body and suspension mods

[Guest]

Hi, I've got an 88 528e, and didn't realize until after I bought it that it's one of the slower 5 series....it was my first car...anyway, Ive done quite a bit of engine work, but now Im looking to top it all off with some performance suspension parts, and a good looking body FULL kit (something along the lines of the m5 front spoiler, rear diffuser, and side skirts) Anybody know where I can get these parts at a decent price? With the body kit, Im not trying to turn it into a ricer (you know those front ends). Anyhow, Thanks, let me know if there is anything out there worth buying.

~Ian

[Mark 88/M5 Houston]

The "best" body kit is the original BMW Mteck kit that requires Euro bumpers to mount to. The "is" front and rear spoilers are almost always available on Ebay. The front mounting framework can be a problem, make sure you get it with the front spoiler. I think there is a set of side skirts on Ebay right now. Stay away for The BMP body kit as it is fiberglass and I've heard it is a bitch to fit and fragile. Good luck with your project.

[smackmybutter535i]

If your lookin for somethin tight, I got Bilstein sport shocks and racing dynamic springs. rough ride but tight as hell. I can rip off a 25mph exit ramp at 80mph with the car at a 45 degree angle with no heavy lean or snap on the recoil. If your not really into that kinda stuff, you should just get the Bilstein HD's and some good comfy/sporty springs. First just replace all the swaybar bushings.

[Guest]

Sounds good. I'm having a littel trouble finding what you are talking about though. What should I search on ebay to find these parts? I tried e28 body kit, e28 side skirts....etc. Not much luck. Thanks, sorry if I seem retarded...

[fastpat]

[QUOTE="ianolmsted"]Hi, I've got an 88 528e, and didn't realize until after I bought it that it's one of the slower 5 series....it was my first car...anyway, Ive done quite a bit of engine work, but now Im looking to top it all off with some performance suspension parts, and a good looking body FULL kit (something along the lines of the m5 front spoiler, rear diffuser, and side skirts) Anybody know where I can get these parts at a decent price? With the body kit, Im not trying to turn it into a ricer (you know those front ends). Anyhow, Thanks, let me know if there is anything out there worth buying.

~Ian[/QUOTE]

First, I'd install new stabilizer bars; such as Eibach or BMW M5 bars and mounts. See how that suits you, there'll be little if any increase in harshness but plenty of roll reduction.

Then a set of conservative lowering springs and Bilstein Sport shocks to go with the shorter springs might be what you want. There are several available including BMW M-Technics springs.

The above will use up from $200-$1000 cash and that's if you do the work yourself.
The body kit you're asking about will run you from $1300 used to $2500 new depending on where you get it. I'm not sure if the BMW M-Tech stuff is still available.



[Edit by fastpat on [TIME]1108962946[/TIME]]

[smackmybutter535i]

poly control arms too

[shifty]

[QUOTE="ianolmsted"]Sounds good. I'm having a littel trouble finding what you are talking about though. What should I search on ebay to find these parts? I tried e28 body kit, e28 side skirts....etc. Not much luck. Thanks, sorry if I seem retarded...[/QUOTE]

You're not having much luck, because there's hardly anything on eBay. There was a set of side skirts on da Bay last week, and I think they went for $500. You may have better luck just watching the For Sale posts on this board. But, for an M-Tech kit or Euro bumpers, get in line. There are plenty of guys that've been asking for them lately!

[Blue Shadow]

Wonder iif the buyer of those M-Technic side skirts is here.