[E90ALLMANUAL]

?Don't do M3 control arms if you are not planing on tracking or Autocrossing.

?Keep the sport springs and get Konis or Bilsteins.

?Look up Fat Cat Motorsport. He can custom valve a set of Bilsteins based on your needs and set up.

?Also. If you want to improve cornering and handling, the first step is tires. I understand that you need shocks first. So obviously repairs and maintenance needs to be address before upgrading.

?Take your time and make a plan.

?On a side note. I know BMW has a rough road suspension package for other markets. I'm not sure what is different but I read it in my training books one time.

[W37V]

Originally Posted by E90ALLMANUAL

?Don't do M3 control arms if you are not planing on tracking or Autocrossing.

?Keep the sport springs and get Konis or Bilsteins.

?Look up Fat Cat Motorsport. He can custom valve a set of Bilsteins based on your needs and set up.

?Also. If you want to improve cornering and handling, the first step is tires. I understand that you need shocks first. So obviously repairs and maintenance needs to be address before upgrading.

?Take your time and make a plan.

?On a side note. I know BMW has a rough road suspension package for other markets. I'm not sure what is different but I read it in my training books one time.

Thank you for your input.

I am currently on new Michelin A/S 3. I think they are currently the best all season tires on the market.

I have not done any track driving or autocrossing with this car - yet. I just figured, once the suspension gives (bushes, etc.), might as well put on the best what is available. It doesn't cost much more than stock anyways.

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by W37V

Thank you for your input.

I am currently on new Michelin A/S 3. I think they are currently the best all season tires on the market.

I have not done any track driving or autocrossing with this car - yet. I just figured, once the suspension gives (bushes, etc.), might as well put on the best what is available. It doesn't cost much more than stock anyways.

Do you need all season tires in the pan handle? If not I'd look at PSS for your next set. Not much snow there but if you go north with the car it's a different story.

[Fundguy1]

As for don't do m3 control arms I disagree. You get a little more camber, a little more front tire wear, but sharper more precise steering. I prefer the feel. I'd say it's personal preference. The extra wear is unnoticeable to me but theoretically it's there. Rest was all upside for me. Mines a daily driver too and I need good every day manners.

[justpete]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

As for don't do m3 control arms I disagree. You get a little more camber, a little more front tire wear, but sharper more precise steering. I prefer the feel. I'd say it's personal preference. The extra wear is unnoticeable to me but theoretically it's there. Rest was all upside for me. Mines a daily driver too and I need good every day manners.

Gotta agree here. If toe is zero the wear should be minimal. Makes a difference and worth the effort. There's a sealed spherical bearing available for the tension strut for even more steering precision but some might not want it for daily driving I suppose.

[W37V]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

Do you need all season tires in the pan handle? If not I'd look at PSS for your next set. Not much snow there but if you go north with the car it's a different story.

I live in DC area, so yes I do need all season tires. I run summer tires PS2 for a while, but whenever the temperature was less than 50 and tires were cold, it was like driving on ice until tires warmed up.

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by W37V

I live in DC area, so yes I do need all season tires. I run summer tires PS2 for a while, but whenever the temperature was less than 50 and tires were cold, it was like driving on ice until tires warmed up.

OK. Thought you were a Florida pan handle guy. You may want to consider a second set of wheels. Swap summer and winter. Keep good set on on the summer with summer tires, i.e. pss, and winter with all season. If you do put the c4appy wheels on in the winter so road salt doesn't affect them.

[W37V]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

OK. Thought you were a Florida pan handle guy. You may want to consider a second set of wheels. Swap summer and winter. Keep good set on on the summer with summer tires, i.e. pss, and winter with all season. If you do put the c4appy wheels on in the winter so road salt doesn't affect them.

I considered them but I don't have anywhere to keep them. Apartment living is not for car enthusiast

[CALWATERBOY]

Originally Posted by W37V

I considered them but I don't have anywhere to keep them. Apartment living is not for car enthusiast

This is getting downright depressing. W37V, looks like you're in need of inspiration. A little lift....yes! Here's something sure to charge you up:

Isn't everything a little easier now? You're ready to tackle that DIY right there in the parking lot, management be danged! Go bro....

[Fundguy1]

[W37V]

Originally Posted by CALWATERBOY

This is getting downright depressing. W37V, looks like you're in need of inspiration. A little lift....yes! Here's something sure to charge you up:

Isn't everything a little easier now? You're ready to tackle that DIY right there in the parking lot, management be danged! Go bro....

It wouldn't be the first time.

Oh I never said I needed inspiration. I just don't have space to store my things that I would like to have.

Heck, few years back I changed lower control arms and shocks on my old car while street parked in DC.

Those were fun times.

[W37V]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

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Don't make it political.

It's about DC life.

[DrRobert]

Originally Posted by W37V

I really appreciate your response. Thank you!

At this time I am not interested in lowering the vehicle (with one exception - BMW Perf Suspension). Car is low enough as it is. One main concern is that I do NOT want to lose predictability of handling of my vehicle. I got BMW for the confidence it provides, so I rather not mess with it.

I am toying with the idea of just doing BMW perf. suspension. The whole kit is 900, which is almost the same as Koni FSD Kit (825).

FYI I have the BMW PS springs with Koni yellows and love the combo (but I have lots of other suspension mods too). The springs only lowered the car 1/2" from sport suspension height. Here is a pic. The Koni yellows are adjustable and I know you said you don't want that, but I've had them for over a year and have never had to readjust them since installing them. I think for most folks its kind of a set-it-and-forget-it adjustment.

[D's Bimmer]

Originally Posted by cpie168

Yes these are the ones!



It takes away the harshness but keeps the firmness. Definitely NOT soft. They're how the OEM sport suspension should be. They're not adjustable, which is what I wanted because I don't want to be messing with it and pay the garage each time they put it up on their hoist to adjust them. If you want to adjust, get Koni Yellows.

Would you have any pictures of your car from the front and side profiles that you could share? I am looking at a new option to replace my Bilstein B12 kit and the ride height is something I would like to see.

Thanks,

[Fundguy1]

Yeah. Adjustable suspension means adjust it to your taste then move on. Not continuously adjusting it suspension.

[cpie168]

Originally Posted by D's Bimmer

Would you have any pictures of your car from the front and side profiles that you could share? I am looking at a new option to replace my Bilstein B12 kit and the ride height is something I would like to see.

Thanks,

I didn't change the springs. I kept my stock sport springs, so the ride height didn't change at all.