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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wheels / Tires / Suspension / Brakes Lowering springs on my 2012
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      12-21-2017, 10:52 AM   #1
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Lowering springs on my 2012

Hey guys just looking for some advice. I have a 2012 528 xdrive with 80,000 miles. The wheel gap is ridiculous and I'd love to get coil overs but not willing to drop more than 2k for it. I'd rather leave the car as it is than pay that much. On the other hand, $650 for H&R springs installed is a much better deal. I've been reading around the forum and I see that lowering springs can shorten the lifespan of the OEM shocks. Do you guys think that my shocks with 80k miles on them could handle the H&R springs for a few years or eventually they'll lead to blown shocks soon after being that they already have high mileage on them? Any insight appreciated
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      01-09-2018, 11:44 AM   #2
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I'm also in the boat about getting H&R springs. I'm debating it still but after reading a few threads on here, I'm going to end up getting it (just gotta fit it in the budget; money wise and approval from the madam wise).

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthre...1106975&page=2

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthre...=646197&page=4
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      01-09-2018, 09:04 PM   #3
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There's quite a few members who posted initial impressions after getting springs installed and having leaking/blown shocks afterwards. Not sure how many miles they had before the install? Keep in mind the OEM shocks weren't meant to have lowering springs but also there's a lot of members who went this route with no issues
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      01-09-2018, 09:08 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lsturbointeg View Post
There's quite a few members who posted initial impressions after getting springs installed and having leaking/blown shocks afterwards. Not sure how many miles they had before the install? Keep in mind the OEM shocks weren't meant to have lowering springs but also there's a lot of members who went this route with no issues
On my previous car lowering springs also shortened the life of the upper & lower ball joints.
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      01-10-2018, 02:18 AM   #5
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I also have the same question as the OP. I have a 2010 with 72k on it. The lowering springs are certainly the cheaper option, but if my shocks are subsequently going to blow out, then I may as well just get a KW V1 coilover set up now, as it will be about the same money as buying all new springs/shocks.
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      01-10-2018, 09:03 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bozman52 View Post
I also have the same question as the OP. I have a 2010 with 72k on it. The lowering springs are certainly the cheaper option, but if my shocks are subsequently going to blow out, then I may as well just get a KW V1 coilover set up now, as it will be about the same money as buying all new springs/shocks.
Its an investment really. If you get springs and your shocks blow out (I had H&R on my C300 for over 50k miles and nothing happened), then just sell the springs and get coilovers.
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      01-10-2018, 12:11 PM   #7
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I installed ACS springs about 3.5 months back and so far they've been great. The drop is not too much but enough to change the look overall. Performance is also 10x better around turns, probably what it should have been out of the factory. I have heard the same about springs wearing out other OEM parts, but I was willing to take the risk. From what it seems, its a toss-up if it happens.
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      01-10-2018, 11:07 PM   #8
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keep an eye out in the MarketPlace as you'll find some pretty good deals there
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      01-11-2018, 01:41 PM   #9
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I need to lower my 2013 535i as well. Wheel gap is crazy coming from a 545i Sport that was nice and low on 19's. 545i was definitely a better handling car.
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      01-25-2018, 07:48 PM   #10
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H&R 50471

Yesterday, Trinity Autosport installed a set of H&R 50471 springs. Thus far, it feels much more firm, and handles great. In fairness, it has only been 24 hours, with very little miles driven. Tonight, I will be driving to San Diego, 100 mile trip. When I return, I will report back. Also, the wheel gap is noticeably less. Will post pics.
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      01-28-2018, 09:24 AM   #11
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Go with with pro kit either eibach or H&R, drop is .75 - 1", sport line drops even more so may not be good for high mileage shocks. I have pro kit, works wonderfully
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      02-08-2018, 03:01 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paul223 View Post
Go with with pro kit either eibach or H&R, drop is .75 - 1", sport line drops even more so may not be good for high mileage shocks. I have pro kit, works wonderfully
Eibach are great springs. They are local to me. Oddly, for the X-Drive, the kit only consists of front springs only.

https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...e+02%2F28%2F14
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      02-08-2018, 09:08 PM   #13
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As promised, below are the pics. Took them today. It's been 200 miles since install. Springs are H&R 50471 for 535i x-Drive. Other suspension mods include M5 front sway, and 650 rear sway. I am on stock struts.






Last edited by John H.; 02-08-2018 at 09:13 PM.. Reason: Corrected Photo Album Links
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      02-08-2018, 11:06 PM   #14
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that turned out well someone posted their drop just recently and the front had a gap still. this sits perfect front and rear
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      02-09-2018, 04:32 AM   #15
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[QUOTE=John H.;22760472]As promised, below are the pics. Took them today. It's been 200 miles since install. Springs are H&R 50471 for 535i x-Drive. Other suspension mods include M5 front sway, and 650 rear sway. I am on stock struts.

looks great!! did yours take any time to settle?

Quote:
Originally Posted by lsturbointeg View Post
that turned out well someone posted their drop just recently and the front had a gap still. this sits perfect front and rear
wonder who that might be

hopefully mine will settle and sit as nice as johnh..if not i am going to take a closer look
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      02-09-2018, 12:17 PM   #16
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Took a trip to San Diego from OC, and into LA. My est. in previous post is conservative. I would comfortably say about 300 miles. It has not been that long since install but it seems to have settled after about a week.

Within the next few weeks, putting together a set of wheels. When that comes together, I will get an alignment. Hopefully, I will not see any further drop from what is present.
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      04-06-2020, 03:54 PM   #17
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How is the springs now? I'm thinking going to replace the H&R spring just like you.
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