[Ryebread]

There are a couple of good threads that I've joined, on different forums here, suspension vs. diesel... I'd just like to keep a consolidated list here. I'll keep updating this OP as I get more info from the masses here and elsewhere.

I don't wish to step on toes, or insinuate that I'm an expert on anything here.
I have wheels and tires on the way and was looking at suspension.
I have warranty/maintenance covered until 100,000 miles.
So I was considering OEM upgrades.
Mainly, 335dFan sparked my interest, and now I've become addicted to learning more about the BMW Performance Suspension.

This regards the 335D in the USA, or "not in EU". You guys in EU are lucky. You get the real parts and many more factory installed options.



Springs

Since we all have automatic and the same engine, there are only these two spring types here. And they are different than the 335i.

a. base springs - black
b. sport suspension springs - black - zsp package
c. performance suspension - yellow
*msport suspension springs - black - same as zsp springs

Front springs:
In the zsp kit (again, this is on both sport or msport) the springs are labeled D8.
If you look above your front tire, you can clearly see this.
I would like a base suspension 335d owner to tell me what spring code is on their car, please. Perhaps C8?
Front springs that are being provide to customers who are purchasing the PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION are T4

Note: 335i with zsp/msport uses front spring code: D7 (black)


Rear springs:
Need to hear from you!
Sport/Msport rear spring code???
Base??

Note: 335i with zsp/msport uses rear spring code: D4 (black)


More spring info:
I am not certain, but believe there are 3 possible letters on spring tags.
c = base
d = sport (also msport in usa)
t = performance
I believe there are several number options. Endless maybe?
For the 335I, I have noticed that 4 - automatic cars, 3 - manuals.
Perhaps the 8 = diesel or perhaps diesel & auto.





Struts & Shocks

Working on a list here with more info on the base / sport.
If you have info, please post up.
For now, I only have the PS upgrade info:

Front struts that are provided in the BMW PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION KIT:
31 31 6 788 887 left
31 31 6 788 888 right

Rear shocks that are provided in the BMW PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION KIT:
33 52 6 788 890 (2 required)

Help me out here. I'm going to guess that our sport/msport struts/shocks are NOT the same as the 335i gear. 200lb heavier motor, etc.

However, there is only 1 BMW PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION KIT part number for the E90.
It doesn't come with springs, you have to add those.
Now, this kit will fit on a 335D, but is it designed for it, probably not right?
My dealer will not sell me the kit b/c it's not for my car.
Obviously, the suppliers will sell it to us, it will fit and work.
The part number is: 33 50 0 444 832



Here is where I was shocked:


Rear Sway Bar

a. base
b. sport - zsp package
- performance suspension - uses the "b" part
- msport suspension uses the "a" part! why?
Why would BMW-NA put the base rsb in the 335D msport?
There must be a purpose here.
M-sport moves the speed governor up to 150mph, wouldn't you want better handling?





With that said, if you purchase the BMW PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION.
It comes with struts/shocks, front stabilizer, hardware.
It doesn't come with springs or a rsb
- you have a sport - zsp car, you need the kit, and springs.
you already have the correct rsb

- you have a msport - you need the kit, springs, and two more parts*

*If you have msport, it's an extra $140, to get the ZSP rsb and hw parts.
I believe the extra part numbers are:
> 33 55 6761 002 - need to get confirmation of this part and qty
> 33 55 000 - need to get confirmation of this part and qty


Untitled by Ryan Philly, on Flickr


Tischer/GetBMWParts
Sells the kit today for $1260 but they ARE bundling it to include the springs, plus shipping is $50.
They use your vin to determine the springs (for diesel auto).
I'm guessing this is b/c there are springs for diesel/gas/auto/manual, etc.

MSRP is $1,697.94 for the kit PLUS m-sport parts.

forum member: solishe 335i owner
"Read through some posts and discovered that the 2009 e90 LCI only had option 704 (M Sport Suspension) and not option 226 (Sport Suspension). I assume one subtle difference between the two options is the rear swaybar (M sport suspension rear sway has thinner sidewalls making it less stiff)?"

"Anyway, I initially only had the BMWPS and front sway installed and loved it. Somehow it achieved better handling, a firmer ride, AND better ride quality on rougher roads (on Michelin PS2 runflats, great runflat tires by the way, much better than OEM Bridgestone RFTs). However, the BMWPS did highlight the need to address the rear as it felt sloppy, not planted in certain cases, and did not feel as though it was in total harmony with the front.

