Power Mods vs Handling Mods

[dm874]

So I've noticed that I have kind of been sucked into a one-sided mod upgrading game where I'm running dp's, chargepipe, DCI's, Tune, and exhaust but no suspension or any other type of handling upgrades.
I don't track, I just street race on a straight drag every now and then.

My question is, with my power mods and lack thereof of handling mods, combined with my driving tendencies (I don't take crazy corners)..... Is it necessary to upgrade my suspension/handling? If so, what's the best bang for my buck?

Any advice on whether it's really worth it or not to get a 5" or 7" FMIC is also appreciated

[lowbudgethero]

only you can decide if it's worth it, I decided to just go with some sticky tires all around and I'm pretty happy with it

[JabonYetty]

Originally Posted by dm874

So I've noticed that I have kind of been sucked into a one-sided mod upgrading game where I'm running dp's, chargepipe, DCI's, Tune, and exhaust but no suspension or any other type of handling upgrades.
I don't track, I just street race on a straight drag every now and then.

My question is, with my power mods and lack thereof of handling mods, combined with my driving tendencies (I don't take crazy corners)..... Is it necessary to upgrade my suspension/handling? If so, what's the best bang for my buck?

Any advice on whether it's really worth it or not to get a 5" or 7" FMIC is also appreciated

Personally I dont think its necessary to upgrade the suspension if your not tracking it. If you do decide to go that route however the most affordable option would be sway bars, springs/shocks & urethane bushings.

[ShocknAwe]

Just change the dampers (Koni Yellow or Bilstein HD) and get a set of subframe bushing inserts. Thank me later.

Youll want better rubber for traction with the power you are putting down, and once you ditch the runflats, the dampers suck and the rear end will pogo bounce all over the place.

[The Wind Breezes]

If you just drag race and don't take corners hard then leave the suspension stock.

[BMW135pls]

If you have to ask, you probably don't need it. Don't fret about it too much if something isn't biting at your ass to be upgraded. Suspension upgrades will help with straight line performance and stability as well, but if you aren't in a position where you are pushing enough power to overpower the suspension, then everything is still well enough balanced.

[Cavpilot2k]

I only have subframe bushing inserts and new rubber (non-runflat Pilot Super Sports) on an otherwise stock N55 (MY2011) suspension and I am totally fine with that. BTW, I do not track my car - it is my daily driver.

I think the MY 2011+ suspension changes (linear vs progressive) made it better than the previous years, and my only real complaint was the bounciness of the rear end. The bushing inserts cleared up that issue.

So, if you don't track, especially if you have a MY 2011+, I would try bushing inserts (the cheapest way to go) and maybe new tires (the PSS are the most popular non-runflat on this car) and just go with that until you start to feel like you are being limited by your suspension.

[John_01]

The rear subframe bushings should be replaced with something firmer like the M3 ones. It makes the car feel a lot more precise in normal driving. IMO, you are missing out if you don't have them. Unfortunately not so cheap to replace though.

I'm not very impressed with the OE dampers. To me they feel like they are already worn out even when they are new. If you find them to be ok for your needs, then its a personal preference I guess. I would recommend Koni yellow, but some people will also use Koni FSD with stock springs.

[dm874]

Guys very good info! Thanks a lot. Seems like the general consensus is bushings and dampers. Can anyone direct me to where I would get new bushings at? I don't want any ebay crap
I'm planning on doing the job myself since I do all of my car work in my drive way anyways. I'll start looking for a DIY

[Yeineken]

Handling over power for me. Then again I have nothing but back roads where I live. Sometimes just upgrading suspension can make a car feel faster due to it being more stable and you can push the car harder. Then you can decide what power mods will benefit you.

[The Wind Breezes]

There seems to be this myth that the stock suspension isn't suitable for hard driving. That's total bullshit. The stock suspension is every bit as capable as the driver using it, and the setup is generally very smooth and forgiving.

If you actually drive the car "track style" and have a legitimate need for higher performance suspension, you will notice the urgent need for a LSD well before any suspension shortcomings, and that's with stock power. Add a decent amount of power and you'll certainly be looking at cooling upgrades if you didn't see the need for those before...not to mention pads / fluid. If you're not driving the car at this level, but want to, forget about suspension upgrades and get some experience on track, or at least auto-x first. Otherwise you're fooling yourself over any "performance" gains from suspension.

[dm874]

^It's not that these replies are saying that the stock suspension isn't "suitable" for hard driving but instead are more geared towards suspension upgrades that "complement" the performance upgrades to make the 135i a more balanced and smooth car.
Like Yeineken said, an upgraded suspension makes the car "feel" faster, not that it actually "is" faster. Obviously if you're looking to track then an LSD should be high on the priority list but if you're just a street driver (like me) then you're looking for cheaper upgrades (such as bushings or sway bars) that complement the performance mods a little better.

[MaDoNiOn]

Coilovers vs tires should give you an idea how much tires help with the right suspension.

[all4bspinnin]

The stock bmw suspension is decent. Op, in your case a nice set of wheels and lowering springs will make your car look great

[Tricki]

Go with M3 subframe bushings!! I added inserts only due to cost and about 10,000kms later the car at stages feels floaty under acceleration again!!