To self-level or not to self-level...
Reply With QuoteI understand, and that on bumpy roads.
First of all have a look at my website. There is a wonderful long training manual for the EDC and LAD (in German = Niveauregulierung). It is in German, but there are plenty of cross section drawings, system explanation etc.
There you will also see for what the Pentosin is also still in charge. That means power steering and brake booster system.
click here
The basic idea for the LAD is to keep the car always at the same level at the rear. That is all. It has basically not that much to do with the comfortable ride. A shock just softens the movements. The main thing are the springs. Many owners in Japan have terribly lowered their cars, just for the looks and they even cannot drive over small bumbs at normal speed.
Used LAD shocks will cost you at least 200 $, even in Japan which is closest.
New ones I found for my car are about $ 320,- for one. Then you need 2 rear 'bombs" each about 120,- $. Plus the hydraulic lines etc.
check here for used parts
BMW online vendor list. check prices here
I my opinion it costs too much to re-design to LAD. What you want, is comfortable ride. Install stock springs from BMW.
In addition you could also install a thing which not so many people know. The Eastern European version had additional spacers at the rear to keep the car higher on bumpy streets.. People in Germany use it for example when they use the car often with a boat trailer or camping car. Here I (on the German board my real name Erich is shown) have explained it a bit
have a look here
Some general info on suspension options
So just buy some standard shocks and standard springs, that is easy to install and very cheap. If you want to have the rear higher, use the parts for Eastern European version. Note down the part numbers required for that, not many people know these.
As for available shocks and springs, look for example at
http://www.bavauto.com
Maybe you go for Bilstein or Koni. Excerpt from the description:
Bilstein street shocks will gave you an unparalleled combination of comfort and control when paired with BMW springs. Thanks to a patented oil and nitrogen gas design, Bilstein shocks reduce body roll to deliver exceptional road handling and cornering stability. They also reduce wear and tear on steering and suspension components and increase tire life by dampening wheel movements on the roughest roads and in the tightest corners. Superior design, precision manufacturing and attention to quality are Bilstein’s high-pressure gas street shocks are known as the world’s top performing street shocks.
There are plenty here on offer in Japan.
If you have more questions, just let me know.
