help increaseing 135i 2008 Ride Height

[mutunekk]

Hi,

So I've been doing a lot of searching but I've not been able to find anything about increasing ride height... and I need some help finding the best way to do it.

Just for context I live in Nairobi and just got a 2008 135i... wanted one for some time but was scared to bring one in due to the roads. Recently things have gotten a bit better so I decided to pull the trigger.

Now that its here, I'm finding that the bumps are the real issue... Generally I have been managing - different routes/going slowly but every once in a while it doesn't work and I'm slowly dying inside every time I hear a scrape.

So I want to increase the ride height by 1-2 inches. But I need some help to understand how to actually do it.

From my research I have found the following options;
1. Increase tire sizes (+1cm & $800). The stock tires are 215/40/18 and 245/35/18. I was thinking of going to 215/45/18 and 245/40/18. Based on my rough maths this would add around 1cm. What do you think of this? btw... this is on stock rims/shocks.
2. Spacers or donuts (+1-2cm & $?). Now I have seen a lot about these but cannot find a site that makes them... I saw something about BMW rough roads spacers, but cannot find anything more about it. Anyone know where I can get some good quality ones?
3. Coilovers (+1-2cm & +$1000). I'm not too sure about moving to coilovers but if its the only way to make sure I don't damage the car then fine... I would like height/comfort adjustable. What are the recommended make/model for something like this?

So I think I will start with the tires, then look at spacers. But if anyone has any advice on how to do this better it would be really appreciated.

[the earl of hype]

Interesting issue you have there, I expect your solution will ultimately be driven by cost. However if cost is not a concern you could look at airbag suspension, this would give you the best balance of ride height, comfort and longevity - you'd also be able to adjust the height/comfort on the move.

I'll also assume you have runflat tires, moving to conventional tyres will also help with comfort.

In all seriousness if the roads are that bad how do expect to enjoy such a car?

[mutunekk]

Hi,

So I bought the new tires, non-run flats and slightly bigger than the stock tires (+1.2cm) and so far its fixed my issues. also the level of grip and lower tire noise... why the hell does BMW do this??

Also because the profile is bigger, the gap between the body and the tire looks smaller... this might be my imagination but I have to say the car actually looks better...

Just to clarify on the roads: the issue is the bumps. For some reason, 1. there are no regulations on the max height. 2. to get on the highways you always have to go over one.

There was this guy in a brand new Jaguar XJR, went straight up a bump bottomed out in the middle with the car balancing on the bump... he had to get some random people to carry the car off the bump...

But once on the highways you are set - thanks to the Chinese and Japanese governments, we have some pretty epic and empty roads. Also there are always a bunch of WRXs, EVOs or GTRs somewhere to play with. Its a lot of fun blasting the WRXs and EVOs, but the GTRs... they are monsters.

[lowbudgethero]

in the Africa special in top gear they demonstrated how bad they can get

[BrokenVert]

A cheap solution would be to look for a standard 1 series suspension. That will raise the car by a little over a cm.

[mutunekk]

Originally Posted by lowbudgethero

in the Africa special in top gear they demonstrated how bad they can get

that episode was pretty representative, but Kenya is not as bad. although driving in Africa is always an adventure... at one point I had to drive through a lake in my x3 - that Toyota diesel died in the middle, poor tourists had to swim out;



Totally destroyed my tires... something about the lake being alkaline. Had to find a bush mechanic to fix the car;


a bit hectic, but so much fun. On a side note... the x3 can take quite a bit of abuse!

[mutunekk]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

A cheap solution would be to look for a standard 1 series suspension. That will raise the car by a little over a cm.

its an idea, but won't it mess up how the car drives?

[Dackelone]

Best thing you could do would be to buy some US model springs for a 135i NOT lowering springs but the original springs. The US models probably ride about 25mm higher than EU models. You could also buy some rubber pads that go under the spring perches to raise the car a few more mm's. Maybe put up a WTB ad here on 1Addicts for the OE springs.

Dack

[tracer bullet]

I'd actually consider coilovers if you can find some that have enough range that they could allow you to raise the car, not just lower it. You could opt for longer springs as well if the strut has enough travel. One of the manufacturers, if you can get hold of them, should be able to help figure out a setup.

Also as a side note, even though the springs are stiffer, if they end up giving you longer travel they may save you from bottoming out the suspension once in a while.

[Dackelone]

Here you go OP... $100 bucks...

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1187000

[xxfocus11xx]

What about air ride suspension like this https://www.airliftperformance.com/product/78510/

[andrey_gta]

BMW Rough Road plates fro the front raise 20mm
BMW e30 top mount spring perches raise 8mm

Look for D7 front springs from e9x convertible and Auto 335i, they are sport but higher than D6 on 135i/335i

The rear has a rough road pad, it raises by 5mm. Or you can use SEDAN e90 rear springs, they are longer

Coil-overs don't really add much height.