I want my car to sit higher 88 528e

[pleasefixitup]

I don't like the stance thing and I know NOTHING about wheels and offsets and all that fun stuff.

so If I want my car to sit higher, like 1-3 inches....what sort of wheel / tire combination should I look for.

Can I do this without suspension mods?

[Kyle in NO]

No one makes lift kits for the e28, and you can't fit tires large enough to do what you want without ruining performance.

[pleasefixitup]

No one makes lift kits for the e28, and you can't fit tires large enough to do what you want without ruining performance.

Well I'm on 14's now. I think they're 195/70r/14....

would 16's make the car a little higher?

I think I'd be happy with just another inch.

[davintosh]

Probably not without modifying the suspension. Running larger diameter tires might get you there, but without corresponding changes in the suspension you'd run the risk of rubbing fenders when turning the front wheels.

The obvious question is why... Stock suspension is more than adequate for all but the worst roads, and even light off road excursions. Please don't tell me you want to do it for the look. That ≠

[ElGuappo]

Remember that your diameter will be relative between wheel & tire combos.
A 14" wheel with a 195/70 aspect ratio tire will be the same overall height as a 16" wheel with a 225/50 aspect ratio tire.

Tire sizes are measured as: 195=Width of tire tread area, in millimeters, roughly
70, percentage of the width in sidewall height. SO those 195/70 tires, the sidewall height is 70% of the tire width.

have you downloaded Shawn Ds excellent wheel & tire spreadsheet?
That will answer all of your questions.

[pleasefixitup]

Probably not without modifying the suspension. Running larger diameter tires might get you there, but without corresponding changes in the suspension you'd run the risk of rubbing fenders when turning the front wheels.

The obvious question is why... Stock suspension is more than adequate for all but the worst roads, and even light off road excursions. Please don't tell me you want to do it for the look. That ≠

I don't want any rubbing. I just want to be able to drive my car without worrying about bumps or anything and the oil pan as well. Perhaps I'll look for a stiffer suspension. I don't want to do it for any look! I don't do any "look" mods, just stuff for the motor and driveability.

Remember that your diameter will be relative between wheel & tire combos.
A 14" wheel with a 195/70 aspect ratio tire will be the same overall height as a 16" wheel with a 225/50 aspect ratio tire.

Tire sizes are measured as: 195=Width of tire tread area, in millimeters, roughly
70, percentage of the width in sidewall height. SO those 195/70 tires, the sidewall height is 70% of the tire width.

have you downloaded Shawn Ds excellent wheel & tire spreadsheet?
That will answer all of your questions.

I forgot how tire sizes work, but that makes perfect sense and I was worried that was the case. BLAH! Wish that wasn't the case but I'll deal with it accordingly, maybe just stiffer springs ? Who knows but thanks! And I've read his tire tutorial but it's confusing to me but now I understand what I'm reading.

[Bimmerguy2002]

coilovers, high spring rate and raised up on the threaded sleeves.

[demetk]

Talk to this guy.

[John in VA]

I recently put Sachs struts up front on the '85 and swear they lifted the car an inch or more, with the stock springs.

[Cactus]

New strut mounts usually give you a bit of height you didn't know you were missing. Also measure your springs to see if they're sagging at all, just jack up the car to get the wheels off the ground, check them uncompressed. If you're still hunting for a few extra MM, get new rubber spring pads. Basically rebuild your droopy suspension.

Stock E28's sit pretty darn high.

[Lucas_Roehr]

Stock e28's are monster trucks! If you are really worried about the oil pan, get a skid plate.

[wkohler]

I recently put Sachs struts up front on the '85 and swear they lifted the car an inch or more, with the stock springs.

I'm sad to hear that. I was going to put my 533i back on stock suspension and rather than going with Bilstein HDs, I figured I'd do Sachs. I assume you also changed the strut mounts as well? I figure that accounts for quite a difference there as well.

Ima make this face:

[pleasefixitup]

I recently put Sachs struts up front on the '85 and swear they lifted the car an inch or more, with the stock springs.

I'm sad to hear that. I was going to put my 533i back on stock suspension and rather than going with Bilstein HDs, I figured I'd do Sachs. I assume you also changed the strut mounts as well? I figure that accounts for quite a difference there as well.

Ima make this face:

I will look into all of these recommendations and thank you so much. I just started driving my car like a maniac and the only times I slow down are known bumps in the road and obviously railroad tracks...I'll usually slow down pretty good and put it in second after I cross them.

My suspension could be sagging and that was the next thing on my list along with brakes and I would like some new wheels.

But I don't really want to fabricate a skid plate even though I think it would be neat to build...

[12valves]

hmmm, nobody mentioned weight reduction?

[garageboy]

hmmm, nobody mentioned weight reduction?

You're right. I need to lose some weight. I'm too fat right now.

[gidgaf]

I'd start with the springs.
Most posters that state they'd changed out their stock springs got a taller car. After some decades go by a lot of things start sagging.
Somebody had previously posted a chart of diff spring makers, rates, and lifts. You could get a taller spring, with a little more spring rate, and not damage anything, screw up your ride or spend too much.
Be advised that your center of gravity, and roll center, will also change. Slower in the corners you will drive.

[Night Wolf]

as mentioned, stock e28 sits plenty high enough for road/off-road clearance. There are skid plates available to purchase for the oil pan, but unless you're actually driving over large obstacles, there isn't much to be concerned about

[rodpaine]

I recently put Sachs struts up front on the '85 and swear they lifted the car an inch or more, with the stock springs.

I'm sad to hear that. I was going to put my 533i back on stock suspension and rather than going with Bilstein HDs, I figured I'd do Sachs. I assume you also changed the strut mounts as well? I figure that accounts for quite a difference there as well.

