[makkan00]

Hi,
I am not too much into suspension bits and bobs.
I wonder if somebody can kindly explain what is difference b/w SE and M sports suspension of E90?

Is it only springs? or something else?

Also what is the best way to lower SE to M sports level or further?

Can you simply buy M sports springs and put those into SE version?

Thanks.

[Brian mc21]

I was going to fit some m sport springs to my se but as the car is sold I never got round to it so they are now surplus unless I buy another one.

[dave-the-rave]

I just recently put Koni yellow shocks + matching springs onto mine from SE spec.

Night and day difference, feels almost like a totally different car. Cornering is much sharper, drastically reduced body roll and it looks brilliant at the height it is ( lowered 35mm both ends ).

ONE downside - you literally have to crawl over reasonable size speed humps - of which there are too many in Manchester! But I've just slightly altered my usual routes to avoid them

Definately recommended. Cost 500 odd for all the shocks+springs and 150 to fit

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by Brian mc21

I was going to fit some m sport springs to my se but as the car is sold I never got round to it so they are now surplus unless I buy another one.

Brian, why did you sell it?
Would it be lowere by swapping springs only?

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by dave-the-rave

I just recently put Koni yellow shocks + matching springs onto mine from SE spec.

Night and day difference, feels almost like a totally different car. Cornering is much sharper, drastically reduced body roll and it looks brilliant at the height it is ( lowered 35mm both ends ).

ONE downside - you literally have to crawl over reasonable size speed humps - of which there are too many in Manchester! But I've just slightly altered my usual routes to avoid them

Definately recommended. Cost 500 odd for all the shocks+springs and 150 to fit

Thanks mate. Do you have any photos of your cars before and after lowering it.
I would love to have those but my budget does not allow me to go for those.

[dave-the-rave]

Originally Posted by makkan00

Thanks mate. Do you have any photos of your cars before and after lowering it.
I would love to have those but my budget does not allow me to go for those.

I'll take some tomorrow mate! Just ignore the blocks of wood under the rear wheels !! ( See my other post in this subforum :P )

[Brian mc21]

Originally Posted by makkan00

Brian, why did you sell it?
Would it be lowere by swapping springs only?

Will most likely buy an m sport this time. Yes it should sit lower on the springs. I think someone on here told me the sport springs are a coil less. I'm sure someone will correct me if this is wrong.

[m1bjr]

I don't think the M sport is a coil less than regular.
The ZSP 'sports' suspension - yes maybe.

[tmarshall57]

To answer the OP's question I believe that at least the shocks/struts would require replacement also given the options listed here just for the front suspension

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...94&hg=31&fg=10

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by tmarshall57

To answer the OP's question I believe that at least the shocks/struts would require replacement also given the options listed here just for the front suspension

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...94&hg=31&fg=10

Thanks tmarshall.
It sounds like springs, shocks and dampers differ in both cars.
I always question myself that what would be the impact if somebody replace SE springs with M sports on SE car?
I guess in theory it should be like if you add Eibach lowering kit.

And if that is the case, what is better, opting for Eibach lowering kit or staying with OEM M springs?

[ctch22]

makkan, from my limited reading what i understand is that putting *just* msport springs onto an se will mean that the stock se dampers/shock absorbers will wear out quicker

and seeing as that eibach lowering springs provides an even greater drop over the msport springs, then your stock se dampers will wear out even quicker.

im not sure about how comfort is altered by just changing the springs and im not sure by how much quicker the stock dampers would wear out on msport/eibach springs

maybe someone who has experience of just changing the springs on an se e90 could give some insight

[m1bjr]

Originally Posted by ctch22

makkan, from my limited reading what i understand is that putting *just* msport springs onto an se will mean that the stock se dampers/shock absorbers will wear out quicker

and seeing as that eibach lowering springs provides an even greater drop over the msport springs, then your stock se dampers will wear out even quicker.

im not sure about how comfort is altered by just changing the springs and im not sure by how much quicker the stock dampers would wear out on msport/eibach springs

maybe someone who has experience of just changing the springs on an se e90 could give some insight

1. The dampers 'can' wear quicker with high rate coils. But its not a given fact. Depends on the damper...

2. The length of the new coil actually has no bearing on wear of the damper so long as there is still adequate damper travel.
A common misconception is that dampers wear because the the spring is shorter.
It doesn't actually matter. The damper will just be operating in a slightly different position, and this won't affect its damping rate.
Springs are progressive sometimes, they can get firmer as they compress but dampers do not.
They control the springs by resisting the speed that the spring moves at. Hence the terms 'fast' or 'slow damping' is more accurate

3. High rate springs may not be controlled so well by faster dampers (oem soft dampers), so the pistons get a hard life as do the seals, valves and bushes inside as they simply move more ans move faster.

