[BaseM3]

Hello everyone:
I am new to this board but have owned BMW's for over 30 years (showing my age here) starting with the original 320i, e30 318i, e36 325i, e36 M3 (preserved in my garage) and e60 545i.
Have recently purchased a 08 335i with the sport package. Along with it came a performance suspension kit, I believe it's the "old version". The kit has the shocks and hardware but no springs or sway bars, although it has the rubber sway bar supports.
I've done searches on the boards but have not found the answers to the following:

1) Apparently this kit is designed to work with the sport (ZSP) springs. Will it lower the car any? I really want to keep it the same height for clearance getting in and out of my steep driveway to prevent scraping the front and rear end.

2) Are there sway bars supposed to be with this kit since it has the rubber supports, Or which ones should I purchase to reduce body roll, although there seems very little with the SP suspension?

3) How much difference in ride stiffness? Anything near the e36 M3? I've read on the boards that there is very little difference from the OEM sport suspension. Should I even go through the trouble of installing it if there's no difference?
Thanks.

[DaanBMW]

1) same springs -> no lowering

2) sway bars are incl only if it goes on non-ZSP car. So for you no sways.

3) From I've read the dampers are stiffer then the ZSP ones, plus then bumpstops are longer thus it'll feel quite a bit stiffer. But is all 2nd hand, I do not have this setup.

[cssnms]

Answers above. How many miles on your 335? If they are new, they would make a good replacement shock for your zsp shocks. I am running them now, nice shocks.

[luckyu]

Nowhere near E36 M3 in stiffness. The perf kit is a modest increase in stiffness from the sports suspension.

[AlanAZ]

I have the old Performance package on my original ZSP springs and front sway, installed at 72,000 mls when the original shocks/struts were going away.

1. It does not lower the car with ZSP springs. Bmw lowering Performance springs is an option.

2. The package has an optional stiffer 14 mm rear sway bar (stock is 13 mm) to reduce understeer. I have this on my car, and it works well with the Performance shocks and struts, very balanced now between front and rear. I highly recommend you install it. There should be a pair of 14 mm bushings in the kit.

3. It is stiffer, but not too much. It also depends on where you live, the roads in Scottsdale are good, but driving the car in Tucson where they are not, would drive me crazy. With the sway, the handling is light years better, after the install, I found myself driving 10 mph faster than before on the side streets of where I live because the car was that much more competent.

Comes with shorter bumpstops to be used with the shorter performance springs (which I'm not using.)

[luckyu]

Originally Posted by AlanAZ

I have the old Performance package on my original ZSP springs and front sway, installed at 72,000 mls when the original shocks/struts were going away.

1. It does not lower the car with ZSP springs. Bmw lowering Performance springs is an option.

2. The package has an optional stiffer 14 mm rear sway bar (stock is 13 mm) to reduce understeer. I have this on my car, and it works well with the Performance shocks and struts, very balanced now between front and rear. I highly recommend you install it. There should be a pair of 14 mm bushings in the kit.

3. It is stiffer, but not too much. It also depends on where you live, the roads in Scottsdale are good, but driving the car in Tucson where they are not, would drive me crazy. With the sway, the handling is light years better, after the install, I found myself driving 10 mph faster than before on the side streets of where I live because the car was that much more competent.

Comes with shorter bumpstops to be used with the shorter performance springs (which I'm not using.)

Great info. Your old perf kit bump stops were shorter than ZSP? The ones in my kit were longer!

[tscdennab]

Sorry, but nothing is optional on the BMW Performance suspension. BMW Performance Suspension REQUIRES BMW Performance springs, but of course no one can stop you from installing it using your stock springs, although it will not function as designed. The kit does not come with springs because there are many spring combinations, depending on the car's engine, sedan/coupe, etc. All have probably the same spring rates (significantly different than M-Sport or ZSP) but different lengths in order to achieve the same drop and support different axle loads. If you look at realoem.com, it is specifically stated "Only with springs, see springs table". In order to choose the Performance springs for a specific car, the dealer should add the option code "SZP5A" to the car and the correct BMW Performance Springs can be selected.

The stabilizer bars are also not optional. They are included/excluded depending on the model (engine, chassis, existing M-Sport suspension, etc.). If you look at realoem.com, only the M-Sport cars require a new rear stabilizer bar. The front stabilizer bar seems to be included in the kit.

All the cars equipped with a correctly installed BMW Performance suspension are behaving the same.

[123Britt]

The OLD PERF did come with dampners and bumperstops that were ment to be used with ZSP Springs. The current PERF SUSPENSION is designed to be used with the YELLOW Springs.
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[AlanAZ]

Sorry, but nothing is optional on the BMW Performance suspension. BMW Performance Suspension REQUIRES BMW Performance springs

When I ordered the OLD Performance suspension kit from Tischer, using them with my existing ZSP springs was a valid config, and I additionally ordered the 14 mm rear sway, in my mind that makes it optional.

Perhaps you're thinking of the NEW Performance suspension kit, the heavier front sway is a component of the new kit.

Your old perf kit bump stops were shorter than ZSP?

Yes, shorter and fatter. I used the front ones with lowering perches.

[BaseM3]

Thanks for everyones responses and answers to my questions. This a great board!

The car has 54k on it and the suspension really feels fine right now and i'll get the most out of it than I can. I'll use the performance set when needed probably in another 20K. Is there any major differences in the strut and shock replacement procedures from the older e36 chassis? That was pretty straight forward.

[Dustin335i]

I just installed BMW Part #33 50 0 429 574 (BMW Performance Suspension, shocks, struts, hardware, mounting brackets for thicker swaybar) on my 08, e92 BMW 335i sport.

I installed them with H&R Sport springs. The performance is phenomenal, but I'm hearing SOME NOISE UP FRONT! Could I be bottoming out? It did come with longer bump stops than my stock ZSP suspension.

anyone have a solution? It drives great; just doesn't sound correct, so far. Should I put my old ZSP (shorter, thus allowing more strut travel) bump stops back in, up front?

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by Dustin328i

I just installed BMW Part #33 50 0 429 574 (BMW Performance Suspension, shocks, struts, hardware, mounting brackets for thicker swaybar) on my 08, e92 BMW 335i sport.

I installed them with H&R Sport springs. The performance is phenomenal, but I'm hearing SOME NOISE UP FRONT! Could I be bottoming out? It did come with longer bump stops than my stock ZSP suspension.

anyone have a solution? It drives great; just doesn't sound correct, so far. Should I put my old ZSP (shorter, thus allowing more strut travel) bump stops back in, up front?

Definitely put the shorter bump stops back. And while you are at it, measure the strut shaft length in the extended position and compare it to the length of your original strut shaft length. If they are the same, the shorter bump stops should solve the problem.

[Dustin335i]

alright, sounds like a plan; thanks a lot. I plan to do it today.

Do you see any harm with very carefully (with Xacto knife) cutting the current bumpstops down to the size of the original bump stops- while they are assembled on the car? This could save me 4 hours, or more, in taking apart the struts again. If not; I'll just tear them apart again.

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by AlanAZ

When I ordered the OLD Performance suspension kit from Tischer, using them with my existing ZSP springs was a valid config, and I additionally ordered the 14 mm rear sway, in my mind that makes it optional.

Perhaps you're thinking of the NEW Performance suspension kit, the heavier front sway is a component of the new kit.



Yes, shorter and fatter. I used the front ones with lowering perches.

The 'old' PS kit came with taller/stiffer bumpstops to be used with zsp springs. The shorter/fatter stops are to be used with the yellow PS springs.
When did you get your PS kit? It seems like most folks have purchased their 'old' and 'new' PS kits from Tischer and they've kind of made a mess of it..

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by Dustin328i

I just installed BMW Part #33 50 0 429 574 (BMW Performance Suspension, shocks, struts, hardware, mounting brackets for thicker swaybar) on my 08, e92 BMW 335i sport.

I installed them with H&R Sport springs. The performance is phenomenal, but I'm hearing SOME NOISE UP FRONT! Could I be bottoming out? It did come with longer bump stops than my stock ZSP suspension.

anyone have a solution? It drives great; just doesn't sound correct, so far. Should I put my old ZSP (shorter, thus allowing more strut travel) bump stops back in, up front?

I wouldn't use the taller/firmer bumpstops from that kit with H&R sport springs. You're riding on the stops. I wouldn't trim them either; they're used as progressive rate springs. Check out the thread by 'jwong'. I'd use the e36m3/z4 bumpstops he used OR you can get the 'new' PS bumpstops seperate from the kit now from Dan@UnitedBMW-he's a 1addicts forum vendor..

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by Dustin328i

Do you see any harm with very carefully (with Xacto knife) cutting the current bumpstops down to the size of the original bump stops- while they are assembled on the car? This could save me 4 hours, or more, in taking apart the struts again. If not; I'll just tear them apart again.

