2010 BMW 135i M Sport e82 suspension upgrade...

[roadgolfer]

I'm getting ready to upgrade my suspension all around. I am also likely to be adding a tuning package in the next few months that will add about 100hp.

I'm looking for recommendations / opinions to help make the right choice.

What have you done that you are very happy with?

TIA for the help!

[asbrr]

Hello - realizing that searching is not super easy but I do recall some popular threads with tons of info, here's a start:

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1233372
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1790660
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1808680
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1116635
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=582806

I have a Bilstein B12 kit which is B8 Sport dampers with Eibach pro kit springs. Added Dinan camber plates up front, Whiteline 2 piece RSFB, and Dinan rear upper shock mounts. I later added M3 front lower control arms (2 lower on each side). Alignment is -2.2 of camber up front and -2 camber rear, toe is stock.

This was meant to be a set and forget setup, for a daily driver and once in a blue moon driver education day. In hindsight I would have stuck with everything except the M3 control arms, didn't need the extra camber and it added impact harshness which was beyond what I wanted for a daily driver.

If I was doing this all over again, I'd seriously consider the 1 series specific Ohlins R&T setup, they are magic based on the same setup I bought for my cayman. Only doubt is how long they would last for a daily driver, as they do need a rebuild at 50K kms or so.

Your needs/mileage will vary, but there is a ton of info/opinions in those threads.

[gjm120]

roadgolfer

I'm very happy with my current setup. In case you're using a phone instead of a pc it's:

-BMWP Springs
-Koni sports
-M front control arms (both - I don't mind the harshness added by the tension strut)
-rear M guide rods (most bang for the buck according to this very good thread https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1079383)
-Whiteline rear subframe inserts. I have the full 2 pc bushing set waiting for cooler weather to install (I'm in Houston so you know what I'm talking about)
- Monroe rear upper shock mounts.
- slightly upgraded rear ARB. It's off of an E9x and I think it's 37% stiffer than the stock ARB.
- front ARB from a 135i and adjustable endlinks. The endlinks being adjusted properly makes a positive difference.

If you're still on runflat tires change that first. The reason so many people upgrade / stiffen their suspensions is that so much was designed to lessen the discomfort of the hard and rough riding runflats. When they go to non runflats the car is too cushy.

The above is the 2nd suspension I've done. First was the sport package (same as comes on the 135i) as my car was non sport originally. That was pretty good but when I added the M front control arms it was pretty "crashy". The Koni Sports aka Koni Yellows are pretty composed and easy to tweak the fronts at least. The BMWP Springs are supposed to be something like 30% higher rate than Sport springs and are a modest drop from Sport. They are pricey compared to aftermarket options like Eibach.

There wasn't a light bulb moment when I decided on all the mods I've done. I know I didn't want a big drop and didn't mind some harshness. To say the least, the car is not a comfort cruiser on bad roads. If you've driven I-10 around Orange, TX it's pretty damn miserable there.

In addition to the threads linked above, here's another one where the guy went thru his iterations to get his suspension to where he's happy : https://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewto...p?f=20&t=80208


PS. If you're going to add so much hp to an already powerful engine, I think the rear subframe bushings should be very high on your list.