Stock vs M-Sport suspension

[AndyW]

I am sure I missed it somewhere but...I found a number in this thread (https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353922) that states that 135i spring rates are 120/350 and 135i "performance" are 160/420. I was thinking about going with an inexpensive upgrade with Swift Springs for the next track season (201/502) when I thought the stock was 120/350, but if M-sport = Performance, the difference really isn't worth the upgrade and I need to start putting the expensive options back on the table. Figure someone knows...TIA!

[gjm120]

Sport = M-Sport and these aren't the same as Performance. Performance are stiffer and shorter.
Also, there are different rates within each of Sport and Performance designed to accommodate a car's weight.

[AndyW]

Originally Posted by gjm120

Sport = M-Sport and these aren't the same as Performance. Performance are stiffer and shorter.
Also, there are different rates within each of Sport and Performance designed to accommodate a car's weight.

So, just to be clear...there are three spring rates for the BMW options for the 135i: Non-M, M-Sport, and Performance? Or are the non-M and M-Sport springs the same?

[Esteban]

The 135i came stock with the M Sport suspension. The non M Sport (standard) suspension for the 1 series was only for the 128i without the Sport or M Sport package.

I think there are about 4 different sets of BMW Performance springs and the ones you get are based on your VIN. In other words when you go to order you provide your VIN to the vendor and that tells him which ones to order for your specific car. It's based on your car's options/weight.

BMW has been discontinuing the Performance parts for the 1 series so not sure if the Performance springs are still available.

[gjm120]

This is my understanding..

Sport and M-Sport are no different as far as springs, so I'll just call it Sport springs. A 135i and 128i Sport package car with the same weight will have the same springs. A 128i without Sport Pckge will have non-sport springs that are softer and taller than the that same car with the sport package.

Sport springs are about 10% stiffer and a little bit shorter than non-sport springs. Performance Springs are sort of a BMW aftermarket spring that are about 30% stiffer than Sport and shorter than Sport springs. Here is a pic of Sport springs next to Performance Springs. The Performance Springs are yellow. Also, there are various stiffness of each Non-Sport, Sport and Performance that are designed to match a the subject car's weight. For example, a 135i AT with all options will take a somewhat stiffer spring than a 128i MT lightly optioned. This is where you will hear spring codes such as D4,T3, C1, etc. These code correspond to a part number but most use the codes as they are easier to remember.

Here is one of many threads where this got discussed. John_01 gave a lot of good input on the subject in this thread.
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1395776

There countless other threads where this got discussed ad nauseum.
I'm sure this is a clear as mud, but, hope it helps.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by Esteban

T not sure if the Performance springs are still available.

Damn, I hope that isn't true. I keep thinking about going up one T grade as my car is sitting just a hair lower than I'd like.

PS. didn't mean to repeat some of what you said. I was writing my post and didn't see yours.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by gjm120

Damn, I hope that isn't true. I keep thinking about going up one T grade as my car is sitting just a hair lower than I'd like.

PS. didn't mean to repeat some of what you said. I was writing my post and didn't see yours.

Not positive about the "discontinuing" thing. I do know the BMW Performance suspension, which is commonly ordered with the Performance springs, has been discontinued. So have several other Performance parts for the 1 series. So best to look into it sooner rather than later.

And no worries about our posts. I think both offer up something different for the OP.

[AndyW]

Originally Posted by gjm120

This is my understanding..

Sport and M-Sport are no different as far as springs, so I'll just call it Sport springs. A 135i and 128i Sport package car with the same weight will have the same springs. A 128i without Sport Pckge will have non-sport springs that are softer and taller than the that same car with the sport package.

Sport springs are about 10% stiffer and a little bit shorter than non-sport springs. Performance Springs are sort of a BMW aftermarket spring that are about 30% stiffer than Sport and shorter than Sport springs. Here is a pic of Sport springs next to Performance Springs. The Performance Springs are yellow. Also, there are various stiffness of each Non-Sport, Sport and Performance that are designed to match a the subject car's weight. For example, a 135i AT with all options will take a somewhat stiffer spring than a 128i MT lightly optioned. This is where you will hear spring codes such as D4,T3, C1, etc. These code correspond to a part number but most use the codes as they are easier to remember.

Here is one of many threads where this got discussed. John_01 gave a lot of good input on the subject in this thread.
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1395776

There countless other threads where this got discussed ad nauseum.
I'm sure this is a clear as mud, but, hope it helps.

Thx much! This does help. I am now pretty confident I have 120/350 springs. So the Spec-R springs may be worth trying for ~$300 before I "spring"(see what I did there...) for an expensive set of coilovers.

[gjm120]

There have been quite a few on this forum that have done Swift springs and like them. One thing to consider is pairing those springs with stock dampers will shorten the dampers' life. Think about Bilstein B8 or Koni Yellows with Swift springs.

(I like the spring pun)

[AndyW]

Originally Posted by gjm120

There have been quite a few on this forum that have done Swift springs and like them. One thing to consider is pairing those springs with stock dampers will shorten the dampers' life. Think about Bilstein B8 or Koni Yellows with Swift springs.

(I like the spring pun)

I am at 90K. Will likely upgrade to full coilovers next fall so OEM longevity not an issue. I just don't have the Budget to do LSD and coilovers this fall and LSD is the current plan. But I am also pushing the current springs past their limit on the track so the Spec-R's seem like a good stopgap for next season.

[AndyW]

Originally Posted by gjm120

Damn, I hope that isn't true. I keep thinking about going up one T grade as my car is sitting just a hair lower than I'd like.

Can still get them at Tisher. On sale no less.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/p-e82-1-...e82perfsprings

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by AndyW

Can still get them at Tisher. On sale no less.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/p-e82-1-...e82perfsprings

Thanks! That's where I bought mine and was really happy with the service.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by AndyW

Can still get them at Tisher. On sale no less.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/p-e82-1-...e82perfsprings

Good to know they're still available. Hope the springs stay in stock for a while.

I like Tischer as well (now known as BMW of Silver Spring). My current service advisor came from there.

They no longer have the BMW Performance suspension for 1ers with Sport or M Sport suspension. Think the only difference in the Perform. suspension for a standard 128i (non Sport or M Sport) is the addition of a rear sway bar.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...on-33500444831