Ordering BMW PS. What (if any) M3 (or other) parts should I consider to complement?

[///M1]

Deciding to pull the trigger on the BMW Performance Suspension, partly due to the price reduction, but also can use my BMW CC dividend points for it, so it'll be free. I'm sold on the positive reviews, like the subtle but not too big drop, so overall think this will be a worthwhile and much needed upgrade.

However I want to see if I can further improve on it. I know people have been mixing and matching different setups, using parts off the M3 bin. The springs are sold separately from the BMW PS but I recon I will go with the BMW ones as their rating is built with that damper in mind. However what else would you guys think I should consider (stiffer/bigger anti-roll bars, adjustable arms, front tension rods, rear subframe bushings, etc.)?

Thx!

[crex]

I have the bmw PS installed and ordered the front control arm kit because it increases the steering feedback. I am also debating adding the m3 sways, rear arm kit and subframe bushings.

[Nicky G]

So dealerships are OK ordering the M3 suspension pieces, doing the installation, and everything stays under warranty? This sounds like a really good setup.

[bradford]

Originally Posted by Nicky G

So dealerships are OK ordering the M3 suspension pieces, doing the installation, and everything stays under warranty? This sounds like a really good setup.

Whoa whoa whoa. Whatnow?

If they want to bone you for having the M3 parts in, they will, believe me. However, you're more likely to receive sympathy points vs. if you had custom made rod-ends in there or something. It's still a mod that's not made for the car though, per them. Tischer's website even has a disclaimer on the parts that says they're for a M3 only.

[cpt97m3]

I would do both front M3 arms, and the rear sub-frame bushings if you can. Then the rear guide rods if budget allows.

[MastaMind]

At a minimum, I would go with the front tension rods and rear subframe bushings. You could get the front lower wishbones/control arms as well if it's in the budget (wasn't for me, unfortunately). Either way, I would definitely do the rear subframe bushings. Otherwise, you probably won't be satisfied with the rear, even after upgrading springs/dampers.

I don't have much experience with the rear parts beyond the subframe bushings, but there's a great thread on E90post that could shed more light if you're interested.

By doing the front tension rods you'll get more feedback and less slop in the steering, and the rear subframe bushings will keep the rear from squatting and moving all over the place. Huge difference and well worth it.

[My135]

From what I know, you have to order the springs in addition to the PS. The price added up to be around 1200-1400 even with the current discount. The alternative is to go with after market coil over kits and replace the front sway bar (rear is optional IMO).

[///M1]

Originally Posted by My135

From what I know, you have to order the springs in addition to the PS. The price added up to be around 1200-1400 even with the current discount. The alternative is to go with after market coil over kits and replace the front sway bar (rear is optional IMO).

Yup, I will order the 4 springs. What's interesting is that the dealer needs your VIN for those, because allegedly there are 4 spring versions (that's what he told me over the phone). The VIN tells them what options you have and depending on that (which I guess ultimately just tells them the weight of your exact car), they match your car to the appropriate spring rate.

All-in price is around $1200 ($795 for dampers + anti-roll bars then you add the 4 springs + shipping), a local shop will get them installed for $600 (including an alignment), so overall not that bad. I will def consider a few add-ons.


It seems the consensus is, at a minimum add:

• M3 front tension rods
• M3 rear subframe bushings

Then if budget allows:

• M3 front control arms.

Any idea what these parts run (a part # would be super appreciated) and if these would add to the labor in a meaningful way or it's just marginal?

[///M1]

I got a price quote for the parts I was considering ^^^, as well as labor charges. For the most part, the labor is not marginal (i.e. there are not huge cost savings/synergies/benefits, if any, doing these while instaling the suspension). Control arms are over $125 per side, bushings similar, and then labor is significant, to the point that parts alone are going to be $600-ish (control arms, bushings, thrust rods), and labor another 4-6 hrs. So it will add at least 50-70% of the cost of the BMW PS. Will it add 50%+ improvement - highly unlikely.

So I think for now I will do the BMW PS, assess its standolone qualities, and if I feel there needs to be further improvement, add relevant M3 components a la cart over time.

[arrutled]

subframe bushings will be a much larger cost than the front control arms (tension rods and wishbones). should have priced the install seperately.

[///M1]

Originally Posted by arrutled

subframe bushings will be a much larger cost than the front control arms (tension rods and wishbones). should have priced the install seperately.

Indeed, labor on the subframe bushings is about 4 hrs alone, and of course they cost over $200. Doing the suspension doesn't contribute positively to the labor charges, there is no synergy there, so I recon I can always do them later. From what my installer said, the 135i bushings have some groves/small openings on them, while the M3s are solid (and likely more rigid, helping the rear but also compromising the ride a bit). For $600+ dollars, I recon there are better mods to do first than this. For now...

Also, the front control arms should really help with steering feedback, something I don't find the car lacking (at least relative to its suspension deficiency).

