BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-04-2020, 08:01 AM   #1
Southlake128i
New Member
5
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW 128i
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

128 rookie looking for recommendations

Howdy,

I recently purchased a 2012 128i with 26K miles from a single owner. Its a auto, but it was good deal on a clean car. I have been enjoying the car and feel it is time to start looking into upgrades. I purchased an extended warranty for the car 3yr/30k, which has turned out to be a good purchase because I have had to replaced some gaskets, motor mounts and alternator. That being said I am going to hold off on engine upgrades from the time being because I could not get a straight forward answer from the warranty company if it would be void if I added a DISA. So I am looking for recommendations for suspension parts (not track/daily driver) and wheel/tire.

I found these on the ECS website, but I just don't know if this is a good deal.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...age-2/n52spp2/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...36116786888kt/

Also this is my first post on any sort of forum so I apologize in advance for bad form. Thanks for the help and Cheers!
Appreciate 0
      06-04-2020, 08:59 AM   #2
gjm120
Colonel
2182
Rep
2,805
Posts

Drives: 2013 128i, 2021 230i
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: East Texas

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Southlake128i View Post
Howdy,

I recently purchased a 2012 128i with 26K miles from a single owner. Its a auto, but it was good deal on a clean car. I have been enjoying the car and feel it is time to start looking into upgrades. I purchased an extended warranty for the car 3yr/30k, which has turned out to be a good purchase because I have had to replaced some gaskets, motor mounts and alternator. That being said I am going to hold off on engine upgrades from the time being because I could not get a straight forward answer from the warranty company if it would be void if I added a DISA. So I am looking for recommendations for suspension parts (not track/daily driver) and wheel/tire.

I found these on the ECS website, but I just don't know if this is a good deal.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...age-2/n52spp2/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...36116786888kt/

Also this is my first post on any sort of forum so I apologize in advance for bad form. Thanks for the help and Cheers!

26k miles - good find and welcome!

First and foremost is make sure all the maintenance items are good. The N52 engine and the auto transmission are quite reliable if maintained and pretty cheap to maintain if you can do you own work. (if you've had BMW's before and I'm telling you how to suck eggs, my apologies)

There is a pretty big selection of suspension upgrades you can make to the car. First things you need to decide are (a) how much of a ride height drop you want, (b) how important is comfort and (c) your desired $ spend.

I've had my car for just over 4 years and have done 2 complete suspension changeouts and some other related improvements. I've got it where I like it finally.

I've not done any engine upgrades but the 3 stage intake + a tune is a good one that I'll get to some day. Most people pick up a used manifold and often buy new DISA valves for reliability. I'd bet you'd void some wtty work if you did the 3 stage intake, but, that is just a guess.

Also, this forum and the E90 forum are great sources of information.
__________________
E82 / BMWP Springs / Koni Yellows / M front control arms / Adjustable front endlinks / M rear guide rods / Whiteline Poly RSFB
Appreciate 0
      06-04-2020, 10:46 AM   #3
Bimmer-Bob
!
Bimmer-Bob's Avatar
United_States
692
Rep
3,266
Posts

Drives: 2010 128i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Anacortes, WA

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Southlake128i View Post
So I am looking for recommendations for suspension parts (not track/daily driver) and wheel/tire.

I found these on the ECS website, but I just don't know if this is a good deal.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...age-2/n52spp2/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...36116786888kt/
I don't see any suspension parts linked?

My first reaction to that wheel set was that it was very cheap, but then I started plugging in part numbers, and you can actually get better deals elsewhere. Tischer BMW (www.GetBMWParts.com) was about $120 cheaper for the four wheels (36-11-6-786-888) and 4 center caps (36-13-6-783-536). It's crazy, because the one and only time I bought BMW-branded accessory wheels (about 10 years ago) they were over $300 per wheel, and they were the same sizes - but they were Style 216 wheels, and were made by BBS.

I find that ECS is usually not the cheapest option when it comes to Genuine BMW parts, and usually price check against Tischer and FCP Euro - Tischer usually wins, although you need to factor in any shipping and tax to be sure, especially on something like wheels.

Probably ECS's two biggest strengths are studio-quality pictures of nearly every part they sell from numerous angles, and massive selection. There are more parts available for our cars in one place than probably anywhere else, and I find the pictures helpful sometimes when I'm trying to visualize how a project is going to come together. Many times FCP Euro is a little cheaper, but not always, and their selection is not nearly as broad. I do end up shopping at ECS quite a bit because often I can consolidate all my shopping into one basket, rather than pick up some parts a little cheaper here and there, and only pay shipping charges once.
__________________
____________________________

Last edited by Bimmer-Bob; 06-04-2020 at 10:52 AM..
Appreciate 2
asbrr540.50
croy0.00
      06-04-2020, 12:14 PM   #4
NorthernDancer
Colonel
843
Rep
2,266
Posts

Drives: 08 Sedona 128 & 06 330xiT 6MT
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ottawa On Canada

iTrader: (3)

Well the first and most simple is a set of really good non runflat tires. Many here swear by Michelin PSS (as I do) and now their newer replacement Michelin P4S (I think).
I've had my 80% worn PSS on the race track in wet conditions and they still stuck like glue.
Appreciate 1
Rmtt8206.00
      06-04-2020, 03:20 PM   #5
Southlake128i
New Member
5
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW 128i
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by gjm120 View Post
26k miles - good find and welcome!

First and foremost is make sure all the maintenance items are good. The N52 engine and the auto transmission are quite reliable if maintained and pretty cheap to maintain if you can do you own work. (if you've had BMW's before and I'm telling you how to suck eggs, my apologies)

There is a pretty big selection of suspension upgrades you can make to the car. First things you need to decide are (a) how much of a ride height drop you want, (b) how important is comfort and (c) your desired $ spend.

I've had my car for just over 4 years and have done 2 complete suspension changeouts and some other related improvements. I've got it where I like it finally.

I've not done any engine upgrades but the 3 stage intake + a tune is a good one that I'll get to some day. Most people pick up a used manifold and often buy new DISA valves for reliability. I'd bet you'd void some wtty work if you did the 3 stage intake, but, that is just a guess.

Also, this forum and the E90 forum are great sources of information.
(a.) I would prefer to not lower the ride height very much

(b.) I use it as a daily driver and for some travel over 3.5hr so comfort is important

(c.) ideally if I could keep it under $1500 that would be great
Appreciate 0
      06-04-2020, 03:24 PM   #6
Southlake128i
New Member
5
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW 128i
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob View Post
I don't see any suspension parts linked?

My first reaction to that wheel set was that it was very cheap, but then I started plugging in part numbers, and you can actually get better deals elsewhere. Tischer BMW (www.GetBMWParts.com) was about $120 cheaper for the four wheels (36-11-6-786-888) and 4 center caps (36-13-6-783-536). It's crazy, because the one and only time I bought BMW-branded accessory wheels (about 10 years ago) they were over $300 per wheel, and they were the same sizes - but they were Style 216 wheels, and were made by BBS.

I find that ECS is usually not the cheapest option when it comes to Genuine BMW parts, and usually price check against Tischer and FCP Euro - Tischer usually wins, although you need to factor in any shipping and tax to be sure, especially on something like wheels.



Probably ECS's two biggest strengths are studio-quality pictures of nearly every part they sell from numerous angles, and massive selection. There are more parts available for our cars in one place than probably anywhere else, and I find the pictures helpful sometimes when I'm trying to visualize how a project is going to come together. Many times FCP Euro is a little cheaper, but not always, and their selection is not nearly as broad. I do end up shopping at ECS quite a bit because often I can consolidate all my shopping into one basket, rather than pick up some parts a little cheaper here and there, and only pay shipping charges once.
Thanks for the link, they are about half price
Appreciate 0
      06-04-2020, 04:28 PM   #7
gjm120
Colonel
2182
Rep
2,805
Posts

Drives: 2013 128i, 2021 230i
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: East Texas

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Southlake128i View Post
(a.) I would prefer to not lower the ride height very much

(b.) I use it as a daily driver and for some travel over 3.5hr so comfort is important

(c.) ideally if I could keep it under $1500 that would be great

Assuming you have a non-sport suspension, the least expensive upgrade without much drop is to get some sport springs and new dampers. You can often find a set of used sport springs for cheap. People that go to aftermarket lowering springs will sell them off for little money.

For shocks/ struts that pair with sport springs either Bilstein B4 (slight handling improvement over stock) Bilstein B6 (nice handling but harsher ride) or Koni Sports or Koni Strt. Bilstein B4 and Konis also work with non-sport springs.

If you don't mind about a 1.0' - 1.5" drop there are packages with springs and matched dampers that are priced competitively. Bilstein B12 kit is one. Koni's sometimes are paired with aftermarket springs also at a good price.

Even though you are low miles, it still makes sense to change the strut/shock mounting parts when replacing dampers. Especially the front as it is a bigger job to get the struts out and disassembled.

As NorthernDance mentioned, getting off of the run-flats is good. If you change out to non run-flats you will get a nicer ride but with the standard suspension it may feel to soft. The suspension is somewhat tuned to the hard ride of run flats.

I should have asked if you are going to do the work yourself or have a shop do it. For $1,500 and diy you can do a lot. If you're paying a shop, the $1,500 will probably get you the springs, dampers and hardware bought and installed.

You might want to look into M3 front control arms and doing something about the rear subframe bushings later on. Frankly I'd do the springs and dampers first and if doing it yourself do the M3 front control arms at the same time.
__________________
E82 / BMWP Springs / Koni Yellows / M front control arms / Adjustable front endlinks / M rear guide rods / Whiteline Poly RSFB
Appreciate 2
asbrr540.50
croy0.00
      06-04-2020, 04:51 PM   #8
Southlake128i
New Member
5
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW 128i
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by NorthernDancer View Post
Well the first and most simple is a set of really good non runflat tires. Many here swear by Michelin PSS (as I do) and now their newer replacement Michelin P4S (I think).
I've had my 80% worn PSS on the race track in wet conditions and they still stuck like glue.

I have factory Good year Eagle LS on it. Not in love with the tires, but the dealership replaced them when I purchased the car. But I want to purchase some wheels and will look for those to replace. What are the thoughts on running a spare?
Appreciate 0
      06-04-2020, 05:06 PM   #9
Southlake128i
New Member
5
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW 128i
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by gjm120 View Post
Assuming you have a non-sport suspension, the least expensive upgrade without much drop is to get some sport springs and new dampers. You can often find a set of used sport springs for cheap. People that go to aftermarket lowering springs will sell them off for little money.

For shocks/ struts that pair with sport springs either Bilstein B4 (slight handling improvement over stock) Bilstein B6 (nice handling but harsher ride) or Koni Sports or Koni Strt. Bilstein B4 and Konis also work with non-sport springs.

If you don't mind about a 1.0' - 1.5" drop there are packages with springs and matched dampers that are priced competitively. Bilstein B12 kit is one. Koni's sometimes are paired with aftermarket springs also at a good price.

Even though you are low miles, it still makes sense to change the strut/shock mounting parts when replacing dampers. Especially the front as it is a bigger job to get the struts out and disassembled.

As NorthernDance mentioned, getting off of the run-flats is good. If you change out to non run-flats you will get a nicer ride but with the standard suspension it may feel to soft. The suspension is somewhat tuned to the hard ride of run flats.

I should have asked if you are going to do the work yourself or have a shop do it. For $1,500 and diy you can do a lot. If you're paying a shop, the $1,500 will probably get you the springs, dampers and hardware bought and installed.

You might want to look into M3 front control arms and doing something about the rear subframe bushings later on. Frankly I'd do the springs and dampers first and if doing it yourself do the M3 front control arms at the same time.
Is there any real benefit from adding sway bars or a strut tower brace? They seem to be relatively inexpensive fixes. I will look into those. This is my first BMW, I recently sold my 2008 911.
Appreciate 0
      06-04-2020, 05:20 PM   #10
NorthernDancer
Colonel
843
Rep
2,266
Posts

Drives: 08 Sedona 128 & 06 330xiT 6MT
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ottawa On Canada

iTrader: (3)

1. tires
2. dampers
3. sway bars (you likely have none in the rear)
4. if you buy wheels, buy 5; use 5th as a spare and a replacement if 1 of the 4 get damaged beyond repair.

former: 9110122826
Appreciate 0
      06-04-2020, 05:45 PM   #11
gjm120
Colonel
2182
Rep
2,805
Posts

Drives: 2013 128i, 2021 230i
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: East Texas

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Southlake128i View Post
Is there any real benefit from adding sway bars or a strut tower brace? They seem to be relatively inexpensive fixes. I will look into those. This is my first BMW, I recently sold my 2008 911.
Haven't done a strut tower brace, but most see marginal benefit. Sway bars - yes. Front is easy to swap and upgrade, If you have non-sport suspension you don't have a rear bar so I'd put that on the list. You can get a used rear sway for cheap or an M3 bar for not so cheap or an aftermarket kit like Eibach or H&R. There is a good bit of recent discussion on here and E90 Post on balancing out the front and rear arb's and the impact on understeer and oversteer.

I went with a small upgrade over the stock E82 rear bar and then put a 135i bar on the front. Not much cost except the rear install will be high labor cost if you aren't doing it yourself.

You'll miss the 911 but (and take this with a pinch of salt) two friends who have 997's drove my car and were fairly impressed. One was into tracking his car pretty seriously. I'm not trying to even hint that the limits on the E82 are near the 911's.
__________________
E82 / BMWP Springs / Koni Yellows / M front control arms / Adjustable front endlinks / M rear guide rods / Whiteline Poly RSFB
Appreciate 0
      06-04-2020, 09:07 PM   #12
Suprgnat
Слава Украине!
Suprgnat's Avatar
Ukraine
2283
Rep
2,427
Posts

Drives: 2013 128i LMB 6MT ZMP Slicktop
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: California

iTrader: (7)

Garage List
2013 128i  [9.58]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Southlake128i View Post
I have had to replaced some gaskets, motor mounts and alternator.
My first reaction was "damn, that's a lot of stuff to have to deal with at 26k." Regardless, have fun! They're great cars.
__________________
Inertia is the enemy!
My car's photo history: https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1570551
Appreciate 0
      06-05-2020, 06:53 AM   #13
Southlake128i
New Member
5
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW 128i
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Suprgnat View Post
My first reaction was "damn, that's a lot of stuff to have to deal with at 26k." Regardless, have fun! They're great cars.
I had a whining noise coming while driving, oil leak in the engine compartment and I never saw the motor mounts, but it was all replaced under warranty so no big issue. Cost me $175 in deductible so I felt like it was worth it.
Appreciate 0
      06-05-2020, 07:06 AM   #14
Southlake128i
New Member
5
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW 128i
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Suprgnat View Post
My first reaction was "damn, that's a lot of stuff to have to deal with at 26k." Regardless, have fun! They're great cars.
I just went through your build page....Bravo!
Appreciate 1
Suprgnat2282.50
      06-30-2020, 03:32 AM   #15
1smokehouse
Second Lieutenant
1smokehouse's Avatar
Guam
138
Rep
253
Posts

Drives: 2013 128i LE
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Guam

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Time to replace my shocks and struts on my 128. Do I need to replace the springs too? What about associated hardware, mounts etc?
__________________
// '13 BSM 128i Limited Edition //
Appreciate 0
      06-30-2020, 07:26 AM   #16
asbrr
Major
Canada
541
Rep
1,233
Posts

Drives: 2014 335ix M-Sport
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1smokehouse View Post
Time to replace my shocks and struts on my 128. Do I need to replace the springs too? What about associated hardware, mounts etc?
Suspension is one of those things - all about preference. If you want the car lower and stiffer, then sure replace the springs - depends on your preference and driving habits.

Either way, you can "refresh" the suspension with all new rubber bits (spring pads, strut mounts etc). Your mileage is relatively low so some parts are probably just fine, but your call. Take a look at the kits that a few places sell which include everything for a refresh. ECS Tuning has one for example.

Lots of threads in the suspension section that talk about this endlessly...take a look..
Appreciate 2
gjm1202181.50
      07-01-2020, 08:48 PM   #17
wayman519
Second Lieutenant
Canada
79
Rep
250
Posts

Drives: E82 N52 6MT A51
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 BMW X2  [0.00]
2009 128i  [0.00]
Your mileage is low so there should not be much to do. My used bmw stuff to do is:

Fluids - every drop replace!
Brakes - inspect/replace
Suspension - inspect/replace
PCV - inspect/replace
New spark plugs
New ignition coils
New vanos solenoids
New MAF

I buy my cars with at least 100,000km on the clock. This way major components have been put to the test. So the list above reflects that. I say just do all the fluids at at your mileage. The above list gets any bmw driving like the day it left the factory.
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2020, 01:13 PM   #18
Bimmer-Bob
!
Bimmer-Bob's Avatar
United_States
692
Rep
3,266
Posts

