2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
 

2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums Regional Forums ASIA Here comes another noob
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-01-2011, 01:59 AM   #1
e_magun
New Member
6
Rep
24
Posts

Drives: F10 523I
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: HongKong

iTrader: (1)

Here comes another noob

hi all,

I just picked up my 523i a month ago (sophisto grey with oyster) and have been reading through this useful website since then. It's nice to see you all helpful brothers here. You guys rock~!~!

I would like to seek some help to slight modify my car and here are my priorities: ride quality/handling> looks> budget. My wife wouldn't let me spend too much on mods so I have to carefully choose my plan.

My first plan is to get a new set of rims and lower the car a bit and here comes my problems:
- Heard you guys said F14 rims are the best value for money right so i'm planning to get 20" forgestar f14 with acs springs, do these rides a lot bumpier than the stock 17" rft now? I don't want to ride too harsh otherwise my wife will complain and I don't want to sit to low because of the rough HK roads. Do i have to order the rims from US? How much will the spring and rims cost?

- i'm interested in getting a kit afterward, but I read from the bmw hk website that the M kit is around $40,000hkd (parts + install) and I don't want to spend that much on it. I'm interested in getting a 3D Design lip, anyone knows where I can get them?

- Can anyone recommand some shops for ordering springs and rims? I know one you guys always talk about in tin hou? is it the best? any shops good in kowloon side because I work in Kwun Tong.

thanks alot for all your help guys~..
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2011, 02:17 AM   #2
jxnco
First Lieutenant
Hong Kong
33
Rep
371
Posts

Drives: BMW F10
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Hey welcome!

As for that setup you are proposing, it will only be slightly bumpier than the 17" RFTs. When I changed mine, my wife didn't even noticed. You might want to go for good tires like Michelins. BTW, I'm refering to 20" Non RFT with H&R springs (which is my current setup). I think the ACS ones are stiffer.

In terms of pricing, ACS will cost you about 10K installed from BMW. I don't think ACS is available outside of BMW in HK. In comparison, H&R will cost you about 3.5K including installation. The F14's you can get for around 20K/set and the tires will be around 15-17K/set depending on the brand.

I can recommend the Zillion for the F14's and the H&R springs. Very competitive pricing and good service. They are located near Hung Hom I think. They are also an authorized dealer for 3D items so you can get your lip there. Let me know if you want a referral I can PM you the number.

As for the M kit, Wah Kee in Gloucester Road can do it for 30K installed or if you pick just the front bumper, 15K installed. Downside is it takes like 2.5 months to get the parts in.
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2011, 02:24 AM   #3
mlai
Colonel
mlai's Avatar
Hong Kong
165
Rep
2,340
Posts

Drives: 650GC/E93M3/Lexus LS600HL
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Welcome! e_magnum.

F14s are actually one of the favorites among here and good bang for the buck! They are so popular now that some of the shops in Hong Kong started ordering them from the US on a routine basis. There is an Advanshop that I got mine and they have a shop in HMT on the kowloon side as well.

Sold mine because the F14s are everywhere in HK now as they also fit the C63 and others. Too common..... I will also be selling my set of Forged1 in about 2 weeks but you make your own choice

I also have ACS on (mine has DHP as well) and I don't think they are too low at all. My previous Eibachs are definitely lower (and softer) than ACS and that presents more of a problem. You have to factor in what kind of road you drive to decide on whether lowering the F10 is suitable for you. In terms of comfort, ACS is definitely firmer, but doesn't compromise too much. In fact, it takes much of the boat ride feeling off from the F10.

Going to 20" wheels with non-rfts will probably net you the same in terms of ride comfort, with the benefit of better cornering. But then it also depends on the tyre that you choose to go with the 20". A warning, though. Current breed of 20" tires that fit the F10 are mostly sport tyres. And they are definitely a bit noisy compared to your stock tyres......

I think F14s for the F10 in 20" are around HKD22k-24k. ACS are pretty much HKD4-5K for springs, excluding installation and alignments.

I think most of us are getting the 3D design stuff from Zillion Performance, which is also across the street from BMW Matauwei service center. They are on facebook.

Hope this helps a bit. I don't know much and am just filling in some preliminary information for you. Gurus RC3, Grimmy, and quite a few others are more into mods and they will probably spill their guts later on when they are free. From their day jobs, of course
__________________
F06 650i Gran Coupe Ruby Black/Dakota Cinamon- 2012-10-12 Adaptive Drive/IAS/Surround View/Adaptive LED/Comfort Seats/BMW 356 Liquid Black/Michelin PSS 245/35R20-285/30R20
E93 M3 Cabriolet Satin Pearl White/CR - 2012/03/12 Bilstein PSS10/ Michelin PSS 245/35R19-265/35R19 Brembo GT
2011 F10 550i M Sport - Retired
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2011, 04:35 AM   #4
RC3
Colonel
RC3's Avatar
Hong Kong
81
Rep
2,791
Posts

Drives: F10 528i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 F10 528i  [10.00]
Welcome! e_magnum.

jxnco and mlai pretty much said it all. They are gurus also.

