What Are the Best Practices for Upgrading the Suspension in a BMW 7 Series to Maintain Ride Quality?
In the world of automotive performance, suspension upgrades offer one of the most significant improvements. They can transform the ride quality of your vehicle, enhance handling, and even improve overall vehicle performance. For the proud owners of a BMW 7 series, this pursuit of perfection is a constant journey. But how exactly does one go about upgrading the suspension to maintain, or even enhance, the ride quality? This article is designed to provide a detailed guide to achieving that goal.
Understanding the Basics: BMW Suspension and Ride Quality
Before diving into the specifics of suspension upgrades, it's vital to understand what suspension is and its role in your vehicle. The suspension system in your car is a network of components that connects it to its wheels. This complex assembly involves parts such as springs, shocks, struts, and other related components. The primary function of the suspension system is to provide a smooth, comfortable ride by absorbing all sorts of road imperfections and reducing the impact felt inside the vehicle.
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For BMW 7 series cars, the suspension is designed to offer the ultimate balance between comfort and performance. The BMW OEM suspension components are engineered to offer a smooth ride and impressive handling characteristics right off the factory floor. The 7 series, being one of the flagship models, is particularly well-equipped in this regard, boasting features like air suspension, dynamic damper control, and a self-leveling rear axle.
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Choosing the Right Components: Shocks, Springs, and More
The process of upgrading your BMW's suspension begins with choosing the right components. There are several types of suspension components that you can consider, including shocks, springs, anti-roll bars, and more. These are all crucial to the overall performance and ride quality of your vehicle. Therefore, making the right choice is imperative.
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When it comes to shocks and springs, you can choose between OEM and aftermarket options. OEM shocks are designed to offer an optimal balance between comfort and performance. They are designed specifically for your vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit. Aftermarket shocks, on the other hand, offer a wider range of customizability.
For BMW 7 series cars, it's recommended to stick with high-quality aftermarket shocks that are designed for luxury sport sedans. These are engineered to enhance performance without compromising the ride quality that BMW owners cherish. Brands like Bilstein, Koni, and Eibach are well-known for their superior quality shocks and springs.
Balancing Performance and Comfort: Adjusting the Suspension Setup
Once you've chosen the right components, the next step is to adjust your suspension setup. This process involves setting the correct ride height, adjusting the damping, and fine tuning the handling characteristics of your vehicle. The goal here is to maintain the comfort levels of your 7 series, while enhancing its performance.
For instance, a lower ride height can improve handling by lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. However, it can also make the ride quality harsher. Therefore, finding the perfect balance is crucial. The adjustment process should be undertaken by a trained professional to avoid damaging the components or compromising the ride quality.
Getting a Quote: Costs Involved in Suspension Upgrades
Upgrading the suspension in a BMW 7 series is not something that can be done on a shoestring budget. It involves the cost of the components as well as the labour required to install them. It's important to get a quote from a reputable dealer or mechanic before embarking on this project.
You may choose to source the components yourself and find a mechanic to install them, or you could opt for a package deal where the same dealer provides the parts and installation. It's recommended to use a platform like iTrader to find reliable dealers and read reviews from other customers.
Keep in mind that while upgrading your suspension will involve some upfront costs, it is a worthwhile investment that can enhance the performance and lifespan of your vehicle.
Regular Maintenance: Ensuring Long-Lasting Performance
After investing time and money into upgrading the suspension of your BMW, it's essential to maintain it properly to ensure long-lasting performance. Regular maintenance can prevent premature wear and tear and help you get the most out of your suspension upgrade.
This includes routine checks of the suspension components, ensuring they're operating correctly and aren't showing signs of wear. Regular servicing and tuning by a professional mechanic are also recommended to keep the suspension system in optimal condition.
Remember, maintaining your vehicle is just as important as upgrading it. With the right care, your investment into a suspension upgrade will reward you with improved performance and sustained ride quality for many miles to come.
In conclusion, upgrading the suspension in a BMW 7 series requires a thoughtful approach and careful consideration of various factors. With the right components, setup, and maintenance, you can maintain and even improve the ride quality that the 7 series is renowned for. Whether you're a seasoned automotive enthusiast or a casual car owner, this guide aims to provide the information you need to make an informed decision about upgrading your suspension.
Seeking Professional Installation: Enhancing the Driving Experience
Enlisting the help of a professional mechanic to install your suspension components can streamline the process and ensure the job is done right. This can enhance the overall driving experience of your BMW 7 series and enable you to fully appreciate the benefits of your suspension upgrade.
For a successful suspension upgrade, it's necessary to understand the installation process fully. Installing new shocks, springs, and a sway bar requires in-depth knowledge about the vehicle's suspension system. Trying to handle this task yourself without proper training can lead to potential damages. This is why it's recommended to rely on a mechanic with a good reputations and ample experience, particularly with luxury sport sedans like the BMW 7 series.
When choosing a mechanic, it's beneficial to consider their past work, experience, and reviews from other customers. Utilizing platforms like iTrader allows you to access a database of reliable mechanics, read reviews, and request for an iTrader quote for the installation service.
Furthermore, having your suspension components professionally installed also provides an additional layer of assurance. Most mechanics offer guarantees on their work and will be willing to rectify any issues that may arise post-installation. This is an aspect to consider when comparing the cost of DIY installation versus professional installation.
Conclusion: Achieving the Perfect Ride in Your BMW 7 Series
In conclusion, upgrading the suspension in your BMW 7 series is a complex task that requires deep understanding of the vehicle's suspension system, careful selection of high-quality components, precise adjustments to maintain the balance between performance and comfort, and regular maintenance for long-lasting performance. Moreover, seeking professional installation can help ensure the upgrade is executed perfectly and contributes positively to the driving experience.
Remember, the ultimate goal of upgrading your suspension is to enhance the ride quality of your BMW 7 series without compromising on performance. By following the best practices outlined in this guide, you can achieve the perfect ride height, appreciate the improved handling, and enjoy a comfortable yet sporty driving experience in your upgraded BMW 7 series.
Whether you are an energetic gearhead or a luxury car enthusiast who values the finer things in life, a well-executed suspension upgrade can drastically transform the way your BMW feels and drives. So, when you drive off in your 7 series, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. And in the pursuit of automotive perfection, the ride should be nothing short of extraordinary.