next up: suspension...suggestions?

[NORAGRETS]

hey guys, kinda "maxed" out on what I can do power-wise to my 135i. With Cobb not being able to crack the 2012 ECU of the e82, I will continue to wait in vain.

So! on to suspension. Car is STOCK suspension-wise (M-sport) and want to do it piece by piece over the winter...

Looking for:

1. Camber plates - thinking Dinan as they're relatively cheap and FIXED at 0.7 degrees...

2. Springs - thinking H&R OE Sport, I live in a city with shitty roads so I cant drop 2" or ill die.

3. Coilovers (in place of springs) - hesitant to drop a ton of money on these as I dont track that often, but give me your 2 cents and convince me?

4. Sway bars and Strut bars - open to suggestions here...

5. Brushings and tranny mounts? - school me on this I dont know too much...

Any input appreciated...what am I missing? Whats essential?

[Zombie1]

The first thing I would do is springs with Koni yellows again if you aren't willing to spend 2k+ on a good set of coilovers. I'm biased towards swifts springs because you can't beat there performance or ride quality. Camber plates are a nice mod to do along with an M3 front sway bar. The upper and lower M3 control arm is a big upgrade for turn in and overall feel of the steering. I wouldn't worry about tranny mounts unless you start making serious power, bushing wise the best set to replace is of course the rear subframe bushings. I did them on my car and it really makes the car feel so much more solid and better ride overall gone is the rubber band effect. What's your budget? Is this your daily? Will the car be tracked? Hope this helps you OP.

[NORAGRETS]

Thanks for the input. No real budget just gonna do it 1 at a time over the next few months...I'd say probably would like to spend about $5-$6k range but want quality vs quantity.

It's my daily and I would track come spring

[135Pats]

I’d start with

Subframe bushings
M3 front control arms
Transmission mounts
Coils

Coils would be last on the list that I’d do; they help with the ride a bit and obviously look nice in terms of a drop. But not as dramatic an improvement as some would have you believe. That’s just been my experience.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Twhill19

Thanks for the input. No real budget just gonna do it 1 at a time over the next few months...I'd say probably would like to spend about $5-$6k range but want quality vs quantity.

It's my daily and I would track come spring

That's a very healthy budget. If quality and functionality is your choice:

M3 subframe bushings
M3 front arms
TC Kline coilovers(double or single depending on how track interested you are)
GC camber plates for stock noise comfort and track adjustability

[3002 tii]

If you don't track, then I see no point of getting TCK coilovers. There should be enough different spring options to give the ride height you're looking for mated with regular Koni's.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

If you don't track, then I see no point of getting TCK coilovers. There should be enough different spring options to give the ride height you're looking for mated with regular Koni's.

+1. OP, start with some Koni/Swift springs setup. This is a setup that will still allow you to grow even if you start attending frequent track days. As you begin to progress and decide to get more serious you can always upgrade without feeling like you spent a lot on the Koni/Swift setup.

In terms of how to setup your car the right way I would do the full M3 suspension overhaul w/out the use of the sway bars. Sway bars should always be the last suspension component you add to your car.

With the Koni/Swift & M3 components you will be well below your expiated budget. I suggest going this route because if you go from stock to say Ohlins or ASTs, you will miss the learning curve on understanding how suspension works and will make the jump less exciting.

I actually suggest going to a couple autox/track days even BEFORE you upgrade your suspension. You will gain a better understanding of your car handling dynamics and will allow you to be an overall better driver when you do upgrade your suspension!

-Mike

[NORAGRETS]

Thanks guys. Yeah the big budget was for coilovers if I was gonna do them. Obviously I'd like to keep it as cheap as possible, but I don't like to skimp on mods, I feel like with 99% of aftermarket products, you get what you pay for. Thanks for the input very helpful

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Twhill19

Thanks guys. Yeah the big budget was for coilovers if I was gonna do them. Obviously I'd like to keep it as cheap as possible, but I don't like to skimp on mods, I feel like with 99% of aftermarket products, you get what you pay for. Thanks for the input very helpful

I'll take quality shocks and spring combo over cheap coilovers anyday

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

I'll take quality shocks and spring combo over cheap coilovers anyday

Yes, I agree. Cheap coilover brands sell you price points, NOT quality or performance.

There is a reason why AST, JRZ and Ohlins just to name of few is $$$ and something else is $. If one wants good results, don't look at anything cheap.