How to improve handling??

[Zombie1]

Originally Posted by CJ421

They are all OEM parts save for the rear toe arms - the M3 ones do not work on a non-M. I got the Rogue Engineering adjustable rear toe arms from VAC Motorsports - call to order them. They are a Rogue dealer. www.vacmotorsports.com. Or PM Mike@VAC here.

I have part #s on www.getBMWParts.com for the M3 pieces - put these in their search:

The whole kit - PKE9XM3SUSPENSION

Individually:
Strut tower brace - PKE9XM3BRACE
Front control arms/tension strut retrofit kit - PKE9XM3ARMS
Rear guide rod set - PKE9XM3RGUIDE
Rear wishbone set - PKE9XM3REARWISH
Rear sway bar kit - PKE9XM3RSWAYKIT
Front sway bar kit - PKE9XM3FSWAYKIT

Only thing I can't seem to find individually is the rear subframe bushings. You can add them to the whole kit or the front control arms/tension struts retrofit kit when you order however ^.

Powerflex makes many bushings for the E8X - http://store.powerflexusa.com/bmw-e8...ngs-p1426.aspx
#19/20 in their diagram are alternatives to the M3 bushings. I personally like the M3 bushings, they're around the same price and it is an OEM part.

You can look at the Meyle HD parts as alternatives to the M3 parts. (warning: PDF link) http://www.meyle.com/_download/locat...-parts-BMW.pdf
I personally don't have experience with those; the reviews I've read indicate they are of excellent quality (made in Germany) and good upgrades over stock. They are in-between the stock part and the M3 parts in terms of what they'll do for handling. Pretty good run-down here of what they offer.

I'm saving this info for when I get my 135

[yaymitch]

Originally Posted by sharkatron

Apparently the rear subframe bushings.

True if installed yourself. Usually about $700.00 for install.

[John_01]

The M3 front arm kit makes a really big difference to the steering feel. The negative front camber makes the handling feel dramatically sharper, and the harder bushings give it a more tactile feel. IMO that's the next thing to do after tires, springs, dampers and sway bars.

For me the BMW performance suspension was about a 50% fix for the rear end unpredictability of the 135i. The rear of my car still moves around a bit, so its not perfect but at least I'm enjoying the handling of the car for now.

[Wrniknbl]

So I'm still in limbo do I buy ALL the M3 rear suspension upgrades, Guide Rod Kit, Rear Sway bar, Bushings and upper link kit and rear toe control arms (on stock m suspension) or will the bushings alone really make all the difference and the rest not worth it unless I'm looking at taking 10ths off my lap times?