[sle39lvr]

I am reading everything I can find on here about the M3 Control Arms on E90. However, I cannon't find a detailed feedback on differences after putting them on. So I hope you can give me some input on this.

There are hard core Autocross-er's here. Who want the car to handle very aggressively and quickly. However, let me explain what I am looking to get out of mine: I want the car to be still comfort oriented. I want it to be a long distance cruiser that does not sacrifice ride. So my plans are, FK Konigsports - lowered, slightly lower than ZSP level, OEM 18's with good rubber. Keep the stock non-sport front sway, but put something thicker in the back (may be ZHP one or M3?). Reason here is, I want the car to understeer the least.

Here's where I want it to be a little aggressive: Steering. I want more feel. I want more feedback and to be more accurate. So with above mentioned upgrades, would M3 Control Arm set be a good addition? Would I get what I want?

For those of who had them for a long time, how is it holding up after a long time? Are there any alignment issues?

Thanks in advance.

[tibra1]

I have the m3 arms but have yet to put them on.

There are several threads on this subject.. here are some

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...owerks+M3+arms

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349020

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...M3+Arms+review

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...owerks+M3+arms

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...owerks+M3+arms

[sle39lvr]

Thank you,
Saw all those except that last link. That's a good one.

But I would still appreciate a direct reply from someone that has these...

[dsbj]

Have control arms & wishbones.

Better feel without a doubt. Increased neg camber also improves cornering ability with little to no excess tire wear. Highly recommended and can all be done in your garage. Great mod for roughly $500. And yes, this will give you exactly what you're looking for.

[sle39lvr]

Originally Posted by dsbj

Have control arms & wishbones.

Better feel without a doubt. Increased neg camber also improves cornering ability with little to no excess tire wear. Highly recommended and can all be done in your garage. Great mod for roughly $500. And yes, this will give you exactly what you're looking for.

This doesn't make the front tires wear unevenly at all? (when you mentioned little to no excess tire wear, I wasn't sure if u meant 'un-even' wear)

[tres]

i also have the front arms and it does make a difference in steering feel my camber increased to -1.05 and my tires wear evenly.

[dsbj]

Haven't noticed any uneven wear. In fact, my belief is that the tire lies flatter during cornering which improves even wear. Prior, the outer edge would scrub. Iirc, I got an additional -.5 to-.7 degrees.

[dsbj]

My camber is now -1.3L and -1.5R. I may knock out the alignment pins for additional camber and to even them out.

[sle39lvr]

How is it on high speeds? Long runs on Highway? More enjoyable to drive or does it get annoying quickly?

I love the E36's and even 46's on highway since it was like no power steering at those speeds.

[tofu-]

i wish there was a DIY for this

[cvc 22349a]

Improved steering feedback, feel the road more which might be less comfortable to you, added neg camber, less understeer, better turn-in and not a reduction in ride confort to me. They're a great upgrade unless you're still riding on runflat tires

[Fraggy]

Originally Posted by tofu-

i wish there was a DIY for this

A guy on here (forgot his name) did the whole thing himself and took pics and pretty good notes. He did everything in one weekend, M3 sways, busings, control arms, diff, rear stuff etc. Search the suspension forum and you should come up with it.

I think his nick was Jzapeda or something close.

[dsbj]

Originally Posted by sle39lvr

How is it on high speeds? Long runs on Highway? More enjoyable to drive or does it get annoying quickly?

I love the E36's and even 46's on highway since it was like no power steering at those speeds.

I'm trying to find my alignment specs to share specifics. There is no issue at high speeds. Great feedback all the time. I didn't notice a difference in power steering either. Just improved feel. This is nothing like installing race springs or a drone-heavy exhaust that gets annoying over time. It feels fine for daily driving and gets better the harder you push it. On the corners is where it really shines.

BTW, I was contemplated making a DIY. I didn't as my brother was using my camera. This really isn't a difficult install as long as you have the tools available. IIRC, I needed a 22mm wrench that required a stop at Harbor Freight. Everything else I had.

The only challenging part is working the control arm into the chassis. Read, tight fit.

[fefo25]

I would imagine this doesnt fit XI right?

[sle39lvr]

Originally Posted by fefo25

I would imagine this doesnt fit XI right?

My top guess is no, but someone can confirm it?

[Thumperx]

Originally Posted by cvc 22349a

Improved steering feedback, feel the road more which might be less comfortable to you, added neg camber, less understeer, better turn-in and not a reduction in ride confort to me. They're a great upgrade unless you're still riding on runflat tires

X2
Last week at Infineon, the front end showed great turn-in feedback. I'm glad that I did the mod, highly recommendable.

[luckyu]

Originally Posted by sle39lvr

Here's where I want it to be a little aggressive: Steering. I want more feel. I want more feedback and to be more accurate. So with above mentioned upgrades, would M3 Control Arm set be a good addition? Would I get what I want?

When you say more feel, feedback, and accuracy what do you mean exactly? What is your test for each one?

For example, where I feel "accuracy" the most is on the freeway making very small steering inputs.

I have the arms and noticed a tiny more bit of kickback and road feel, but the steering is still very vague. Also they increased steering effort.

As an alternative you might try the HD bushings that fit in the stock arms. They won't change geometry.

[e90sexion]

I will stay away from FK

[sle39lvr]

Originally Posted by e90sexion

I will stay away from FK

Reason?

[turugara]

Originally Posted by sle39lvr

Reason?

Probably because of this
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=593570

[sle39lvr]

Ouch!

I've had Coilovers from Koni (I guess no FK, directly from Koni in this case?) in my last car. for Over 50K miles they rode amazing. For the height it was at, the ride and handling should have been ruined, but they covered them up greatly. I always have high respect for anything Koni. Those other hardware parts (springs, seats, etc), I am not sure ..

[tres]

you may also need a torx wrench or socket to hold the inner nut from spinning. I had to grind my lower control arms a tiny bit to make it fit.

Originally Posted by dsbj

I'm trying to find my alignment specs to share specifics. There is no issue at high speeds. Great feedback all the time. I didn't notice a difference in power steering either. Just improved feel. This is nothing like installing race springs or a drone-heavy exhaust that gets annoying over time. It feels fine for daily driving and gets better the harder you push it. On the corners is where it really shines.

BTW, I was contemplated making a DIY. I didn't as my brother was using my camera. This really isn't a difficult install as long as you have the tools available. IIRC, I needed a 22mm wrench that required a stop at Harbor Freight. Everything else I had.

The only challenging part is working the control arm into the chassis. Read, tight fit.