BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-08-2011, 01:58 PM   #1
1fastbmw
Second Lieutenant
1fastbmw's Avatar
23
Rep
215
Posts

Drives: 2009 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chesterfield, MI

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2009 135i  [10.00]
New Suspension Installed w/ Quaife LSD - DIY

So after a long winter I collected all my suspesion components and decided to take on the install myself after recieveing several quotes ranging $3,000-3,600 in labor. My wife went to Disney for the week with the in laws and I took the time to spend some quality time in the garage. After alignment is complete I will post a more detailed review but after a quick run around the block the ass end is very well planted and the the car accelarates hard and straight, No nosie from the diff, shocks seem more compliant but at the same time a defects in the road surface seems to be transmitted back into the car a little more, slightly higher cabin noise, probably from stiffer bushings. All in all the car seems very tight.

Koni FSD's
BMW Performance Yellow Springs
M3 Frt Control Arm Kit
M3 Rear Bushings
M3 Rear Guide Rod Kit
M3 Rear Upper Link Kit
M3 26.5 mm Frt Sway Bar
M3 20 mm Rear Sway Bar
Dinan Rear Shock Mounts
Dinan Frt Camber Plates
E85 Z4s FRt & Rear Bump Stops
Quaife LSD



Car before install


Garage


Install took 1 long day and 3 evenings after work to complete the suspension and LSD install. I would estimate it took 5 hrs for the frt suspension and 12 - 14 hrs to complete the rear with installing the Quaife LSD into my housing myself (of course mine was bolted). The good news is the install was not very difficult and can be done at home by a skilled individual with access to the right tools. Frt M3 Components went in with ease, the Dinan Camber plates were simple and seem to be quality parts. The frt struts did take some work to get them out without scratching / banging the fenders but nothing to complicated, taping fenders advised. There are several DIY's posted on the Frts already so I skipped over that, below I listed the order of which I preformed the work on the rear and some of the key points to watch for. This is How I completed and by No Means I can gaurantee this process, but it should help everyone understand the process.

Suggested Items to purchased before starting
1. Bentley Service Manual for 3 series ($100)
2. New Bolts to attach axle shafts to differential ($15)
3. 2 quarts of 75w90NS diff Fluid (must NOT have slip additive used on most LSD's), could not find local had to order from Summit. ($25)
4. DOT 4 Brake Fluid ($3)
5. Silicone Sealant for Diff Cover ($5)
6. AR Design Drive Shaft Wrench ($50)
7. New Axle Seals (mine came with LSD from HPA)

Other Helpful Post
Rear Bushing Tools
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...+bushings+tool
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...+bushings+tool
Helpful Hints
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...+rear+bushings
Priceless LSD Install Details from Former_Boosted_IS
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=365404

Steps to remove and install
1. Raise the entire car in the air and ensure jack stands are positioned properly. 2 sets of tall jack stands and good floor jack strongly suggested.
2. Remove Rear Wheels
3. Remove axle back exhaust (I did not remove midpipes)
4. Disconnect Sway Bar Links from Sway Bar
5. Remove Rear Shocks (requires removing trunk liners to access upper mounts), set aside upper mount components.
6. Remove Rear Coil Springs. Support lower control arms with jack under shock attachment and remove nut/bolt from knuckle lower jack and remove spring. Make sure you disconnect leveling sensor from drivers side lower control arm prior to lowering control arm. Leave lower Isolator in control arm and set aside top isolator.
7. Swap out Rear Arms one at a time with M3 components, Do not final torque until later.
8. Remove all rear fasteners (1 bolt / 3 nuts) on heat shield below exhaust and bend down slightly.
9. Disconnect Axle Shafts, using parking brake to hold from spinning while braking bolts loose. Support Axles with wire or hanger.

10. Disconnect Drive Shaft, require a special thin 50 mm wrench which AR Design makes and can be purchased from Harold at HP Autowerks. Need to turn clockwise to loosen.
Pics borrowed from Former_Boosted_IS



11. Support Diff with Jack, Strongly suggest using a trans jack.
12. Remove 3 bolts holding diff in, Right Frt bolt has exhaust hanger with nut that must be removed if not removed with exhaust.
13. Lower diff slightly, pull backwards to disengage the drive shaft spline and lower completely and set aside. Do not put to much downward force on drive shaft.
14. Disconnect Middle Brake Lines (rubber lines that go from body to subframe) and plug lines right away, I used vacuum caps to plug.
15. Remove 2 bolts that attach bracket from frt side of sub frame to body on both sides.
16. Support Sub Frame with Jack, again suggest trans jack for stability and used a 4x4 wood block under frt of sub frame to maintain level.
17. Remove 4 bolts holding sub frame up.
18. Lower Sub frame about 4 inches, you can put additonal jack stands under wheel end / knuckle for stability.
19. Remove Subframe Bushings, special tool suggested which can be rented from HP Autowerks. I did not use special tool because it was not available, so I got a piece of 3.5" & 5" emt conduit and made a pc 1" and 5" tall of each. The talller pc was used to pull the bushings out and the shorter pcs were used to install. I also used a 5/8" threaded rod from a spring compressor and some large washers (2 that have smaller diameter than bushings to remove and 2 that have larger diameter than the bushings to press in) and used this with a impact to remove and press in the new bushings. All the original bushing are pressed in from the bottom but the M3 the 2 rear bushing press into the bottom and the frts press in from the top. I used soapy water to lubricate the new bushings when installing. This maybe the toughest part.
Removing Bushing - Pic from cpt97m3 post

Pressing In

20. Remove Rear Sway Bar while subframe is lowered.
21. Install M3 Swaybar, grease bushing to help rotate bar when installed. You can now connect end links and hand start nuts.
22. Lift Subframe back into position
23. Hand Start all Fasteners on frt brackets, then hand rear sub frame bolts. Torque Frt Bolts and then torque rear bolts.
24. Reconnect Brake Lines.

LSD Install into Diff Housing
a. Remove Rear Diff Cover and Drain Fluid, clean and measure and note backlash using magnetic dial indicator, should be around .004".
Pics borrowed from Former_Boosted_IS

b. Remove both Axle Shaft, I used slide hammer and pop them off.
Pics borrowed from Former_Boosted_IS

c. Remove Axle Seal, Seal puller or large screwdriver will work.
d. Note C-Clips that Retain side bearings have laser engraved dimensions on them, this is how back lash is set. Mark Case on each side what size clip went in, I used masking tape. It is critical this go back in the same way the cam out.

e. Remove C-Clips one at a time, Large needle nose pliers (12-16" long) work very well.
f. Remove Side Bearings, again very important they go in the same side, keep with associated C-Clip.

g. Rock Center section out of case

e. Remove Ring Gear, hold in vise with alum jaws or wood blocks and impact off bolts. Bolts are standard RH Thread so counter clockwise to remove.
f. Remove Bearing Races from stock center section and transfer to new LSD. Remove and install one at a time taking caution not to mix up where the race goes. Need to use bearing puller and Hyd Press or Arbor Press to remove.

Pics borrowed from Former_Boosted_IS

One Side the race is flush with the case so you must use a chisel and hammer to slowly and gently walk the race down by driving the punch between race and case, rotate around the entire race one tap at a time. This will allow you to remove the race slightly and grip with bearing puller.
g. Press Races onto new LSD making sure they are fully seated.
h. The Quaife LSD was shipped with only 3 bolts holding the unit together and new bolts with loctite in a bag. But the LSD in the vise again with alum or wood blocks. Leaving 3 bolts in place, I torqued all others to 30 ft.lbs. using a cross bolt pattern and then retorqued to 40 ft.lbs. Then remove 3 bolts that came in unit and torque those to the same. (you should double check this I found the info somewhere on the web)
i. Install Ring Gear, clamp in vise, clean all bolts and apply blue loctite, torque all bolts to 100 and then 125 ft.lbs. using cross bolt pattern (again you should double check this I found the info somewhere on the web)
Silver hex head bolts in picture below are what step h. refer to