Drives: 2010 128i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Anacortes, WA

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by wayman519 View Post
Your mileage is low so there should not be much to do. My used bmw stuff to do is:

Fluids - every drop replace!
Brakes - inspect/replace
Suspension - inspect/replace
PCV - inspect/replace
New spark plugs
New ignition coils
New vanos solenoids
New MAF

I buy my cars with at least 100,000km on the clock. This way major components have been put to the test. So the list above reflects that. I say just do all the fluids at at your mileage. The above list gets any bmw driving like the day it left the factory.
Curious why you choose to replace rather than clean the MAF? I'm not aware of any specific recommended interval for replacement, but I've wondered.
__________________
____________________________
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2020, 01:18 PM   #19
wayman519
Second Lieutenant
Canada
79
Rep
250
Posts

Drives: E82 N52 6MT A51
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 BMW X2  [0.00]
2009 128i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by wayman519 View Post
Your mileage is low so there should not be much to do. My used bmw stuff to do is:

Fluids - every drop replace!
Brakes - inspect/replace
Suspension - inspect/replace
PCV - inspect/replace
New spark plugs
New ignition coils
New vanos solenoids
New MAF

I buy my cars with at least 100,000km on the clock. This way major components have been put to the test. So the list above reflects that. I say just do all the fluids at at your mileage. The above list gets any bmw driving like the day it left the factory.
Curious why you choose to replace rather than clean the MAF? I'm not aware of any specific recommended interval for replacement, but I've wondered.
I have only recently come to the conclusion to replace it. Clean it as a last resort, but cleaning will damage the sensor.

Check this article out
https://bimmerprofs.com/air-mass-meter-clean-not/

I have had maf problems with all my german cars at the higher mileage. I tried cleaning but eventually the failed maf fault comes up. Replacing restored a lot of my cars performance.

Btw I noticed on my 128i that as the maf was slowly failing the engine was running in lean condition. My vanos solenoids were also failing at a similar rate to the maf so the difference was not much for the computer to notice a fault. Performance took a massive hit. My engine temps were higher, engine sounded like it couldnt breathe. Oil consumption was high. I will say use INPA to prove whats failing and replace. Running lean is no fun.
Appreciate 1
croy0.00
      07-02-2020, 06:57 PM   #20
chris_flies
Sideways and Smiling
chris_flies's Avatar
3027
Rep
2,860
Posts

Drives: In Exuberance
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Rosamond, CA USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I'd put some Bilstein OEM replacement shocks in it and call it good with the suspension if it's your daily. Maybe do a set of Eibach sway bars to tighten it up a little. Strut tower brace does improve steering response, but there's a slight sacrifice in comfort.

I have pretty high tolerance for a lack of refinement (a lack of age on my part), so I daily on race camber plates, coilovers, and high spring rates which makes it 10x more rewarding for the odd track day here and there.

Drive the pants off that 1'er and enjoy! Lots of miles keep cars happy, especially German ones
__________________
2012 BMW 328i 6-Speed Wagon | Deep Sea Blue with Grey Dakota Leather | Manual Swap, 330i Intake + Tune, 3.15 Helical LSD, Öhlins R&T
(SOLD) 2009 BMW 128i 6-Speed Coupé | Monaco Blue with Black Sensatec | chris_flies' 128i thread
Appreciate 1
asbrr540.50
      07-04-2020, 10:19 AM   #21
desertman123
E82 Mudflap Ambassador
desertman123's Avatar
United_States
2212
Rep
2,219
Posts

Drives: '08 128i
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Orlando, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
1992 Honda Beat  [9.50]
2008 BMW 128i  [10.00]
2014 BMW 528i  [10.00]
Check out my build thread too - I've taken a more "dailyable" approach.

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1320030
__________________
My 2008 128i - Sparkling Graphite/Beige - Sport pkg - 6MT - Click me!
Parents' 2014 528i - Mineral White/Ivory White - fully loaded
Instagram @Andreys_128i and @Honda.Bito
Appreciate 0
      07-09-2020, 08:37 AM   #22
Southlake128i
New Member
5
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW 128i
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Does anyone have opinion on these.

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/produ...75816952754008

It would be nice to have the ability to change from comfort to sport.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:27 AM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST