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      02-19-2020, 03:13 PM   #1
thataverageguymike
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Suspension - where to start?

This weekend I went to my first autocross of the season in my mostly stock 128i - most notably I'm on OEM non-sport suspension. I've had some suspension mods in mind for awhile but am now looking seriously at going forward with some of them to improve the handling and autocross times. This isn't a track focused car but I definitely want to take it to autocross and HPDEs. Which one of these should I attack first, or would give me the biggest bang for my buck?
  • Bilstein Pro-Kit (Bilstein B12 struts and Eibach lowering springs)
  • 1M/M3 control arm and bushing kit (front and rear)
  • 1M/M3 rear subframe bushings
  • Addition of a rear sway bar (non M-sport 128 does not have one)

Current mods:
  • StageFP N51 tune w/ 3-stage intake manifold option
  • OEM Euro airbox
  • Silicone intake boot
  • 18" wheels, 8.5 front 9.5 rear wrapped in Pilot Sport 4S 225 front 255 rear
  • Muffler delete

Thanks in advance!
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      02-19-2020, 03:47 PM   #2
dtla1
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On a Bang-For-Buck analysis I would say - 1M/M3 control arm and bushing kit (front and rear) - would probably be best.
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      02-19-2020, 04:36 PM   #3
Dackelone
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Bilstein B12 struts and Eibach lowering springs is a good start. I would also do Dinan upper camber plates too. Replace the rear shock mounts "while you are in there" they will be whipped. Also replacing the sway bar dog bones(or links) is also a good idea. Upgrading the suspension is going down a rabbit hole.

I would also say having some sticky rubber is a good thing too. Then do the M3 control arms front and rear and new HD tie rods. And then sway bars.

Also don't forget to replace the rear suspension bushings to the M3 ones. That really firms up the ride and transitions - when changing direction mid corner.

Wheel spacers(5mm to 10mm's) are also good for looks and a slight performance upgrade.

You are probably gonna want to upgrade your brake rotors and pads too. And brake fluid.


Some good threads for reference...

***The ultimate handing machine: 128i ?
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=575027

**TC Kline Racing - Performance Suspension 101 (PS101)
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=982503

M3 front control arms (Upper and lower) - A couple of $hundred less than everywhere
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=736789

128i: Simple Fun, Great Price! ...in Bimmer Magazine...
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=734600

Dackel's replacement of rear suspension OE bushings with M3 ones…
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=638163

New Suspension Installed w/ Quaife LSD - DIY
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=513534
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lab_rat394.50
      02-19-2020, 04:46 PM   #4
bbnks2
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Read the autocross rule book before modifying. Figure out where you want to run the car... if you want to stay in street class, you are limited in what you can do.

Wheels, tires, struts/springs are going to be your biggest gains. Bushings will help but again read the rules.
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Dackelone10511.00
      02-19-2020, 05:39 PM   #5
thataverageguymike
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bbnks2 View Post
Read the autocross rule book before modifying. Figure out where you want to run the car... if you want to stay in street class, you are limited in what you can do.

Wheels, tires, struts/springs are going to be your biggest gains. Bushings will help but again read the rules.
Honestly I'm just running in the local BMW CCA, that's enough for me. I'm not trying to be nationally competitive or anything but I'd sure like to make mine a bit of a sleeper and beat some of the M cars .
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      02-19-2020, 05:58 PM   #6
dtla1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
Bilstein B12 struts and Eibach lowering springs is a good start. I would also do Dinan upper camber plates too. Replace the rear shock mounts "while you are in there" they will be whipped. Also replacing the sway bar dog bones(or links) is also a good idea. Upgrading the suspension is going down a rabbit hole.
.........
Dang Dack, way to throw the whole book out there.

1 step at a time OP. And have fun, that's the most important thing.
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Dackelone10511.00
      02-25-2020, 12:20 PM   #7
smi2710
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heres what i have done to my 135i so far and has made a good bit of difference

B12 bilstein kit
1m front thrust arms
whiteline rear subframe inserts
m3 front sway bar
new front and rear upper strut mounts
and sticy rear 255's

this change the car a pretty could bit
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      02-25-2020, 05:12 PM   #8
MightyMouseTech
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As much front camber as you can get within the rules. If you think you have enough, add another degree!! . Need to reduce the reficulous understeer our cars have.
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Dackelone10511.00
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