FAO: derin re: e39 touring rear wheels

[madou]

Derin

Not registered at the other place

http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2...

but the answer is the the touring has self levelling rear suspension, which limits the room for the wider ( staggered ) rear wheels which are seen on the saloon, confirmed in conversation with Phil Crouch ( CPC )

Wider rear wheels could change the handling balance towards under steer

I do not know of any other difference in spring rate, damper, or otherwise which could make the ride less compliant on the touring than the saloon. My observation is that the same as other large, heavy cars, the maker ends up having to specify higher rated suspension to control the body mass, in addition to fulfilling "sporty" conceptions from the marketing department

Regards

Edited by madou on Saturday 12th April 14:59

[madou]

derin100 said:

But apparently I can use it to adjust the rear ride height on the Touring and thus alter the compliance of the rear suspension. Hope I haven't wasted £70-quid.

Derin

Further to your other thread on subframe bushes

I think this is just changing ride height, rather than changing spring rate or damping, however the mounting point may have more compliance than orthodox adjustable suspension

Also check tyre pressures, start at the factory 2.4 bar front / 2.8 bar rear for unladen, and vary according to tyres ( side wall stiffness ) and how you perceive the ride and handling

Regards

[madou]

derin100 said:

Damn! Looks like I may have chucked £70-quid down the drain after all...just got this reply on a U.S forum:

[i]Correct! Nothing wrong, it's just the way it is. You are going thu what just about every person who buys a used 540iT goes thru. Was just giving some suggestions that improve things, but none of them will make it ride like the sedan

Derin

Never mind, I have wasted several thousand on after market suspension over the years on various cars, none on which was really a better comprise for road use than the factory setup. With the 540iA Sport Touring I am just trying to get back to good factory condition

My 2c is that the high speed bump is a bit harsh, so if you hit a pothole unladen you certainly feel it, but that the suspension starts to make a lot more sense as the forces on it, generated by speed or load increase. This view is from driving the car in conditions ranging from unladen, pothole and speed hump ridden cites, through to wine laden on French D and N roads

Regards

Edited by madou on Sunday 13th April 12:57