Ima make this face:

Me too! I'll have to have John stop by so I can look at the thing. Bilstein HD's and stock springs is a very good combination, Chris, and what I settled on after all sorts of tinkering with different combinations. I didn't like the Sachs, too soft and slow to recover. In fact, I had my HD's rebound tightened-up by 25% and love the combination. Of course, my 528e only weighs 2960 lbs, so a bit lighter than your 533i.
FWIW,
-Rod

[ldsbeaker]

Another thought is stock springs meant for a heavier car of the same vintage. Like an e28 based e24. Let me find the link and I'll post it later.

[Ben]

There was a rally E30 at the Bav Auto Show 'N Shine a few years back that was raised up a bit. IIRC he used Bilstein HD's revalved with high rebound settings and coilovers with 8 or 9" springs.

Was a nice car overall and he did a good job on the suspension.

[Mike W.]

First thing that comes to my mind is do you currently have stock springs on the car? You would be lucky to get half an inch increase with different wheels and or tires without things hitting or rubbing. It would be possible to get another quarter or 3/8 of an inch with spacers under the spings, but not a whole lot. Make sure you are at stock height, measure from the center of the wheel hub to the top of the cutout for the tire on the fender. That way you take as many variables out as possible. Report that back and see what others have if you have any question about it being stock, it's 30 years old now and no telling what may have been done prior to your ownership.

[John in VA]

I recently put Sachs struts up front on the '85 and swear they lifted the car an inch or more, with the stock springs.

I'm sad to hear that. I was going to put my 533i back on stock suspension and rather than going with Bilstein HDs, I figured I'd do Sachs. I assume you also changed the strut mounts as well? I figure that accounts for quite a difference there as well.

Yes, new strut mounts & upper and lower spring pads with the struts. 27" from the road to the fender opening up front, 24.75" in the back. Running 16x8" wheels with 205/55 Hankook Icebears.

[pleasefixitup]

I recently put Sachs struts up front on the '85 and swear they lifted the car an inch or more, with the stock springs.

I'm sad to hear that. I was going to put my 533i back on stock suspension and rather than going with Bilstein HDs, I figured I'd do Sachs. I assume you also changed the strut mounts as well? I figure that accounts for quite a difference there as well.

Yes, new strut mounts with the struts. 27" from the road to the fender opening up front, 24.75" in the back. Running 16x8" wheels with 205/55 Hankook Icebears.

I'll go measure when this snow stops falling....big thick flakes....going to be a fun drive to school on these blizzaks!

That ride height seems perfect. I'm guessing my suspension is OLD and I have KYB Gas-A-Just struts in the rear. I want to upgrade the springs and struts front and rear. I'm probably sagging with these old components.

As for slower in the corners, well I normally corner pretty slow, I come out of most turns in 2nd gear unless it's a bigger degree turn, then I'll take the whole turn in 3rd and maybe 4th gear.

[John in VA]

I had a blown strut, torn UCA bushing, and bad tie rod end, resulting in a very disconnected feeling. While the car may ride high, it handles so much better now.
Obviously your measurements will differ (wheels, tires, springs, shocks, upper bearing sag, etc.). I should have measured from the hub center up to the wheel arch, but didn't have a helper.

[pleasefixitup]

I have a blown strut I think, not to mention 25 year old springs (just a guess) and for some reason, every spring kit I find--lowering springs! not cool!

[garageboy]

I have a blown strut I think, not to mention 25 year old springs (just a guess) and for some reason, every spring kit I find--lowering springs! not cool!

Pump your tires up to 65 PSI and save your money on springs! Yeah, that's the ticket!

[VTR1000SP2]

In all seriousness, would air ride not provide the lift you need when desired and a standard height when not required? As well you can look into custom springs. There are several outfits that will make coils based on your own specifications.

[pleasefixitup]

In all seriousness, would air ride not provide the lift you need when desired and a standard height when not required? As well you can look into custom springs. There are several outfits that will make coils based on your own specifications.

I don't want lowering springs and I've looked into air ride, I think it's really neat. I'm just having a horrible time trying to find a coil/spring kit that isn't "lowering." Although lowering your car may look "cool," I think it's dumb if you can't drive the freaking thing.

Steverosenshitface can piss the fuck off, I know that too.

Thanks for the honest reply. I'm so freaking tired of that dumbass garage boy. He doesn't even know what a wrench looks like.

It's not that I want a lift, I just want ''slightly'' higher than what I have now. It's probably just my old components causing my car to sit lower than I'd like.

[garageboy]

Thanks for the honest reply. I'm so freaking tired of that dumbass garage boy. He doesn't even know what a wrench looks like.

Tired enough to leave? We can only hope.

[VTR1000SP2]

In all seriousness, would air ride not provide the lift you need when desired and a standard height when not required? As well you can look into custom springs. There are several outfits that will make coils based on your own specifications.

I don't want lowering springs and I've looked into air ride, I think it's really neat. I'm just having a horrible time trying to find a coil/spring kit that isn't "lowering." Although lowering your car may look "cool," I think it's dumb if you can't drive the freaking thing.

Steverosenshitface can piss the fuck off, I know that too.

Thanks for the honest reply. I'm so freaking tired of that dumbass garage boy. He doesn't even know what a wrench looks like.

It's not that I want a lift, I just want ''slightly'' higher than what I have now. It's probably just my old components causing my car to sit lower than I'd like.

When I said coils, I didn't meant lowering springs. You can get a set made that's less progressive than OEM which would mean your suspension compresses less when the wheels meet the pavement.