Just Installed BMW Performance Suspension 2011 135i

[cwg]

Originally Posted by 1SerieStud

How much did having the dealer install the suspension set you back? I've read on here that some dealers charge in excess off $700 which I consider to be ridiculous for installing fully mechanical suspension components, and without even needing the use of a spring compressor!

I've installed suspensions before and if I can save myself 700 bucks I'll do it again lol

Yes - they quoted 9 hours of time plus alignment - paid too much - but since the car is leased and I wanted to perserve the warranty -I did not feel I had a lot of options - just bent over. Trying to focus now on how great the car is with this set up - that is easing pain from the price of admission.

[dojk]

hi, doesn't the 135i come with Sport Susp from factory? Isnt it the same as what you installed?

[cwg]

Originally Posted by dojk

hi, doesn't the 135i come with Sport Susp from factory? Isnt it the same as what you installed?

Yes all the 135i come with sport suspension - the performance suspension is 34% stiffer springs/shock plus a stiffer antiroll bar in the front. Drops the car about a half inch.

from the bmw accessories site:

http://accessories.bmwusa.com/ItemVi...=1&subItemId=9



At the heart of performance is handling. And how well a BMW handles is directly influenced by its suspension. The BMW Performance Suspension lets you savor every curve and every corner like never before! This sport suspension set-up is reflected visually by the BMW Performance Yellow springs.This new aggressive package lowers the vehicle by 25 mm compared to the standard suspension and by 10mm when compared to the sport suspension. Spring rates are increased 48% compared to standard suspension and 34% compared to the sports suspension.

Components included: • 2 Front struts and mounts• 2 Rear shock absorbers• Front sway bar, 26.5mm in diameter (replacement of the rear sway bar is not required)• Rubber sway bar mounts for front/rear• Small parts (mounting hardware, covers and dampers)

[cwg]

Originally Posted by Hoog23

Do you know the 'T' numbers on the springs by any chance? thanks

Sorry don't know the "T" numbers (not really sure what those are). Invoice has the following part numbers - rear springs 33-53-6-788-899 and front springs 31-33-6-788-893.

[Hoog_23]

Originally Posted by cwg

Sorry don't know the "T" numbers (not really sure what those are). Invoice has the following part numbers - rear springs 33-53-6-788-899 and front springs 31-33-6-788-893.

Springs have them stamped on or on a tag. Might not be easy to see now that they are installed. See pic in one of the first posts in this thread.

[cwg]

Originally Posted by Hoog_23

Springs have them stamped on or on a tag. Might not be easy to see now that they are installed. See pic in one of the first posts in this thread.

thats a cool thread - will take a look over the weekend and let you know if i can see the numbers on my springs

[808@702]

Im from Oahu but living and working in Vegas. I have the perf suspension and yes it is outstanding. The roads here are really good, compared to the roads on Oahu. Just be careful when your driving in town in the rain. Potholes everywhere! Oahu has some of the worst pavement I have ever seen. Cmon Neil! Fix the roads!

[cwg]

Originally Posted by 808@702

Im from Oahu but living and working in Vegas. I have the perf suspension and yes it is outstanding. The roads here are really good, compared to the roads on Oahu. Just be careful when your driving in town in the rain. Potholes everywhere! Oahu has some of the worst pavement I have ever seen. Cmon Neil! Fix the roads!

We just had a big storm that dumped 8 plus inches of rain and the potholes are worse than ever. I am hoping the RFTs help save me from bending a rim.

[MarkR171]

Meanwhile, I've found a practical use of autocross skills for avoiding potholes with my non-runflats'

[IZAGLO]

This may be my next mod....although i will also have to feel the pain of having the dealer install the goodies...What should i expect to pay at the dealership?? Should i sit down or bend over I want to keep my warranty and CPO so no other alternative.

[dojk]

What aftermarket coils are equal to the level of the BMW Performance items? KW Ver1 perhaps?

[cwg]

Originally Posted by IZAGLO

This may be my next mod....although i will also have to feel the pain of having the dealer install the goodies...What should i expect to pay at the dealership?? Should i sit down or bend over I want to keep my warranty and CPO so no other alternative.

I am leasing and need to keep the warranty and lease people happy so the BMW set up was the only practical option for me. I am really glad I did it and the pain of paying the dealer for the 9 hours of labor plus alignment is fading. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

[CMSS2000]

Originally Posted by cwg

Invoice has the following part numbers - rear springs 33-53-6-788-899 and front springs 31-33-6-788-893.

I just looked up the Perf Spring numbers on BMWUSA and they are now showing as front: 31-33-6-788-891 Rear: 33-53-6-788-898.

I wonder if they recently changed to a linear spring for the performance suspension (supposedly like they did on the 2011 135i stock suspension) or if these are just alternate spring numbers for a 135i?

After some research, it looks like these are just 2 of the 4 different sets of Performance springs that have been available for the 1 series.

[1SerieStud]

Originally Posted by CMSS2000

I just looked up the Perf Spring numbers on BMWUSA and they are now showing as front: 31-33-6-788-891 Rear: 33-53-6-788-898.

I wonder if they recently changed to a linear spring for the performance suspension (supposedly like they did on the 2011 135i stock suspension) or if these are just alternate spring numbers for a 135i?

I was not aware that my 2011's stock suspension was any different from the stock suspension on previous years. Were the previous springs progressive instead of linear, and are these truly linear?!? What's the validity of this?

Also, for those who have had the performance suspension installed, does it really take 8-9 hours to install, or is that just the price that the dealer puts on it?!? I'm not sure how installing the BMW suspension is any different from installing any other suspension which typically takes 2-3 hours at most! I ask because I am considering this mod next, and I have a worldwide known performance shop a few miles away from me that would not charge anywhere near as much as the dealer would.

Thanks!

[CMSS2000]

Originally Posted by 1SerieStud

I was not aware that my 2011's stock suspension was any different from the stock suspension on previous years. Were the previous springs progressive instead of linear, and are these truly linear?!? What's the validity of this?

Also, for those who have had the performance suspension installed, does it really take 8-9 hours to install, or is that just the price that the dealer puts on it?!? I'm not sure how installing the BMW suspension is any different from installing any other suspension which typically takes 2-3 hours at most! I ask because I am considering this mod next, and I have a worldwide known performance shop a few miles away from me that would not charge anywhere near as much as the dealer would.

Thanks!

This thread is the latest talking about the 2011 suspension being different http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=471267 with a reference to a Bimmerfile review (and link) saying the 2011 suspension was different than previous years.

Installation seems to vary widely. I've seen prices from $350 to $750 just for the install.

[cwg]

Originally Posted by 1SerieStud

I was not aware that my 2011's stock suspension was any different from the stock suspension on previous years. Were the previous springs progressive instead of linear, and are these truly linear?!? What's the validity of this?

Also, for those who have had the performance suspension installed, does it really take 8-9 hours to install, or is that just the price that the dealer puts on it?!? I'm not sure how installing the BMW suspension is any different from installing any other suspension which typically takes 2-3 hours at most! I ask because I am considering this mod next, and I have a worldwide known performance shop a few miles away from me that would not charge anywhere near as much as the dealer would.

Thanks!

I think it is just what the dealer decided to charge in my case. I did ask how long it acutally took and they told me the whole time. I dont believe it.

But with the lease I was hesitant to go anywhere else. If you are not leasing then the difference on a non-dealer install is that you only get the parts warranty of 2 years on the perf suspension parts. If the dealer installs it, then it gets the full 4 year warranty and no issues if failure of the parts causes damage to other parts.

[ennislaw]

Originally Posted by cwg

here are a few pics ...

Sweet, love the color (for obvious reasons)! I am pondering the installation of the BMW Performance Suspension also, hope you'll do a complete review after some miles. Here's a couple shot of my lovely.

pge

[cwg]

Very nice and nice gloss on that paint. I can't say enough good things about the performance susp. You will be happy you did. It has been raining tons here lately hopefuly this weekend will be nice and I can take a few more shots to show the set of the car. It sits lower than stock but just looks purposful and not slammed at all. Have revieved a lot of positive comments. The guys at the dealership love it too.

[egg135]

hey i have a completely stock 2011 135i coupe (with m-sport) and ive really been wanting to improve the handling and stiffen the ride. this would be the only upgrade to my suspension that wouldnt void my warranty, so im wondering if its truly worth it...any more detailed reviews/opinions of bmw's performance suspension would be much appreciated

[gstopyra]

Originally Posted by dojk

What aftermarket coils are equal to the level of the BMW Performance items? KW Ver1 perhaps?

^this

Anyone?

[Pol]

Here is the reason why my next update will be a Performance suspension :

[cwg]

Originally Posted by egg135

hey i have a completely stock 2011 135i coupe (with m-sport) and ive really been wanting to improve the handling and stiffen the ride. this would be the only upgrade to my suspension that wouldnt void my warranty, so im wondering if its truly worth it...any more detailed reviews/opinions of bmw's performance suspension would be much appreciated

Not sure what else I can add - I have had it for close to year now - still very happy with it. I would do it again no doubt about it. If you have any specific questions I'll do my best to answer. It did for me all the things you are looking for.