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Lowering spacers

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:32 pm
by wilkoturbo
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

Re: Lowering spacers

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:39 pm
by shadrack
Image
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

Re: Lowering spacers

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:51 pm
by X5Sport
If 'lowering', is it also necessary to get a full 4-wheel alignment done, or is the geometry unaffected?

Re: Lowering spacers

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:13 pm
by shadrack
it would be advisable tbh i havnt as yet though

Re: Lowering spacers

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 10:15 pm
by Raj
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.

Re: Lowering spacers

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 11:53 pm
by shadrack
raj dont be so sensible the wheels stiull turn without the alignment!!

Re: Lowering spacers

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 12:20 am
by JonW
[quote=""shadrack""]raj dont be so sensible the wheels stiull turn without the alignment!![/quote]

Agreed :thumbsup: . 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 :thumbsup:

JonW

Re: Lowering spacers

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 12:45 am
by 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.

Lowering spacers

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 7:58 am
by wilkoturbo
What about just spacers then ??

Re: Lowering spacers

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 11:46 pm
by Raj
[quote=""wilkoturbo""]What about just spacers then ??[/quote]

Spacers will be fine as the difference is negligible.

Lowering spacers

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 12:18 am
by wilkoturbo
Many thanks just fancy a meaner look :)

Re: Lowering spacers

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 1:32 am
by 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 :D

Re: Lowering spacers

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 9:11 am
by X5Sport
Thanks all for replies about wheel alignement.... :thumbsup: Useful input and debate as always. :thumbsup: 8-)

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! :oops:

Re: Lowering spacers

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 12:06 am
by 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 :D[/quote]

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

Re: Lowering spacers

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 6:41 am
by shadrack
[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 :D[/quote]

I've got a hook up to sort you out a set of custom springs.... :thumbsup:[/quote]
That's what I need!! :D