[wadgras44]

As this noob continues to back-end his way into the e90 sport package, I'm now wondering if anyone has first hand experience with swapping out just their non-zsp springs and shocks with the zsp ones.

My local dealer has indicated that they won't touch the install unless I opt for new sway bars and bushings, as well.

I'm assuming that these e90 parts differ between zsp and non-zsp (though when I began to dig they seem to be the same width).

If so, would you guys say the new parts are required / advisable / a bunch of bs?

Thanks!

[BMW F22]

The 335i coupe comes standard with sport suspension so there's no need to swap it out.

[wadgras44]

Originally Posted by Kenny@JleviSW

The 335i coupe comes standard with sport suspension so there's no need to swap it out.

Thanks, Kenny. And it's My bad - I've edited my initial post to be more specific - I'm an e90

[BMW1983]

I did just that switch - had non ZSP on my 328 and bought used ZSP shocks/springs from someone who went to coilovers. All worked as it should....ended up wanting more of a drop and a differnet feel and tighter control....went with my current setup and couldn't possibly be moe ecstatic with the feel, drop and handling. Hope this helps ya out. BTW, my dealer did do the labor to switch out only the shocks/struts/springs w/o sways - actually---I had them put on my H&R rear sway for me too. Good luck.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by wadgras44

Thanks, Kenny. And it's My bad - I've edited my initial post to be more specific - I'm an e90

NP. You dont have to add in sways and replace bushings. You should just take it to an independent shop and have the suspension installed there. It'll be cheaper than the dealer too.

[JacobT]

Like Kenny said, take it to a independent shop. No sway and bushings are necessary to swap out the suspension. And the labor should be around $350 in your area. But you do need an alignment job after that. Good luck

[stressdoc]

If you do the sways then get the M-sport rear one.

It is a good idea to get the whole package, including sways. Unfortunately that is a fair bit more labor, but the effects of the stiffer sways on handling are very important. The parts are not that much.

[wadgras44]

Thanks for the comments, gang.

And mucho props to JacobT for the raw materials!

Though I'm not sure I'll find an install deal as good $350 in my area, I did have enough sense to realize that the dealer's $1400 labor quote may have been a tad high.

[JacobT]

I quoted you with 4 hours of labor (@ $90/hour) that should be plenty enough to swap out the suspension. Do you know it only cost $150 to do the same job in CA? We are getting ripped off because we're not in the mod heaven of CA

[wadgras44]

Originally Posted by JacobT

I quoted you with 4 hours of labor (@ $90/hour) that should be plenty enough to swap out the suspension. Do you know it only cost $150 to do the same job in CA? We are getting ripped off because we're not in the mod heaven of CA

I hear ya. But enough about me - how do you like your new setup?

[BMW1983]

If it helps at all, I paid $500 for install and alignment to have my Bilsteins and Eibachs installed by an independent .....but it was at a shop close to my office so it was very convenient to take it there and pick up later in day......I simply can't be w/o my car for any period of time b/c of my work....convenience has a price! 1400 is simply crazy. Have fun.

[black36]

Originally Posted by JacobT

I quoted you with 4 hours of labor (@ $90/hour) that should be plenty enough to swap out the suspension. Do you know it only cost $150 to do the same job in CA? We are getting ripped off because we're not in the mod heaven of CA

I'd love to know where in CA can do the job with $150. Usually shops ask around $250~$300.

[JacobT]

Originally Posted by black36

I'd love to know where in CA can do the job with $150. Usually shops ask around $250~$300.

Couple of my friends got their suspension swapped out for $150 at N cal Bay area. The shops there have done these kind of jobs all the time, one shop can even swap the shocks w/o removing the wheels

[JacobT]

Originally Posted by wadgras44

I hear ya. But enough about me - how do you like your new setup?

Couldn't be more happier. I figure I will eventually go with CO so I skipped the spring/shox step, bite the bullet and went directly with CO.

[wadgras44]

Just had the goodies installed and decided to stick w/ my current sways.

Not so impressed with the drop (but whatever and maybe that will change as the springs settle) - however, the improvement in handling is really dramatic. The ride is tighter, more precise yet by no means harsh. I once took a Mini Cooper S out for a 20 minute test drive in "sport" mode and made myself car sick. I cannot see that happening with this "sport" setup (or at least I'll remember to turn on the AC!).

Some other things I noticed include:

1. I no longer have to battle my favorite high speed curve since the car actually goes where I point it.
2, Potholes don't seem to be as mind-numbingly loud as they were under non-zsp.

Thanks again to all for the guidance and especially JacobT for the parts.

[JacobT]

Glad to know you like it