[Spongeb0bRoundPants]

Hi, I've been looking at improving the handling of my 335i and was thinking about getting some m3 control arms; there seems to be lots of kits online with varying amounts of pieces; how big of a difference would say a 4 piece kit vs 20 piece kit make? Cheers!

[iqraceworks]

The only thing that makes a difference in hanging are the actual M3 control arms. Some of the kits come with more "extra" parts like ball joints, bushings, tie rod ends...etc,etc...

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by Spongeb0bRoundPants

Hi, I've been looking at improving the handling of my 335i and was thinking about getting some m3 control arms; there seems to be lots of kits online with varying amounts of pieces; how big of a difference would say a 4 piece kit vs 20 piece kit make? Cheers!

What do you have done now for handling modifications?

The M3 arms are probably the worst bang for your buck suspension wise. The fronts make a difference the rears much less. Then to really get the advantages you need to replace all the rubber bushings front and rear with balljoints, in my opinion. One of the last mods I would do to a E9X suspension.

If you go with the rear m3 control arms you will then need struts made for an m3 in the rear. This means an off the shelf coilover kit will not work as you need to mix and match E9X front coilovers with rear m3 struts/springs. Not all manufacturers like to split em up.

If you do buy m3 arms etc. get the TRW ones with the M logo shaved off and save yourself the $$$. They are the same part.


Also, this thread should really be in the suspension section: Suspension | Brakes | Chassis https://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=38

[iqraceworks]

On the front I have the M3 arms in order to give a little more camber. On the rear I have the M3 arms to stiffen things up. This is the same kit from FCP Euro that most people use.......

I also have the hard poly Whiteline rear subframe bushings installed.

I also have the Bilstein B12 Pro kit installed with the B8 shocks and the Eibach Sport Springs

Not sure I would say it's the"worst bang for the buck" suspension wise......all of those mods have made a big improvement on how the hard handles, and it's gotten rid of the wheel hop on hard launches.

[alexwilcox29]

I replaced my front upper and lowers with the m control arms and did new sway bar end links and tie rods at the same time!

That was before I had coilovers and the handling was night and day the little bit of negative camber really helps you keep the car pointed where you want to go especially if side ways! You get much more responsive feedback as well

[alexwilcox29]

Originally Posted by iqraceworks

I also have the hard poly Whiteline rear subframe bushings installed.

How do you like those? I'm getting ready to do my subframe bushing soon, might go with stiff poly ones! Do you get any squeaking from them?

[iqraceworks]

I really like them. No squeaking from them all. They really firmed up the back of the car and got rid of that sloppy feeing.

[alexwilcox29]

Originally Posted by iqraceworks

I really like them. No squeaking from them all. They really firmed up the back of the car and got rid of that sloppy feeing.

Good to know, thanks!

[Torgus]

If you are getting subframe bushings there is no NVH from solid aluminum. You have to drop the rear subframe to do the bushings. Do your sway bar(if you want to change it), middle brake lines, diff mounts, etc. At the same time would be my advice.

The rear subframe and diff bushings really firmed up the rear end I found.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Spongeb0bRoundPants

Hi, I've been looking at improving the handling of my 335i and was thinking about getting some m3 control arms; there seems to be lots of kits online with varying amounts of pieces; how big of a difference would say a 4 piece kit vs 20 piece kit make? Cheers!

There's only 2 kits that I know of. 4 piece and an 11 piece.

[alexwilcox29]

Originally Posted by Torgus

If you are getting subframe bushings there is no NVH from solid aluminum. You have to drop the rear subframe to do the bushings. Do your sway bar(if you want to change it), middle brake lines, diff mounts, etc. At the same time would be my advice.

The rear subframe and diff bushings really firmed up the rear end I found.

Yeah I plan on doing the works when I get to the rear end, I might just ave up and do the m3 rear end swap with all new bushing and everything!

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by alexwilcox29

Yeah I plan on doing the works when I get to the rear end, I might just ave up and do the m3 rear end swap with all new bushing and everything!

If you are doing that, you should just pull the rear subframe out of the car.

You could do M3 subframe & M3 Differential bushings.