4. Fitting slower (harder) dampers wil control the higher rate coils, and the damper should operate in a more favourable way and last better as a result.

Steve.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by m1bjr

1. The dampers 'can' wear quicker with high rate coils. But its not a given fact. Depends on the damper...

2. The length of the new coil actually has no bearing on wear of the damper so long as there is still adequate damper travel.
A common misconception is that dampers wear because the the spring is shorter.
It doesn't actually matter. The damper will just be operating in a slightly different position, and this won't affect its damping rate.
Springs are progressive sometimes, they can get firmer as they compress but dampers do not.
They control the springs by resisting the speed that the spring moves at. Hence the terms 'fast' or 'slow damping' is more accurate

3. High rate springs may not be controlled so well by faster dampers (oem soft dampers), so the pistons get a hard life as do the seals, valves and bushes inside as they simply move more ans move faster.

4. Fitting slower (harder) dampers wil control the higher rate coils, and the damper should operate in a more favourable way and last better as a result.

Steve.

Very useful indeed. Stever you tried your best to give us plenty of information.
However being noob on suspension stuff more I read, more I get confused.

Can I know what is damper? Is it a part of shock absorber?

Looking at this which part is actually damper?


In order to keep things simple, will M sports suspension be good enough to go on SE car and if yes, what parts should I be looking to replace?

Thanks.

[Metalmickey]

The damper and shock absorber are two names for the same thing.
In your link item no 1 is the damper which on these cars forms part of the strutt as so called in the link.

I also believe the anti roll bars are a larger size on the m-sport cars!

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by Metalmickey

The damper and shock absorber are two names for the same thing.
In your link item no 1 is the damper which on these cars forms part of the strutt as so called in the link.

I also believe the anti roll bars are a larger size on the m-sport cars!

Thanks mate.
Can somebody confirm if M sports has different anti roll bars to SE?

[Metalmickey]

Just had another look at parts diagram and it appears they do have different anti roll bars!

Have a look at this link though it's seems to show all parts needed to retrofit m-sport suspension;

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...02&hg=33&fg=95

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by Metalmickey

Just had another look at parts diagram and it appears they do have different anti roll bars!

Have a look at this link though it's seems to show all parts needed to retrofit m-sport suspension;

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...02&hg=33&fg=95

Thanks Metal.
Sound like a full job.
I will make sure, my next ride is M sports.

[makkan00]

After bit of research I have found that SE car can have
1) M sports suspension (Shocks + Springs)
2) Eibach Pro suspension springs with SE dampers / shocks

I just wonder which option is better?
Staying with M stock suspension + springs or aftermarket springs with Standard SE suspension?

Thanks.

[makkan00]

Well after a lengthy conversation with some guys at BMW, I am going for M sports suspension retrofit kit.
I will update, what needs to be changed.

[parapaul]

If you haven't already arranged this, I think you'll get a better ride quality with Eibach springs and Koni or Bilstein dampers. Almost certain to be cheaper too

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by parapaul

If you haven't already arranged this, I think you'll get a better ride quality with Eibach springs and Koni or Bilstein dampers. Almost certain to be cheaper too

Funny enough, some of OEM dampers come from Bilstein.
I wanted to keep OEM stuff, so order is on its way now.
Thanks Parapaul. I will try that if I get bored of M suspension.

[makkan00]

Ok guys, I have learnt a lession.
My car was SE, and I have ordered M sports retrofit kit, as I wanted OEM stuff.
M sports setup is in fitted in my car and slight drop.
But what I have learnt:
My rear shocks were already M sports shocks (checked with part number), and I needed to change the springs to M sports only.

So if in future, if anybody is going for M sports retrofit kit, check your rear shocks before taking any steps.
You may have to change just the springs.