I used a 5.5 mm socket to keep LSD from spinning in vice while torqueing


j. Install LSD into carrier, this is where things got interesting because it does not fit. Grinding of the case is required to fit the larger Quaife unit, nothing in the instructions tells you this, but after searching for awhile I discovered this has to be done. To preform this I 1st removed 2 ring gear bolts, leaving 1 in place between them, put the housing on its side, ring gear side down and load LSD unit, the 2 bolts that are removed should be facing out and this allowed the LSD to be lowered about 3/16". Mark housing where the right bearing race hits.

Using a die grinder slowly remove material to clearence for race to pivot into case. I found that an area about 2" wide had to be ground down about 1/8"-3/16" all the way back to the bearing hole to rock the unit into place.


This should be done slowly and with several test fits to ensure you only remove the min amount of material required. While grinding fill case with rags, covering pinion and keep LSD, bearing and C-Clips away from area. Be sure to clean housing extremely well, suggest washing and blowing with compressed air several times before fitting LSD. I also painted the areas I ground on before reassembling.
k. With LSD unit in housing reinstall and torque 2 ring gear bolts, a impact work very well here, take caution that the ring gear is clear to the pinion during this step, you do not want any nicks in the gears.
l. Reinstall Side Bearing on Ring Gear side and install C-Clip. Make sure you install correct clip. Ensure C-Clip is fully seated in grove, you can tap around with punch, when fully seated the clip has 3 features that should sit flush with the bearing race, 1 on each end and 1 in the middle.
m. Flip housing over and install other bearing and C-Clip, this one will need to be tap down with hammer to fully seat, I used a pc of Pipe that I also used during bushing install to tap it into place. Take extra time to ensure this clip is seated correctly.
n. Check Backlash should be .002-.005" if greater you will need to source different size C-Clips. Mine measured .004" before and after and from what I understand everybody seems to be ok with factory clips. But this must be correct or noise or damage will be the result.
o. Install New axle seals, you can use that same pc of pipe again to tap this into place, use the original witness marks or rust line to try a seat it to the same depth as the stocks seals were.
p. Reinstall Axle shafts

q. Reinstall Rear Cover, both surfaces must be cleaned and dried, apply silicone sealant and retorque fasteners. Let stand for 1-2 hrs
r. Fill diff w/ fluid, I used Redline 75w90NS because my dealer on had only bulk and wanted $140 gallon. I heard others say BMW fluid may reduce noise.


Back to Reassembly
25. Reinstall Fully Reassembled Diff with fluid pre filled. Raise with Jack, Have diff tilted slightly up in the frt to help align to drive shaft spline push diff onto drive shaft, raise unit into position. I found it easier to hand start rear bolt and nut and then align and hand start frt to bolts. Front 2 bolts must be torqued 1st to 100 NM before torquing Rear Bolt and Nut to 165 NM, Make Sure you torque the nut not bolt.
26. Apply blue loctite to drive shaft thread and torque drive shaft to 75 NM, remember to turn counter clockwise to tighten. AR wrench comes in handy with torque wrench.
27. Reconnect axle shafts, replacing bolts recommended, use blue loctite and torque to 52 NM.
28. Reinstall Fasteners for Heat Shield
29. Install New coil Springs, reuse upper isolator, ensure coil ends align properly to isolator pockets. Use Jack under control to compress coil and hand start bolt and nut. Do not forget to reconnect rear leveling sensor on drivers side.
30. Install Rear Shocks, I installed Dinan Rear Shock Mount kit at this time which replaces upper isolators and steel sleeve to give the shock 1/2" more travel. Torque to 38 NM.

Stock

Dinan

31. Using jack put block of wood under the rotor hat and jack wheel end up into ride height position and torque all bolts on M3 Links to 100 NM and lower swing arm to 165 NM. Repeat for other side.

