Best suspension for Daily Driver / Backroads Dancer 135i

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by John_01

That first item for the BMW performance Suspension kit is correct one for the 1 series cars. It includes the dampers, struts, bump stops, all rubber parts, and a front sway bar, but WITHOUT springs.

AFAIK, there are two sets of Performance springs that are sold for the 135i.

LIGHT Set - for N55 cars with few options.
BMW Performance Suspension Spring / Front "T2" Part: 31336788892
BMW Performance Suspension Spring / Rear "T1" Part: 33536788898

FIRM Set - For heavier N55 and N54 cars.
BMW Performance Suspension Spring / Front "T3" Part: 31336788893
BMW Performance Suspension Spring / Rear "T2" Part: 33536788899

I have ordered both sets before. The difference is the thickness of the wire is slightly different, while the length and shape is the same.
The spring rate will be about 10% higher between the T3 vs T2 front springs. Eg, if the T2 front spring is 147lb/in, the T3 front spring would be 162lb/in.

I have:

Front - 31336788893
Rear - 33536788900

Sorry OP for thread jacking... again.

[tjswarbrick]

No problem!

I'm glad to see it get sorted out. If this thread helps someone get their ideal suspension I'll consider it a worthwhile use of (virtual) space.
Plus I keep learning more and more.

There are still several weeks before my work bonus and tax refund arrive so I'm trying to get in as much research as I can.

[swagon]

Originally Posted by tjswarbrick

No problem!

I'm glad to see it get sorted out. If this thread helps someone get their ideal suspension I'll consider it a worthwhile use of (virtual) space.
Plus I keep learning more and more.

There are still several weeks before my work bonus and tax refund arrive so I'm trying to get in as much research as I can.

Hah, I spent half a year researching.

[CRYA]

Originally Posted by tjswarbrick

No problem!

I'm glad to see it get sorted out. If this thread helps someone get their ideal suspension I'll consider it a worthwhile use of (virtual) space.
Plus I keep learning more and more.

There are still several weeks before my work bonus and tax refund arrive so I'm trying to get in as much research as I can.

Woops, sorry as well, I thought OP was also considering the PS so I kept asking. What part of bay area you in? I'm in Napa.

[tjswarbrick]

Originally Posted by CRYA

Woops, sorry as well, I thought OP was also considering the PS so I kept asking. What part of bay area you in? I'm in Napa.

It's no problem. Glad to keep the conversation going here.

The PS springs are on my radar. I hadn't mentioned them because lowering seems minimal and they don't specify any for the convertible. But that doesn't mean they won't work. And the more I consider my actual use, I think perhaps 10mm lower than M-Sport might be right in the ballpark.
I actually came across yet another part number for rear PS. Don't have it on me right now, but somebody used the "T3" version of our front springs on his E90. The rears were ...901 or something.

Anybody know where spring rates for all the different versions can be verified?

I've been in the South Bay since the dawn of time, but recently relocated to the lower peninsula. Which, to you, is probably still the South Bay...
Was up in your next of the woods last fall for a drive with BMWCCA GGC. Awesome drive. Need to make it back up for the roads, and some wine tasting!

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by swagon

Hah, I spent half a year researching.

I procrastinated for two years before pulling the trigger. I move s-l-o-w.

Originally Posted by tjswarbrick

It's no problem. Glad to keep the conversation going here.

The PS springs are on my radar. I hadn't mentioned them because lowering seems minimal and they don't specify any for the convertible. But that doesn't mean they won't work. And the more I consider my actual use, I think perhaps 10mm lower than M-Sport might be right in the ballpark.
I actually came across yet another part number for rear PS. Don't have it on me right now, but somebody used the "T3" version of our front springs on his E90. The rears were ...901 or something.

Anybody know where spring rates for all the different versions can be verified?

I've been in the South Bay since the dawn of time, but recently relocated to the lower peninsula. Which, to you, is probably still the South Bay...
Was up in your next of the woods last fall for a drive with BMWCCA GGC. Awesome drive. Need to make it back up for the roads, and some wine tasting!

I would think that with the weight difference of the convertible over the coupe (don't know what that difference is), it may be lower than 10mm. Something to consider.

[Gangplank]

Back to the topic at hand.... seems a few of us considering similar suspension choices:

1) Looking to upgrade compliance for daily driving
2) Upgraded handling in spirited driving back roads
3) Workable for occasional track days
4) Won't break the bank (meaning I can charge it on my card and not have the wife tell me to move out. :LOL

Do I have that right...

My thoughts on some upgrades

1) 1) Ditch the run-craps when they are worn out

2) Planned additions:
-remove camber pins
-M3 front control arms
-M3 front sway bar
-Rear Sub Frame Bushings or inserts
-Rear Dinan upper shock mounts


3) The Damper Debate:

Dampers --> BMWPS kit or Billstien B6/B8 depending on lowering or Koni Yellow or Koni FSD (durability? rebuilding needed?)

Springs -->
-Stock 120(f) & 350(r) [stock Msport height)
-BMW Perf. Springs 160 (f) & 420 (r) [10mm lower from stock Msport)
-Dinan 144/490 [unknown availability and unknown lowering]
-Swift Spec-R 201/503 [15 ti 25mm lowering from stock Msport?]
-Others?

[tjswarbrick]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Back to the topic at hand.... seems a few of us considering similar suspension choices:

1) Looking to upgrade compliance for daily driving
2) Upgraded handling in spirited driving back roads
3) Workable for occasional track days
4) Won't break the bank (meaning I can charge it on my card and not have the wife tell me to move out. :LOL

Do I have that right...

You hit the nail on the head!

I wonder if PS (T3) Front springs and Dinan Rears might be the optimum combination with Yellows or Dinan's version of same. Would cost a fair bit less than TCK's setup.

I live ~ 5 miles from their service center and work ~ 10 miles from their HQ so I should probably just call Dinan and see what they think.
I possibly found a source for a set of their springs.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Back to the topic at hand....

For once, I was on topic.

OP, what's your source for the Dinan Springs?

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by tjswarbrick

You hit the nail on the head!

I wonder if PS (T3) Front springs and Dinan Rears might be the optimum combination with Yellows or Dinan's version of same. Would cost a fair bit less than TCK's setup.

I live ~ 5 miles from their service center and work ~ 10 miles from their HQ so I should probably just call Dinan and see what they think.
I possibly found a source for a set of their springs.

I have contemplated a similar set up. PS front springs + Dinan rear - HOWEVER do we know what the drop is with the Dinan springs?

I have heard that the Swift Spec-R give a bit of a rake towards the front which can be worse with the DCT tranny.

[Esteban]

I have heard the drop for the Dinan springs is approx. a half an inch, from somebody who has the springs on their car. Underestimated, I think.

[tjswarbrick]

I have a call in to Dinan on the suspension bits.
Not sure I want to divulge my source on springs lest they run out...
They call themselves "the online authority for Dinan and other BMW performance products." Maybehaps I'll just give them a call...

[Esteban]

Completely understandable.

[tjswarbrick]

Potential Source for Dinan springs is a no-go. "Motorsports" website of an east coast BMW dealer. Shocked at availability and low prices, I called the associated dealer. He said, no, they don't stock the stuff - just order from Dinan. He made it sound like the site was no longer valid, but it's up and happily took my CC for the Dinan camber plates (free shipping.) So I'll see if they manage to come through...

Still open to suggestions for best street springs/shocks combo.

Did I mention the camber plates, M3 front sway bar, and RSFB's? Those are a given.
Waiting on M3 front control arms until after the rest is in to see if they're really necessary. I think those, in conjunction with the Dinan plates, would give too much negative camber for a DD street car.

[asbrr]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Back to the topic at hand.... seems a few of us considering similar suspension choices:

1) Looking to upgrade compliance for daily driving
2) Upgraded handling in spirited driving back roads
3) Workable for occasional track days
4) Won't break the bank (meaning I can charge it on my card and not have the wife tell me to move out. :LOL

Do I have that right...

My thoughts on some upgrades

1) 1) Ditch the run-craps when they are worn out

2) Planned additions:
-remove camber pins
-M3 front control arms
-M3 front sway bar
-Rear Sub Frame Bushings or inserts
-Rear Dinan upper shock mounts


3) The Damper Debate:

Dampers --> BMWPS kit or Billstien B6/B8 depending on lowering or Koni Yellow or Koni FSD (durability? rebuilding needed?)

