So ive done some research and i think im going to go with changing my front springs and have the dealership adjust the sls in the back. This way i will achieve my goal of lowering my wagon and getting a a sportier ride. I do have a few question being that i only need front springs:

Are there any aftermarket companies that sell just front springs? (i doubt there is but i thought i would ask)

Do the M5 springs sit any lower than the 540 sport? (Im sure i can get just the fronts for the dealership if this is an option)

Do you think im going to run into any problem with a stiffer spring up front, yet the rear is most likely not going to change?

Last but not least anyone have a set of aftermarket 540 springs laying around they want to get rid of?

ps
I just picked up some M5 swaybars and 19" beyern mesh staggered wheels. Will have some pics up soon.

Good Luck. I have messed with springs twice, and had private shops install them. Not on a BMW, but on a Audi A4 and an Ford Ranger. Both resulted in Nightmares and the ride was never the same...as in worse. The 540iT I have has the M package so I believe that is M suspension already. I would suggest investing money elsewhere and slam some big wheels on it. But that is just my personal opinion.

I also have an identical 2000 Black 540iT sport like the one above. I have an M5 bumper cover, door sills and M5 mirrors that I am going to put on in the spring. I was also wondering about the same spring question. Im having a set of 19" Forgelines built and it needs to be about an inch lower. Does anyone know the answer to the spring question and can the rear ride be lowered by the dealer with a computer? I was thinking about tossing the rear air ride and going to normal springs. :help

Are there any aftermarket companies that sell just front springs? (i doubt there is but i thought i would ask)

I don't think so.

Do the M5 springs sit any lower than the 540 sport? (Im sure i can get just the fronts for the dealership if this is an option)

M5 springs will make the car sit higher b/c they are made to work with a heavier front end. You don't want M5 springs.

Do you think im going to run into any problem with a stiffer spring up front, yet the rear is most likely not going to change?

I don't know. Obviously, it's not going to be ideal for the race track, but it should be fine for daily driving.

I just picked up some M5 swaybars and 19" beyern mesh staggered wheels. Will have some pics up soon.

Where did you buy your M5 sway bars from? Yes, please post pics when you get them. I have been thinking about putting on some 19" mesh (BBS style) rims.

My wagon came with the M sport package as well. The suspension is not the same as the M5. Shocks, springs, stabalizer bars are for sure different.

I got the M5 bars from the dealership. I have a friend who is a mechanic so i can get a little bit of a discount. The bars should go for a little over $100 a piece. I have the rear bar installed already. It a very easy install. The sport swaybar is 16mm from what i remember and the M5 bar is 17.5mm in the back. I notice a HUGE difference. It must be made from a different steel cause in my previous car (jetta wagon) the aftermarket bars were huge and made comparable differences. I will install the front bar in a few weeks.

more to come...

Carrerax:
Yes, the rear of the car can be lowered. I was talking with a shop manager and he said it is either controlled through the computer or there was a valve adjustment underneath. I think its through the computer and the valve adjustment he was think it might be is from the e34's. As soon as i pick out springs i will post more info about it.

Good to see all of the touring owners posting!:redspot

Thanks for the info! Let me know!

if you look at the rear self leveling parts diagram...it looks like the rear leveling suspension is regulated manually/mechanically like the other self leveling systems that Ive seen (like the e32/e34/e38). If you look at item #15 (level sensor) and #20 (regulating rod)...the rod is probably attached to either the rear sway bar or other rear suspension part...and as the rear end moves over rough surfaces or is lowered due to cargo load/passengers etc...it manipulates the rod which in turn manipulates the level sensor to activate the reservoir to raise the suspension to bring it into compliance.

Its just a guess...but that's probably how it works from looking at the diagram. And to adjust the rear suspension probably just entails manipulating the position of the regulating rod where it connects to the rear suspension. (that's how it is done on the e32/e34/e38)

Click the following link to see the E39 Touring's rear self-leveling diagram: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DR63&mospid=47596&btnr=33_0530&hg=33&fg=50

That looks allot like the part for the zenons on my old E46 wagon. I thnk it should be pretty easy as long as the rear end will lower an inch just with the hydraulics. I still may need to cut the spring. Im going to tackle this as soon as the weather breaks in March. Thanks for the help!