Advanshop is the authorized dealer for Forgestar in HK. Zillion can get it also. You can shop and compare. Buying from US vendors is another possibility. Most likely cheaper even with shipping. Or get the Morr if you can spend a few more bucks. It's not available when I got my car. Otherwise I would have gotten it.

Tires factor a great deal for ride comfort. My Advan sport is much bumpier than jxnco's PS2 with the same H&R springs. So I suggest you get the softer tires like Michelin.

Springs probably H&R is the cheapest and best value for money with decent drop. If you have extra budget I recommend you to go for coilovers like KWV3. BTW, If you don't mind having used springs I can sell you mine really cheap as I always wanted to upgrade to KWV3. I have around 4,000km and 7 or 8 months with the springs. Let me know.
__________________

2011 F10 528i Black Sapphire / Oyster Black
2000 E46 325ci Cabrio Titanium Silver / Black - retired
1997 E36/7 Z3 Montreal Blue / Black - retired
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2011, 04:47 AM   #5
jxnco
First Lieutenant
Hong Kong
33
Rep
371
Posts

Drives: BMW F10
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

4000 KM in 7-8 months...you barely use your car RC3...
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2011, 04:53 AM   #6
RC3
Colonel
RC3's Avatar
Hong Kong
81
Rep
2,791
Posts

Drives: F10 528i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 F10 528i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by jxnco View Post
4000 KM in 7-8 months...you barely use your car RC3...
haha. Actually close to 4500km in 10 months now. That was with my H&R springs, swapped it 2 or 3 months after I got my car.
__________________

2011 F10 528i Black Sapphire / Oyster Black
2000 E46 325ci Cabrio Titanium Silver / Black - retired
1997 E36/7 Z3 Montreal Blue / Black - retired
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2011, 01:12 PM   #7
grimlock
Colonel
716
Rep
2,003
Posts

Drives: F10 N52B30@255PS
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Spill our guts ..
I don't comment on rims, except that i am 'one sight fall in love' so i will never change rims.. unlike some other ppl ..

RC, making the step up? Are you sure - don't do it! .. Just kidding
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2011, 01:25 AM   #8
e_magun
New Member
6
Rep
24
Posts

Drives: F10 523I
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: HongKong

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys, thanks alot for all your replies and useful information. That helps alot seriously.

First I want to to thank you RC3 for your kind offer. I actually do not mind getting a used spring from you but the problem is that I read from other threads that H&R spring lowerred the car too much. I need to park at a outside parking in Kwun Tong when I'm at work which has sucky surfaces and I have high bumps in my home parking. So I guess my only choice is the ACS springs. I agreed what Mlai said about the boat-like feel, stock F10 drives like my parents 2002 7 series rather than a 3er. I hope ACS spring can improve that without sacrificing too much comfort.

Now to the tires and wow I didn't know 20" tires costs about 4k each (my 18" on my last car was about 2k). Mlai, I think the stock 17" rft produce quite alot of road noises, if 20" sport tires are even worse as you said, maybe I'll stick with 19". See, basically I'm not a racer, I want to carry my family comfortably and have a little more fun when driving alone, so I hope I can find a good balance between both. What do you guys think?

Lastly to the rims, do u guys think 19" f14 rims will look small on F10? Last night my wife found me reading the 3D Design website and saw their 5 spoke rim, and she loved it. Anyone got these on their F10? how much do these cost??

thanks again guys.
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2011, 02:15 AM   #9
RC3
Colonel
RC3's Avatar
Hong Kong
81
Rep
2,791
Posts

Drives: F10 528i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 F10 528i  [10.00]
e magun, no problem. Actually another member here just enquired my springs and have just made a deal with him. So I will be upgrading to KWV3 soon.

To be honest, H&R does not sit lower than others like Eibach and RD. 1.4 and 1.3 inch for front and rear. H&R for 550 sits lower for the front. But for 523, 528 and 535 are pretty much same.

ACS does sit higher, I don't know the difference between it and H&R since I have never tested ACS. Eibach is much softer than others and boat feel from others' review.

My current H&R set up has 1.5 finger gap for front and rear. Stance is just right IMO, I wouldn't want higher. I want coilovers now to slightly drop more, may be 1 finger gap? Don't worry about rough road service. I drove on construction work site and no problem at all. Unless you read my saga when I drove on a gigantic speed bump. Hehe.

19" really looks not as good as 20" IMO. Unless you drive to Mainland like Jacky I think 20" is fine. Price for both size tires are about the same as I quoted a year ago. You may check out the CF5 Forgestar 5 spokes. DY99 has them. Or Jacky's 5 spoke split from Froged 1.

3D stuffs you can enquire Zillion.
__________________

2011 F10 528i Black Sapphire / Oyster Black
2000 E46 325ci Cabrio Titanium Silver / Black - retired
1997 E36/7 Z3 Montreal Blue / Black - retired
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2011, 05:47 AM   #10
Jacky328
Lieutenant
Hong Kong
30
Rep
418
Posts

Drives: 535 F10
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by RC3 View Post
So I will be upgrading to KWV3 ......
RC are you serious?
You really are my modding idol!
__________________
2011 F10 535i Sophisto Grey/Oyster, ACS spring, Forged 1, Michelin PSS, Eisemann Quad-Exhaust,
2013 991 Carrera S PDK, Aqua Blue/Beige, PSE, PDCC, Sport Chrono Package, Paddle Shift Steering Wheel, PDLS--delivery in July2013
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2011, 11:39 AM   #11
RC3
Colonel
RC3's Avatar
Hong Kong
81
Rep
2,791
Posts

Drives: F10 528i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 F10 528i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jacky328 View Post
RC are you serious?
You really are my modding idol!
No way bro. Your Brembo rocks.

I made enquires for Brembo.

Zillion- GT 6 pots USD4,350 (HKD33,930), kit with 380x32 2-piece rotor.
TW Autosport- Brembo GTR 6 pots kit cost HKD81, 000 + installation cost HKD1, 000

Seems like your deal at AK is really good. But you have the custom rotor, right? Any reason. More cost effective? Better fitment?

The GTR is really expansive.
__________________

2011 F10 528i Black Sapphire / Oyster Black
2000 E46 325ci Cabrio Titanium Silver / Black - retired
1997 E36/7 Z3 Montreal Blue / Black - retired
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2011, 08:21 PM   #12
RR80
Lieutenant
RR80's Avatar
17
Rep
480
Posts

Drives: F10 535i
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Hong Kong, Vancouver

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by RC3 View Post
No way bro. Your Brembo rocks.

I made enquires for Brembo.

Zillion- GT 6 pots USD4,350 (HKD33,930), kit with 380x32 2-piece rotor.
TW Autosport- Brembo GTR 6 pots kit cost HKD81, 000 + installation cost HKD1, 000

Seems like your deal at AK is really good. But you have the custom rotor, right? Any reason. More cost effective? Better fitment?

The GTR is really expansive.
Why don't you try get quote from Takeone, I believe they're the HK carrier for Brembo. The GT50 Kit is good enough for f10.
__________________
2003 E60 530i - PSS9 Coilover/M Kit/BBS GT-RS 19" wheels - retired
2006 E91 335i - Procede V5/Forge DV & FMIC/Bastuck quad exhaust/P1 Steering Wheel/Sachs Coilover/M kit/19" RS wheels - retired
2011 F10 535i - Stock
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2011, 10:56 PM   #13
RC3
Colonel
RC3's Avatar
Hong Kong
81
Rep
2,791
Posts

Drives: F10 528i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 F10 528i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by RR80 View Post
Why don't you try get quote from Takeone, I believe they're the HK carrier for Brembo. The GT50 Kit is good enough for f10.
Thanks bro. Will check out Takeone.

Can you explain what's GT50? I only know the difference between GTR and GT.
__________________

2011 F10 528i Black Sapphire / Oyster Black
2000 E46 325ci Cabrio Titanium Silver / Black - retired
1997 E36/7 Z3 Montreal Blue / Black - retired
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2011, 01:48 AM   #14
RR80
Lieutenant
RR80's Avatar
17
Rep
480
Posts

Drives: F10 535i
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Hong Kong, Vancouver

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by RC3 View Post
Thanks bro. Will check out Takeone.

Can you explain what's GT50? I only know the difference between GTR and GT.
Just the way they call the new GT kit (Gran Turismo kit), the old GT kit is call GT40 and the new current GT kit call GT50.
__________________
2003 E60 530i - PSS9 Coilover/M Kit/BBS GT-RS 19" wheels - retired
2006 E91 335i - Procede V5/Forge DV & FMIC/Bastuck quad exhaust/P1 Steering Wheel/Sachs Coilover/M kit/19" RS wheels - retired
2011 F10 535i - Stock
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2011, 12:31 AM   #15
e_magun
New Member
6
Rep
24
Posts

Drives: F10 523I
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: HongKong

iTrader: (1)

hi mlai - are you sure there's an Advanshop on the kowloon side? because I checked their website and it didn't mention it. Are there any good rim shops (large quantities) you recommand that worth browsing?

