Suspension upgrade suggestions

chrisw335i · 03-12-2011, 04:14 PM

Just wanting to get some opionions and suggestions on either of these possible choices

BMW Performance Suspension
Bilstein PSS10
KW V2

I can afford any, so price isnt the problem..I have searched relentlessly for weeks, and still cant decide. I was gonna go with the BMW PS, but had the pre-buyers remorse that it wouldnt be enough for me and I cant adjust them. the others I can adjust and sure they are both good choices..any advice guys?

TurboBimmer · 03-12-2011, 04:55 PM

Hello there. It's always difficult to compare suspensions, unless you know somebody whose car has the exact specification you're looking for.

In your case, if you're contemplating between the Bilstein and KW V2, I would rule out the performance suspension. It's not adjustable, and the drop is very moderate.

I have the PSS10 and I'm really happy with it. Although you'll probably want to look into the various M3 suspension bits to tighten everything up. But as a result you'll get a car whose handling has been totally transformed from a sporty luxury car to a real sports car

chrisw335i · 03-12-2011, 04:59 PM

Yeah I love the look and ease of adjustability of the pss10..I have been leaning towards them. will I have any rubbing issues with them, as im 19 inch wheels. mainly worried about the rears, as it doesnt have much room. the fronts have plenty of room to lower, which is my main objective

asian010 · 03-12-2011, 05:17 PM

ast 4100s

chrisw335i · 03-12-2011, 06:02 PM

I know the bilsteins are a minimum of 1" lowering, but is that 1" correlated to the regular stock height or sports suspension..if I already have the sports suspension now, would that mean I wouldnt drop another inch on top of what I have now? My fenders in the rear would rub if it lowered down another inch, I could maybe take 1/2 to 3/4 inch and be alright. thanks guys

HP Autosport · 03-12-2011, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisw335i

Just wanting to get some opionions and suggestions on either of these possible choices

BMW Performance Suspension
Bilstein PSS10
KW V2

I can afford any, so price isnt the problem..I have searched relentlessly for weeks, and still cant decide. I was gonna go with the BMW PS, but had the pre-buyers remorse that it wouldnt be enough for me and I cant adjust them. the others I can adjust and sure they are both good choices..any advice guys?

If you are simply looking to lower the car, either the KW V2 or Bilstein's will do. If you are also looking for performance, try the KW V3 or AST4100.

chrisw335i · 03-12-2011, 07:29 PM

ok nevermind guys, i found the answer to my lowering question in the aftermarket sticky..the minimum lowering for these coilovers are correlated to regular suspension, as the sports has a .6 lowering already, so im looking at about a .4 -.5 minimum drop, and is acceptable to me as I dont think ill rub with that height

DaFish · 03-12-2011, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

If you are simply looking to lower the car, either the KW V2 or Bilstein's will do. If you are also looking for performance, try the KW V3 or AST4100.

As Harold said, Still don't know what you are trying to accomplish....

Answer this, what height do you want, what about ride?, is handling the priority, do you track.... lots of specs that need to be disclosed before you can decide on even the type.

chrisw335i · 03-12-2011, 08:30 PM

well i defiently want a lower height, nothing slammed, just lower...looking for something that can offer a good ride as well as good handling..a good mix..doesnt have to handle like a m3, just better than my aging sports does..I might track it 2-3 times a year. which is the reason I narrowed it down to these for there mixture of performance..I know there is better performers out there, as well as lower, but I want the ability to adjust to my situation...and the ease of adjustment has me leaning PSS10's..maybe this can clarify a little more

Wlew · 03-12-2011, 10:08 PM

to throw in a different option... I would go with Eiback pros and Koni yellows. I have this set up and absilutely love it. very well in my top 3 mods to the car. I wrote a review on them, I will find it and post it in here. You can always get the other Eibach sportlines which will lower it even more.

the best part of eibachs are they perform excellently but do not kill the ride quality of your car. its best of both worlds. and it doesnt cost an arm and a leg.

Whatever you do, make sure you buy a good set of shocks with your springs, to avoid dual install costs and stock shocks blowing out.

Wlew · 03-12-2011, 10:17 PM

as promised... first link is the review. 2nd link is with my new wheels. (Avant garde m310's)

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=411008

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=432953

bookman2 · 03-12-2011, 10:40 PM

I'm curious what others here think of the Dinan Stage 2 suspension upgrade that I'm considering for my sport pkg 330i. One of my concerns is ride height as I feel that the sports package is more than low enough for a daily driver on Chicago roads. My issue is with the relatively soft suspension setting BMW used to mask the harsh run-flats which I've gotten rid of for a proper set of high performance tires. I just don't want a slammed car which, in my view, is ludicrous outside of a track setting.

DaFish · 03-13-2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bookman2

I'm curious what others here think of the Dinan Stage 2 suspension upgrade that I'm considering for my sport pkg 330i. One of my concerns is ride height as I feel that the sports package is more than low enough for a daily driver on Chicago roads. My issue is with the relatively soft suspension setting BMW used to mask the harsh run-flats which I've gotten rid of for a proper set of high performance tires. I just don't want a slammed car which, in my view, is ludicrous outside of a track setting.

I went directly to Stage 3.... I spent copious amounts of time reviewing it here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=424830

The ride is firm... my wife got out of the car yesterday and felt sick and said we can't take your car on long trips any more.... that sucks....

With the shocks on FULL SOFT, driving the car I don't feel sick, either does she (albiet she doesn't drive it a lot or far). As a passenger, SHE feels she gets shaken and feels sick.

This is a warning to everyone that this is your DD. I didn't see this coming. I was told that Dinan had "near stock" ride quality - it doesn't. If ride quality is very important, think about your choices carefully, and go for a ride in a similar modded car if you can. I had an idea in my head and didn't do my due dilligence and didn't go for a ride somewhere. I HEAR the coil overs are firmer..... but I would discuss with Harold and get the swifts and his setup - I hear rave reviews about those.

As for ride height, Stage 3, adds 1/2" of ride height due to the camber plates. The car is at STOCK height. I have pictures and measurements in the thread above. If you go stage 2, the front will drop 1/2".

NOW, as per why I did it, performance. I love it - the combination of M3 arms, and camber plates has tightened the front end and quickened the steering without making it twitchy at all. Full review above.

Only issue: RIDE QUALITY.

bookman2 · 03-13-2011, 04:11 PM

Thanks very much for this DaFish because ride comfort is very important . My car will never be tracked and is strictly a DD but I prefer something firmer than a sport pkg 330i with 72k on the odometer. That's why I figured the Stage 3 wouldn't work for my needs. Great write-up by the way.

chrisw335i · 03-13-2011, 08:07 PM

I pulled the trigger on the PSS10's..woohoo!!!

03-12-2011, 04:14 PM	#1
chrisw335i First Lieutenant 13 Rep 377 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Columbus, Ga. iTrader: (3)	Suspension upgrade suggestions Just wanting to get some opionions and suggestions on either of these possible choices BMW Performance Suspension Bilstein PSS10 KW V2 I can afford any, so price isnt the problem..I have searched relentlessly for weeks, and still cant decide. I was gonna go with the BMW PS, but had the pre-buyers remorse that it wouldnt be enough for me and I cant adjust them. the others I can adjust and sure they are both good choices..any advice guys?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-12-2011, 04:55 PM	#2
TurboBimmer Lieutenant Colonel 79 Rep 1,617 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Luxembourg iTrader: (5)	Hello there. It's always difficult to compare suspensions, unless you know somebody whose car has the exact specification you're looking for. In your case, if you're contemplating between the Bilstein and KW V2, I would rule out the performance suspension. It's not adjustable, and the drop is very moderate. I have the PSS10 and I'm really happy with it. Although you'll probably want to look into the various M3 suspension bits to tighten everything up. But as a result you'll get a car whose handling has been totally transformed from a sporty luxury car to a real sports car __________________ Performance Seats, Exhaust, Splitters, Pedals, Steering Wheel / RB Turbos / M3 CF Roof / Brembo GT BBK 355/345 / Rollcage / Forge FMIC / Quaife LSD / Öhlins Road & Track / M3 Suspension Parts / Solid Subframe Bushings / Vorshlag Camberplates / Megan Racing Toe Links / LeatherZ Gauges / Extended M3 DCT Paddles / ER Sports OC / AR OC / Aux Radiator / AR DPs / Alpina TCU / COBB Pro-Tune
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2011, 04:59 PM	#3
chrisw335i First Lieutenant 13 Rep 377 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Columbus, Ga. iTrader: (3)	Yeah I love the look and ease of adjustability of the pss10..I have been leaning towards them. will I have any rubbing issues with them, as im 19 inch wheels. mainly worried about the rears, as it doesnt have much room. the fronts have plenty of room to lower, which is my main objective
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2011, 05:17 PM	#4
asian010 Brigadier General 120 Rep 3,236 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: bay area iTrader: (6)	ast 4100s
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2011, 06:02 PM	#5
chrisw335i First Lieutenant 13 Rep 377 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Columbus, Ga. iTrader: (3)	I know the bilsteins are a minimum of 1" lowering, but is that 1" correlated to the regular stock height or sports suspension..if I already have the sports suspension now, would that mean I wouldnt drop another inch on top of what I have now? My fenders in the rear would rub if it lowered down another inch, I could maybe take 1/2 to 3/4 inch and be alright. thanks guys
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2011, 07:29 PM	#7
chrisw335i First Lieutenant 13 Rep 377 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Columbus, Ga. iTrader: (3)	ok nevermind guys, i found the answer to my lowering question in the aftermarket sticky..the minimum lowering for these coilovers are correlated to regular suspension, as the sports has a .6 lowering already, so im looking at about a .4 -.5 minimum drop, and is acceptable to me as I dont think ill rub with that height
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2011, 08:30 PM	#9
chrisw335i First Lieutenant 13 Rep 377 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Columbus, Ga. iTrader: (3)	well i defiently want a lower height, nothing slammed, just lower...looking for something that can offer a good ride as well as good handling..a good mix..doesnt have to handle like a m3, just better than my aging sports does..I might track it 2-3 times a year. which is the reason I narrowed it down to these for there mixture of performance..I know there is better performers out there, as well as lower, but I want the ability to adjust to my situation...and the ease of adjustment has me leaning PSS10's..maybe this can clarify a little more
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2011, 10:08 PM	#10
Wlew Major 77 Rep 1,116 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (12)	to throw in a different option... I would go with Eiback pros and Koni yellows. I have this set up and absilutely love it. very well in my top 3 mods to the car. I wrote a review on them, I will find it and post it in here. You can always get the other Eibach sportlines which will lower it even more. the best part of eibachs are they perform excellently but do not kill the ride quality of your car. its best of both worlds. and it doesnt cost an arm and a leg. Whatever you do, make sure you buy a good set of shocks with your springs, to avoid dual install costs and stock shocks blowing out. __________________ 2011 335i Sports Package \| VRSF FMIC \| Cobb AP3 \| Dinan Exhaust \| BMS Intake \| VRSF CP \| Lux H8 Angel Eyes \| Mtec LED Fogs \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2011, 10:17 PM	#11
Wlew Major 77 Rep 1,116 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (12)	as promised... first link is the review. 2nd link is with my new wheels. (Avant garde m310's) http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=411008 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=432953 __________________ 2011 335i Sports Package \| VRSF FMIC \| Cobb AP3 \| Dinan Exhaust \| BMS Intake \| VRSF CP \| Lux H8 Angel Eyes \| Mtec LED Fogs \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2011, 10:40 PM	#12
bookman2 Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 2006 330i SP, PP Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	I'm curious what others here think of the Dinan Stage 2 suspension upgrade that I'm considering for my sport pkg 330i. One of my concerns is ride height as I feel that the sports package is more than low enough for a daily driver on Chicago roads. My issue is with the relatively soft suspension setting BMW used to mask the harsh run-flats which I've gotten rid of for a proper set of high performance tires. I just don't want a slammed car which, in my view, is ludicrous outside of a track setting.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2011, 04:11 PM	#14
bookman2 Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 2006 330i SP, PP Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Thanks very much for this DaFish because ride comfort is very important . My car will never be tracked and is strictly a DD but I prefer something firmer than a sport pkg 330i with 72k on the odometer. That's why I figured the Stage 3 wouldn't work for my needs. Great write-up by the way.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2011, 08:07 PM	#15
chrisw335i First Lieutenant 13 Rep 377 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Columbus, Ga. iTrader: (3)	I pulled the trigger on the PSS10's..woohoo!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote