E90Post
 


Extreme Powerhouse
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > Suspension upgrade really worth it ?



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-16-2013, 07:47 PM   #1
Pooj
Private First Class
27
Rep
189
Posts

Drives: 335i convertible coupe
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: montreal, canada

iTrader: (0)

Suspension upgrade really worth it ?

Hi Guys,

Is changing my suspension really worth it ? I dont track it... I have a FBO 335i conv sports package on 19"s with Michelin super sports.

Does it make it that big of a difference ?

Thanks

Last edited by Pooj; 07-16-2013 at 07:59 PM..
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2013, 08:08 PM   #2
cvc 22349a
Colonel
cvc 22349a's Avatar
United_States
164
Rep
2,556
Posts

Drives: 335i
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SF Bay

iTrader: (11)

Doesn't sound like you're unhappy with your suspension so no
__________________
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
Appreciate 0
      07-17-2013, 07:13 AM   #3
Denny347
Major
Denny347's Avatar
360
Rep
1,080
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 E90
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Indianapolis, IN

iTrader: (0)

I only changed mine out when the stock wore out. I saw no need to do it before hand, I had the sport suspension.
Appreciate 0
      07-17-2013, 07:25 AM   #4
D's Bimmer
Major
Canada
243
Rep
1,328
Posts

Drives: 2016 340 Xi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Denny347 View Post
I only changed mine out when the stock wore out. I saw no need to do it before hand, I had the sport suspension.
How do you know when the stock sport suspension has worn out though? I have 103k on my 2011 e90 and am not sure.
__________________
2016 340Xi M-Sport Sedan | BMW M Performance Exhaust l APEX SM-10 Wheels
Appreciate 0
      07-17-2013, 08:53 AM   #5
330xtrai
Do you even post BRO?
330xtrai's Avatar
Palestine
221
Rep
2,936
Posts

Drives: 330xi
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2006 BMW 330xi  [0.00]
its been worn out I busted my front shock at like 74 and my rears are both busted at 82 but it all depends on the area and how you drive but 103 on stock shocks that came from the factory you should definitely upgrade. coilovers are a great upgrade if you wanna lower any other questions feel free to ask

PS im getting my coilovers installed tomorrow
__________________
E90|330xi|SGM|Terra Cotta interior|Forged1 Wheels(one side red the other city lights)|M3 Rep Front Bumper|Msport Rear Bumper|KW V1 Coilovers|K&N Air Filter|OEM Black Grille|Red Cyba Air scoops|DIY Gloss Black Side Splitters|Tee rear splitters|Monkey Air Freshener|
Appreciate 0
      07-17-2013, 12:48 PM   #6
HP Autosport
Supreme Allied Commander
United_States
4084
Rep
55,764
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com

iTrader: (36)

We recommend an upgraded suspension especially when you are FBO. The rear M3 components will limit wheel-hop and keep the back end more planted during hard acceleration and WOT pulls from low speeds. As 335xtrai said, all suspension wears out differently depending upon the driving environment. If you have anymore question regarding the best setup for your driving needs, please feel free to ask.

-Mike
Appreciate 0
      07-17-2013, 03:05 PM   #7
Pooj
Private First Class
27
Rep
189
Posts

Drives: 335i convertible coupe
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: montreal, canada

iTrader: (0)

thanks guy's i'll change it when I add RB turbos next year
Appreciate 0
      07-17-2013, 05:44 PM   #8
mave198
Lieutenant
mave198's Avatar
11
Rep
452
Posts

Drives: 2007 BMW 335i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Brooklyn NYC

iTrader: (2)

Don't forget if you have alot of miles on your car, besides upgrading to the usual M3 bits and new shocks/springs or coilovers, you should look into replacing your bushings also as they are pretty shot after 60k.
Appreciate 0
      07-17-2013, 06:56 PM   #9
Pooj
Private First Class
27
Rep
189
Posts

Drives: 335i convertible coupe
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: montreal, canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mave198 View Post
Don't forget if you have alot of miles on your car, besides upgrading to the usual M3 bits and new shocks/springs or coilovers, you should look into replacing your bushings also as they are pretty shot after 60k.

Ill check that out. I have like 61k
Appreciate 0
      07-17-2013, 07:05 PM   #10
joec500
Brigadier General
130
Rep
3,047
Posts

Drives: it has 4 wheels
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (11)

For me, the chassis upgrades are actually more interesting than the Power upgrades, but what's nice about tunes, is they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, suspension is more expensive both in terms of labor and parts, but completely transform the car. My friend has a stock E92 with sport suspension and when I drive my car back to back with hers, I can't stand the sloppiness in the stock cars when compared to my setup. It is nice and comfy, but not nearly as responsive or confident when you approach the limit. Then again, I dumped about $6,000 dollars into my chassis upgrades (LSD, TCKLINE D/A suspenion, Diff Lockdown kit, M3 control arms and tension rods, camber plates and Labor and good Tires), but the car is completely transformed from the stock car. Night and Day difference, but you need to be ready to invest quite a bit.

Anyone can mash a pedal and go fast, but the things the car can do with a properly setup chassis and tires are much more interesting and fun IMO. (think freeway onramps and canyon carving)
__________________
2007 E92 6MT SGM: MusicarNW Level 2, Procede Rev 2.5, FFTEC/Vishnu LPFP with Flexfuel Sensor and Flash, M3 Offset V701's, WaveTrac LSD, Michelin PSS, Downpipes, M3 Control Arms, TCKline D/A Suspension, LCI Tail lights, Lux AE's, ER Charge Pipe, DCI's, Mtech Front and Rear, M3 Sideskirts, HPF Stage 1 Clutch
Appreciate 0
      07-18-2013, 12:49 PM   #11
Pooj
Private First Class
27
Rep
189
Posts

Drives: 335i convertible coupe
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: montreal, canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by joec500 View Post
For me, the chassis upgrades are actually more interesting than the Power upgrades, but what's nice about tunes, is they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, suspension is more expensive both in terms of labor and parts, but completely transform the car. My friend has a stock E92 with sport suspension and when I drive my car back to back with hers, I can't stand the sloppiness in the stock cars when compared to my setup. It is nice and comfy, but not nearly as responsive or confident when you approach the limit. Then again, I dumped about $6,000 dollars into my chassis upgrades (LSD, TCKLINE D/A suspenion, Diff Lockdown kit, M3 control arms and tension rods, camber plates and Labor and good Tires), but the car is completely transformed from the stock car. Night and Day difference, but you need to be ready to invest quite a bit.

Anyone can mash a pedal and go fast, but the things the car can do with a properly setup chassis and tires are much more interesting and fun IMO. (think freeway onramps and canyon carving)
Starting to get to the price of an m3 with all these upgrades loool
Appreciate 0
      07-18-2013, 02:46 PM   #12
Red_Bean_Bun
Captain
Canada
63
Rep
944
Posts

Drives: E92
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Montreal

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by HP Autowerks View Post
We recommend an upgraded suspension especially when you are FBO. The rear M3 components will limit wheel-hop and keep the back end more planted during hard acceleration and WOT pulls from low speeds. As 335xtrai said, all suspension wears out differently depending upon the driving environment. If you have anymore question regarding the best setup for your driving needs, please feel free to ask.

-Mike
Rear M3 components ? Which ones ?
Appreciate 0
      07-18-2013, 04:14 PM   #13
BoogeyMan'sBMW
Lieutenant Colonel
BoogeyMan'sBMW's Avatar
Bangladesh
123
Rep
1,940
Posts

Drives: SLOW
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Queens NY

iTrader: (4)

The biggest question you need to answer is why do you wanna upgrade?

I upgraded my suspension because A) I wanted a drop
B) My miles are getting kinda high on my suspension and im not all too sure when or even if the last owner changed anything
C) Some components were on their way out

Combined with some kw's i got for a steal, it seemed like a no brainer. I probably dont have nearly as much invested into my suspension as some of these other guys, but with my KW v1's and my m3 front control arms, my car handles well enough to keep a constant grin on my face.

Suspension makes all the difference imo.
Appreciate 0
      07-18-2013, 07:20 PM   #14
joec500
Brigadier General
130
Rep
3,047
Posts

Drives: it has 4 wheels
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (11)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Red_Bean_Bun View Post
Rear M3 components ? Which ones ?
I actually went with a Diff Lockdown kit verus the M3 subframe bushings. I get zero wheelhop and the rear is so much more planted.
__________________
2007 E92 6MT SGM: MusicarNW Level 2, Procede Rev 2.5, FFTEC/Vishnu LPFP with Flexfuel Sensor and Flash, M3 Offset V701's, WaveTrac LSD, Michelin PSS, Downpipes, M3 Control Arms, TCKline D/A Suspension, LCI Tail lights, Lux AE's, ER Charge Pipe, DCI's, Mtech Front and Rear, M3 Sideskirts, HPF Stage 1 Clutch
Appreciate 0
      07-18-2013, 07:41 PM   #15
HP Autosport
Supreme Allied Commander
United_States
4084
Rep
55,764
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com

iTrader: (36)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Red_Bean_Bun View Post
Rear M3 components ? Which ones ?
Subframe bushings, upper links, guide links and lower camber links just to name a few.
Appreciate 0
      02-14-2014, 09:31 AM   #16
D's Bimmer
Major
Canada
243
Rep
1,328
Posts

Drives: 2016 340 Xi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (1)

So what exactly should I be upgrading/replacing/refreshing in terms of suspension bits? I have already addressed the springs and dampers.

I read allot about the upgrading to M3 Front Control Arms and Rear Tension Rods, etc. That seems reasonable as the e90 OEM replacement parts are about the same price as the TRW M3 pieces. I have also acquired the Front and Rear Upper Shock Mount Hardware from Turner as a kit to refesh the mounts.

I am looking for a list of need to have's based on experience for a high mileage daily driver.

Thanks,

D
__________________
2016 340Xi M-Sport Sedan | BMW M Performance Exhaust l APEX SM-10 Wheels
Appreciate 0
      02-14-2014, 10:16 AM   #17
Volasko
Colonel
Volasko's Avatar
724
Rep
2,609
Posts

Drives: 06 330i E90, 18 530xe G30
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
I did a full swap because my car was miled out and the original shocks were pooched. I decided to pony up the extra cash and replaced everything with new bushings and mounts. See my garage for a pic of all the components laid out. If you are swapping any old suspension I suggest making sure you don't forget about the mounts.

Was it worth it? Oh yeah, but my original suspension was so bad anything I tossed in there would have been an upgrade...
Appreciate 0
      02-14-2014, 12:37 PM   #18
mlifxs
Diamond Geezer
mlifxs's Avatar
220
Rep
2,384
Posts

Drives: Jet Black 2007 328i Saloon
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Florida

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
IMO if you're unsure, maybe not. If you desire a sportier ride but have cost concerns, wait until your current parts wear out. Then, consider how long you plan to keep the car.

Some suspension upgrades are only marginally higher than replacing with stock.

As an aside, for most of my upgrades: I make an incremental improvement, I really notice it for about a month, then my head and body adjusts to the new normal and it doesn't seem so special....until I drive someone else's car for awhile and go back to my own. But then, I keep repeating the process with one more upgrade

crap there I go again responding to an old post
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:25 PM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST