BMW Performance Suspension: Initial Review

stressdoc · 12-12-2008, 07:11 PM

The price drops for the Bilstein PSS10 EDC are beginning to make that a competitive option -- it's basically the OEM EDC set up for the M3. But the BMW performance package remains a great bargain at more than 1k less for those that don't have to have the luxury of on-the-fly damper adjustment.

Gen_E92 · 12-12-2008, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chowbow

I may try just the BMW springs... Often times the harsh ride comes from the shocks (although Mr. 5's findings wouldn't make that true), and I'm on Bilstein HDs. I'd be willing to do just a spring swap and see how that changes things.

do it!

can't wait to hear from you the difference in performance and ride height between those and Eibachs.

Fraggy · 12-13-2008, 10:47 PM

Update:
After about 3 days and a couple hundred miles, I think either the suspension is becoming a bit more yielding or Im just getting used to it.

Ive been adjusting tire pressure and things are getting better.

Cornering is awesome with this setup. Its very well balanced and maintains its composure well in corners. Even when you get some body roll, its well controlled and does not feel sloppy. The body very naturally and predictably enters and exits the lean during a hard corner. I have no complaints there at all.

Overall, I may grow to like this. I would like to drive either a stock zsp 335 or an M3. Its been so long since Ive felt a BMW suspension Ive long forgotten how its set up. Its hard to believe that an M3 could be any stiffer than this is. It wold also be good to see how much stiffer this setup is from zsp as well.

If I get to drive either of those I will come back with more info

Gesler · 12-13-2008, 11:22 PM

you should definitely try a zsp only car. look forward to your comparison.

stressdoc · 12-13-2008, 11:42 PM

Sounding better! Definitely compare to ZSP if you can and report back. Thanks!

Jake C · 12-15-2008, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Sounding better! Definitely compare to ZSP if you can and report back. Thanks!

+1

- J

XS4 · 12-18-2008, 06:43 PM

Do you notice any improvement with added weight in the car (like 2-3 passengers and/or a full tank of gas) - sometimes the extra weight dampening will give you a more pliant ride. Of the several coilover/sport setups I've had on previous cars, they all felt better loaded with a full tank, and were more jittery and harsh when lightened.

Changing to a lighter rim/tire setup can reduce the harshness too if that's an option for you.

crqflier · 12-20-2008, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fraggy

Update:
I would like to drive either a stock zsp 335 or an M3. Its been so long since Ive felt a BMW suspension Ive long forgotten how its set up. Its hard to believe that an M3 could be any stiffer than this is. It wold also be good to see how much stiffer this setup is from zsp as well.

If I get to drive either of those I will come back with more info

My 335i is stock zsp (including the oem rft for now). I've been debating BMW performance vs. dinan stage 1. Anywhere near San Diego?

Fraggy · 12-21-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crqflier

My 335i is stock zsp (including the oem rft for now). I've been debating BMW performance vs. dinan stage 1. Anywhere near San Diego?

Im IN San Diego

Id love to meet up sometime!

bradcfi · 12-23-2008, 10:52 AM

Did you install the BMW Performance springs as well?

Mr. 5 · 12-23-2008, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradcfi

Did you install the BMW Performance springs as well?

Ooh, I finally get to use this...

Fraggy · 12-23-2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

Ooh, I finally get to use this...

Ha ha, thats always fun to do.

Update: Its getting better and better. Ive even been able to slowly increase the psi in the tires back to respectable levels. Next I plan to get the performance sway bars. I think the H&R rear is too much bar for this setup, at least for me.

Closer_2001 · 12-23-2008, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crqflier

My 335i is stock zsp (including the oem rft for now). I've been debating BMW performance vs. dinan stage 1. Anywhere near San Diego?

I have Dinan Springs and Koni Sport (Yellow) Shocks with stock sways...I'd consider the ride very firm and controlled.

dth656 · 12-24-2008, 01:03 PM

hi,

could you please post pics when you get a chance?

i have an e90 330i w/ sport pkg, and non-run flat tires. i've been toying w/ the idea of modifying the suspension to get closer to my friend's e46 330i w/ perf pkg--i've driven his car and really like it, it's quite a bit more controlled than my car.

i'm most interested in the recently released BMW perf suspension (both springs and shocks) and curious as to what it looks like on an e90. i'd like to maintain my stock ride heighth if possible

Park2670 · 12-25-2008, 12:03 AM

Thanks for the info, I am seriously considering this for my next car as well.

HP Autosport · 12-25-2008, 02:17 AM

Replacing some of the suspension links can remove some of the bind in your suspension and actually give you a better ride quality!

bradcfi · 12-25-2008, 08:46 AM

I drove a car with BMW Perf shocks and Dinan springs. It did not feel stif to me.

Mr. 5 · 12-25-2008, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradcfi

I drove a car with BMW Perf shocks and Dinan springs. It did not feel stif to me.

Are you sure that it was the Performance suspension?

The reason why I ask is because there seems to be a little confusion lately about what exactly is the performance suspension and what is not.

Read this post:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=143

cvc 22349a · 12-26-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Closer_2001

I have Dinan Springs and Koni Sport (Yellow) Shocks with stock sways...I'd consider the ride very firm and controlled.

How much did that drop your car? Do you have significantly less body roll now/sharper turn in? Is it still a comfortable daily driver or are the pot holes and bumps abusive?

scott@bmwhn · 12-30-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

Are you sure that it was the Performance suspension?

The reason why I ask is because there seems to be a little confusion lately about what exactly is the performance suspension and what is not.

Read this post:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=143

it's my car, BMW performance shocks with Dinan springs

bradcfi · 12-31-2008, 08:31 AM

I drove a 335 with BMW Perf Susp, dinan springs and it was not harsh. I liked it and I am a mature driver who's other car is a Lexus LS430. lol

I ordered the BMW Performance Suspension with the BMW spring which is ordered by punching out the VIN number for all options. It will be well mateched to the car.

I will report on y new ride late this week.

Mr. 5 · 12-31-2008, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott@bmwhn

it's my car, BMW performance shocks with Dinan springs

Cool!! I'm glad that others are experiencing the performance dampers as well.

How are the Dinan springs with the dampers?
Did you put them on at the same time or did you add the dampers after the springs?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradcfi

I drove a 335 with BMW Perf Susp, dinan springs and it was not harsh. I liked it and I am a mature driver who's other car is a Lexus LS430. lol

I ordered the BMW Performance Suspension with the BMW spring which is ordered by punching out the VIN number for all options. It will be well mateched to the car.

I will report on y new ride late this week.

Definitely report your findings.
I'm still curious with how much different the perf springs will be compared to the ZSP springs.

12-12-2008, 07:11 PM	#23
stressdoc Moderator 619 Rep 10,858 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	The price drops for the Bilstein PSS10 EDC are beginning to make that a competitive option -- it's basically the OEM EDC set up for the M3. But the BMW performance package remains a great bargain at more than 1k less for those that don't have to have the luxury of on-the-fly damper adjustment. __________________ My recent ED photos: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1026808 my not-so-recent ED: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31829 Please join BMWCCA http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=c...&ref_by=300279
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12-13-2008, 10:47 PM	#25
Fraggy Brigadier General 193 Rep 3,469 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Diego iTrader: (11)	Update: After about 3 days and a couple hundred miles, I think either the suspension is becoming a bit more yielding or Im just getting used to it. Ive been adjusting tire pressure and things are getting better. Cornering is awesome with this setup. Its very well balanced and maintains its composure well in corners. Even when you get some body roll, its well controlled and does not feel sloppy. The body very naturally and predictably enters and exits the lean during a hard corner. I have no complaints there at all. Overall, I may grow to like this. I would like to drive either a stock zsp 335 or an M3. Its been so long since Ive felt a BMW suspension Ive long forgotten how its set up. Its hard to believe that an M3 could be any stiffer than this is. It wold also be good to see how much stiffer this setup is from zsp as well. If I get to drive either of those I will come back with more info __________________ 2016 Alpine White M3 (gone) 2019 Alfa Romeo Guilia (Totaled) 2020 Car-less 😁 (no more) 2020 M340
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12-13-2008, 11:22 PM	#26
Gesler First Lieutenant 136 Rep 356 Posts Drives: e90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US iTrader: (0)	you should definitely try a zsp only car. look forward to your comparison. __________________
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12-13-2008, 11:42 PM	#27
stressdoc Moderator 619 Rep 10,858 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Sounding better! Definitely compare to ZSP if you can and report back. Thanks! __________________ My recent ED photos: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1026808 my not-so-recent ED: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31829 Please join BMWCCA http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=c...&ref_by=300279
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12-18-2008, 06:43 PM	#29
XS4 slave to the dark side 30 Rep 173 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (3)	Do you notice any improvement with added weight in the car (like 2-3 passengers and/or a full tank of gas) - sometimes the extra weight dampening will give you a more pliant ride. Of the several coilover/sport setups I've had on previous cars, they all felt better loaded with a full tank, and were more jittery and harsh when lightened. Changing to a lighter rim/tire setup can reduce the harshness too if that's an option for you. __________________ Two Turbos to Rulez Them All...
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12-23-2008, 10:52 AM	#32
bradcfi Private 3 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 20087 BMW 335i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Did you install the BMW Performance springs as well?
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12-24-2008, 01:03 PM	#36
dth656 First Lieutenant 36 Rep 397 Posts Drives: e90 330i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: ASCII iTrader: (0)	hi, could you please post pics when you get a chance? i have an e90 330i w/ sport pkg, and non-run flat tires. i've been toying w/ the idea of modifying the suspension to get closer to my friend's e46 330i w/ perf pkg--i've driven his car and really like it, it's quite a bit more controlled than my car. i'm most interested in the recently released BMW perf suspension (both springs and shocks) and curious as to what it looks like on an e90. i'd like to maintain my stock ride heighth if possible __________________ go bears
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12-25-2008, 12:03 AM	#37
Park2670 General 355 Rep 18,218 Posts Drives: Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: UTAH iTrader: (8)	Thanks for the info, I am seriously considering this for my next car as well. __________________
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12-25-2008, 02:17 AM	#38
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 3893 Rep 54,603 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	Replacing some of the suspension links can remove some of the bind in your suspension and actually give you a better ride quality!
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12-25-2008, 08:46 AM	#39
bradcfi Private 3 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 20087 BMW 335i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	I drove a car with BMW Perf shocks and Dinan springs. It did not feel stif to me.
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12-31-2008, 08:31 AM	#43
bradcfi Private 3 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 20087 BMW 335i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	I drove a 335 with BMW Perf Susp, dinan springs and it was not harsh. I liked it and I am a mature driver who's other car is a Lexus LS430. lol I ordered the BMW Performance Suspension with the BMW spring which is ordered by punching out the VIN number for all options. It will be well mateched to the car. I will report on y new ride late this week.
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