128i non-sport Suspension upgrade (daily driver

cj350s · 07-07-2010, 09:47 AM

Without dwelling on the mistake of purchasing a 2011 128i without the Sport Package, is there a less expensive upgrade (e.g. install a heavier front stabilizer bar or add a rear stabilizer bar) to improve stability at speeds above 70-80 KPH, rather than installing a complete new Performance Suspension?

I drove a 128i Sport and it’s exactly what I’m looking for. My non-sport is fine below 70 KPH but IMO unworthy of the BMW logo at higher speeds where the front end tends to float/drift/pogo over the roadway. It just doesn’t feel nailed down like the Sport.

While researching forums pertaining to suspension I’m having difficulty separating the wheat from the chaff. I retired 10 years ago and am no longer interested in building a maximum performance canyon runner that rides like a buckboard and sounds like the engine was jerked out of a P-51; however I still do appreciate performance and handling, having grown up in the muscle car era of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s.

If someone could please advise what I might do to resolve the stability issue with my 128i it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

timhatimay · 07-07-2010, 10:23 AM

I have the performance suspension and it is great. It really makes the car feel much more stable compared to even the sport. But it is definitely more firm than the sport suspension and also quite expensive. I do have a full 135i sport suspension for sale including front sway if you're set on the sport suspension feel. Sorry for plug...

Tim

ulrichd · 07-07-2010, 11:47 AM

I went another route on my 128: Eibach springs with Koni FSD shocks. The drop is about 5/8-3/4" , the ride is nicely firmed up without being harsh. Tires are non runflat Yokohama S-Drives.
Total cost for shocks and springs is around $1K plus install.

cj350s · 07-07-2010, 03:32 PM

Thank you both for your much appreciated comments. The Sport/PS comparison is an answer I've been searching for. Based on your comments I think an upgrade to the Sport (not Performance) suspension would satisfy my requirements.

I have a service appointment to check the alignment before we proceed with any parts swapping.

It was suggested the dealer may “offer to assist” in making me happier with the car, which means I’ll have to install brand new BMW approved parts in order to avoid any warranty issues.

Ulrichd’s 128i is a beauty, especially with the 264 wheels. White cars aren’t as popular in Canada, probably because everyone drives one in winter thanks to our snow and road salt.

cj350s · 07-08-2010, 05:42 PM

Follow-up message:

Alignment check today found adjustments required in left front (camber) and right rear (unknown). Drove the car after the alignment and what a difference! It was like a whole different vehicle. Still not a Sport, but at least now worthy of the BMW logo.

Tom K. · 07-08-2010, 05:56 PM

Glad you got it sorted out. The non-sport '07 328iT I recently bought is as stable as my ZSP 128i at highway speeds (75 mph/120kph) - it's just not quite as much fun in the mountains.

Tom

cj350s · 07-09-2010, 12:22 PM

My wife is ready for a new car and is prepared to assume ownership of my 128 but I wasn't comfortable turning it over to her until the handling issue was resolved, however the alignment solved that.

In fact there was such an improvement I'm even re-evaluating whether I will order the Sport package next time but I'm pretty sure I will (if only for the seats), in spite of having to accept those 18" W Spoke wheels. I'd be quite happy with the 17" staggered setup but of course they aren't available in Canada.

07-07-2010, 09:47 AM	#1
cj350s Major Dad 2 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2011 128i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Southern Ontario iTrader: (0)	128i non-sport Suspension upgrade (daily driver – not for track) Without dwelling on the mistake of purchasing a 2011 128i without the Sport Package, is there a less expensive upgrade (e.g. install a heavier front stabilizer bar or add a rear stabilizer bar) to improve stability at speeds above 70-80 KPH, rather than installing a complete new Performance Suspension? I drove a 128i Sport and it’s exactly what I’m looking for. My non-sport is fine below 70 KPH but IMO unworthy of the BMW logo at higher speeds where the front end tends to float/drift/pogo over the roadway. It just doesn’t feel nailed down like the Sport. While researching forums pertaining to suspension I’m having difficulty separating the wheat from the chaff. I retired 10 years ago and am no longer interested in building a maximum performance canyon runner that rides like a buckboard and sounds like the engine was jerked out of a P-51; however I still do appreciate performance and handling, having grown up in the muscle car era of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s. If someone could please advise what I might do to resolve the stability issue with my 128i it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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07-07-2010, 10:23 AM	#2
timhatimay Lieutenant 129 Rep 559 Posts Drives: ///M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NYC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 [0.00] 2009 135i [0.00]	I have the performance suspension and it is great. It really makes the car feel much more stable compared to even the sport. But it is definitely more firm than the sport suspension and also quite expensive. I do have a full 135i sport suspension for sale including front sway if you're set on the sport suspension feel. Sorry for plug... Tim __________________ M3 6MT SmTo/CS ZCP 135i MT JB/CR ///MSport - Gone
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07-07-2010, 11:47 AM	#3
ulrichd Colonel 210 Rep 2,233 Posts Drives: 128i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (6)	I went another route on my 128: Eibach springs with Koni FSD shocks. The drop is about 5/8-3/4" , the ride is nicely firmed up without being harsh. Tires are non runflat Yokohama S-Drives. Total cost for shocks and springs is around $1K plus install. Attached Images
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07-07-2010, 03:32 PM	#4
cj350s Major Dad 2 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2011 128i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Southern Ontario iTrader: (0)	Thank you both for your much appreciated comments. The Sport/PS comparison is an answer I've been searching for. Based on your comments I think an upgrade to the Sport (not Performance) suspension would satisfy my requirements. I have a service appointment to check the alignment before we proceed with any parts swapping. It was suggested the dealer may “offer to assist” in making me happier with the car, which means I’ll have to install brand new BMW approved parts in order to avoid any warranty issues. Ulrichd’s 128i is a beauty, especially with the 264 wheels. White cars aren’t as popular in Canada, probably because everyone drives one in winter thanks to our snow and road salt.
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07-08-2010, 05:42 PM	#5
cj350s Major Dad 2 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2011 128i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Southern Ontario iTrader: (0)	Follow-up message: Alignment check today found adjustments required in left front (camber) and right rear (unknown). Drove the car after the alignment and what a difference! It was like a whole different vehicle. Still not a Sport, but at least now worthy of the BMW logo.
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07-08-2010, 05:56 PM	#6
Tom K. Major General 124 Rep 5,627 Posts Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Glad you got it sorted out. The non-sport '07 328iT I recently bought is as stable as my ZSP 128i at highway speeds (75 mph/120kph) - it's just not quite as much fun in the mountains. Tom
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07-09-2010, 12:22 PM	#7
cj350s Major Dad 2 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2011 128i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Southern Ontario iTrader: (0)	My wife is ready for a new car and is prepared to assume ownership of my 128 but I wasn't comfortable turning it over to her until the handling issue was resolved, however the alignment solved that. In fact there was such an improvement I'm even re-evaluating whether I will order the Sport package next time but I'm pretty sure I will (if only for the seats), in spite of having to accept those 18" W Spoke wheels. I'd be quite happy with the 17" staggered setup but of course they aren't available in Canada.
	Appreciate 0 Quote