I don't see a problem. Even some aftermarket suspensions require cutting the bump stops, it's written in their instructions. But thinking about it, I see it as a bit dangerous to cut them on the shafts. If you scratch the shaft even one bit the shock may begin to leak oil between the shaft and the shock seal (in time). I don't think it's a good idea.

[DieselDiner]

Originally Posted by 123Britt

The OLD PERF did come with dampers and bumperstops that were meant to be used with ZSP Springs. The current PERF SUSPENSION is designed to be used with the YELLOW Springs.
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x2 This is exactly correct - OP, please don't let the incorrect post confuse you.

[Dustin335i]

Hey guys; thanks for your help. I discovered this evening (with a fresh set of eyes after taking a suspension break, from the weekend) that I had a very slight; but equally serious, mis-mounted shock tower.

All that to say; a quick 35 minutes later this evening (and some serious peace of mind), my car handles perfectly and with no audible suspension noise. I mistook the mis-mounted passenger shock tower for both struts... I could have sworn the noise was coming from both.

I noted all your suggestions about the bump stops... I haven't decided what I'll go with, but at least I'm not currently going insane.

cvc 22349a; I still can't tell which Performance Set version I bought! It's so confusing, even after endless hours online...

[Dustin335i]

cvc 22349a, thanks for the feedback about the kit versions. I think you probably could answer that question better than anyone at BMW headquarters, NA.

I didn't buy the kit from Tischer, so it's even more of a mystery, haha. I bought it from a Euro-parts wholesaler for a price I couldn't pass up . Now, I realize I would have paid more, given the responsiveness.

You don't have pics of both bumpstops available, do you? I'm curious to know if i'm running the shorter or longer...

[BaseM3]

Originally Posted by AlanAZ

I have the old Performance package on my original ZSP springs and front sway, installed at 72,000 mls when the original shocks/struts were going away.

1. It does not lower the car with ZSP springs. Bmw lowering Performance springs is an option.

2. The package has an optional stiffer 14 mm rear sway bar (stock is 13 mm) to reduce understeer. I have this on my car, and it works well with the Performance shocks and struts, very balanced now between front and rear. I highly recommend you install it. There should be a pair of 14 mm bushings in the kit.

3. It is stiffer, but not too much. It also depends on where you live, the roads in Scottsdale are good, but driving the car in Tucson where they are not, would drive me crazy. With the sway, the handling is light years better, after the install, I found myself driving 10 mph faster than before on the side streets of where I live because the car was that much more competent.

Comes with shorter bumpstops to be used with the shorter performance springs (which I'm not using.)

The kit did come with new bushings for the stabilizer. Anybody have the part# for the 14mm bar? I can't find it on the OEM part site.
So the stops that came the kit should only be used with the shorter springs. I should order the bump stops for the sports suspension if I want to replace them?

[Evan@Tischer]

The 'old' PS kit came with taller/stiffer bumpstops to be used with zsp springs. The shorter/fatter stops are to be used with the yellow PS springs.
When did you get your PS kit? It seems like most folks have purchased their 'old' and 'new' PS kits from Tischer and they've kind of made a mess of it..

Who has made a mess of it?? The 'mess' and confusion comes from forum threads typically....especially when guys don't go by exactly what BMW recommends for the required parts...or when guys put together custom kits w/ aftermarket parts.

The original kit was to be used with zsp springs and sways; the new kit is to be used w/ the yellow bmw performance springs, and includes its own front sway.

Also vehicles produced prior to 6/2006 were recommended to upgrade to the newer guide supports.

We can now order the front bumpstops from the newer kit - 31336789540, $15.18 ea

The 14mm rear sway is 33556764426.

Let us know if you have any additional questions.

[BaseM3]

Originally Posted by Evan@Tischer

Who has made a mess of it?? The 'mess' and confusion comes from forum threads typically....especially when guys don't go by exactly what BMW recommends for the required parts...or when guys put together custom kits w/ aftermarket parts.

The original kit was to be used with zsp springs and sways; the new kit is to be used w/ the yellow bmw performance springs, and includes its own front sway.

Also vehicles produced prior to 6/2006 were recommended to upgrade to the newer guide supports.

We can now order the front bumpstops from the newer kit - 31336789540, $15.18 ea

The 14mm rear sway is 33556764426.


Let us know if you have any additional questions.

Thanks, My car is a 9/2007 build date. I plan going with the 14mm bar. Do I need to also order the rubber bushings for the 14mm bar or can I used the ones that came with the "old' kit?