i had a thought about a suspension mod
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,282
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From: Naples, FL
BMW X3. R33 skyline
i had a thought about a suspension mod
so instead of getting new springs/ shocks...could i just get like #1 pads all around instead and still get the drop and keep the stock ride quality?....btw how do i tell what pads came stock on the 99 E430
Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 92
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From: San Jose, Ca.
2000 E430, 2001 Harley Fatboy
Thats what I did on my car. My front pads were #5 ( you can tell which pads you have by jacking the car up, the feel the underside of the pad which sits at the top of the spring. There will be a series of bumps, and if you carefully run your finger across them you can count them. You can also try a mirror and a flashlight and get on your back) Pads come larger then #4 or #5 but these are most common. Your local dealer will tell you how thick each pad is. A #5 pad is 21MM thick, a #1 pad is 5MM thick. Going from a 5 to a 1 will lower it 5/8 of an inch. If you want to go a little lower, but still want same ride you can do this: Because the pads can be located anywhere in the upper cup, you can cut any amount you want off your springs (as opposed to having to cut a full coil) If you remove less than 1/4 of 1 coil you will lower about 1/2 inch and not effect ride at all. I know a lot of you have strong feelings about cutting coils, but let me assure you. Less than 1/4 of 1 coil will be fine, and for the person who has a small budget this is a great way to get a nice look. As with any suspention mods, an alienment should be performed.
