[sutter2k]

I am narrowing down which suspension to go with.

Right now I am between choosing the Performance Suspension or a coilover setup like ->

Tckline SA, HPA Koni SA, Ast 4100's or Tckline DA(though I am looking to stay under 2k)


The stock "sport" is not enough for me. I am looking for my goldilocks setup. Not to soft, not too uncomfortable/harsh. I am not looking for a drop. Maybe a half inch. I would like an increase in performance without going over the edge.


I currently have the m3 subframe bushings, rear sway bar & LSD in the back with m3 front bits.
I may attend 2-3 days a year.

How many of you were perfectly happy with the Performance Suspension. How many later went to something more aggressive? Did you go more aggressive and regret it?

-Matt

[Crewchief05]

Not trying to thread jack. Did you notice a big difference with the M3 suspension parts? I was thinking about doing this but have read different opinions of worthiness. From the sounds of it, it sounds like their was a difference but not to noticeable. Or are you really just trying to go lower? I have also been looking to find the best set up and its a hard choice when ballin on a budget lol. I think I'm gonna just get adjustable shocks with springs (unknown vendor as of now) since I am not looking to track (for now anyway lol).

[sutter2k]

Originally Posted by Crewchief05

Not trying to thread jack. Did you notice a big difference with the M3 suspension parts? I was thinking about doing this but have read different opinions of worthiness. From the sounds of it, it sounds like their was a difference but not to noticeable. Or are you really just trying to go lower? I have also been looking to find the best set up and its a hard choice when ballin on a budget lol. I think I'm gonna just get adjustable shocks with springs (unknown vendor as of now) since I am not looking to track (for now anyway lol).

I'll take a little bit lower, but that is not really the goal. Just to level set I am comming from a STI hatch with many Ast coilovers, upgraded sways and many bushings throughout. I may want things a tad more comfortable and quiet.

I have no regrets about any of the m3 bits. The subframe bushings + rear bay + lsd made a bigger difference. The front bits did give a little better steering feel and turn in. Not an earth shattering difference though.
I installed the front bits myself and used the TSW branded parts to save some costs.

With a tune + fmic + dp its clear this car needs more tire, especially in the front. I like the sport seats over the STI, but this car is clearly heavier and leans more around corners.

[335iSSA]

I guess the answer depends on what you do with the car. I had the PS and liked it a lot and for the money it is a very good deal. The ride was as good as good, if not better, that the sport suspension and it gave enough performance for the street. I did autoX the car (started after I got the PS) and would have gone with the TC Kline DAs or ASTs if I could have done it again. Hope this helps.

As far as the M3 subframe bushings, I didn't feel it was worth the money or effort. The front bits I liked a lot and they showed the difference in AutoX.

[Smooth 330i]

Originally Posted by sutter2k

I am narrowing down which suspension to go with.

Right now I am between choosing the Performance Suspension or a coilover setup like ->

Tckline SA, HPA Koni SA, Ast 4100's or Tckline DA(though I am looking to stay under 2k)


The stock "sport" is not enough for me. I am looking for my goldilocks setup. Not to soft, not too uncomfortable/harsh. I am not looking for a drop. Maybe a half inch. I would like an increase in performance without going over the edge.


I currently have the m3 subframe bushings, rear sway bar & LSD in the back with m3 front bits.
I may attend 2-3 days a year.

How many of you were perfectly happy with the Performance Suspension. How many later went to something more aggressive? Did you go more aggressive and regret it?

-Matt

I have PS Kit V2. Went to two HPDEs last fall and was impressed how well the car handled including my instructor. It is much better than sport as the roll is reduced but damping is improved. Of course non-rft are perfect match. The car also dropped a bit, more in rear than front, maybe 1/2".

Considering your other mods and requirements I would say it would meet your needs if you don't want to tinker with adjustments that coilovers provide. The V2 is a very nice upgrade in my opinion. There are no regrets vs. coilovers for now but that can always change. If you are a track junkie you may want to go with c/o.

GL

[DaanBMW]

My full experience is here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=661278

In brief: I am thoroughly impressed by the BMW PS, even with a mix of the v1 dampers and the v2 springs that I have. I have had on my veedubs neuspeed+bilstein @ passat and h&r+bilstein @ golf, this is both as firm or firmer and more comfortable (yes, the 2 qualities that go against each other), and it didn't drop too much. Lightyears from the ZSP.

To answer your question: v. happy with it.

[zeenon53]

Sounds like you need to go straight to coilovers. I originally had the PS then wanted something more so it now sits on the shelf. My last 3 cars had coilovers, one of which being an sti on teins, I only wanted my car to be a little stiffer like you. Afterwards that wasn't enough, a little lower would be nice. Now I'm on KWv1 and regretting not just getting the v2.....lol

[cvc 22349a]

Depends how you drive the car. I haven't taken my car to the track yet so the handling is damn good for spirited driving and ride comfort is also good even with the M3 bushings and control arms. I run Koni sports instead of the PS kit dampers. Only once has the rear end felt a bit soft and I could of lost my license for driving that fast in the mtns.
I'd only consider c/o's if you want to lower the car and run stiffer springs, which would be more suitable at the track.