32. Torque sway bar links.

33. Bleed Rear Brakes, I left rear lines crack loose with cap removed from reservoir and ensured it stayed full for about 10 mins, which seemed to bleed them fairly well. Make sure to spray all brake components with brake clean quickly to ensure no paint is damaged.
34. Reinstall axle back exhaust.
35. Reinstall Rear Wheels
36. Lower Car
37. Take for alignment

Alignment targets suggested by Harold at HP Autowerks
Front toe 1/16" in total
Camber as much as you can, but not more than -1.5 for street use

Rear toe 3/16" in
Rear camber -2


Post Install Picks (on cloudy day and cheap camera)




I will add better photos of the installed suspension after I wash car and get aligned.

To say the least I cant wait until I can take this out for a true test drive, I have until next Tuesday for the alignment.
__________________
JB4 l Berk AB l AP Mids l PLM DP's l RSD CP l Injen CAI l BSH OCC l ETS FMIC l Koni FSD's l BMW Performance Springs l Complete M3 Frt & Rear l Dinan Shock Mnts & Camber Plates l Quaife LSD l Morel Speakers l Zapco Amps l BMW SS Pedals l Pearlescent Brake Handle l 30% Tint l ICarbon Dry Diffuser l Matte / Gloss Grills l Black 135i emblem l P3 V2 Gauge l SF-71's l Conti DW's 235/265-19's l LCI Tails l Lux H8

Last edited by 1fastbmw; 04-10-2011 at 08:56 AM.. Reason: added alignment specs and more pics
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2011, 03:22 PM   #2
ianc
Ex '87 Carrera
ianc's Avatar
United_States
246
Rep
1,259
Posts

Drives: '10 TiAg 6MT 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Redwood Shores, California

iTrader: (0)

You must feel like aces after wrapping this up. Sub'd because I really wanna see your pics. Congrats!

ianc
__________________
"I will tell you there is a big difference between driving money and driving blood, sweat and tears." - PorscheGuy79

"I got 328 loaner and was impressed with performance. It feels much faster than my 135i." - MOCKBA
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2011, 10:01 PM   #3
1fastbmw
Second Lieutenant
1fastbmw's Avatar
23
Rep
215
Posts

Drives: 2009 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chesterfield, MI

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2009 135i  [10.00]
I did feel pretty good to get this done, I was a little worried about trying to get this done but actaully I thought this was easier then doing the downpipes, it was not quicker but I did swear alot less. Although I did the downpipes without reading the DIY and did not drop the steering gear.
__________________
JB4 l Berk AB l AP Mids l PLM DP's l RSD CP l Injen CAI l BSH OCC l ETS FMIC l Koni FSD's l BMW Performance Springs l Complete M3 Frt & Rear l Dinan Shock Mnts & Camber Plates l Quaife LSD l Morel Speakers l Zapco Amps l BMW SS Pedals l Pearlescent Brake Handle l 30% Tint l ICarbon Dry Diffuser l Matte / Gloss Grills l Black 135i emblem l P3 V2 Gauge l SF-71's l Conti DW's 235/265-19's l LCI Tails l Lux H8
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2011, 10:09 PM   #4
ianc
Ex '87 Carrera
ianc's Avatar
United_States
246
Rep
1,259
Posts

Drives: '10 TiAg 6MT 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Redwood Shores, California

iTrader: (0)

I only did springs, shocks, and M3 swaybar, control and tension arms, and that took me a full 2.5 days. Your speed sounds unbelievable to me. Or Maybe you're just not a lazy, sedentary old fart.

Just checking out the pics now...

