Our E84 BMW X1 35i Sleeper Project is starting to fly above the radar
We just installed a set of BMW F80 M3 19″ wheels wrapped with Contisport 5P’s and H&R 1.25″ lowering springs. Here’s the end result 🙂
Follow our build progress here
Our BMW X1 35i Sleeper Project is now sitting on H&R Springs rated at 1.25″ lower than stock. In the end our E84 dropped just shy of 1.4″ and settled at 1.5″. This worked out perfect. The tires do not rub but we did install spacers upfront because the strut clearance was too close for our liking. The 12mm spacers we installed make the front poke just a bit and we will probably go back later and install a set of Burger Tuning 10’s.
The rears do not have any spacers in these pictures but we may install a set of 10’s outback also. We mounted 295/30 R 19’s on the rear. Although it’s a big tire for an E84, we have no fitment issues and no rubbing at all. Looks really mean from the back too!
You can see a little better in this photo that the fronts stick out a bit but it’s really close to perfect. That’s why were planning on trying a set of Burger Tuning 10mm spacers in place of the BMS 12mm’s we currently have in the front. We thought about installing a set of KW coil-overs but the $1,000 we saved by going with H&R Springs helped us pay for the awesome BMW F80 Rims and Tires.
How does it ride you ask? In one word the answer is “Fantastic.” The ride quality on the highway is amazing. It feels like a stock suspension when your cruising along. You notice a difference when you hit a big dip but road joints don’t feel any different. It really starts to shine when you hit the twisties though. Between the bigger contact patch of the tires, the lower center of gravity and the stiffer springs, this BMW X1 35i Sleeper Project will give some unsuspecting sports cars a run for their money.
After spending some time daily driving our sleeper X1, I can say that bumpy back-roads do feel a little bumpier but this beast is not harsh at all. It’s still a great daily driver and now looks better than ever.
What’s next for our Sleeper Project?
A big brake kit, a mid-pipe or muffler cut-out, bigger sway-bars, a strut tower brace and our water-meth injection kit from Burger Tuning. More cosmetic mods to come as well. Stay tuned and keep checking back now you here?
Ride Quality Update: After a 2,000 mile road-trip the suspension settled a bit more, maybe a 1/4″. Ride quality has suffered a bit and the rear tires have started to rub just slightly on the outside edges. The fender flare arches are plastic and easy to trim but the ride quality may be a little stiff for some people now.
Update:
After 5,000 miles on the H&R Sport Springs we’re thinking about switching over to coilovers. The ability to adjust ride height and retain stock like ride quality is very appealing. The ride is firm and the trade-off in ride quality has caused us to rethink our BMW X1 35i Sleeper Project suspension.
We have our eyes on KW for their excellent line of Coilovers. There are a number of quality coilovers companies on the market but we’ve installed and driven cars with KW’s and they are awesome. Ride quality is stock like but the car can be slammed for appearance. Sounds like the right fit for our BMW X1 35i Sleeper Project.
Want to get your own BMW X1 35i sleeper Project? Check out our article on the X1 35i and why you should buy one.