E90Post
 


 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > M3 Control Arm Folks, Please Come in...



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-02-2011, 04:13 PM   #1
sle39lvr
Captain
124
Rep
654
Posts

Drives: 08 328i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (3)

M3 Control Arm Folks, Please Come in...

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.
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2011, 04:25 PM   #2
tibra1
Banned
No_Country
127
Rep
6,773
Posts

Drives: 2011 ZCP M3 - 2007 335i crashd
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NYC

iTrader: (4)

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
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2011, 05:44 PM   #3
sle39lvr
Captain
124
Rep
654
Posts

Drives: 08 328i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (3)

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...
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2011, 05:52 PM   #4
dbjb
I sweat pheromones
dbjb's Avatar
199
Rep
2,103
Posts

Drives: e92 335i, retired SLK55
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (25)

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.
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2011, 05:57 PM   #5
sle39lvr
Captain
124
Rep
654
Posts

Drives: 08 328i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dsbj View Post
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)
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2011, 06:07 PM   #6
tres
Major
tres's Avatar
United_States
34
Rep
1,381
Posts

Drives: 2011 bmw 335is 6MT
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: maryland

iTrader: (6)

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.
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2011, 06:24 PM   #7
dbjb
I sweat pheromones
dbjb's Avatar
199
Rep
2,103
Posts

Drives: e92 335i, retired SLK55
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (25)

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.
Appreciate 3
      10-02-2011, 06:45 PM   #8
dbjb
I sweat pheromones
dbjb's Avatar
199
Rep
2,103
Posts

Drives: e92 335i, retired SLK55
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (25)

My camber is now -1.3L and -1.5R. I may knock out the alignment pins for additional camber and to even them out.
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2011, 08:12 PM   #9
sle39lvr
Captain
124
Rep
654
Posts

Drives: 08 328i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (3)

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.
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2011, 09:51 PM   #10
tofu-
Banned
86
Rep
2,854
Posts

Drives: 335i Jet Black/Coral Red
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: nyc

iTrader: (4)

i wish there was a DIY for this
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2011, 10:01 PM   #11
cvc 22349a
Colonel
cvc 22349a's Avatar
United_States
164
Rep
2,556
Posts

Drives: 335i
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SF Bay

iTrader: (11)

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
__________________
2007 E90 335i, TiAg, 6AT, ZPP, ZSP, ZCW, 6FL, HD
Quaife lsd, ETS fmic, GIAC s/w, Dinan intake/exhaust/oc, Koni/M3 susp, Apex Arc 8, Mich PSS
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2011, 10:43 PM   #12
Fraggy
Brigadier General
Fraggy's Avatar
United_States
193
Rep
3,469
Posts

Drives: 2016 M3
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (11)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tofu- View Post
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.
__________________
2016 Alpine White M3 (gone)
2019 Alfa Romeo Guilia (Totaled)
2020 Car-less 😁 (no more)
2020 M340
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2011, 10:55 PM   #13
dbjb
I sweat pheromones
dbjb's Avatar
199
Rep
2,103
Posts

Drives: e92 335i, retired SLK55
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (25)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sle39lvr View Post
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.
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2011, 08:37 AM   #14
fefo25
Second Lieutenant
16
Rep
261
Posts

Drives: 2006 325xi wagon
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

I would imagine this doesnt fit XI right?
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2011, 08:40 AM   #15
sle39lvr
Captain
124
Rep
654
Posts

Drives: 08 328i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by fefo25 View Post
I would imagine this doesnt fit XI right?
My top guess is no, but someone can confirm it?
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2011, 10:53 AM   #16
Thumperx
Major
United_States
88
Rep
1,404
Posts

Drives: 335I coupe
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SE Michigan

iTrader: (77)

Quote:
Originally Posted by cvc 22349a View Post
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.
__________________
Name: Blanca | 07 E92 | AW-Blk | ZSP | Alcon BBK | M3 Bits | VM RR Links | Koni | UUC Sways | V5 | Dinan CAI | ETS IC | Fge DV | ER CP | Cyba | Raden. Exh | Mod Step | Trunk Drawer | Perf LED Wheel | Illum Dr Sills | IS Shifter | Parrot | Philps D1S | 6000k fog | MTECH RR | CSL Trunk | Aero | Roof Spoiler | PSS on BBS RS-GT 19s
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2011, 12:27 PM   #17
luckyu
Lieutenant
luckyu's Avatar
25
Rep
423
Posts

Drives: 2007 328i, 1998 328i
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sle39lvr View Post
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.
__________________
2007 328i ZSP. M3 suspension: custom valved Bilstein shocks, Hyperco race springs, M3 lower control arms front and rear, M3 sway bars, and M3 subframe bushings. E46 front guide supports. Euro tail lights.
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2011, 12:27 PM   #18
Yvette
Major General
Canada
759
Rep
7,408
Posts

Drives: M
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Vancouver

iTrader: (19)

I will stay away from FK
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2011, 01:09 PM   #19
sle39lvr
Captain
124
Rep
654
Posts

Drives: 08 328i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by e90sexion View Post
I will stay away from FK
Reason?
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2011, 02:28 PM   #20
turugara
Major
turugara's Avatar
90
Rep
1,324
Posts

Drives: 335i Coupe, 6 Speed
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC

iTrader: (5)

Garage List
2011 BMW 335i  [9.44]
Quote:
Originally Posted by sle39lvr View Post
Reason?
Probably because of this
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=593570
Appreciate 1
      10-03-2011, 03:25 PM   #21
sle39lvr
Captain
124
Rep
654
Posts

Drives: 08 328i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (3)

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 ..
Appreciate 0
      10-04-2011, 07:35 AM   #22
tres
Major
tres's Avatar
United_States
34
Rep
1,381
Posts

Drives: 2011 bmw 335is 6MT
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: maryland

iTrader: (6)

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.





Quote:
Originally Posted by dsbj View Post
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.
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:21 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST