Today is...

[Suprgnat]

Sub-frame bushing install day!

[mechavore884]

let us know how it goes.....and good luck lol

[TheSt|G]

Jealousy!

I really need to get on this, I just haven't had the time.

[andrey_gta]

Please describe the results. Eager to hear more 128i perspective, especially in street daily driving.

Congrats.

I think I should have enough budget for this mod this summer

[Suprgnat]

So far, everything everybody says is true: This is a must do.

The rear end and the chassis no longer feel like they're always trying to play catch-up with each other, the back end no longer makes me pucker when I hit an irregularity mid-corner, and it doesn't pump its ass up and down on a hard stop.

The stock (for now) dampers finally get to do their job, and not too badly.

NVH?

I didn't notice any increase in noise or vibration, but a little harshness on sharp edges. Not much, though, and combined with the dampers doing their job, dare I say, it may overall be less harsh.

I need more seat time, but I am ecstatic so far!

I also did the rear wishbones and guide rods a couple of weeks ago (because I had them and it was easy) and the combination is fantastic. It tracks so nicely now. Unlike some on this forum, I thought the stock M-Sport suspension was pretty decent for what it was supposed to be, but it's starting to get to a whole new level.

St|G and andrey, I would not have guessed that you both hadn't done this already

Front control arms and tension rod install along with alignment pin removal is a month out due to my travel schedule (yes, St|G, the "OEM" ones. I know you've been hurt. I'll honestly report any problems should they arise).

///M rear camber arms will go on when I upgrade my springs and dampers along with, probably, HPA rear toe arms. (or is it Santa Barbara Autowerks now?) Haven't decided which set-up yet. There's plenty of time. The 128i is a keeper for me.

Bought, not leased.

[lastMleft]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

So far, everything everybody says is true: This is a must do.

The rear end and the chassis no longer feel like they're always trying to play catch-up with each other, the back end no longer makes me pucker when I hit an irregularity mid-corner, and it doesn't pump its ass up and down on a hard stop.

The stock (for now) dampers finally get to do their job, and not too badly.

NVH?

I didn't notice any increase in noise or vibration, but a little harshness on sharp edges. Not much, though, and combined with the dampers doing their job, dare I say, it may overall be less harsh.

I need more seat time, but I am ecstatic so far!

I also did the rear wishbones and guide rods a couple of weeks ago (because I had them and it was easy) and the combination is fantastic. It tracks so nicely now. Unlike some on this forum, I thought the stock M-Sport suspension was pretty decent for what it was supposed to be, but it's starting to get to a whole new level.

St|G and andrey, I would not have guessed that you both hadn't done this already

Front control arms and tension rod install along with alignment pin removal is a month out due to my travel schedule (yes, St|G, the "OEM" ones. I know you've been hurt. I'll honestly report any problems should they arise).

///M rear camber arms will go on when I upgrade my springs and dampers along with, probably, HPA rear toe arms. (or is it Santa Barbara Autowerks now?) Haven't decided which set-up yet. There's plenty of time. The 128i is a keeper for me.

Bought, not leased.

Fantastic news, i'm happy for you, after more seat time post more feedback!!!

[ilikebmxbikes]

congratulations on the install and awesome to hear results from a 128i. As you have discovered, I too was so impressed with how much of a difference the bushings made. They really are not as fun of a mod as coilovers, sway bars, control arms etc. but man are they worth it.

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

They really are not as fun of a mod as coilovers, sway bars, control arms etc. but man are they worth it.

I agree with some who have posted that one might as well do the bushings first. Makes all the other mods work the way they are supposed to.

Since I already have most of the other stuff (control arms etc), I can only imagine what it will be like when I decide on springs and dampers. (and Dinan camber plates if need be, square/lite wheel/tire combo, WaveTrac, etc. At least the list is finite...)

[ilikebmxbikes]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

I agree with some who have posted that one might as well do the bushings first. Makes all the other mods work the way they are supposed to.

Since I already have most of the other stuff (control arms etc), I can only imagine what it will be like when I decide on springs and dampers. (and Dinan camber plates if need be, square/lite wheel/tire combo, WaveTrac, etc. At least the list is finite...)

Absolutely. I did bushings last and regretted it. Stock our suspension really lacks and I went coilovers and sway bars thinking it would cure the bouncy/rubbery rear end... those parts helped but didnt fully cure it. After control arms and some other suspension, I finally did the bushings as they were last on the list and then the rear felt tight and connected. I would recommend doing bushings with initial suspension mods if you can afford it. My wavetrac LSD really helps in certain situations, but on the road, the bushings are more noticeable.

[Suprgnat]

Oh, and for the first time in my life I paid someone to work on my car (aside from oil change/tire mount and balance/alignment) I've always done all the work myself, including the sub-frame bushings in my 510 years ago, engine and transmission rebuilds, etc., but I just didn't feel like dealing with this. I have a lot going on at work and a rotisserie restoration of a Healey in the garage and this was more WORK than I wanted to deal with. A strut, an arm, meh. Pressing stuff out? Unlike when I had the 510, I have more money than time, so mad props to: Performance Technic in Pleasanton, CA

http://www.performancetechnic.com/index.php

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

connected

Exactly!

[ilikebmxbikes]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

Oh, and for the first time in my life I paid someone to work on my car (aside from oil change/tire mount and balance/alignment) I've always done all the work myself, including the sub-frame bushings in my 510 years ago, engine and transmission rebuilds, etc., but I just didn't feel like dealing with this. I have a lot going on at work and a rotisserie restoration of a Healey in the garage and this was more WORK than I wanted to deal with. A strut, an arm, meh. Pressing stuff out? Unlike when I had the 510, I have more money than time, so mad props to: Performance Technic in Pleasanton, CA

http://www.performancetechnic.com/index.php

I had no idea you were local commenting on this post. Performance technic does work on my car too. For someone who is mechanically inclined but doesnt have the time or tools, this is the perfect shop. I like how open they are to inviting customers into the garage. Its a totally different vibe than most of the shops I have gone to in this area. They will do 100% of my shop labor on my next build.

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

I had no idea you were local commenting on this post. Performance technic does work on my car too. For someone who is mechanically inclined but doesnt have the time or tools, this is the perfect shop. I like how open they are to inviting customers into the garage. Its a totally different vibe than most of the shops I have gone to in this area. They will do 100% of my shop labor on my next build.

[andrey_gta]

Awesome info. Im gona see if i can budget the bushings earlier.

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

///M rear camber arms will go on when I upgrade my springs and dampers along with, probably, HPA rear toe arms. (or is it Santa Barbara Autowerks now?) Haven't decided which set-up yet. There's plenty of time. The 128i is a keeper for me.

Bought, not leased.

What shocks/Springs are you using to fit on the m3 rear caber arm?
HPA rear toe arms/ Rouge Engineering arms had mixed reviews, surprising Megan arms are the preferred choice on atleast three 335i's on here

[TheSt|G]

It's not even a budget thing for me, it's just trying to schedule renting the tool(though I might have it laying around) with my work schedule.

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

It's not even a budget thing for me, it's just trying to schedule renting the tool(though I might have it laying around) with my work schedule.

I know what you mean. That's one reason I ended up paying someone else to do it. Sure, I had an appointment, but I could have cancelled it if something came up. I was also up against the maximum amount of vacation hours I could accrue at work so I figured I'd burn some vacation hours and make a day of it.

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

Awesome info. Im gona see if i can budget the bushings earlier.



What shocks/Springs are you using to fit on the m3 rear caber arm?
HPA rear toe arms/ Rouge Engineering arms had mixed reviews, surprising Megan arms are the preferred choice on atleast three 335i's on here

...will I be

Not sure yet. Narrowed down to TCK True Match or Koni's with Swift Spec-Rs. If I decide not to do the camber arms I'll throw Bilstein B16 and Ohlins R&T in to the mix.

Interesting about the toe arms. I liked the fact that they used seals. This is, after all, a street car. I fabbed spherical bearings for my 510's tension rods that needed a little too regular replacement for my taste and I think part of it was exposure to the elements.

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

Bilstein B16

Hmm. Bilstein doesn't list the B16 PSS10 for the 2013 128i but they do for the 2011. Anybody know what changed, if anything, that would necessitate this?

[andrey_gta]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

Hmm. Bilstein doesn't list the B16 PSS10 for the 2013 128i but they do for the 2011. Anybody know what changed, if anything, that would necessitate this?

look up 135i 2013 in the suspension section. Something definitely changedin the track width or smth, people get rubbing.

Compared to the race application hp/rouge arms, megans are more street/daily friendly.

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

look up 135i 2013 in the suspension section. Something definitely changedin the track width or smth, people get rubbing.

Man. Spent some time on RealOEM comparing various 128i years and can't find a thing.

[andrey_gta]

I meant the on forum

[NorthernDancer]

Who did you go with for the bushings? Bav Auto have rearward for $351 and forward for $166 (total $517). Turner have various sets in the $400-$500 range but then also have a M3 set for $287.80 which I think for a 128 would be best.