Is the 128 and 135 suspension the same?

[MrRoboto]

Curious because I have the original 135 suspension that I would like to sell.

[m_thompson]

The shocks, struts, and sway bars are the same on a 128i with M-Sport and a 135i. Your 135i parts would be an upgrade to a non-M-Sport 128i.

The springs are all tailored to the particular set of options (weight) on a car. If your 135i was loaded with options the springs might be a little too strong for a 128i with no options.

[MrRoboto]

Go it. My M-Sport 135 was stripped other then the sunroof so it may be a good upgrade to a non M-sport 128 as you say. I would likely sell the stuff cheap to get it out of my garage ;-)

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by m_thompson

The shocks, struts, and sway bars are the same on a 128i with any sport package and a 135i. Your 135i parts would be an upgrade to a non-Sport 128i.

There, I fixed that for you.

[Bimmer-Bob]

^Thanks, I was about to mention that.

The difference between the Sport and M-sport packages on the 128i is basically just a body kit, and some other minor (all cosmetic) changes.

So there are basically two suspensions: one base suspension, found only on 128i's without either sport pack, and one sport suspension, found on ALL other cars. Of course spring rates will differ between models based on options, as mentioned.

[RPM90]

0

Originally Posted by m_thompson

The shocks, struts, and sway bars are the same on a 128i with M-Sport and a 135i. Your 135i parts would be an upgrade to a non-M-Sport 128i.

The springs are all tailored to the particular set of options (weight) on a car. If your 135i was loaded with options the springs might be a little too strong for a 128i with no options.

I don't believe that's true. I've not read anywhere that options make any difference in terms of what spring rates are used.
There were comments made by some reviewers that BMW may have tweaked the 2011+ models with N55 engines, but I haven't seen anything in detail to show or prove that anything was changed.
Perhaps someone can post spring and damper part numbers to show if N55's are different than N54's.

It may be true that the sport/Msport suspension on the 128i may have different spring rates given that they are a bit lighter than the 135i.
But, I haven't read that vehicle options make any difference in spring rates.
Someone on here probably has the part numbers to check that out.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by RPM90

0

I don't believe that's true. I've not read anywhere that options make any difference in terms of what spring rates are used.
There were comments made by some reviewers that BMW may have tweaked the 2011+ models with N55 engines, but I haven't seen anything in detail to show or prove that anything was changed.
Perhaps someone can post spring and damper part numbers to show if N55's are different than N54's.

It may be true that the sport/Msport suspension on the 128i may have different spring rates given that they are a bit lighter than the 135i.
But, I haven't read that vehicle options make any difference in spring rates.
Someone on here probably has the part numbers to check that out.

I know that when ordering the Performance suspension, one must provide a VIN in order to get the correct spring rates. Apparently the spring rates are based on options, although I'm sure the bigger issue is whether the vehicle is a 128i or 135i.

FYI, this quote is from RealOEM, when looking for a p/n for my old stock springs: "The choice of proper coil springs depends on the options installed on your vehicle. Refer to your local BMW dealer for details."

[m_thompson]

Sorry about the Sport/M-Sport confusion. I was led astray by the terminology on realoem. They only listed the M-Sport suspension which I assumed was the one that came with the M-Sport package.

[AW128i]

Originally Posted by RPM90

0

I don't believe that's true. I've not read anywhere that options make any difference in terms of what spring rates are used.
There were comments made by some reviewers that BMW may have tweaked the 2011+ models with N55 engines, but I haven't seen anything in detail to show or prove that anything was changed.
Perhaps someone can post spring and damper part numbers to show if N55's are different than N54's.

It may be true that the sport/Msport suspension on the 128i may have different spring rates given that they are a bit lighter than the 135i.
But, I haven't read that vehicle options make any difference in spring rates.
Someone on here probably has the part numbers to check that out.

Not sure what the exact difference is, but there are multiple spring part #'s, and it's not just engine/transmission differences that yield different part #'s. I did extensive research on this when deciding whether or not to purchase a barely used 135i suspension to replace the non-sport suspension on my 128i. I went back and forth with Tischer with multiple VINs and all of them yielded different spring part # combinations. As previously mentioned, shocks/struts and sways are all the same for 135i and 128i sport.

Some people have taken 135i suspensions and fitted them to non-sport 128i's and the car doesn't really sit any lower than the non-sport suspension. This makes sense. The 135i is heavier overall than the 128i and particularly so over the front axle.