[bluewind]

I have a MY13 335is with 19" wheel - all stock.

While I love the car, I am starting to realize that the harsh ride is hurting my back and reduces the overall pleasure. So I need to soften up the ride a bit.

Switching from RFT to regular would help - but considering the low sidewall of these, not sure how much help it will be.

Changing springs may be the way to go, but I've been a stock-person always, so not sure which ones would be a good compromise between ride quality and drivability.

I feel that my old E60 550 MSport had the best combination. My wife's F10 535 MSport is a bit too cushiony side... But I don't want to waste too much money on this.

What are my options? Any help would be very much appreciated!

..

Tried to search the forum, but couldn't find any thread related to this topic. My search skills must be going down hill

[Datsik]

KW V2 would be the best bet because they are adjustable, but they do cost a bit. If you want to go with a cheaper setup I have heard good things about H&R springs with Koni yellow shocks. It's all going to come down to how much you want to spend though. As far as tires I'm sure any decent set of tires is going to be a lot better then our RFT. Best of luck.

[thenewrick]

I would keep stock suspension and consider 18 inch wheels with a good quality non-RFT tire.

[fazi13]

if I'm honest, switching from Michelin Pilot Super Sport RFTs to the same tires non-RFT is only about a 10% difference in ride quality here on California roads. And the tires totaled to be $1000, so that plus a set of wheels would probably be more expensive than switching out the suspension.

[E90_boostjunky]

like someone mentioned above get KW V2 or get a nice set of 18s they will make a huge difference

[ken1137]

I suggest one step at a time; start with 18" PSS', then head to coilovers if you need something a bit better. Maybe koni's with performance springs.

PM...Harold @ HPAutowerks regarding the coilovers.

[bluewind]

Thank you so much guys. I'd like to stick with my current wheel. So my options are changing to non-RTF and springs.

KW seems to be running close to $2000.

Koni FSD seems to be running around at $800.

I am guessing installation would run for $200-300?

[Doctor///M]

18's FTW!

[Dark_Knight_335]

LMAO @ softening ride quality on 19s.
Good one bro- sit on a gel cushion

[mike3000fl]

exactly, when i went from stock 16" to 19" the ride became very noticeably harsher.

your best bet might be trading OEM rims/tires for something OEM but less aggressive. plenty of people with OEM wheels that wouldn't mind something larger. I got a deal on e46 M3 wheels because the guys wife didn't like the ride.

[Falafel Combo]

Should have gotten an f30. Soft mushy ride comes standard. You can even put the bastard in Eco pro.

[Wires]

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

LMAO @ softening ride quality on 19s.
Good one bro- sit on a gel cushion

+1 You'll NEVER get a nice ride on 19's. Sure they look awesome, car handles like a dream, but you have zero side wall for cushion.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Originally Posted by Wires

+1 You'll NEVER get a nice ride on 19's. Sure they look awesome, car handles like a dream, but you have zero side wall for cushion.

Ask me how I know
Plus Dinan performance bushings and monoball lower control arms...
Car corners on a time though

[Darryl79]

I changed out my RFT's to NON-Rft just two weeks ago. I bought Good year F1 Asymmetric 2 18" and my ride quality increased quite a bit.

Another vote for changing to different springs in addition. But, one step at a time. That way you develop a baseline.

[bluewind]

Thanks all for sharing opinions.

Based on the ride quality that I've seen on my friends' E92 M3s and 911s with 19 inch wheels, I am hopeful that I can get an "acceptable" ride on my car with 19"...

I believe M3s have non-RTF and dynamic damper control. M3s have beefier seats, too, which absorb shocks more, I guess. 911s also have damper control.. not sure about RTF.

[wisco]

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

LMAO @ softening ride quality on 19s.
Good one bro- sit on a gel cushion

Sorry but had to lol... I was thinking the same thing.

Also, guessing that swapping the suspension out would cost a tad bit more than $2-300. Thinking more like $400-500 at any reputable shop / indy.

[iBoost]

17inch wheels and fat rubber. If that isn't enough, swap in non-sport suspension.

[Amini77]

Definitely try getting rid of the RFTs!!! Also if you plan on going with 19''s expect a think tire wall (thin tire wall obviously doesn't absorb much) or else 19''s + fat tire wall = looks weird..even with a drop. I have 19''s + 35 tire wall, wheels look pretty big already and the ride is rough af.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Major ride improvement from 19" RFT to oversized Conti DW's 245x35x19-265x30x19. $766 after rebate from Tire Rack. Figure another $100 shipping & mounting.

[grassfeeder]

I had 19's on my Audi B6 Avant just prior to getting my E92 w/ 19's - the Audi was worlds more comfy. It was also on coils though with Hankook V12's.

If a 10 year old wagon with 130k ca be comfy with 19's so can these cars.

[dreamspeed]

The M3s have non RFTs.

Also, did you check your tire pressure? Running a slightly lower tire pressure might help marginally. No harm trying since its free.

[cdgatti]

Originally Posted by captainaudio

I would keep the stock springs and go to Koni FSDs,
I installed them on my 2007 335i with sport suspension and it made a huge difference.


CA

Captainaudio did you utilize reduced height bumpstops with your FSD swap out?