jxnco - will you please kindly give me the referral from Zillion as I will probably go check out some prices tomorrow. I'm not sure if you could pm me because my member level is not high enough, if not, can u send to my email? glenwaikh@yahoo.com

thanks alot.
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2011, 12:43 AM   #16
RC3
Colonel
RC3's Avatar
Hong Kong
81
Rep
2,791
Posts

Drives: F10 528i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 F10 528i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by e_magun View Post
hi mlai - are you sure there's an Advanshop on the kowloon side? because I checked their website and it didn't mention it. Are there any good rim shops (large quantities) you recommand that worth browsing?

jxnco - will you please kindly give me the referral from Zillion as I will probably go check out some prices tomorrow. I'm not sure if you could pm me because my member level is not high enough, if not, can u send to my email? glenwaikh@yahoo.com

thanks alot.
Advan kowloon shop called 5wheel 土瓜灣九龍城道145號
http://www.5wheel.com.hk

Zillion http://www.facebook.com/Zillion.Performance?sk=info
__________________

2011 F10 528i Black Sapphire / Oyster Black
2000 E46 325ci Cabrio Titanium Silver / Black - retired
1997 E36/7 Z3 Montreal Blue / Black - retired
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2011, 01:49 AM   #17
teddylohk
New Member
2
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: F07 5er GT
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Hi, I am also new comer here with F(10-3). For 20" tyre, I was thinking about those popular brands but most of them are so expensive and finally got recommendation of Nitto Invo, was a bit hesitate but after I read those reports in different forums, I decided to go. Having it on now for a month and I can say it is value for money! Comfort wise very quiet, handling wise I cannot say much but just refer overseas reports that is perform well in both dry and wet surface. Only a bit -ve comment (also from forum) is the tyre wall is a bit soft which means unstable (a bit) when you push them hard when cornering. Well, I think I seldom push it in that way especially mine is GT.

Price: 2xxx HKD @.
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2011, 02:02 AM   #18
e_magun
New Member
6
Rep
24
Posts

Drives: F10 523I
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: HongKong

iTrader: (1)

thx RC3, no wonder why I couldn't find it on Advan's webpage.

Teddylohk, nice to meet u. Can u please let me know what's the brand and model of the tire you're talking about? I'm looking for 20" tires that are comfort and quiet as well. thanks
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2011, 02:07 AM   #19
RC3
Colonel
RC3's Avatar
Hong Kong
81
Rep
2,791
Posts

Drives: F10 528i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 F10 528i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by teddylohk View Post
Hi, I am also new comer here with F(10-3). For 20" tyre, I was thinking about those popular brands but most of them are so expensive and finally got recommendation of Nitto Invo, was a bit hesitate but after I read those reports in different forums, I decided to go. Having it on now for a month and I can say it is value for money! Comfort wise very quiet, handling wise I cannot say much but just refer overseas reports that is perform well in both dry and wet surface. Only a bit -ve comment (also from forum) is the tyre wall is a bit soft which means unstable (a bit) when you push them hard when cornering. Well, I think I seldom push it in that way especially mine is GT.

Price: 2xxx HKD @.
2xxx is really a bargain. What's your tire spec?
__________________

2011 F10 528i Black Sapphire / Oyster Black
2000 E46 325ci Cabrio Titanium Silver / Black - retired
1997 E36/7 Z3 Montreal Blue / Black - retired
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2011, 02:17 AM   #20
teddylohk
New Member
2
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: F07 5er GT
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Nitto Invo.

http://www.nittotire.com/Tire/invo
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2011, 02:36 AM   #21
RC3
Colonel
RC3's Avatar
Hong Kong
81
Rep
2,791
Posts

Drives: F10 528i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 F10 528i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by teddylohk View Post
I mean your tires are xxx/xx/20 front? xxx/xx/20 rear?
__________________

2011 F10 528i Black Sapphire / Oyster Black
2000 E46 325ci Cabrio Titanium Silver / Black - retired
1997 E36/7 Z3 Montreal Blue / Black - retired
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2011, 02:50 AM   #22
mlai
Colonel
mlai's Avatar
Hong Kong
165
Rep
2,340
Posts

Drives: 650GC/E93M3/Lexus LS600HL
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
For 20" tyres, I recommend:

1) Michellin PSS
2) Pirelli PZero Hero
__________________
F06 650i Gran Coupe Ruby Black/Dakota Cinamon- 2012-10-12 Adaptive Drive/IAS/Surround View/Adaptive LED/Comfort Seats/BMW 356 Liquid Black/Michelin PSS 245/35R20-285/30R20
E93 M3 Cabriolet Satin Pearl White/CR - 2012/03/12 Bilstein PSS10/ Michelin PSS 245/35R19-265/35R19 Brembo GT
2011 F10 550i M Sport - Retired
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:51 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST