Quote:
Originally Posted by fe1rx
I have had the spherical suspension at two track days. This mod was combined with a change from M3 RSFBs to solid aluminum, and the addition of a wing and splitter, so it is hard to credit all benefits to any one thing.
I would say though that the spherical bearings result in a subtle improvement in handling feel at the limit and no real change in feel below it. Of course there are some new noises, but these are not particularly intrusive on smooth pavement. I did post this in the Track subforum though because the mod has no practical significance except for track cars.
Without true back-to-back testing it would be difficult to precisely pin down the handling or performance benefit of the spherical bearings vs. M3 parts, but I can say that the difference is by no means night and day.
The wing and splitter are night and day though on fast tracks like the Mosport GP track. I ran them one event last year at that track without the suspension changes and they were good for 2 seconds a lap.
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I believe you on the aero. The addition of a wing and splitter transformed my E36 M3, although like you I changed too much from the '17 season to the '18 season to credit any lap times to that sole change (added 100whp at the same time as well).
My main concern with our 135i is the car has never felt that stable to me. Has the same feeling my E36 did before I went all spherical in the rear. Seems to calm down the harder you drive it and it is difficult to pin it down as I only have street and autocross time in it. My wife currently runs the car in BSP (hillclimb/time trial) so none of these parts are legal, but I may just have her run in SM to get rid of all the rubber in the suspension.
Appreciate the write up.