Great pics, superb writeup. Very impressed with the work and your garage. Great job of documentation! Particularly interested in the Dinan shock mount installation since I think I need it. Congrats again!

ianc
__________________
"I will tell you there is a big difference between driving money and driving blood, sweat and tears." - PorscheGuy79

"I got 328 loaner and was impressed with performance. It feels much faster than my 135i." - MOCKBA

Last edited by ianc; 04-08-2011 at 10:36 PM..
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2011, 03:40 AM   #5
Dackelone
European Editor
Dackelone's Avatar
Germany
10511
Rep
22,992
Posts

Drives: N54 e82
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Bayern, Germany

iTrader: (1)

1fastbmw - GREAT write up and pics. I would love to see some more photos. You have done what few are willing to do on thier own. Many thanks for our 1er community
.
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2011, 04:39 AM   #6
Bimmer-Bob
!
Bimmer-Bob's Avatar
United_States
692
Rep
3,266
Posts

Drives: 2010 128i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Anacortes, WA

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Wow! Very impressed. It must have been a ton of work, but you saved yourself a bundle of loot and it's always satisfying to wrench on your own car.

This is one of the most thorough suspension upgrades I've seen. I think mostly people do these parts in stages, but you definitely did the most efficient thing.

Looking forward to some of the M3 bits myself. Can you comment on the rear guide rods and upper links? I'm not really sure how they improve things. Just resist rear wheel deflection better?
__________________
____________________________
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2011, 05:20 AM   #7
RimasRS
Colonel
RimasRS's Avatar
85
Rep
2,438
Posts

Drives: BMW X3 SD
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

We want pics after installation of parts
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2011, 06:24 AM   #8
aisthetes
First Lieutenant
aisthetes's Avatar
United_States
13
Rep
340
Posts

Drives: 2013 M3 Competition
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (0)

Extremely impressive DIY job in the garage!

Looking forward to your on-the-road impressions.
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2011, 08:15 AM   #9
1fastbmw
Second Lieutenant
1fastbmw's Avatar
23
Rep
215
Posts

Drives: 2009 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chesterfield, MI

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2009 135i  [10.00]
Also for $34.99 these sockets came in very handy and worked great for all the inverted torx on our cars. In some cases the std fit tighter than metrics so use what fits with the least amount of slop. They are also thinner than the regular inverted torx.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0P#reviewsWrap
__________________
JB4 l Berk AB l AP Mids l PLM DP's l RSD CP l Injen CAI l BSH OCC l ETS FMIC l Koni FSD's l BMW Performance Springs l Complete M3 Frt & Rear l Dinan Shock Mnts & Camber Plates l Quaife LSD l Morel Speakers l Zapco Amps l BMW SS Pedals l Pearlescent Brake Handle l 30% Tint l ICarbon Dry Diffuser l Matte / Gloss Grills l Black 135i emblem l P3 V2 Gauge l SF-71's l Conti DW's 235/265-19's l LCI Tails l Lux H8
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2011, 08:19 AM   #10
1fastbmw
Second Lieutenant
1fastbmw's Avatar
23
Rep
215
Posts

Drives: 2009 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chesterfield, MI

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2009 135i  [10.00]
Now that this is done I think I'm done modding the 135i for awhile, and I can get back to my other project. My 94 Dodge Dakota 2wd std Cab, which I have had for 10 yrs now. It was a supercharged 360 that I got into the mid 12's with but a few yrs ago I decided to shoot for 9's so I'm building a +550hp 408 stroker thats prep for a 250 shot of NOS. As you see I decided to start from the bottom and work up.







__________________
JB4 l Berk AB l AP Mids l PLM DP's l RSD CP l Injen CAI l BSH OCC l ETS FMIC l Koni FSD's l BMW Performance Springs l Complete M3 Frt & Rear l Dinan Shock Mnts & Camber Plates l Quaife LSD l Morel Speakers l Zapco Amps l BMW SS Pedals l Pearlescent Brake Handle l 30% Tint l ICarbon Dry Diffuser l Matte / Gloss Grills l Black 135i emblem l P3 V2 Gauge l SF-71's l Conti DW's 235/265-19's l LCI Tails l Lux H8
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2011, 09:36 AM   #11
larryn
Lieutenant General
United_States
2146
Rep
10,176
Posts

Drives: '97 332ti, '21 X5 45e, '16 GT4
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (2)

Great write up! Thanks you.

