Coilovers or an LSD?

Maxspeed · 06-30-2013, 12:16 PM

I have a 2009 335i coupe. My mods are: Drop-in Filter, RPI scoops, AR catless downpipes, HPF cat-back, COBB AP on stage 2 mapping.
At this point my traction isn't always there, so I'm leaning towards a Diff. How big of a difference do they make on a stage 2 car? Also which one would u recommend? (Wave trac, Quaife, OS giken?)
I don't plan on tracking the car, but do coilovers make a big difference on the streets and occasional twisties?
Thanks.

gzim335 · 06-30-2013, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxspeed

I have a 2009 335i coupe. My mods are: Drop-in Filter, RPI scoops, AR catless downpipes, HPF cat-back, COBB AP on stage 2 mapping.
At this point my traction isn't always there, so I'm leaning towards a Diff. How big of a difference do they make on a stage 2 car? Also which one would u recommend? (Wave trac, Quaife, OS giken?)
I don't plan on tracking the car, but do coilovers make a big difference on the streets and occasional twisties?
Thanks.

I would get coilovers as they improve handling more noticeable than LSD and our car will look much better lowered

CALWATERBOY · 06-30-2013, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxspeed

I have a 2009 335i coupe. My mods are: Drop-in Filter, RPI scoops, AR catless downpipes, HPF cat-back, COBB AP on stage 2 mapping.
At this point my traction isn't always there, so I'm leaning towards a Diff. How big of a difference do they make on a stage 2 car? Also which one would u recommend? (Wave trac, Quaife, OS giken?)
I don't plan on tracking the car, but do coilovers make a big difference on the streets and occasional twisties?
Thanks.

LSD: Huge improvement all around. Especially noticeable on bumpy curves, you'll still see/feel big gains on smooth. Traction plus.

Good suspension yields high G in corners, but that's not a good thing when traction isn't there.

Wavetrac here. I do not track.

Maxspeed · 06-30-2013, 07:24 PM

Great, two opposing answers.
Honestly though I think an LSD is better for what I want to do the car. I'm going to get a meth kit soon, and hopefully RB turbos later on.
Plus my car is on H&R springs, so I don't need the coilovers to lower the car.

Blaster400 · 06-30-2013, 07:48 PM

I'd vote for LSD if I had to choose which to do first. That's what I did (Quaife) and then I added coilovers a few months later. The car becomes very enjoyable when you have both though.

SfValley335i · 06-30-2013, 07:57 PM

coilovers and rear subframe bushings. The car will look good and feel nice with the coilovers. The rear subframe bushings will keep the car steady and planted, just gives you more confidence.

If you dont have the sport package, thats even more of a reason get the coils.

flip4335 · 06-30-2013, 10:42 PM

LSD is the first and most important mod in my book. Otherwise, you will suffer from traction issues as you increase your power.

This is in my sig at the bottom:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311570

You will wear out your rear brakes with your open diff and the nanny controls.

Coilovers won't help a car with traction issues; LSD will. Both will be fantastic!

IMO, get the diff, first.

ashmostro · 06-30-2013, 11:06 PM

If you actually care about performance, lsd.

Amini77 · 06-30-2013, 11:58 PM

Coilovers make quite a difference. Also lowering your car improves the looks by a lot. I'm not sure how much a difference compared to an LSD though (I imagine an LSD is a bigger diff) Anyways with coilovers you get improved looks + handeling.

nitehawk · 07-01-2013, 12:19 AM

People are simply going to recommend what they have lol...but looking at it strictly from a cost standpoint, your dollar goes much further with coils. Not only will it be significantly cheaper than buying a fully built pumpkin, you will feel the difference all the time as opposed to only when you lose traction.

Maxspeed · 07-01-2013, 01:24 AM

There are definitely some valid points from both sides. However, my car is already lowered, and I have the HPF exhaust which scrapes because of my springs, so I couldn't afford to go any lower. (The exhaust is 3.5 inches Wide, the V-band has almost come off from scraping.) I'm also looking for good traction as I get more and more power to the rear wheels via either Methanol, E85, or larger turbos. Coilovers are something too look into later on. Thanks!

ashmostro · 07-01-2013, 03:07 AM

I feel my lsd in every turn, in every condition- not just when at the limit of traction. It "pushes" me through the corner actively rather than me feeling like a nervous passenger the entire time, as I used to in this car.

paddy335 · 07-01-2013, 05:02 AM

As per other replies, a LSD should be the first thing you do, no question. Why have all your mods (pulling about 380hp or so) just to give all that power away to the traction control. If you've driven a 335i with a LSD you'll know there is only one answer to your question. It transforms the mechanical grip of the car. Even more evident in the wet.

cvc 22349a · 07-01-2013, 04:17 PM

LSD is the best mod for a 335i if you can afford it. Car already has plenty of power and a decent suspension. It could definitely use more traction and grip

badblkX6 · 07-01-2013, 04:49 PM

I had debated on which to do first. I went with coil overs first, but realized after running meth and some other mods that i should have went with a Quaife LSD first.

I will be installing one in the next few weeks hopefully....

SfValley335i · 07-01-2013, 06:12 PM

Since now you say you have "springs", and I hope you paired your springs with a set of performance struts/shocks. If thats the case then skip coilovers because it wont make a big improvement.

But if your running lowering springs on stock struts, id suggest you fix that issue before upgrading the drive train.

Maxspeed · 07-01-2013, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SfValley335i

Since now you say you have "springs", and I hope you paired your springs with a set of performance struts/shocks. If thats the case then skip coilovers because it wont make a big improvement.

But if your running lowering springs on stock struts, id suggest you fix that issue before upgrading the drive train.

I may just go back to stock springs. The 1st owner put on lowering springs on an otherwise stock suspension, so that is an issue I will have to fix. The guys car was repossessed, he had spacers and an axel back magnaflow on a 335i...
All looks and no performance.

330xtrai · 07-01-2013, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxspeed

Quote:

Originally Posted by SfValley335i

Since now you say you have "springs", and I hope you paired your springs with a set of performance struts/shocks. If thats the case then skip coilovers because it wont make a big improvement.

But if your running lowering springs on stock struts, id suggest you fix that issue before upgrading the drive train.

I may just go back to stock springs. The 1st owner put on lowering springs on an otherwise stock suspension, so that is an issue I will have to fix. The guys car was repossessed, he had spacers and an axel back magnaflow on a 335i...
All looks and no performance.

You might as well get coils the cost of installation is gonna be the same so you don't wanna pay for installation twice when you can save that extra money for the lsd

ilikebmxbikes · 07-01-2013, 08:19 PM

Based on your other mods I suggest LSD.

If you don't track and you are already lowered, I would skip the coilovers.

TSM330i · 07-01-2013, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

Based on your other mods I suggest LSD.

If you don't track and you are already lowered, I would skip the coilovers.

+1

nkadisha · 07-03-2013, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitehawk

People are simply going to recommend what they have lol...but looking at it strictly from a cost standpoint, your dollar goes much further with coils. Not only will it be significantly cheaper than buying a fully built pumpkin, you will feel the difference all the time as opposed to only when you lose traction.

+1

I did coils then a diff and couldn't have been happier. Coils make it much easier/safer to drive the car harder, where the diff would then come into play. Get coils first, then go for the diff.

HP Autosport · 07-15-2013, 01:39 PM

We would recommend a Quiafe LSD over a suspension upgrade for your certain situation. If you already have lowering springs and feel that is sufficient enough (but can always be improved later), a Quiafe LSD will greatly improve the handling and response of your e90. In addition, an LSD will make your car more predictable which, in turn, improves safety. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us as we are one of the major distributor of Quiafe Limited Slip Differentials.

Mike

06-30-2013, 12:16 PM	#1
Maxspeed Private First Class 9 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Coilovers or an LSD? I have a 2009 335i coupe. My mods are: Drop-in Filter, RPI scoops, AR catless downpipes, HPF cat-back, COBB AP on stage 2 mapping. At this point my traction isn't always there, so I'm leaning towards a Diff. How big of a difference do they make on a stage 2 car? Also which one would u recommend? (Wave trac, Quaife, OS giken?) I don't plan on tracking the car, but do coilovers make a big difference on the streets and occasional twisties? Thanks.
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06-30-2013, 07:24 PM	#4
Maxspeed Private First Class 9 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Great, two opposing answers. Honestly though I think an LSD is better for what I want to do the car. I'm going to get a meth kit soon, and hopefully RB turbos later on. Plus my car is on H&R springs, so I don't need the coilovers to lower the car.
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06-30-2013, 07:48 PM	#5
Blaster400 Captain 130 Rep 866 Posts Drives: BMW X3 35i, Porsche Macan S Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Scottsdale AZ iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 Porsche Macan S [0.00] 2012 BMW X3 35i [0.00]	I'd vote for LSD if I had to choose which to do first. That's what I did (Quaife) and then I added coilovers a few months later. The car becomes very enjoyable when you have both though. __________________ MOTIV 750 ST \| MOTIV PI \| 100% E85 \| Fuel-it Stage 4 LPFP \| MOTIV Boost Box + MHD Protune \| Quaife \| Öhlins \| Brembo \| Akrapovic
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06-30-2013, 07:57 PM	#6
SfValley335i Colonel 172 Rep 2,409 Posts Drives: Current:135i Sold:335i sedan Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: City of Angels iTrader: (8)	coilovers and rear subframe bushings. The car will look good and feel nice with the coilovers. The rear subframe bushings will keep the car steady and planted, just gives you more confidence. If you dont have the sport package, thats even more of a reason get the coils.
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06-30-2013, 10:42 PM	#7
flip4335 General Nuisance in a Private Conveyance 77 Rep 1,907 Posts Drives: like it's rented Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: behind the wheel iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW e90 335i [7.30]	LSD is the first and most important mod in my book. Otherwise, you will suffer from traction issues as you increase your power. This is in my sig at the bottom: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311570 You will wear out your rear brakes with your open diff and the nanny controls. Coilovers won't help a car with traction issues; LSD will. Both will be fantastic! IMO, get the diff, first. __________________ BMWCCA Member # 414198 \|E90\|SGM\|6MT\|Premium\|Cold\|Sport\|Tint\|LCI MSport Conversion\|MTech\|Blacklines\|219M\|PSS\|Quaife\|Helix FMIC\|M3 Suspension\|Megan Racing\|GC Camber Plates/Coilovers\|Eibach 440/800#\|AR Catted DP\|Cobb AP\|StopTech Drilled/Slotted\|SS Brake Lines\|DWS Quaife Review: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311570
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06-30-2013, 11:06 PM	#8
ashmostro Brigadier General 1317 Rep 4,177 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (28)	If you actually care about performance, lsd.
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06-30-2013, 11:58 PM	#9
Amini77 Brigadier General 199 Rep 4,732 Posts Drives: Alpine White '13 550i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tarzana, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW 550i [0.00]	Coilovers make quite a difference. Also lowering your car improves the looks by a lot. I'm not sure how much a difference compared to an LSD though (I imagine an LSD is a bigger diff) Anyways with coilovers you get improved looks + handeling.
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07-01-2013, 12:19 AM	#10
nitehawk Lieutenant Colonel 111 Rep 1,909 Posts Drives: e92 335i 6MT Join Date: May 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (15) Garage List E92 BMW 335i [9.00] E92 BMW 335i \| Retired [10.00]	People are simply going to recommend what they have lol...but looking at it strictly from a cost standpoint, your dollar goes much further with coils. Not only will it be significantly cheaper than buying a fully built pumpkin, you will feel the difference all the time as opposed to only when you lose traction.
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07-01-2013, 01:24 AM	#11
Maxspeed Private First Class 9 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	There are definitely some valid points from both sides. However, my car is already lowered, and I have the HPF exhaust which scrapes because of my springs, so I couldn't afford to go any lower. (The exhaust is 3.5 inches Wide, the V-band has almost come off from scraping.) I'm also looking for good traction as I get more and more power to the rear wheels via either Methanol, E85, or larger turbos. Coilovers are something too look into later on. Thanks!
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07-01-2013, 03:07 AM	#12
ashmostro Brigadier General 1317 Rep 4,177 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (28)	I feel my lsd in every turn, in every condition- not just when at the limit of traction. It "pushes" me through the corner actively rather than me feeling like a nervous passenger the entire time, as I used to in this car.
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07-01-2013, 05:02 AM	#13
paddy335 Major 66 Rep 1,131 Posts Drives: M140i;X5 40d Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New Zealand iTrader: (0)	As per other replies, a LSD should be the first thing you do, no question. Why have all your mods (pulling about 380hp or so) just to give all that power away to the traction control. If you've driven a 335i with a LSD you'll know there is only one answer to your question. It transforms the mechanical grip of the car. Even more evident in the wet.
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07-01-2013, 04:17 PM	#14
cvc 22349a Colonel 166 Rep 2,556 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SF Bay iTrader: (11)	LSD is the best mod for a 335i if you can afford it. Car already has plenty of power and a decent suspension. It could definitely use more traction and grip __________________ 2007 E90 335i, TiAg, 6AT, ZPP, ZSP, ZCW, 6FL, HD Quaife lsd, ETS fmic, GIAC s/w, Dinan intake/exhaust/oc, Koni/M3 susp, Apex Arc 8, Mich PSS
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07-01-2013, 04:49 PM	#15
badblkX6 Captain 65 Rep 772 Posts Drives: 2014 X6 35i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: South Jersey iTrader: (9)	I had debated on which to do first. I went with coil overs first, but realized after running meth and some other mods that i should have went with a Quaife LSD first. I will be installing one in the next few weeks hopefully....
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07-01-2013, 06:12 PM	#16
SfValley335i Colonel 172 Rep 2,409 Posts Drives: Current:135i Sold:335i sedan Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: City of Angels iTrader: (8)	Since now you say you have "springs", and I hope you paired your springs with a set of performance struts/shocks. If thats the case then skip coilovers because it wont make a big improvement. But if your running lowering springs on stock struts, id suggest you fix that issue before upgrading the drive train.
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07-01-2013, 08:19 PM	#19
ilikebmxbikes Banned 1529 Rep 4,743 Posts Drives: S65 1M Clone & E92 M3 4.6L Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (42) Garage List '08/13 1M Clone 4.0L [10.00] '11 e92 M3 4.6L [10.00]	Based on your other mods I suggest LSD. If you don't track and you are already lowered, I would skip the coilovers.
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07-15-2013, 01:39 PM	#22
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 4211 Rep 56,220 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	We would recommend a Quiafe LSD over a suspension upgrade for your certain situation. If you already have lowering springs and feel that is sufficient enough (but can always be improved later), a Quiafe LSD will greatly improve the handling and response of your e90. In addition, an LSD will make your car more predictable which, in turn, improves safety. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us as we are one of the major distributor of Quiafe Limited Slip Differentials. Mike
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