[Phil325i]

OP have you considered Ohlins Road & Track kit?

http://www.roadandtrackbyohlins.com/products/bms-mi00/

[sutter2k]

Originally Posted by Phil325i

OP have you considered Ohlins Road & Track kit?

http://www.roadandtrackbyohlins.com/products/bmsmi00/

I believe they may be a little out of budget. Especially if one has to purchase swift springs afterwards.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=604381

[335dFan]

Originally Posted by sutter2k

I believe they may be a little out of budget. Especially if one has to purchase swift springs afterwards.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=604381

I started with OEM non-sports suspension on the E90 335d. Was not happy with wallowing, so changed to Bilstein B6 dampers. Was satisfied until I drove somebody else's with the sports pack. First plan was BMW OEM Performance Suspension Kit, M3 Suspension Components Kit, Quaife LSD, and M3 Rear Subframe Bushings.

Current plan, with finger on trigger, is as the last list above, with the exception that I will put on JRZ RS1 1-way adjustable dampers and AC Schnitzer springs, instead of the BMW Performance Suspension Kit.

Truthfully this is way out of my budget also, but being retired this is my only toy (and probably last car) and I can work part-time to pay for extras like this.

[MikeR1994]

When I was just starting to look at coilovers and weighing different options I asked a BMW tech what he thought of the BMW PS kit in comparison to aftermarket parts in the same, or even a little lower, price range. He said the PS was really not worth it in his opinion. He didn't think it was that drastic of an improvement over stock. Not that it isn't a good deal better, I just don't personally think it's worth the asking price.

[CALWATERBOY]

Originally Posted by sutter2k

The stock "sport" is not enough for me. I am looking for my goldilocks setup. Not to soft, not too uncomfortable/harsh. I am not looking for a drop. Maybe a half inch. I would like an increase in performance without going over the edge.

I currently have the m3 subframe bushings, rear sway bar & LSD in the back with m3 front bits.
I may attend 2-3 days a year.

Consider THIS

Add a front M sway - assume you have rear M sway - and you're largely there.

Shade over $2k and you add rear M camber arms HERE

I have the latter - all street use, have yet to find a limit to grip. Rather amazing, yet comfortable. Bit firmer at low speed, sporty rather than a problem.

It'll stiffen yer nips - recommended by everyone I've noticed has it.

Bonus: After install, pothole explosion ceased. I credit that to Yellows, Delrin, and linear Eibachs. Good juju I guarantee.

[jjellyneck]

Hmmmm...are the Perf Suspension springs a pure BMW spec or are they maybe an Eibach rebranded? Any idea what the spring rates are on them vs. Sport Suspension rates? Thanks.

[Malibu1]

I had sport and went with the BMW Performance kit that Tischer sold a couple years ago. I paired it with the BMW yellow springs and it was perfect. I swapped out for about a week with KWV2 but liked the Tischer kit with the yellows better and went back to that in the car. Have 25K miles on them and they are still holding up like the day I put them on.

[jjellyneck]

Originally Posted by Malibu1

I had sport and went with the BMW Performance kit that Tischer sold a couple years ago. I paired it with the BMW yellow springs and it was perfect. I swapped out for about a week with KWV2 but liked the Tischer kit with the yellows better and went back to that in the car. Have 25K miles on them and they are still holding up like the day I put them on.

Thank you for your input. Just curious though before I place the order ( because I have the 2 suspensions you just mentioned on my radar)....what were your main reasons for switching back to the BMW Perf Suspension?

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by jjellyneck

Hmmmm...are the Perf Suspension springs a pure BMW spec or are they maybe an Eibach rebranded? Any idea what the spring rates are on them vs. Sport Suspension rates? Thanks.

Posted on BMW's website 30% firmer tham sport susp springs

[Daily_Driver]

Malibu.... does the PS feel like its 30% stiffer on the E92? Most reports that I read certainly do not lead me to think it feels like its 30% stiffer....

[sutter2k]

Originally Posted by Malibu1

I had sport and went with the BMW Performance kit that Tischer sold a couple years ago. I paired it with the BMW yellow springs and it was perfect. I swapped out for about a week with KWV2 but liked the Tischer kit with the yellows better and went back to that in the car. Have 25K miles on them and they are still holding up like the day I put them on.

What aspect about the Performance Suspension did you like better than the KW V2's?

Comfort or handling?

[jjellyneck]

Originally Posted by sutter2k

What aspect about the Performance Suspension did you like better than the KW V2's?

Comfort or handling?

I have the stock ZSP sport suspension and want tighter handling, and will give up a little bit of ride comfort...so that's the core of my search.
I had a 2002 Audi S4 and installed matching springs and dampers. Almost no change in ride quality but the handling improved in every aspect. I'm trying to mirror that. Thank you for any and all input and opinions.

[sutter2k]

^^ that was Malibu1, but okay

[TheM3Boy]

I have a 335i with the M-Package on it and the suspension feels very tight. Is it stiffer than the sport?