journey. Keep in thoughts, all are only going to really provide you with a healthy journey in game function. The regular and relaxation ways journey bad with any decreasing comes.
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      09-08-2012, 09:37 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clarkk41 View Post
This is great info. So can you tell me how much of a drop you experienced from the sport suspension to the dinan springs. Do you mind sharing how much everything ran? Did you BMW dealer carry the Dinan springs or did you bring them to them. Do you have pics? Thanks
Dinan springs for 550i costs $499 but since my local BMW dealer is also a Dinan dealer was able to order it for $450, plus installation the total cost was $1,150 out of door, this includes 4-wheel alignment and they also threw in a complimetary detailing job and obviously stand behind their work. Dinan also has carries warranty vs. other brands. Another thing with Dinan springs is that they come with front bumpstops to keep from rubbing and retain as much stock comfort as possible while lowering the car about 1/2 inche all around for RWD 550i. All in all it was good. Sorry I haven't had time for pictures.
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      09-08-2012, 09:41 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clarkk41 View Post
Thanks for taking the time to post the pics. I definitely don"t want to bottom out. Will probably end up going with the acs springs. Did all you have to do was swap out springs? The shocks and struts should be fine correct?
I cannot speak for other springs, but my Dinan sets are designed to work with stock shocks without putting any long-term stress for premature wear (I had the same concern). Plus as I mention in my other post, Dinan set comes with bumpstops to ensure proper ride and clearance.
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      09-19-2012, 04:17 PM   #17
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Also have 550 xDrive MSport, just installed Dinan springs. Lowering was not my goal, handling precision was and goal achieved. I've seen some posts indicating little to no handling improvement, but that is not my experience. Also,has Dinan Stage 2 software: stock suspension was not up to the 101 added horsies. All better now.
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      09-20-2012, 05:16 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dinans2 View Post
Also have 550 xDrive MSport, just installed Dinan springs. Lowering was not my goal, handling precision was and goal achieved. I've seen some posts indicating little to no handling improvement, but that is not my experience. Also,has Dinan Stage 2 software: stock suspension was not up to the 101 added horsies. All better now.
Did you notice any difference in drop from the msport suspension you are coming from?
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      09-23-2012, 08:47 PM   #19
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They claim 1/2" drop. Didn't want it significantly lowered as its my winter driver in Boston area. I can't emphasize enough: the handling is superb now. Drove like a couch before.

But the 1/2" is enough, looks great.
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      09-24-2012, 01:22 AM   #20
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I went with H&R. Here are my specs pre & post install. Looks great.
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