[dbjb]

1fastbmw,
Thanks for the advice. Looks like the shop I used offered to drain and refill after the initial break-in period. It doesn't get any easier than someone doing it free for me .

Nonetheless, thanks again for the response!

[1fastbmw]

So the alignment is done and I was surprised but the min amount of frt camber I could get was -1.7 with the M3 components and Dinan Camber plates. With the shocks slide all the way in the slots, in the opposite direction it was -2.1 so they left it at the -1.7. Other than that, everything else was set to what Harold recommended.

I only drove about 15 miles but the car handles much better, it inspires you to take corners at much higher speeds and turns in very well. In terms of the LSD it hooks much better, w/ full bolt ons and JB4 map 5 on 93 octane it seems to only spin 1/2 way through 1st and hooks from there and pulls hard and straight. Where before 1st & 2nd was a complete waste. I will comment on shocks and springs after I get some more miles on it. It is now time for some non RFT's.

[Ghost170]

Great suspension upgrade, and job on the work!! Your car must feel like a new beast!

[1fastbmw]

So I put about 120 miles on the car today, driving completely through the city on highways and surfaces roads, btw they are Detroit roads, and all I can say is WOW!!! I did not expect to suspension to fell so good, as everyone always says this is really how the car should have came stock. On the highway all of the bumps are completely soaked up and it does not create any annoying bounce. I had a few bumps and pot holes that I had to be very careful not to hit on a daily basis before, because they instantly bottom out the stock suspension and made me grit my teeth in fear of cracking the windshield. After hitting a few of the medium bumps and the new suspension soaking them right up I found myself aiming for the worst of them and not once did I bottom the suspension out or have any abnormal jarring. This suspension on the highway is without a doubt more comfortable than stock. On top of this, the car now handles extremely well. I can not imagine someone tuning a suspension to handle any better than this without compromising on comfort or creating additional noise. It creates confidence that you now are trying to find a corner that will even tempts its limits. The one thing I find a little strange is on lower speed roads, 40 mph and below, I find on concrete the car does transmit more noise and road imperfections. I think this is truly due to the Run Flat Tires and the new stiffness of the M3 bits. It is not uncomfortable but it does create a little more road noise, not sure why at higher speeds it is so much better, but it is. But get this car on a smooth black top road with a few curves and you are in heaven, just hold on. With all the additional power from the other new components and the smoothness of the JB4 this car feels like an ultimate daily driver, bring on the M1. I was after the perfect balance of performance and comfort, that would not take constant tinkering to keep things right, and as of now I think I surpassed my goal.

[farbmw]

NICE! I can't wait to do mine!! Excellent write up!

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

this is the most massive and impressive DIY I have seen to date.

well done.

however, it's not really a DIY guide, as I understand step 1 and 2, but step 3 onwards I have NFI lol

[import36]

Originally Posted by SHOWTIME

and here I thought, wow...this guy is gonna install a differential alone in his garage?
Dude's now building a car from scratch lol

+1

all i can say is wow! great write-up....feedback....etc. i'm sure the car feels amazing. keep us posted on the truck build too...

[ADV.1 Matt]

Wow! I'm impressed... that is not a simple install. Well done and thanks for the extensive writeup and pictures!

[raihansdg]

"thats a nice"

[jaybird124]

Your car is a beast! Putting Michelin Pilot Super Sports on it would be amazing!

[33beto]

You my friend are one gifted person. Good luck on your next proyect.

[1fastbmw]

The transformation is now complete!!!

Just got my SF-71's mounted with Conti DW's 265-30-19 & 225-35-19, a little rubbing in rear over large bumps that jounce the entire suspension. Going to roll the fenders to clear things up.

[riderxps]

Awesome job dude.Cheers

[materialdistractions]

Car looks great!

[TxBeem]

How much of a drop is this setup compared to the performance spring/damper combo. Any difference whether it's for 135 or 335?

[jaybird124]

Did you use the old Performance Springs or the current?

[1fastbmw]

I quess I'm not sure, they are probably 2 yrs old.

[illinipo]

Hey, thanks for the thread. Going to do a differential on a 07 z4 coupe and was a little confused about the BMW diff design without shims like you were saying in another thread... I've done a few FWD transaxle diff installs which are similar to solid axle in adjustment. Your pics really helped me understand how the bearings work.

One thing I have a question on before I jump in is step f. where you remove the outer race after getting the c-clips out. Are those races press fit? If so, how did you get them out?

Thanks a million

[SIKH335]

Great job and kudos to being that skilled to do it yourself. Looks great.

[1fastbmw]

Originally Posted by illinipo

Hey, thanks for the thread. Going to do a differential on a 07 z4 coupe and was a little confused about the BMW diff design without shims like you were saying in another thread... I've done a few FWD transaxle diff installs which are similar to solid axle in adjustment. Your pics really helped me understand how the bearings work.

One thing I have a question on before I jump in is step f. where you remove the outer race after getting the c-clips out. Are those races press fit? If so, how did you get them out?

Thanks a million

The outer races are not pressed fit, just remove the snap ring and out they come.

[mtechnik3]

Your 135i coupe looks great man!! I'm considering some of the same M3 suspension mods and the exact wheel set up you did. I'm located in MI as well - maybe we can meet up sometime.

[1fastbmw]

Originally Posted by mtechnik3

Your 135i coupe looks great man!! I'm considering some of the same M3 suspension mods and the exact wheel set up you did. I'm located in MI as well - maybe we can meet up sometime.

Yeah we will have to meet up in the spring, I just parked mine for the winter and purchased a new winter beater (just kidding) 2012 Taurus SHO, I just could not go w/o Twin Turbo's for the winter. I'm going to make sure to make it to some of the local drives next year, they do a spring and fall from here to Traverse City, which I thought would be a blast.