You mentioned having a bolted diff. Do you have a step tranny? ..or are you just extremely lucky that you got a bolted diff on a 6sp?
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2011, 09:50 AM   #12
1fastbmw
Second Lieutenant
1fastbmw's Avatar
23
Rep
215
Posts

Drives: 2009 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chesterfield, MI

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2009 135i  [10.00]
Thanks everybody for the positive feed back, I feel like I'm just paying my dues. I have found a ton of great info here.

larryn - I have an auto. It would be a great car now with a manual, oh well at least it is a little quicker in a straight line.
__________________
JB4 l Berk AB l AP Mids l PLM DP's l RSD CP l Injen CAI l BSH OCC l ETS FMIC l Koni FSD's l BMW Performance Springs l Complete M3 Frt & Rear l Dinan Shock Mnts & Camber Plates l Quaife LSD l Morel Speakers l Zapco Amps l BMW SS Pedals l Pearlescent Brake Handle l 30% Tint l ICarbon Dry Diffuser l Matte / Gloss Grills l Black 135i emblem l P3 V2 Gauge l SF-71's l Conti DW's 235/265-19's l LCI Tails l Lux H8
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2011, 07:19 PM   #13
1fastbmw
Second Lieutenant
1fastbmw's Avatar
23
Rep
215
Posts

Drives: 2009 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chesterfield, MI

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2009 135i  [10.00]
Pics of post install added to 1st post.
__________________
JB4 l Berk AB l AP Mids l PLM DP's l RSD CP l Injen CAI l BSH OCC l ETS FMIC l Koni FSD's l BMW Performance Springs l Complete M3 Frt & Rear l Dinan Shock Mnts & Camber Plates l Quaife LSD l Morel Speakers l Zapco Amps l BMW SS Pedals l Pearlescent Brake Handle l 30% Tint l ICarbon Dry Diffuser l Matte / Gloss Grills l Black 135i emblem l P3 V2 Gauge l SF-71's l Conti DW's 235/265-19's l LCI Tails l Lux H8

Last edited by 1fastbmw; 04-10-2011 at 08:53 AM..
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2011, 07:36 PM   #14
Dackelone
European Editor
Dackelone's Avatar
Germany
10511
Rep
22,992
Posts

Drives: N54 e82
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Bayern, Germany

iTrader: (1)

1fastbmw - many thanks for the update!

Q). Did you also go with the M3 REAR lower control arms? The alloy arm that the spring sits in>? Or did you not go with them because of the way the 135i shocks mount to the car?

???
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2011, 09:02 PM   #15
1fastbmw
Second Lieutenant
1fastbmw's Avatar
23
Rep
215
Posts

Drives: 2009 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chesterfield, MI

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2009 135i  [10.00]
I did not use rear lower control arms due to them requiring a different rear spring / shock combo. I got a very good deal on my shocks and springs, $500 shipped for both from another member with less than 10K miles on them, so I figured I would start with these.
__________________
JB4 l Berk AB l AP Mids l PLM DP's l RSD CP l Injen CAI l BSH OCC l ETS FMIC l Koni FSD's l BMW Performance Springs l Complete M3 Frt & Rear l Dinan Shock Mnts & Camber Plates l Quaife LSD l Morel Speakers l Zapco Amps l BMW SS Pedals l Pearlescent Brake Handle l 30% Tint l ICarbon Dry Diffuser l Matte / Gloss Grills l Black 135i emblem l P3 V2 Gauge l SF-71's l Conti DW's 235/265-19's l LCI Tails l Lux H8

Last edited by 1fastbmw; 04-10-2011 at 09:24 AM..
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2011, 09:43 PM   #16
ianc
Ex '87 Carrera
ianc's Avatar
United_States
246
Rep
1,259
Posts

Drives: '10 TiAg 6MT 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Redwood Shores, California

iTrader: (0)

This is hands down the best effort a documenting a major project that I've seen on this site. Fantastic effort and fantastic pics! Eager to hear your impressions of your first serious test drive after the alignment..

ianc
__________________
"I will tell you there is a big difference between driving money and driving blood, sweat and tears." - PorscheGuy79

"I got 328 loaner and was impressed with performance. It feels much faster than my 135i." - MOCKBA
Appreciate 0
      04-10-2011, 02:41 AM   #17
Bimmer-Bob
!
Bimmer-Bob's Avatar
United_States
692
Rep
3,266
Posts

Drives: 2010 128i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Anacortes, WA

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1fastbmw View Post
I got a very good deal on my shocks and springs, $500 shipped for both from another member with less than 10K miles on them
!

Not bad at all.

I have the Dinan pieces as well, and found the camber plates really improved turn in. I imagine it's even better with the M3 wishbones.

Did you find the struts difficult to remove at all? I couldn't get mine released from the wheel hub for the life of me.

Last question - are you still on stock tires?
__________________
____________________________

Last edited by Bimmer-Bob; 04-10-2011 at 02:46 AM..
Appreciate 0
      04-10-2011, 08:35 AM   #18
1fastbmw
Second Lieutenant
1fastbmw's Avatar
23
Rep
215
Posts

Drives: 2009 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chesterfield, MI

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2009 135i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob View Post
!

Not bad at all.

I have the Dinan pieces as well, and found the camber plates really improved turn in. I imagine it's even better with the M3 wishbones.

Did you find the struts difficult to remove at all? I couldn't get mine released from the wheel hub for the life of me.

Last question - are you still on stock tires?
The frt struts were a little difficult to release but using a chisel to drive between the clamp on the knuckle to spread it open and then tapping on the knuckle on both sides of the strut seem pop it out.

As far as tires go in I'm on stock RFT's until I get my ALUFELGEN 19" SF-71 in. I have been trying to get a set of the Conti DW 225/35/19 & 265/30/19 but they are on back order. I think the Conti's would help keep the balance of comfort and performance, which was my whole goal. I would be curious to hear if anyone has other tire suggestions.
__________________
JB4 l Berk AB l AP Mids l PLM DP's l RSD CP l Injen CAI l BSH OCC l ETS FMIC l Koni FSD's l BMW Performance Springs l Complete M3 Frt & Rear l Dinan Shock Mnts & Camber Plates l Quaife LSD l Morel Speakers l Zapco Amps l BMW SS Pedals l Pearlescent Brake Handle l 30% Tint l ICarbon Dry Diffuser l Matte / Gloss Grills l Black 135i emblem l P3 V2 Gauge l SF-71's l Conti DW's 235/265-19's l LCI Tails l Lux H8
Appreciate 0
      04-10-2011, 09:07 AM   #19
onlyar18
Still a Honda Fanboi
onlyar18's Avatar
Canada
8
Rep
148
Posts

Drives: 2011 BMW 135i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Impressive! and nice garage
__________________
2011 135i / 6MT / Alpine White / M-Sport


Appreciate 0
      04-12-2011, 06:03 PM   #20
1fastbmw
Second Lieutenant
1fastbmw's Avatar
23
Rep
215
Posts

Drives: 2009 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chesterfield, MI

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2009 135i  [10.00]
So the alignment is done and I was surprised but the min amount of frt camber I could get was -1.7 with the M3 components and Dinan Camber plates. With the shocks slid all the way in the slots, in the opposite direction it was -2.1 so they left it at the -1.7. Other than that, everything else was set to what Harold recommended.

I only drove about 15 miles but the car handles much better, it inspires you to take corners at much higher speeds and turns in very well. In terms of the LSD it hooks much better, w/ full bolt ons and JB4 map 5 on 93 octane it seems to only spin 1/2 way through 1st and hooks from there and pulls hard and straight. Where before 1st & 2nd was a complete waste. I will comment on shocks and springs after I get some more miles on it. It is now time for some non RFT's.
__________________
JB4 l Berk AB l AP Mids l PLM DP's l RSD CP l Injen CAI l BSH OCC l ETS FMIC l Koni FSD's l BMW Performance Springs l Complete M3 Frt & Rear l Dinan Shock Mnts & Camber Plates l Quaife LSD l Morel Speakers l Zapco Amps l BMW SS Pedals l Pearlescent Brake Handle l 30% Tint l ICarbon Dry Diffuser l Matte / Gloss Grills l Black 135i emblem l P3 V2 Gauge l SF-71's l Conti DW's 235/265-19's l LCI Tails l Lux H8

Last edited by 1fastbmw; 04-12-2011 at 07:29 PM..
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2011, 08:40 PM   #21
1fastbmw
Second Lieutenant
1fastbmw's Avatar
23
Rep
215
Posts

Drives: 2009 135i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chesterfield, MI

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2009 135i  [10.00]
So I put about 120 miles on the car today, driving completely through the city on highways and surfaces roads, btw they are Detroit roads, and all I can say is WOW!!! I did not expect to suspension to fell so good, as everyone always says this is really how the car should have came stock. On the highway all of the bumps are completely soaked up and it does not create any annoying bounce. I had a few bumps and pot holes that I had to be very careful not to hit on a daily basis before, because they instantly bottom out the stock suspension and made me grit my teeth in fear of cracking the windshield. After hitting a few of the medium bumps and the new suspension soaking them right up I found myself aiming for the worst of them and not once did I bottom the suspension out or have any abnormal jarring. This suspension on the highway is without a doubt more comfortable than stock. On top of this, the car now handles extremely well. I can not imagine someone tuning a suspension to handle any better than this without compromising on comfort or creating additional noise. It creates confidence that you now are trying to find a corner that will even tempts its limits. The one thing I find a little strange is on lower speed roads, 40 mph and below, I find on concrete the car does transmit more noise and road imperfections. I think this is truly due to the Run Flat Tires and the new stiffness of the M3 bits. It is not uncomfortable but it does create a little more road noise, not sure why at higher speeds it is so much better, but it is. But get this car on a smooth black top road with a few curves and you are in heaven, just hold on. With all the additional power from the other new components and the smoothness of the JB4 this car feels like an ultimate daily driver, bring on the M1. I was after the perfect balance of performance and comfort, that would not take constant tinkering to keep things right, and as of now I think I surpassed my goal.
__________________
JB4 l Berk AB l AP Mids l PLM DP's l RSD CP l Injen CAI l BSH OCC l ETS FMIC l Koni FSD's l BMW Performance Springs l Complete M3 Frt & Rear l Dinan Shock Mnts & Camber Plates l Quaife LSD l Morel Speakers l Zapco Amps l BMW SS Pedals l Pearlescent Brake Handle l 30% Tint l ICarbon Dry Diffuser l Matte / Gloss Grills l Black 135i emblem l P3 V2 Gauge l SF-71's l Conti DW's 235/265-19's l LCI Tails l Lux H8
Appreciate 0
      04-14-2011, 11:47 AM   #22
hooner35
Make every day a great 1!
hooner35's Avatar
United_States
24
Rep
167
Posts

Drives: 1M
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Motorcity, MI

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW 1M  [9.83]
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1fastbmw View Post
So the alignment is done and I was surprised but the min amount of frt camber I could get was -1.7 with the M3 components and Dinan Camber plates. With the shocks slid all the way in the slots, in the opposite direction it was -2.1 so they left it at the -1.7. Other than that, everything else was set to what Harold recommended.

I only drove about 15 miles but the car handles much better, it inspires you to take corners at much higher speeds and turns in very well. In terms of the LSD it hooks much better, w/ full bolt ons and JB4 map 5 on 93 octane it seems to only spin 1/2 way through 1st and hooks from there and pulls hard and straight. Where before 1st & 2nd was a complete waste. I will comment on shocks and springs after I get some more miles on it. It is now time for some non RFT's.
Another Michigander here.
Very much impressed with your work.
At which shop did you get your alignment done?
Thanks.
__________________
1M / Alpine White
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

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 05:40 AM.




1addicts
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