Affordable suspension kit battle

Iron Man · 02-02-2015, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subisti

I just bought my wife a e82 128 non sport. Would a set of b12's drop the suspension over a set of vmr's or will there still be a large gap? I'm hoping to get a set of 18's but may need to move to 19's. Let me know your thoughts.

I'm confused why you think having 18s or 19s will make a difference? If you get the same rim/tire offset and width, it should make no difference.

You should always keep the overall wheel diameter the same when changing to a +1 or +2 wheel set-up (the tire sidewall just shrinks).

Luftmeister · 02-02-2015, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakefront

Don't have anything "quantifiable" to recommend but don't settle for the BMW suspension if you want something else (coils, Swift, etc). My wife's 335 has TCK coilovers on it and the Milwaukee dealership replaced some steering shaft parts under warranty with no problem. They have to prove that the aftermarket parts caused a repair problem. Thought they would raise hell because its pretty slammed in the front, but no worries.
And if you don't mind driving to Oconomowoc, a place there will install, corner balance, and align for a crazy low price. PM for details.

I think I know the guy, he was going to do a swap/CB/align for my FR-S before I smashed it up.

Nice guy too! Is he just off 16?

-Jim

lakefront · 02-02-2015, 04:32 PM

Yep. Justin? Nice guy, quality work, good price. What's not to like?

Subisti · 02-02-2015, 04:53 PM

If price were the same which is better for dd on non sport 128, wanting to set a it lower but don't want a harsh ride.B12 or BMW performance?

dcaron9999 · 02-05-2015, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

Where did you source both for the good deal?
Bilstien are hard to find on sale

Found amazing deals on Bilstein products in Canada here:
http://www.bilsteincanada.com/index....47_14248_14253

B12 kit for $1196CAD ...
B8 set of dampers for $720...

My mind is almost set on a B12 "hybrid" setup ... (B8 dampers with Swift Spec-R springs)

SHFT · 02-08-2015, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron Man

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHFT

Kamispeed for the springs & ajusa for the shocks! BTW my car just hit 60k and my shocks were completely BLOWN on stock suspension.

Who did the install? Did you install yourself?

No I didn't install them. I'm on the fence with this combo so far. I have to much bounce in the back. Will install white line bushings in the rear to give my final impressions.

dcaron9999 · 02-15-2015, 01:53 PM

I just settled on Bilstein B8 dampers, Swift R-Spec springs (201+503lb/in with drop of 1"), rear M3 guide rods, and Dinan Rear Shock Mounts.

Longest lasting dampers and stiffest springs out there, short of a coilover. More wheel clearance than a coilover setup.

I get to keep using my four 18x8.5 ET52 rear stock wheels and 255/35R18 tires.

Should be a step up from stock dampers and springs, which Ive been abusing at the track for two years.

More money left for for tracking events.

(Car is dual duty with ~70% track and ~30% street).

bazil769 · 02-15-2015, 02:23 PM

Nice..dcaron9999 do you have any pics from the install or finished setup?

brocklanders · 02-15-2015, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

I just settled on Bilstein B8 dampers, Swift R-Spec springs (201+503lb/in with drop of 1"), rear M3 guide rods, and Dinan Rear Shock Mounts.

Longest lasting dampers and stiffest springs out there, short of a coilover. More wheel clearance than a coilover setup.

I get to keep using my four 18x8.5 ET52 rear stock wheels and 255/35R18 tires.

Should be a step up from stock dampers and springs, which Ive been abusing at the track for two years.

More money left for for tracking events.

(Car is dual duty with ~70% track and ~30% street).

I test fitted a rear on the front with Bilstiens and the 245 oem Bridgestone did not clear the strut. I'm not trying to scare you just keep it in mind I changed tires and in the front with a wider tire I have more clearance then I did with the runflats.

dcaron9999 · 02-15-2015, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brocklanders

I test fitted a rear on the front with Bilstiens and the 245 oem Bridgestone did not clear the strut. I'm not trying to scare you just keep it in mind I changed tires and in the front with a wider tire I have more clearance then I did with the runflats.

In order to fit my rear wheels in the front on stock suspension, I use 10 mm spacers and -3.2* camber (camber plates + M3 control arms). I run a square 255/35R18's EP tires setup on the track and street.

Did you try fitting your rear wheels with spacers in the front?

Bilstein B8 / B12 struts/dampers are same size as stock, and spring perch located in the same spot. No reason to believe they would create strut clearance issues.

dcaron9999 · 02-15-2015, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazil769

Nice..dcaron9999 do you have any pics from the install or finished setup?

Thanks. Not yet. Parts have been ordered though.

brocklanders · 02-15-2015, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

In order to fit my rear wheels in the front on stock suspension, I use 10 mm spacers and -3.2* camber (camber plates + M3 control arms). I run a square 255/35R18's EP tires setup on the track and street.

Did you try fitting your rear wheels with spacers in the front?

Bilstein B8 / B12 struts/dampers are same size as stock, and spring perch located in the same spot. No reason to believe they would create strut clearance issues.

Yes I had to put on a spacer, I just wanted to bring it to your attention in case you were unaware. Enjoy your suspension, I believe it's a good choice, I am very happy with mine.

dcaron9999 · 02-15-2015, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brocklanders

Yes I had to put on a spacer, I just wanted to bring it to your attention in case you were unaware. Enjoy your suspension, I believe it's a good choice, I am very happy with mine.

Thanks for your feedback.

Still not sure I fully understand. Did you successfully fit you 245's? What size spacers did you use?

What are your camber settings ( not that it matters for strut clearance, more for fender clearance).

brocklanders · 02-15-2015, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

Thanks for your feedback.

Still not sure I fully understand. Did you successfully fit you 245's? What size spacers did you use?

What are your camber settings ( not that it matters for strut clearance, more for fender clearance).

I have 12mm spacers, so it worked but looked like it was going to rub, I took it on a short casual drive and got no rubbing, I then put the fronts back on and thought it was something I didn't want to deal with. Instead I went with 225/40 and 235/40 Dunlop zll's on the stock 7.5 and 8.5 wheels.

dcaron9999 · 02-15-2015, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brocklanders

I have 12mm spacers, so it worked but looked like it was going to rub, I took it on a short casual drive and got no rubbing, I then put the fronts back on and thought it was something I didn't want to deal with. Instead I went with 225/40 and 235/40 Dunlop zll's on the stock 7.5 and 8.5 wheels.

Got it now.

Thanks.

There is no reason to believe that I will be worse off than now, with my 255/35R18 and stock struts.

slonik · 02-15-2015, 05:21 PM

how much st suspensions coilovers cost in US?
in europe, ST XA line are cheap enough.

bazil769 · 02-15-2015, 05:41 PM

ST X $929.00

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...=Sport+Package

ST XTA $1428.00
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...oModClar=Coupe

02-02-2015, 04:32 PM	#69
lakefront Captain 561 Rep 755 Posts Drives: 2017 Macan GTS Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: SE Wisconsin iTrader: (2)	Yep. Justin? Nice guy, quality work, good price. What's not to like?
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02-02-2015, 04:53 PM	#70
Subisti Enlisted Member 21 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 2012 e82 128 6speed Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Alliance,ohio iTrader: (0)	If price were the same which is better for dd on non sport 128, wanting to set a it lower but don't want a harsh ride.B12 or BMW performance?
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02-15-2015, 01:53 PM	#73
dcaron9999 Major 157 Rep 1,409 Posts Drives: 2011 135i M package Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Mirabel, Quebec iTrader: (0)	I just settled on Bilstein B8 dampers, Swift R-Spec springs (201+503lb/in with drop of 1"), rear M3 guide rods, and Dinan Rear Shock Mounts. Longest lasting dampers and stiffest springs out there, short of a coilover. More wheel clearance than a coilover setup. I get to keep using my four 18x8.5 ET52 rear stock wheels and 255/35R18 tires. Should be a step up from stock dampers and springs, which Ive been abusing at the track for two years. More money left for for tracking events. (Car is dual duty with ~70% track and ~30% street). __________________ 2011 X3 35i with M pack + 2011 135i w/6SPMT \| 255 square tire setup \| Quaife 3.46 LSD \| Diff lock down bracket \| Bilstein B8+Swift SpecR springs+H&R FSB \| CDV delete \| BMS Oil Tstat bypass \| ER FMIC & CP \| N54Tuning DP \| GC Street Camber Plates \| M3 FCA +guide rods+RSFB's+Tranny mounts \| Manzo toe arms \| Cobb Stg2 agressive tune \| Hawk DTC70 brake pads \| RB SS brake pistons \| Goodridge SS brake lines \| Custom brake cooling ducts
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02-15-2015, 02:23 PM	#74
bazil769 Lieutenant 58 Rep 526 Posts Drives: BMW 128I Convertible 02/09 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (1)	Nice..dcaron9999 do you have any pics from the install or finished setup?
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02-15-2015, 05:21 PM	#82
slonik Lieutenant 463 Rep 476 Posts Drives: e46 M3, e82v8 (s65 swapped) Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Moscow Region, Zhukovsky iTrader: (2)	how much st suspensions coilovers cost in US? in europe, ST XA line are cheap enough.
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02-15-2015, 05:41 PM	#83
bazil769 Lieutenant 58 Rep 526 Posts Drives: BMW 128I Convertible 02/09 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (1)	ST X $929.00 http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...=Sport+Package ST XTA $1428.00 http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...oModClar=Coupe Last edited by bazil769; 02-15-2015 at 05:46 PM..
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