Need help on suspension options

[shhpaul]

Hey guys, I have a e82 135i with 80k miles. Suspension is officially shot and I have yet to do any modifications to the suspension. I plan on getting the trw m3 control arm kit along with coilovers and bushings.

I was looking at a set of st xta coilovers for right around 1400 shipped. I see some people were talking about getting the e88 version because of the rear springs being stiffer. Has anyone went this route or have any idea what I should go with? Heard the suspension on the e82 were on the softer side. Thoughts?

Was also looking at a set of b14 to be on the cheaper side, if any one has any tips on what route or what kid u can recommend me for under 1400/1500 please let me know!

[asbrr]

This is a pretty wide ranging question - and it really depends on what you want out of the car. Daily driver? Track work primarily? Other?

There are a ton of threads in this forum, some focused on daily driver with weekend mountain runs, others more track focused etc. I would suggest browsing through a couple of those, your options will quickly become clear and you can start zeroing in on what makes most sense.

[shhpaul]

Originally Posted by asbrr

This is a pretty wide ranging question - and it really depends on what you want out of the car. Daily driver? Track work primarily? Other?

There are a ton of threads in this forum, some focused on daily driver with weekend mountain runs, others more track focused etc. I would suggest browsing through a couple of those, your options will quickly become clear and you can start zeroing in on what makes most sense.

It's a daily car

[Papa Popov]

Originally Posted by shhpaul

It's a daily car

Koni yellows and BMWP springs

[asbrr]

For a more comfort oriented ride, Koni Special Active shocks + M-sport springs (stock) or BMW Performance springs (if you can find them) would be a good setup.

Bilstein B6 or B8 shocks are known to be "harsher" so if bad roads are a concern or you want a bit more comfort I would steer clear of them. This may also apply to the B14 kit, but I don't have personal experience with them.

[HP Autosport]

Not sure if the BMW Performance Springs can still be found. Those are one of the best springs made and doesn't put your car in the weeds.

If you are looking to lower the car and want decent dampers, have a look at the Koni SRT 1125 or the Sport 1145 kits. Bilsteins, like someone said above, are on the stiffer side.

[chris82]

I couldn't be happier with my Koni/Eibach combination; they're good on the street and for what they are, pretty good on track. Also have been in a 128i with the Bilstein B12 pro kit which is a little cheaper and I really liked how that handled bumps, especially larger ones. I don't think you can go wrong with either kit. They lower the car nicely, greatly improve the ride quality, and should last a pretty long time (at least 30k miles). Also, if you're doing the front control arms, I'd put in the M3 front sway bar, you won't be disappointed.