Even BMW can't tell me the right springs

[Cavpilot2k]

Since the demise of the BMW PS, I've been looking at alternatives for a conservative drop and firmer ride for my 100% street DD 135.

I finally settled on BMW performance springs.
But as most of us know, there are several versions based on the configuration of the car.
So, how does one determine which PN is the right one?

RealOEM is useless in that regard. Maybe back in the day it did say, but now it doesn't.
So I figure I'll call my local BMW parts department. Surely they'll be able to tell me.

Not so much.
The guy said that no springs show up as options for my VIN. He's like "well your VIN shows up as already having the M-Sport suspension".
I tell him I know and this is supposed to be an upgrade beyond that. BMW Performance, which is now what you would call M Performance.
Nothing. His computer would not give him any spring upgrade options for me.

So as much as I once wanted a BMW PS, and then was going to settle for just the springs and maybe BMW Perf. Struts, I'm pretty much fed up with being unable to find which ones are the right ones.

Sure, I could guess or go with T2 front and T3 rear, which is a common recommendation. But then some say the reversed that and had great results.

I'm just about pissed enough that BMW makes it impossible to do that research for myself and simply look up the right configuration that I think I'm just going to go with another brand.
Fuck 'em if they want to make it so difficult to buy their parts.

Okay, rant over.

[ShocknAwe]

There was a thread on here with the correct part numbers for the BMWP 135i coupe springs.

Now just gotta find it...

[ShocknAwe]

Without devouring the whole internet, skim this thread. There are a few sets of parts numbers for springs in it. Not sure what's valid, but take a peek.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=360036

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

There was a thread on here with the correct part numbers for the BMWP 135i coupe springs.

Now just gotta find it...

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Without devouring the whole internet, skim this thread. There are a few sets of parts numbers for springs in it. Not sure what's valid, but take a peek.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=360036

Yeah, I've followed that thread. The problem is ultimately that it's still just an educated guess which of the 4 models of front springs and 2 or 3 models or rear springs to choose.
I guess my point is that BMW has a system that will spit out the right answer if you put in your VIN, but they never made it public, and now even BMW, it seems, can't figure it out.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

Yeah, I've followed that thread. The problem is ultimately that it's still just an educated guess which of the 4 models of front springs and 2 or 3 models or rear springs to choose.
I guess my point is that BMW has a system that will spit out the right answer if you put in your VIN, but they never made it public, and now even BMW, it seems, can't figure it out.

Call Tischer BMW (aka GetBMWParts) They'll figure it out for you.

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Call Tischer BMW (aka GetBMWParts) They'll figure it out for you.

Wilco.
Thanks.

[gjm120]

I just bought springs from getBMWparts a few weeks ago. See my review in the Vendor/Buyer/seller feedback section of this forum.

[gjm120]

Just for fun - how is your car optioned? I bet I can guess the springs you need.
BTW - the BMWP springs w/ Koni Sports are really a huge improvement over stock m-sport. And the drop so far is only about 8-10mm.

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by gjm120

Just for fun - how is your car optioned? I bet I can guess the springs you need.

2012 6MT, M-Sport, Pretty much fully loaded (Sunroof, Nav, Premium, Convenience , etc...). See my signature.
From what I've read, I think it'll come up T2 Front, T3 Rear.

Originally Posted by gjm120

BTW - the BMWP springs w/ Koni Sports are really a huge improvement over stock m-sport. And the drop so far is only about 8-10mm.

Yeah, my plan has been BMWP Springs and either Koni Yellows or the BMWP Struts from the old PS kit.

I'd do Dinan springs too, but they don't make them anymore.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

Yeah, my plan has been BMWP Springs and either Koni Yellows or the BMWP Struts from the old PS kit.

Get Konis or Bilsteins. Skip the official BMWP dampers even if you can get them, they were still valved with runflats in mind.

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Get Konis or Bilsteins. Skip the official BMWP dampers even if you can get them, they were still valved with runflats in mind.

Good point I had not considered!

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

Good point I had not considered!

BMW handed us all a huge pain in the ass when they sold these cars with runflat tuned suspensions.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

2012 6MT, M-Sport, Pretty much fully loaded (Sunroof, Nav, Premium, Convenience , etc...). See my signature.
From what I've read, I think it'll come up T2 Front, T3 Rear.



Yeah, my plan has been BMWP Springs and either Koni Yellows or the BMWP Struts from the old PS kit.

I'd do Dinan springs too, but they don't make them anymore.

My bet is T3 front, T2 rear. Should we wager our cars?

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by gjm120

My bet is T3 front, T2 rear. Should we wager our cars?

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Love it!

And his red RX-7 is the best car in that whole series (which I love, BTW).

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by gjm120

My bet is T3 front, T2 rear. Should we wager our cars?

Suspension bet for slips? I'm down.










Or maybe just a beer if you find yourself in the Boston area.

[gjm120]

Oh... and if you buy the Koni's by end May, you get the rebate.

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Call Tischer BMW (aka GetBMWParts) They'll figure it out for you.

Their site doesn't give a phone number anymore, but I emailed my question and VIN and they replied with the correct PN within 15 minutes. AWESOME!!
Thanks!

Originally Posted by gjm120

My bet is T3 front, T2 rear. Should we wager our cars?

Um...errr....
You were right.
I owe you a beer.

[Mandinca]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

BMW handed us all a huge pain in the ass when they sold these cars with runflat tuned suspensions.

I concur....

[Cavpilot2k]

Now I just need to decide to go with these BMW Performance springs or Eibach.
They will be paired with Koni yellows. Street (not track) DD use.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

Their site doesn't give a phone number anymore, but I emailed my question and VIN and they replied with the correct PN within 15 minutes. AWESOME!!
Thanks!



Um...errr....
You were right.
I owe you a beer.

I thought we agreed on the cars? Ok - I'll take a beer.

My two cents on the Eibach or BMWP choice: you should get a more predictable drop with the BMWP as they are spec'd for your car. Also, I've read that the Eibach drop is like 1.2" / 30mm which will likely be more than the BMWP springs. Favoring the Eibach is price. The BMWP springs will run abt $375.

I'd recommend getting the right bump stops with either spring you choose. For the BMWP springs Jason R can do that for you.

[Esteban]

Yeah, agree with gjm120 on the BMW Performance springs. Also, OP, as you said in your original post, where you stated you want a "conservative drop," you won't get that with the Eibach springs.

PS - can't believe I missed this thread. Can I join you guys for beers?