Just got a '94 540i. Great car except its handling is very similar to my Cadillac...needless to say at 100K miles its time for some suspension upgrades. I have read a lot the past few weeks and have identified a set of upgrade candidates that include:
1) Lowering Springs
2) Bilstein Shocks
3) 18" Rims and some great tires
4) Thicker (Stiffer anti-sway bars for front and rear)

With that said, I live in the in the Suburbs, and will use this car as a commute car on the freeway for 50 miles round trip about 3 days a week. Sometime I drive in to San Francisco, or other urban areas with poor streets.

I am wondering which upgrades to move forward with and in what order. Here is what I am thinking:

1) Lowering Springs- have heard they do a lot for handling…have also heard that the weight of the V8 is too much for the lower clearance and that many people around San Francisco have regretted the lower car given the poor road conditions…Not sure what to do…maybe low priority (lowered cars do look great). Maybe not do this upgrade and save the oil pan.

2)Bilstein Shocks-Seems like a no brainer. I have had Porches and I really love the Stiff ride and responsive handling. Top Priority.

3) 18” Rims great tires- no brainer – how wide can I go …definitely staggered…under steer doesn’t bother me… Size/Width if I lower…if I don’t lower…

4) Anti-Sway upgrades – This is a top priority with the shocks. I think this will help tighten the back end and provide some stability. I think if I do this maybe I wont really need lowering springs.

I was hoping there were some folks that could give me insights to their experiences, both positive and negative.

Thanks in advance.