Springs -->
-Stock 120(f) & 350(r) [stock Msport height)
-BMW Perf. Springs 160 (f) & 420 (r) [10mm lower from stock Msport)
-Dinan 144/490 [unknown availability and unknown lowering]
-Swift Spec-R 201/503 [15 ti 25mm lowering from stock Msport?]
-Others?

Pretty much hit the nail on the head for me as well.....except for front control arms I'd be looking at all very similar upgrades (would see how turn in and tire wear is with just the dinan camber plates and then decide on arms or not).

To complicate matters more, there was another post stating Tirerack is having a closeout sale on Koni Yellows with H&R Sport springs package....$650! Great price and comparable to a B12 Bilstein kit.

So confused...I don't want much more than 10 to 15mm max lower than MSport hence I brought up the BMWPS Springs in this thread, hard to guage from the pics that have been posted of the other kits etc.

My main prior experience was with Bilsteins on an A4 a few years back, I found the damping a bit "harsh" for small sharp road bumps, overall good body control etc, and found that Konis "smoothed out" the road a bit better for the small sharp bumps. Not sure if people feel the same way on the E82....some have said the Bilsteins and various spring combos ride way better than stock (assuming we've already removed run-flats from the equation).

[CRYA]

Let us know what Dinan says. Why'd they stop offering them etc?

Originally Posted by asbrr

Pretty much hit the nail on the head for me as well.....except for front control arms I'd be looking at all very similar upgrades (would see how turn in and tire wear is with just the dinan camber plates and then decide on arms or not).

To complicate matters more, there was another post stating Tirerack is having a closeout sale on Koni Yellows with H&R Sport springs package....$650! Great price and comparable to a B12 Bilstein kit.

Do we know what the drop is on this Tirerack kit? I don't have room to make the B12 drop as I'm on 235s up front.

[tjswarbrick]

Originally Posted by CRYA

Let us know what Dinan says. Why'd they stop offering them etc?



Do we know what the drop is on this Tirerack kit? I don't have room to make the B12 drop as I'm on 235s up front.

Aren't the H&R Sports the springs that drop the front 1.8" and bring the rear down 1.2"? More lowering than I need, and some have said a bit too much "rake."

Seems a good price, though.

[asbrr]

Originally Posted by tjswarbrick

Aren't the H&R Sports the springs that drop the front 1.8" and bring the rear down 1.2"? More lowering than I need, and some have said a bit too much "rake."

Seems a good price, though.

Yes don't like the rake with H&R sports BUT - if you're planning on Dinan camber plates, that adds about 1/4" up front so it will "even" things out somewhat.

Also, unsure about if you get the rake using Koni yellows, I now for sure some had the rake when doing a straight spring swap on Msport shocks....wonder if the perchers are at a slightly different spot on the Konis at the front, not sure.

[tjswarbrick]

Tire Rack lists lowering with Koni/H&R Setup at 30mm rear and 40-50mm front.
1.2" rear and 1.5-2.0" front - average ~ 1.8.

I finally found a review on the Dinan Stage I suspension. Was more of an installation tutorial than driving review, but he noted 1/2 to 3/4" lower than M-Sport.
So, perfect, but more than PS. As if I could find a set.
They still haven't called me back.
May need to go for a drive during lunch tomorrow...

[titium]

the drop with the Swift spec r springs is perfect. don't need to worry too much about the front end hitting perfect for a daily couldn't be happier with mine! looks so much better without the wheel gap.

[Gangplank]

Every time I start researching suspension I reconsider just getting the entire BMW Performance Suspension kit. There is something to be said for simplicity, moderate drop, included front sway (135i), low maintenance, quality....

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Every time I start researching suspension I reconsider just getting the entire BMW Performance Suspension kit. There is something to be said for simplicity, moderate drop, included front sway (135i), low maintenance, quality....

Yes, and check out all the parts you get. Just add the springs, and they're tuned for your car.

Edit: I think (but not sure) there are like 4-6 different sets of the yellow Performance springs.