Lowering spacers

wilkoturbo · Post by **wilkoturbo** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:32 pm

Hi all I would like to lower my x and put spacers on what are my options has anyone got any pics of there's lowered / spacers , plus will it do anything to the handling or tyre ware
Many thanks Paul

shadrack · Post by **shadrack** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:39 pm

lowered 40mm right round, ride is a tad stiffer and tyre wear will be slightly more but the rears are notorious for wearing anyway, so you shouldnt notice much difference, i have 40mm rear spacers in but thats to make the wheels the correct offset, so the actual wheel is only 10mm further out than my bmw 20" 168s

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:51 pm

If 'lowering', is it also necessary to get a full 4-wheel alignment done, or is the geometry unaffected?

shadrack · Post by **shadrack** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:13 pm

it would be advisable tbh i havnt as yet though

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 10:15 pm

Running spacers and lowering is t a big issue on the X's as they have masses of space in the arches. I was running 20mm spacers all round with the 168's as the offsets of the alloys were not very aggressive. When I switched to the AC Schnitzers and X6 rims I only ran spacers on the rear. The Alpina's don't need spacers at all. Spacers give the X a better stance depending upon wheels and offsets. You also need to ensure you use the right spacers, for example anything bigger than 15mm you should always go with the bolt on spacer system otherwise there is to much stress on the bolts with too longer bolts.

For lowering you will need to go with lowering springs for the fronts which the rear air suspension should auto level out (but I've not tested this theory) otherwise you will need lowering links or coding to adjust the rear.

Whenever lowering you must get a full re-alignment done as your geometry will be off.

shadrack · Post by **shadrack** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 11:53 pm

raj dont be so sensible the wheels stiull turn without the alignment!!

JonW · Post by **JonW** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 12:20 am

[quote=""shadrack""]raj dont be so sensible the wheels stiull turn without the alignment!![/quote]

Agreed

. The no nonsense approach.

Do the work and run the car. If it drives straight and the tryres don't scrub then leave all else alone

JonW

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 12:45 am

Lol guys. Fair enough but your tyres will get scrubbed far quicker than normal as toe, castor and camber will all potentially be out after lowering. It will upset handling too potentially. Each to their own though as they say.

wilkoturbo · Post by **wilkoturbo** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 7:58 am

What about just spacers then ??

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 11:46 pm

[quote=""wilkoturbo""]What about just spacers then ??[/quote]

Spacers will be fine as the difference is negligible.

wilkoturbo · Post by **wilkoturbo** » Sun Apr 15, 2012 12:18 am

Many thanks just fancy a meaner look

shadrack · Post by **shadrack** » Sun Apr 15, 2012 1:32 am

[quote=""Raj""]Lol guys. Fair enough but your tyres will get scrubbed far quicker than normal as toe, castor and camber will all potentially be out after lowering. It will upset handling too potentially. Each to their own though as they say.[/quote]
was just joking, tbh i dialed out some of the rear camber but didnt get an alignment but i probly will do once ive finished tinkering, im looking to lower mine more but i cant find any spring that are lower so im going to have to start looking to other models that might fit

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Sun Apr 15, 2012 9:11 am

Thanks all for replies about wheel alignement....

Useful input and debate as always.

I daren't fit spacers to the X6 with the summer tyres! It's a fat enough bum as is, as well as being a parking space filler!

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 12:06 am

[quote=""shadrack""][quote=""Raj""]Lol guys. Fair enough but your tyres will get scrubbed far quicker than normal as toe, castor and camber will all potentially be out after lowering. It will upset handling too potentially. Each to their own though as they say.[/quote]
was just joking, tbh i dialed out some of the rear camber but didnt get an alignment but i probly will do once ive finished tinkering, im looking to lower mine more but i cant find any spring that are lower so im going to have to start looking to other models that might fit

[/quote]

I've got a hook up to sort you out a set of custom springs....

shadrack · Post by **shadrack** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 6:41 am

[quote=""Raj""][quote=""shadrack""][quote=""Raj""]Lol guys. Fair enough but your tyres will get scrubbed far quicker than normal as toe, castor and camber will all potentially be out after lowering. It will upset handling too potentially. Each to their own though as they say.[/quote]
was just joking, tbh i dialed out some of the rear camber but didnt get an alignment but i probly will do once ive finished tinkering, im looking to lower mine more but i cant find any spring that are lower so im going to have to start looking to other models that might fit

[/quote]

I've got a hook up to sort you out a set of custom springs....

[/quote]
That's what I need!!

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