*BMW Performance Suspension Installed*

Mr. 5 · 09-22-2008, 01:17 PM

First of all,
I have to thank Evan@Tischer for putting up with all of my questions.

I got all of the parts through Evan at www.getbmwparts.com
They have the best prices and absolutely hands down the best customer service!

I've had the ZSP suspension from day one, and I'm glad that I made the choice initially. I personally like the ride height, and I like the way it feels, but I was looking at firming up the suspension a bit.

Enter in the BMW Performance Suspension.
For those who don’t know, The BMW Performance suspension is the same suspension in the 335 in Europe with the M Package.
In Europe, there are 3 suspensions: Regular, Sport, and M Sport.
America only had the first 2 until now.

It was a little confusing with what exactly what comes with this suspension, but now I know for sure, and I'll tell you what you need to get.

From what I understand, the BMW Performance Suspension is only available for the e90 as of now.

If your car's production date is up to 6/2006 and you have the regular suspension then you need the following:

BMW Performance Suspension--(33500429574)
BMW Performance Springs--2 Front (31336788893) and 2 Rear (33536788901) [Check with Evan to Make Sure]
BMW Front Sway Bar--(31356766288)
BMW Rear Sway Bar (14mm)--(33556764426)
BMW Front Guide Supports-- 2 of (31306775098)

If your car's production date is after 6/2006 and you have the regular suspension then you need the following:

BMW Performance Suspension--(33500429574)
BMW Performance Springs--2 Front (31336788893) and 2 Rear (33536788901) [Check with Evan to Make Sure]
BMW Front Sway Bar--(31356766288)
BMW Rear Sway Bar (14mm)--(33556764426)

If your car's production date up to 6/2006 and you have the Sport Suspension (ZSP) then you need the following:

BMW Performance Suspension--(33500429574)
BMW Front Guide Supports-- 2 of (31306775098)

Optional:
BMW Performance Springs--2 Front (31336788893) and 2 Rear (33536788901) [Check with Evan to Make Sure]
BMW Rear Sway Bar (14mm)--(33556764426)

If your car's production date is after 6/2006 and you have the Sport Suspension (ZSP) then you need the following:

BMW Performance Suspension--(33500429574)

Optional:
BMW Performance Springs--2 Front (31336788893) and 2 Rear (33536788901) [Check with Evan to Make Sure]
BMW Rear Sway Bar (14mm)--(33556764426)

So, when you order the BMW Performance Suspension (33500429574), you get everything you need to install the dampers. You get the nuts, bolts, new bumper stops, etc. You even get new rubber bushings for the springs.

Since I had the ZSP, and my production date was after 6/2006, all I needed was part number 33500429574, but I chose to stiffen up the rear end of my car and add the 14mm sway bar.

I also had the chance to get the springs, but I was thinking about if it was going to make that much of a difference. There have been rumors that the BMW Performance yellow springs was going to drop the car another 5mm or something, but I honestly didn't care about the ride height since I was happy with the sport package height.
Here's another thing--if BMW says that the dampers will go along with the Sport springs just fine, and then I am going to trust their judgment.
IMO, BMW engineers are geniuses when it comes to suspension work.

PERFORMANCE

Let's talk about Performance.

As some of you know, I went to California Speedway and raced the Roval, and I really do have to say that this suspension is the perfect combo to track your car one day and drive the family to the grocery store the next.

The thing that I was worried about before the suspension was installed was the bumpiness. I had problems in my previous car (2006 GLI) once I changed out the suspension. I went with Eibach Pro sport springs with Koni yellows, and I just couldn't get it to work, but maybe it was because I kept comparing the suspension to my 03 M3.

The BMW Performance Dampers work so well. They just make the “b u m p s” into “bumps”. The thing I love about this suspension is that there isn’t a bunch of bumps after the one bump. The suspension knows when to stop the oscillation. Corners seem more controlled and the car is definitely more stable. I just loved hitting the slalom part at the Roval. There was a quick left and then right at the track and I believe I hit that at approximately 80 mph.
The 14mm sway bar was perfect for keeping the rear end stiff enough to keep the rear rigid, but it was still soft enough to make sure that there was still enough traction going to all wheels.

For those who are thinking about doing this, then do it!
I really wanted something a bit stiffer, but I told myself after the last time that I would never change out an OEM suspension with an aftermarket component ever again.
I’m very glad that BMW brought the M suspension over here to the USA so we could finally experience what this car was supposed to feel like.

For those who haven't seen the Roval Video then here it is. This is me doing 145mph with the Performance Suspension:

ALIGNMENT

There are some that believe that they could lower their car or change out their suspension without aligning their car.
I've even heard of shops saying that they marked everything so an alignment doesn't need to be performed.
That is complete BS!

When I was done installing the suspension, my car drove great!
There was no vibration on the freeway and if I let go of the steering wheel, my car wouldn't drift or anything to the point.
As you can see from the specs in the last picture, an alignment was very much needed. I circled the big changes in red.
I would have gone through a set of tires real fast!

And, here's pics of the Performance Suspension once I got it.
My daughter wass pretty excited about the suspension also.

Kitz · 09-22-2008, 01:19 PM

nice review!!

LaYzEe · 09-22-2008, 01:55 PM

thanks for the review Mr. 5! i think you talked me into getting the 14mm rear sway bar once i upgrade my suspension too!

cycler · 09-22-2008, 02:18 PM

Do you think I would be able to do that set up on my 2008 e92xi. I already have the UUC sway bars.

txusa03 · 09-22-2008, 02:36 PM

hehehe, you have a very cute assistance

Mr. 5 · 09-22-2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cycler

Do you think I would be able to do that set up on my 2008 e92xi. I already have the UUC sway bars.

Sorry but there is nothing yet for the e92.

Prissy · 09-22-2008, 03:10 PM

good review! Are the heights adjustable? because the M-sport suspension is not that low, I know it can be good and bad.

Mr. 5 · 09-22-2008, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prissy

good review! Are the heights adjustable? because the M-sport suspension is not that low, I know it can be good and bad.

No, it's not.
And, I'm glad it isn't.
I like it how it is, because I would fiddle with it all the time.

sambonator · 09-22-2008, 05:22 PM

Ok I thought maybe it might lower the car a little bit, so I assume it doesn't lower it at all (if the spring seat sat lower than the Sport package seat, the car can be lowered a bit).

Mr. 5 · 09-22-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sambonator

Ok I thought maybe it might lower the car a little bit, so I assume it doesn't lower it at all (if the spring seat sat lower than the Sport package seat, the car can be lowered a bit).

I was thinking the same thing but it didn't happen.
Remember though that the M yellow springs just might lower the car a bit.
I didn't care about that too much.

Ron@Modbargains · 09-22-2008, 06:54 PM

Nice Review, and thanks for posting this up very much appreciated, looks like the perfect match to what you were looking for

e92phreak · 09-22-2008, 06:56 PM

Nice review! Thanks!

How much is the BMW Performance Suspension retail?

e92phreak · 09-22-2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92phreak

Nice review! Thanks!

How much is the BMW Performance Suspension retail?

I just checked the price of part# 33500429574, which is the performance suspension... MSRP is $695 and Tischer sells it for $556. Mr. 5, do you know what this includes? I noticed the front coil spring goes for MSRP $106.95 but they sell it for $85.56. It's singular, so does this mean x4?

Thanks.

sambonator · 09-22-2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92phreak

I just checked the price of part# 33500429574, which is the performance suspension... MSRP is $695 and Tischer sells it for $556. Mr. 5, do you know what this includes? I noticed the front coil spring goes for MSRP $106.95 but they sell it for $85.56. It's singular, so does this mean x4?

Thanks.

What it includes are 4 shocks.

DreX3M · 09-23-2008, 02:35 AM

Great review as always

Are they progressive springs at the rear?

Any idea what the spring rates are?

sambonator · 09-23-2008, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dre335

Great review as always

Are they progressive springs at the rear?

Any idea what the spring rates are?

Kit does not come with springs. It uses the stock Sport Package springs.

flukey · 09-23-2008, 10:07 PM

too bad this is not available for xi models...

Gesler · 09-23-2008, 11:22 PM

Could you tell how much the installation cost? thanks

stressdoc · 09-24-2008, 09:58 AM

Awesome. I am still on the fence regarding the BMW Perf or Bilstein PSS10s. BMW P is less expensive, keeps warranty, and is a well-researched system. Bilsteins are higher tech, higher cost, adjustable. Decisions, decisions...

Ant Man · 09-24-2008, 12:38 PM

In the UK the Performance Suspension package is available for the E92. I do not know the part numbers though.

Compared to the M sport suspension, it lowers the ride height by 10mm. BMWCarmagazine have just tested a 130i with all the Performance bits on: springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, exhaust, induction kit, brakes etc. Compared to the M sport, they stated the ride quality was better particulary the dampers ability to absorb bumps and pot holes.

fast_lap28 · 09-24-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ant Man

In the UK the Performance Suspension package is available for the E92. I do not know the part numbers though.

Compared to the M sport suspension, it lowers the ride height by 10mm. BMWCarmagazine have just tested a 130i with all the Performance bits on: springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, exhaust, induction kit, brakes etc. Compared to the M sport, they stated the ride quality was better particulary the dampers ability to absorb bumps and pot holes.

well good sir, you will just have to find us the correct (detailed) part numbers for that suspension....I have the E92 coupe w/ ZSP and will consider the BMW Perf suspension only if it will fit the coupe.

Cheers!

Mr. 5 · 09-24-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gesler

Could you tell how much the installation cost? thanks

It was 60 bucks!

My friend let me use one of his lifts for that amount, and I was very appreciative since it most likely would have been about 500 for the install.

09-22-2008, 01:17 PM	#1
Mr. 5 Modder Raider 753 Rep 8,633 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Surf City, HB iTrader: (31) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [8.00]	*BMW Performance Suspension Installed* First of all, I have to thank Evan@Tischer for putting up with all of my questions. I got all of the parts through Evan at www.getbmwparts.com They have the best prices and absolutely hands down the best customer service! I've had the ZSP suspension from day one, and I'm glad that I made the choice initially. I personally like the ride height, and I like the way it feels, but I was looking at firming up the suspension a bit. Enter in the BMW Performance Suspension. For those who don’t know, The BMW Performance suspension is the same suspension in the 335 in Europe with the M Package. In Europe, there are 3 suspensions: Regular, Sport, and M Sport. America only had the first 2 until now. It was a little confusing with what exactly what comes with this suspension, but now I know for sure, and I'll tell you what you need to get. From what I understand, the BMW Performance Suspension is only available for the e90 as of now. If your car's production date is up to 6/2006 and you have the regular suspension then you need the following: BMW Performance Suspension--(33500429574) BMW Performance Springs--2 Front (31336788893) and 2 Rear (33536788901) [Check with Evan to Make Sure] BMW Front Sway Bar--(31356766288) BMW Rear Sway Bar (14mm)--(33556764426) BMW Front Guide Supports-- 2 of (31306775098) If your car's production date is after 6/2006 and you have the regular suspension then you need the following: BMW Performance Suspension--(33500429574) BMW Performance Springs--2 Front (31336788893) and 2 Rear (33536788901) [Check with Evan to Make Sure] BMW Front Sway Bar--(31356766288) BMW Rear Sway Bar (14mm)--(33556764426) If your car's production date up to 6/2006 and you have the Sport Suspension (ZSP) then you need the following: BMW Performance Suspension--(33500429574) BMW Front Guide Supports-- 2 of (31306775098) Optional: BMW Performance Springs--2 Front (31336788893) and 2 Rear (33536788901) [Check with Evan to Make Sure] BMW Rear Sway Bar (14mm)--(33556764426) If your car's production date is after 6/2006 and you have the Sport Suspension (ZSP) then you need the following: BMW Performance Suspension--(33500429574) Optional: BMW Performance Springs--2 Front (31336788893) and 2 Rear (33536788901) [Check with Evan to Make Sure] BMW Rear Sway Bar (14mm)--(33556764426) So, when you order the BMW Performance Suspension (33500429574), you get everything you need to install the dampers. You get the nuts, bolts, new bumper stops, etc. You even get new rubber bushings for the springs. Since I had the ZSP, and my production date was after 6/2006, all I needed was part number 33500429574, but I chose to stiffen up the rear end of my car and add the 14mm sway bar. I also had the chance to get the springs, but I was thinking about if it was going to make that much of a difference. There have been rumors that the BMW Performance yellow springs was going to drop the car another 5mm or something, but I honestly didn't care about the ride height since I was happy with the sport package height. Here's another thing--if BMW says that the dampers will go along with the Sport springs just fine, and then I am going to trust their judgment. IMO, BMW engineers are geniuses when it comes to suspension work. PERFORMANCE Let's talk about Performance. As some of you know, I went to California Speedway and raced the Roval, and I really do have to say that this suspension is the perfect combo to track your car one day and drive the family to the grocery store the next. The thing that I was worried about before the suspension was installed was the bumpiness. I had problems in my previous car (2006 GLI) once I changed out the suspension. I went with Eibach Pro sport springs with Koni yellows, and I just couldn't get it to work, but maybe it was because I kept comparing the suspension to my 03 M3. The BMW Performance Dampers work so well. They just make the “b u m p s” into “bumps”. The thing I love about this suspension is that there isn’t a bunch of bumps after the one bump. The suspension knows when to stop the oscillation. Corners seem more controlled and the car is definitely more stable. I just loved hitting the slalom part at the Roval. There was a quick left and then right at the track and I believe I hit that at approximately 80 mph. The 14mm sway bar was perfect for keeping the rear end stiff enough to keep the rear rigid, but it was still soft enough to make sure that there was still enough traction going to all wheels. For those who are thinking about doing this, then do it! I really wanted something a bit stiffer, but I told myself after the last time that I would never change out an OEM suspension with an aftermarket component ever again. I’m very glad that BMW brought the M suspension over here to the USA so we could finally experience what this car was supposed to feel like. For those who haven't seen the Roval Video then here it is. This is me doing 145mph with the Performance Suspension: ALIGNMENT There are some that believe that they could lower their car or change out their suspension without aligning their car. I've even heard of shops saying that they marked everything so an alignment doesn't need to be performed. That is complete BS! When I was done installing the suspension, my car drove great! There was no vibration on the freeway and if I let go of the steering wheel, my car wouldn't drift or anything to the point. As you can see from the specs in the last picture, an alignment was very much needed. I circled the big changes in red. I would have gone through a set of tires real fast! And, here's pics of the Performance Suspension once I got it. My daughter wass pretty excited about the suspension also. Attached Images __________________ e36 M3 Coupe, e36 325i Sedan e90 335i--SOLD Best 60-130-------------9.15 Seconds------------------WWW.MR5RACING.COM
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09-22-2008, 01:19 PM	#2
Kitz Major 74 Rep 1,319 Posts Drives: ex BMW Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: socal 2006-2010, Jakarta 2010+ iTrader: (4)	nice review!! __________________ My Baby
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09-22-2008, 01:55 PM	#3
LaYzEe Major 102 Rep 1,040 Posts Drives: AW E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Area, Ca iTrader: (4)	thanks for the review Mr. 5! i think you talked me into getting the 14mm rear sway bar once i upgrade my suspension too! __________________
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09-22-2008, 02:18 PM	#4
cycler Major General 137 Rep 8,067 Posts Drives: 2011 Streetglide and 2011 Dyna Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (0)	Do you think I would be able to do that set up on my 2008 e92xi. I already have the UUC sway bars.
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09-22-2008, 02:36 PM	#5
txusa03 Major General 548 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	hehehe, you have a very cute assistance __________________ under construction!
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09-22-2008, 03:10 PM	#7
Prissy Brigadier General 1065 Rep 4,856 Posts Drives: M340i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (6) Garage List 2015 BMW F30 [5.50] 2020 M340I [0.00] 2017 X3 [0.00] 2008 BMW E92 [9.00] 2010 BMW E92 [10.00]	good review! Are the heights adjustable? because the M-sport suspension is not that low, I know it can be good and bad.
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09-22-2008, 05:22 PM	#9
sambonator Samtaro! 121 Rep 2,601 Posts Drives: 2014 F32 N55 Alpinweiß Join Date: May 2007 Location: Newport Beach, CA, USA iTrader: (7)	Ok I thought maybe it might lower the car a little bit, so I assume it doesn't lower it at all (if the spring seat sat lower than the Sport package seat, the car can be lowered a bit). __________________
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09-22-2008, 06:54 PM	#11
Ron@Modbargains 58 Rep 2,201 Posts Drives: 996TT/ae86 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: 1721 E. Lambert Rd #C, La Habra, CA 90631 iTrader: (3)	Nice Review, and thanks for posting this up very much appreciated, looks like the perfect match to what you were looking for
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09-22-2008, 06:56 PM	#12
e92phreak General 384 Rep 21,747 Posts Drives: E92 335i TiAg/E46 323i TiAg Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [9.50] 2000 E46 323i [0.00]	Nice review! Thanks! How much is the BMW Performance Suspension retail? __________________ 07 E92 335i \| TiAg \| Step \| Padl \| Cmft \| Alum Trm \| PDC \| Nav \| Assist \| Sat \| Lthr \| Prem \| Sprt \| Rear Splr \| RDSport Quads \| iPod \| V1 \| LT Refl \| VS Clear Bra \| OEM Lip \| KWV2 \| Mtec Sides \| BBS LM-R 00 E46 323i \| TiAg \| 5sp \| Sport \| Roof \| RDSport Cams \| RDSport tune \| RDSport Shift \| Volk LE37 \| M3 spoiler \| PSS9 \| SuperSprint \| Brembo
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09-23-2008, 02:35 AM	#15
DreX3M Private First Class 5 Rep 153 Posts Drives: F97-X3M Competition Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bay Area, California iTrader: (0)	Great review as always Are they progressive springs at the rear? Any idea what the spring rates are?
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09-23-2008, 10:07 PM	#17
flukey Go big or go home! 52 Rep 948 Posts Drives: E90 335xi Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (9)	too bad this is not available for xi models... __________________
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09-23-2008, 11:22 PM	#18
Gesler First Lieutenant 136 Rep 356 Posts Drives: e90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Could you tell how much the installation cost? thanks __________________
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09-24-2008, 09:58 AM	#19
stressdoc Moderator 617 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Awesome. I am still on the fence regarding the BMW Perf or Bilstein PSS10s. BMW P is less expensive, keeps warranty, and is a well-researched system. Bilsteins are higher tech, higher cost, adjustable. Decisions, decisions... __________________ 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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09-24-2008, 12:38 PM	#20
Ant Man Major 75 Rep 1,179 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Individual Edition Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: East Anglia iTrader: (1)	In the UK the Performance Suspension package is available for the E92. I do not know the part numbers though. Compared to the M sport suspension, it lowers the ride height by 10mm. BMWCarmagazine have just tested a 130i with all the Performance bits on: springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, exhaust, induction kit, brakes etc. Compared to the M sport, they stated the ride quality was better particulary the dampers ability to absorb bumps and pot holes.
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