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05-20-2020, 03:21 PM | #1 |
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128i suspension refresh questions
Hi Guys,
I've read a lot on this forum about springs for the 1 series, but I haven't seen anything conclusive about spring upgrades for a 128i M sport, which is what I have. I've purchased koni adjustable but am unsure if getting new springs, since the 128i m sport has sport springs will make much of a difference beyond ride height. I plan to do the subframe bushings and upgrade to larger wheels as well. This is a daily driver and I'm not currently concerned with ride height, I just want better handling than the stock dampers provide and I should get that with the konis. Any other 128i M-sport drivers out there have any experience with a suspension refresh? Any suggestions, noticeable improvements in swapping springs beyond ride height? Thanks |
05-20-2020, 07:09 PM | #2 | |
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The Konis will definitely improve body control especially over tired/old OEM shocks. The spring upgrades will provide you with further ride stiffness and lower height, really depends what you are after. I would also suggest refreshing/replacing all rubber parts like spring pads, strut mounts etc while you are in there - the overall costs are not high and you can get most of the parts in a package. ECS Tuning for example sells such a kit. |
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05-21-2020, 12:26 PM | #3 |
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I have a 128i M Sport. Currently, it has Eibach springs, Bilstein Sports, Whiteline rear subframe bushing inserts, and M3/1M control arms. I'm getting ready to pull the Bilsteins out (they are not aging well) and replace with Koni Sports.
If you still have the stock dampers in there, virtually anything will be an improvement. The Eibachs lower the car a bit more than the M Sport springs, and are somewhat stiffer - good dampers are necessary. The rear subframe bushing inserts are a big improvement and less work than changing the bushings themselves - something to consider if you're running this as a DD. Finally, the upgraded control arms (mostly the fronts) plus a proper alignment really make a difference in the precision of the front end once all-new components are in there. Aside from the self-destructing Bilsteins, I'm very pleased with the setup for DD use. I suspect the Konis will improve the ride a bit further.
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05-21-2020, 03:12 PM | #4 |
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I saw a very big improvement in both ride quality and handling going from Sport dampers to Koni Yellows. And my dampers didn't have a bunch of miles on them.
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05-21-2020, 05:58 PM | #6 |
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I'd just stick with stock springs. Any aftermarket spring is going to lower you at least an inch, and that's a lot on a car that's already pretty low. BMW did a lot of cheaping-out with the dampers, and those are where you should spend your money. I originally went with Eibach springs and Koni Sports, but they were too low, so I saved up and eventually coughed-up enough to get a customized set of Ohlins coilovers.
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(SOLD) 2009 BMW 128i 6-Speed Coupé | Monaco Blue with Black Sensatec | chris_flies' 128i thread |
05-21-2020, 08:16 PM | #7 |
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Went with BMWP springs as I wanted a little drop and a slightly higher spring rate. However, I think the Koni's would work quite well with Sport springs.
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05-21-2020, 09:20 PM | #8 |
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Run, don't walk, to get the BMWP springs while they're still available.
I'm very happy with the BMW Performance T1 springs on all four corners. They only lower the car about 1/2 an inch from the M-Sport suspension. They're definitely stiffer than the stock M-Sport, but not so much as to be uncomfortable. I think they're just about perfect for a spirited daily driver. They definitely cut down on the body roll on tight turns. |
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05-21-2020, 10:25 PM | #9 |
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If you go with the BMWP springs make sure you get the right ones for your car. One of the big + of those springs is they are not a one size fits all. They are selected based on the weight of the car.
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05-22-2020, 12:46 PM | #11 |
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ECS/Turner still have them in stock. A local dealer might still be able to order them from a BMW warehouse. If you have a lightly-equipped 128i, you would probably want T1 in all four corners. They make 4 different spring rates I believe, but most 128i will use the T1s.
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05-22-2020, 12:59 PM | #12 | |
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If you car is MT and lightly optioned, T1 on all 4 will work My car is AT with most options and T2 all around were the right springs.
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05-26-2020, 11:15 PM | #13 |
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05-27-2020, 08:19 AM | #15 | |
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I got about 60,000 KM out of my fronts, roads are terrible in my area so I'm sure that's why the fronts went early. Rears are still going strong at about 90,000 km. |
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05-27-2020, 11:19 AM | #16 | |
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05-27-2020, 02:04 PM | #17 | |
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05-30-2020, 05:59 PM | #18 | |
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Drives: 2010 128i 6MT Sport Pkg. 18"
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05-31-2020, 12:36 PM | #19 |
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I really like my Dinan springs, I highly recommend them! I recently moved to the mountains and my setup feels really good especially compared to stock, it feels like a different car almost! I went with Koni orange shocks when I found out they were the same as the yellows just set on the softest setting I believe...
Dinan springs Dinan camber plates Koni Shocks Lowering spring perches BMW strut mounts Megan upper strut bar Toyo Proxes T1 Sport BMW Competition Wheels |
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05-31-2020, 02:45 PM | #20 |
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Have only heard good things about the Dinan springs for the 1 series. Sadly, I think they are NLA. They haven't been on Dinan's website for a while now, but I do remember reading about a member who bought a set secondhand last year.
Dinan still shows a couple of different spring sets (P/N D100-0497, D100-0926) available for the E9x 3 series. Wonder if either of those are the same as the ones they sold for the 1 series? Probably not since the 3 series weighs more. The BMW Perf. springs are similar and AFAIK are still available. I think the Dinan springs are slightly lower and stiffer. |
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06-04-2020, 11:19 AM | #21 | ||
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06-08-2020, 04:12 PM | #22 | |
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Edit: just saw your signature, please ignore lol Last edited by Papa Popov; 06-08-2020 at 04:24 PM.. Reason: Im dumb |
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