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      09-19-2018, 08:34 PM   #1
Djp2018
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2013 X3 Suspension Upgrade

Hi Guys, I'm new to the forum and would love some advice.

I have an armored 2013 X3 M Sport with 15k miles and due to all the added weight from the Armor the suspension feels very loose and the car sways and squats way too much when turning accelerating and braking.

I know that it might not be a common problem as Armored Vehicles aren't too common but what do you guys recommend? Coil Overs with stiff spring rates at a lifted ride height setting, Off Road Kit, any other options??

Thanks a lot guys!!!
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      09-20-2018, 09:32 AM   #2
335iAP
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Eibach makes some lifting springs that raise the car about an inch. They're stiffer than stock, and combined with some bilstein shocks should tighten up the ride a bit.
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      09-20-2018, 11:36 AM   #3
Djp2018
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Thanks man I'll look into it, what shocks would you recommend?
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      09-21-2018, 08:24 AM   #4
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You might want to consider coilovers, on the idea that they'll include shocks that are already intended to compensate for the increased spring rate, or at a minimum can be adjusted to do so.
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      09-26-2018, 12:16 AM   #5
Djp2018
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tracer bullet,

What brand would you recommend? You don't think the added weight would be a problem for the shocks, I'm guessing my car weighs around 750lb more than a factory one.
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      09-26-2018, 12:21 AM   #6
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      09-26-2018, 12:22 AM   #7
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      09-26-2018, 12:25 AM   #8
Djp2018
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The windows are about 1.6 inches thick and it has ballistic steel so the added steel is significant. In the above pictures you can see how the car sits, is it too low?
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      09-26-2018, 04:17 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Djp2018 View Post
tracer bullet,

What brand would you recommend? You don't think the added weight would be a problem for the shocks, I'm guessing my car weighs around 750lb more than a factory one.
Sorry, not familiar enough w/ this car for what options are out there. My knowledge was deep into my previous cars, limited w/ my 1-series, non existent with my X3 as I don't intend to mod it.

See if you can find a list of vendors for this forum, send a few messages / emails letting them know you are serious, see what they can offer. Or just do a search for coilovers specific to the X3 section of the boards and hope you get some results.
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      09-26-2018, 09:43 PM   #10
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it looks like it is sitting fine, but the roll and other issues are when its moving. So stiffer springs/shocks is in order.


Do the windows roll down? That was the main thing I didn't like about the last armored SUV I drove.
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      09-27-2018, 08:50 AM   #11
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would agree stiffer springs and shocks are necessary. Apparently Bilstein makes upgraded shocks for armored applications - have you reached out to them for advice?

Ride height looks perfect for me - still lots of mobility unless you plan on doing offroading.

A stiffer sway bar would also be nice but unaware if anybody makes them for the X3.

Brakes--- there's another thread here about upgrading brakes.
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      09-28-2018, 03:23 AM   #12
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Hey DJP, I have a set of the KW coilovers with DDC on order for my X3. Probably 6 weeks away from delivery and install but I'll let you know how they go. Fully adjustable so you could play around with the ride.
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