[Megahead]

Howdy folks

First post here. I have a 2014 535d m sport saloon with variable damper control. The car sits a bit too high for my liking because of the vdc so I am considering lowering springs to drop it about 30mm. I'm just not 100% on whether it's ok to do so with the adaptive dampers. Has anyone on here had this done? I'm thinking the eibach pro kit would be best as the drop is not too severe.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Megahead

Howdy folks

First post here. I have a 2014 535d m sport saloon with variable damper control. The car sits a bit too high for my liking because of the vdc so I am considering lowering springs to drop it about 30mm. I'm just not 100% on whether it's ok to do so with the adaptive dampers. Has anyone on here had this done? I'm thinking the eibach pro kit would be best as the drop is not too severe.

I've read some have done so and report it works well. ACS and HR springs have also been used.

Just an observation. You will be changing the parameters a bit with a slightly stiffer spring. In my experience with VDC, (my car), the middle suspension setting is best balanced to the OE spring rate. The two other base settings run either side of that rate and are therefore slightly compromised. I'm minded that a slightly stiffer spring will work more to the Sport setting, Comfort+ may show as under damped.

If you do go ahead, please report back on your findings, gives useful info for other users.

PS: May be worth searching in the F10 Technical topics, view the wheels & suspension forum. See what other users have done and comment on.

[Megahead]

Thanks Pete, I'll contact bmw first I think before I go ahead just to be 100%.

[bfleming]

I've done it - albeit on a F11 (front springs only). It's fine, rides the exact same, but it's lower, which is of course the desired result. There is only one part number for VDC shocks, so they are fine with SE, M Sport and aftermarket springs. BMW won't confirm this though, so I really wouldn't waste any effort in asking them.
The rear springs on the F10 are easy to swap; the fronts with VDC are more awkward than without. The only way to do it it to release the top wishbone from the hub - you'll need a bearing puller to do this successfully. You can do non-VDC cars without undoing the top wishbone, but the VDC shocks are bulkier / more awkward, so you need the extra room unbolting the top wishbone gives you. You don't need to remove the top wishbone fully, so don't undo its mounting bolts to the chassis, you only need to undo the 'middle' ball joint nut & push the ball joint upwards to remove it.

Mine after lowering: