[Jdub679]

I've had these installed about 2 weeks now, and although I wouldn't say I've driven extensively on them, I do think I've driven enough to know what the differences are. I'll list my alignment settings at the end as well as a reference. I should also note that this is a street driven car. It will never see track time.

First my expectations...I expected better turn-in. Initial turn-in response is improved, but this is not the main affect. The main positive to this mod is a reduction of steering input. I believe that the improved bearings do provide a "mild" improvement in turn-in response, but I think this is mainly noticed in left/right transition turning. Where as the stock suspension would have a split second of lag before the car began to turn, the control arms reduce this lag. It makes it feel as if the car is turning in faster, but it's not, it's just turning in sooner.

Another thing noticed is that the steering wheel feels a bit lighter, like the car is more eager to turn. This could be from the alignment settings or from the M3 control arm bearings. It's probably from both.

There is a mild about of increased vibration that I can feel through the steering wheel. I notice this mostly at slower (like parking lot) speeds. In normal driving situations, this comes off as " road feel" and it's not intrusive at all.

All in all, a great mod, and very reasonable for the price.

Here's my new alignment settings:

Front
Camber -1.30' / -1.06'
Toe (in) 0.02 / 0.05

Rear
Camber -1.54' / -1.49'
Toe (in) 0.06' / 0.04'

[Red_Bean_Bun]

How much did it set you back by ?

[Jdub679]

Originally Posted by Red_Bean_Bun

How much did it set you back by ?

I got them as a gift. I only paid for installation/alignment.

But from my own research, they go for a little less than $400.

[GreekboyD]

I went all in with the M3 bits. Good review.

[cvc 22349a]

Interesting that you find steering feels lighter with the M3 control arms; I felt it got heavier as in requiring more effort at slower speed.

[Casca]

Originally Posted by cvc 22349a

Interesting that you find steering feels lighter with the M3 control arms; I felt it got heavier as in requiring more effort at slower speed.

I'm gonna guess the alignment shop probably inflated his tires.

[Jdub679]

Originally Posted by Casca

I'm gonna guess the alignment shop probably inflated his tires.

Nope, but I do run Hankook V12's at 38 psi all around. Might have something to do with the steering effort difference. My steering has always been pretty heavy/weighty. I haven't noticed if the slow speed turning requires more effort though.

[cvc 22349a]

Probably because you run 38 psi up front

[Jdub679]

Originally Posted by cvc 22349a

Probably because you run 38 psi up front

What psi do you run on your PSS's? I think 38-40 is recommended with the Hankooks because of the softer sidewalls. Any lower and the tires would feel pretty unresponsive.

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by Jdub679

What psi do you run on your PSS's? I think 38-40 is recommended with the Hankooks because of the softer sidewalls. Any lower and the tires would feel pretty unresponsive.

35F, 37R

[CJ421]

Originally Posted by cvc 22349a

Interesting that you find steering feels lighter with the M3 control arms; I felt it got heavier as in requiring more effort at slower speed.

+1 my steering got heavier as well after having the M3 front parts installed.

I run the tire pressures listed on the driver door jamb; I think it's 32/37 F/R.

[F06msportmia]

Originally Posted by Jdub679

I've had these installed about 2 weeks now, and although I wouldn't say I've driven extensively on them, I do think I've driven enough to know what the differences are. I'll list my alignment settings at the end as well as a reference. I should also note that this is a street driven car. It will never see track time.

First my expectations...I expected better turn-in. Initial turn-in response is improved, but this is not the main affect. The main positive to this mod is a reduction of steering input. I believe that the improved bearings do provide a "mild" improvement in turn-in response, but I think this is mainly noticed in left/right transition turning. Where as the stock suspension would have a split second of lag before the car began to turn, the control arms reduce this lag. It makes it feel as if the car is turning in faster, but it's not, it's just turning in sooner.

Another thing noticed is that the steering wheel feels a bit lighter, like the car is more eager to turn. This could be from the alignment settings or from the M3 control arm bearings. It's probably from both.

There is a mild about of increased vibration that I can feel through the steering wheel. I notice this mostly at slower (like parking lot) speeds. In normal driving situations, this comes off as " road feel" and it's not intrusive at all.

All in all, a great mod, and very reasonable for the price.

Here's my new alignment settings:

Front
Camber -1.30' / -1.06'
Toe (in) 0.02 / 0.05

Rear
Camber -1.54' / -1.49'
Toe (in) 0.06' / 0.04'

Great review! Everything you listed is exactly what I'm experiencing... One difference, I installed the tie rods (Meyle HD) while down there. Totals for this mod $350 with the DIY.