Unstable over patches and bumps

[hatepotholez]

Originally Posted by IGoFast1589

Personally, I think the 2 biggest flaws of the many flaws in the 135i's suspension are the pathetic bushings and the dampers. The bushings feel like they're equivalent in terms of deflection to gummy bears and that includes the control arms, all the suspension links, subframe bushings, transmission mounts and all that shit. Beyond that, the dampers suck. They have no bump travel and don't react fast enough to road imperfections. Combine that with the crappy stock run flat tires and it makes for a ride that's not only jarring over minor imperfections, but also soft and difficult to predict. Get a proper set of dampers with good rebound valving with proper bump stops and you'll be happy. Bilstein dampers have internal bump stops and Koni's are external. With the Koni's you could go BMW Performance bump stops, Z8 or E36 M3. They're all substantially shorter than the factory bump stops which minimize the stroke. Plus the factory dampers are twin tubes and a good monotube damper will always have faster reaction to road bumps and dissipate heat more efficiently.

Thanks, for the info. NYC roads would not permit Bilsteins or Konis

Originally Posted by John_01

The rear suspension of the one series has some kind of designed-in dynamic toe control. It makes the rear wheels toe-in as the suspension is compressed. It also makes the car steer in the opposite direction of the body roll. When driving quickly on bumpy country roads its a noticible effect and needs steering corrections sometimes. I still have the stock rear bushings on the rear subframe which may contribute to this issues, although I have no way to know.

Thanks. Alot of bushing issues on the 1s, I see.

Update:

I wanted to get my tires checked out, and guess what RR are completely bald. Wonder how this was passed on the complimentary check up. Looking into Continental DW's, Hankook Evo's or a set of Bridgestones, all summer tires.

After I will get an alignment and see how it drives.

[IGoFast1589]

Originally Posted by hatepotholez

Thanks, for the info. NYC roads would not permit Bilsteins or Konis

I think the Konis and Bilsteins are better over road bumps than the factory dampers. One would think it would make the ride firm and uncomfortable, but I just installed the Bilstein B12 kit on my car last weekend and the ride quality is far improved over crappy tarmac than it was before.

[hatepotholez]

The long awaited update. I replaced all 4 tires, completed an alignment and for s**ts and giggles put nitrogen in the tires.

Car drives like a dream now, very happy with the results!

[RimasRS]

good to hear now start suspension mods

[hatepotholez]

Originally Posted by RimasRS

good to hear now start suspension mods

Thanks, the Wife is having too much fun with it as it is and is requesting to take my radar, so no mods for her.

Now my car on the other hand....

[MA128]

Originally Posted by Zombie1

Been looking for an answer about this for awhile thanks

Most shops quote between 6 and 7 hours of labor. My indie shop charged me for only 4 hours as I was replacing the shocks, the front control arms and the front sway bar at the same time.

[smellyborrelli]

MY car is at the BMW dealer now for this problem , i dont feel safe when i hit patches on the highway.... i have an 09 135i sport package.. will report back with dealers findings.

[cheshirecat79]

Originally Posted by smellyborrelli

MY car is at the BMW dealer now for this problem , i dont feel safe when i hit patches on the highway.... i have an 09 135i sport package.. will report back with dealers findings.

If it's the back end kicking one way or the other, check the rear toe.

[smellyborrelli]

Originally Posted by cheshirecat79

If it's the back end kicking one way or the other, check the rear toe.

Thanks , if they cant figure it out ill suggest it to them... funny , they told me that they did a fresh alignment when i purchased the car 3 months ago.

[cheshirecat79]

Originally Posted by smellyborrelli

Thanks , if they cant figure it out ill suggest it to them... funny , they told me that they did a fresh alignment when i purchased the car 3 months ago.

It's very possible they did an alignment. That doesn't necessarily mean they did it correctly.

If they do an alignment, get printouts of the values both before and after. Most cars run a very slight amount of toe-in on the rear.

It seems that BMW recommends .1 to .2 degrees of toe-in on the rear. I personally feel that closer to .1 would work out well for daily driving, especially if you are encountering bump steer.