[Black Gold]

I just test drove an e46 m3 because I was considering trading my car for one.

THe suspension on that car is better in so many ways

-rides smoother
-less reaction to bumps/undulations
-handles better
-feels more planted

I have a 335i on ST v1 coils. How can I improve the feel of my suspension. I have so much more suspension travel on my car it sucks.

[bimmertt]

Are you on run flats still?

[sn0pea]

What size rims do u have and what size rims does the e46 have?

[Black Gold]

No RFT's, on conti dw 18s. M3 had 19s

[Fraggy]

Ive read several authors state how they feels that M3s (E46 or E90) have a firm but less jarring ride than a 335 with sport.

You may (emphasize "may" as I know little about suspension) need to move up a suspension that is adjustable. That way you can dial in the firmness to lessen the undulation. But, that leads to a stiffer ride at the same time. I struggled to find the happy medium with the PSS9s that I had, but Id like to try it again though.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by Fraggy

Ive read several authors state how they feels that M3s (E46 or E90) have a firm but less jarring ride than a 335 with sport.

You may (emphasize "may" as I know little about suspension) need to move up a suspension that is adjustable. That way you can dial in the firmness to lessen the undulation. But, that leads to a stiffer ride at the same time. I struggled to find the happy medium with the PSS9s that I had, but Id like to try it again though.

I believe it. In fact, so much so that I just sold my e90 and got an m3 lol

[rogerdiaz]

How does zsp compare kw v1? is this worth an upgrade to shell out for.

[Remonster]

You aren't kidding about the E46 M3's suspension, it is miles ahead of what comes on a regular 3 series (or my 1 series) but it has a lot less to do with the springs and dampers than you might imagine, a lot of the sloppiness in handling comes from the control arms, trailing arms etc. and their bushings.

Luckily, these things are all a direct swap from the M3 into a regular 3 series (or 1 series) and that's exactly what I'm doing. I just ordered the parts from HPAutowerks and am having them installed as soon as they arrive.

[Fraggy]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

I believe it. In fact, so much so that I just sold my e90 and got an m3 lol

Are you serious??? Please post a review I really need to hear.

[jbass524]

Originally Posted by Remonster

You aren't kidding about the E46 M3's suspension, it is miles ahead of what comes on a regular 3 series (or my 1 series) but it has a lot less to do with the springs and dampers than you might imagine, a lot of the sloppiness in handling comes from the control arms, trailing arms etc. and their bushings.

Luckily, these things are all a direct swap from the M3 into a regular 3 series (or 1 series) and that's exactly what I'm doing. I just ordered the parts from HPAutowerks and am having them installed as soon as they arrive.

+1 and don't forget the LSD and that a lot of the 335 suspension pieces are made from pressed steel that flexes a lot

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by Fraggy

Are you serious??? Please post a review I really need to hear.

dead serious lol. look at my avi

[DaFish]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

dead serious lol. look at my avi

Good for you. That car has a beautiful dash layout....

Now get a supercharger for it....

[tofu-]

from what i read, the rear bushings make the biggest difference (and are the most labor intensive to install)

if i didn't need to lower my vehicle as well, that would be the first thing i'd look into before coilovers, as well as the rest of the inexpensive quick bolt on suspension parts.

[tphaeng]

So let me get straight. I could go to lets say getbmwparts.com and order rear bushing, control arms, etc for an m3 and install it in my 3 series and it'll feel exactly like an m3?

[tofu-]

Originally Posted by tphaeng

So let me get straight. I could go to lets say getbmwparts.com and order rear bushing, control arms, etc for an m3 and install it in my 3 series and it'll feel exactly like an m3?

you could actually theoretically improve on the m3 with the suspension bits + coilovers, and a limited slip

$$$$$

[DaFish]

Originally Posted by tphaeng

So let me get straight. I could go to lets say getbmwparts.com and order rear bushing, control arms, etc for an m3 and install it in my 3 series and it'll feel exactly like an m3?

oh, and save a PILE, have a faster car, pay less in insurance, pay less in gas.

at 50,000 kms, I was going to have to give them my car and $57,000 in cash to drive a new M3 on a trade (canada).

For $13,000 additional investment in my 335(canadian again). I have a car faster than an M3, same insurance cost as a 335, and ALMOST the same handling - certainly good enough for me. I could go with bigger rims and tires for BETTER handling than an M3 - but they are big cash.

you can do it cheaper than 13k - don't go dinan.

[Freelo]

DaFish, interested to hear how you like the Wavetrac when you get it. I have all the M3 suspension pieces and arms (incl rear subframe bushings), as well as Koni Sport/BMW performance springs - which is similar to your Dinan stage 2. Only thing I didn't do is the LSD (fue to cost). Would love to hear how the LSD changes the handling of your car.

[tofu-]

Originally Posted by DaFish

I have a car faster than an M3, same insurance cost as a 335

so you took care of the heatsoak and overheating problems? or is it just faster for a lap or two

[jbass524]

Originally Posted by tofu-

you could actually theoretically improve on the m3 with the suspension bits + coilovers, and a limited slip

$$$$$

Theoretically. Track isn't as wide and can't fit as much rubber in the fender well. The heat issues are also an issue.

[bimmertt]

Originally Posted by tofu-

so you took care of the heatsoak and overheating problems? or is it just faster for a lap or two

Aren't there aftermarket oil coolers and larger FMICs now? Or are you saying that isn't enough?

[anerbe]

On my E46M3, the PSS9's improved the ride and handling over the stock suspension. It really soaked up the bumps even after being lowered.

[JoosyJoos]

E46 M3's ride horribly in my opinion compared to the 335i. They don't have a whole lot of travel so they tend to jar the hell out of you over pot-holes, speed bumps etc.

In terms of feel the E46 M3 is light years better but that mostly relates to the bushings, control arms, and power steering ratios. It'd take a lot of money to convert your 335i to that sort of feel. If you like the feel of an E46 M3 so much its probably just easier to buy one and mod from there.