[jabwind51]

I too would like some part numbers for the m3 front control arms and the front sway...

[///M1]

Originally Posted by jabwind51

I too would like some part numbers for the m3 front control arms and the front sway...

Left and Right M3 Control Arms(311022283577-8)

Left and Right M3 Tension Struts w/ Bushings(31102283575-6)

M3 Rear Subframe bushings (33312283382-3) x 2 of each

[jabwind51]

Originally Posted by ///M1

Left and Right M3 Control Arms(311022283577-8)

Left and Right M3 Tension Struts w/ Bushings(31102283575-6)

M3 Rear Subframe bushings (33312283382-3) x 2 of each

Thanks! Is there another part number for the sway bar or is tension strut the same? Excuse the lack of knowledge. (Also, checked Getbmwparts.com but these didn't come up?)

[cpt97m3]

Originally Posted by jabwind51

Thanks! Is there another part number for the sway bar or is tension strut the same? Excuse the lack of knowledge. (Also, checked Getbmwparts.com but these didn't come up?)

There is another part for the sway bar. The tension arm is a suspension arm in front. There are two arms in front for each side.

[vitig]

Originally Posted by ///M1

Left and Right M3 Control Arms(311022283577-8)

Left and Right M3 Tension Struts w/ Bushings(31102283575-6)

M3 Rear Subframe bushings (33312283382-3) x 2 of each

i read that you need one 37142283867 to regulated the lights. Is correctly?.

[///M1]

Originally Posted by vitig

i read that you need one 37142283867 to regulated the lights. Is correctly?.

That is the case for the 3-series, but very much can hold true for the 1-series as well. Dunno

Decided to disregard the M3 parts bin for the moment, because adding these things up totals more than the cost of the BMW PS in its entirety! It is the latter where you get huge improvements, the former is adding decimal points, so not a huge bang for the buck IMO, especially if not a track junkie. And let's face it, if you are a track junkie, BMW PS is not the way to go, KW V2 or similar is the better choice.

[MastaMind]

Originally Posted by ///M1

That is the case for the 3-series, but very much can hold true for the 1-series as well. Dunno

Decided to disregard the M3 parts bin for the moment, because adding these things up totals more than the cost of the BMW PS in its entirety! It is the latter where you get huge improvements, the former is adding decimal points, so not a huge bang for the buck IMO, especially if not a track junkie. And let's face it, if you are a track junkie, BMW PS is not the way to go, KW V2 or similar is the better choice.

I just wanted to chime in regarding the bolded statement. I originally thought that way as well, and it wasn't until after I installed my springs/dampers that I realized how wrong I was. IMHO, the M3 parts, especially the subframe bushings, made the car behave how I thought it would after getting new springs/dampers. The rear will never seem planted with the stock bushings.

I definitely understand your reasoning for foregoing the M3 parts at this time, but I wouldn't say the improvements they provide is minuscule.

[///M1]

Originally Posted by MastaMind

I just wanted to chime in regarding the bolded statement. I originally thought that way as well, and it wasn't until after I installed my springs/dampers that I realized how wrong I was. IMHO, the M3 parts, especially the subframe bushings, made the car behave how I thought it would after getting new springs/dampers. The rear will never seem planted with the stock bushings.

I definitely understand your reasoning for foregoing the M3 parts at this time, but I wouldn't say the improvements they provide is minuscule.

Sorry, I should not have jumped the gun and make a statement without having full proof of it. My point was this, clearly the biggest bang for the buck is the BMW performance suspension ($1150 shipped, inclusive of springs). Adding the rear subframe bushings is probably a worthwhile mod along the way, but I will reserve judement on that until I have either tried it myself on my car, or on another. For me at least, 4 hrs of labor on it and $250 in parts didn't seem like something I want to do immediately before trying the BMW PS on its own. Especially when you consider there are no cost savings/synergies in doing the bushings at the same time as the suspension, it is something that can wait. And while this is purely subjective and varies from person to person, for me $700 (equivalent to 4hrs labor + cost of bushings) is better spent on something like a FMIC or Dinan-type enclosed intake. I guess that was the point I wanted to make. As with every mod, the marginal returns are diminishing. The first mod always has the biggest marginal contribution, then others fade from that.

[bradford]

If it were me, and I had to choose between just the M3 parts or the BMW PS, I would take the M3 parts.

You can't polish a turd.

[cpt97m3]

Originally Posted by bradford

If it were me, and I had to choose between just the M3 parts or the BMW PS, I would take the M3 parts.

You can't polish a turd.

+1

[jabwind51]

I think the m3 parts are a great tradeoff: keep a smooth ride and add a ton of feel/steering feedback without a full overhaul. I'd think dealers wouldn't care too much over a few m3 parts. They might raise a bit of a stink but Just say you were keeping ur money in BMWs wallet, no harm!