So I decided to have the M3 rear subframe bushings and rear sway bar installed and .......wow. The car feels very planted, the response feels improved in front (sort of interesting result), and ride quality is not adversely impacted even with the Michelin PS2 Runflats (I do still have stock control arms/bushings). Everything moves and responds in harmony now. So I'm with all the others on here that highly recommend swapping the stock rear subframe bushings with M3 bushings. If you are on the fence about it or are having the subframe dropped for other reasons, it is definitely worth it. Just my 2 cents..."

To summarize: as solishe and many of you have recommended:
If you're going to replace the rsb or subframe bushings:
the subframe has to be dropped for either mod, which can take 5-7 hours!
so if you're going to do this, may as well do both! M3 subframe bushings ($225-250)
The base vs zsp rsb, isn't a drastic upgrade.



335D brethren "cssnms" from this board suggests:
Yes there is a "d" specific ZSP kit (Sports Package Kit).
The Performance kit would work too, although I do not beleive BMW has kit model designated for the "d."

And I totally agree with him!
BMW PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION is probably not the perfect fit for the heavier diesel.
Sure it will fit and work, but I'd like to hear about your first hand experience with this combo.
Because this pic below (info from BMW NA) clearly states GASER only:
The info is at the bottom

photo 2.PNG by Ryan Philly, on Flickr



More on BMW PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION
33 50 0 444 832

At the heart of performance is handling. And how well a BMW handles is directly influenced by its suspension. BMW Perormance Suspension lets you savor every curve and every corner like never before.

Suspension kit with optimum balance of comfort and handling
Better all-round performance
Tighter performance when changing direction quickly
Reduced ride height (depending on model)
Available for E90 3 Series sedans from start of production including facelifted sedans, E92 3 Series coupes. (not for xi or M3 models)
This new kit that's replacing the original kit is around .5 inches lower than the original kit. Our BMW Performance suspension kit includes new yellow BMW Performance springs.

*Chassis alignment required upon installation.

**Must provide vin when ordering.

***E90 sedans up to 05/2006 require new front guide supports. Add a quantity of 2 of part # 31306775098 to your cart.

****Vehicles w/ M Sports suspension (704A) require a new rear stabilizer and rubber mounts - included when selecting the M Sport option in the dropdown menu.

Parts List:

photo 1.PNG by Ryan Philly, on Flickr



BMW 3 Series (E 90) BMW 3 Series (E 92)
These installation instructions are not valid for all-wheel vehicles
These installation instructions are not valid for 4-cylinder petrol engines
Retrofit kit no.:
33 50 0 444 832
Installation time
The installation time is approx. 8 hours, but this may vary depending on the condition of the car and the
equipment in it.
BMW Performance sports chassis for E90 / E92

Only for E90 / E92 with M sport chassis: The rear stabiliser (part no. 33 55 6 764 425) and the rubber bearing (part no. 33 55 6 761 002) need to be exchanged. These parts are not part of the retrofit kit and must be ordered separately.

Special tools required
311140 312210 312230 313340 313350 313358 335010 335020
SW 16 / 18 open-ended wrench SW 21 mm socket wrench insert Socket nut
Spring tensioner
Spring holder
Restrictor insert
Spring tensioner
SW22 reversible ratchet socket wrench

Concluding work and coding
This retrofit does not require coding
– Connect the battery
– Conduct a brief test
– On cars with active steering (AFS) the steering angle sensors must be aligned using the BMW diagnostic system via the service function (SBT)
– Measure the chassis
– Adjust the headlights (ISTA No. 6 310 004)

[rogerdiaz]

im waiting for the bmw performance suspension v2 to go under $1000.

[DieselDiner]

Originally Posted by Ryebread

Rear springs:
Need to hear from you!
Sport/Msport rear spring code???
Base??

I had the sport suspension option, my springs from that setup are labeled D6 and D8.

Also, my struts are labeled as follows:

Front: 3131 679 6160R, 3131 679 6159L
Rear: 3352 679 6161

Those part numbers are called "M Sport" on realoem.

[335dFan]

Remind me on 4 April. I have all the OEM parts off.

[AzureHaze]

Originally Posted by 335dFan

Remind me on 4 April. I have all the OEM parts off.

Is this happening?

[335dFan]

Originally Posted by AzureHaze

Is this happening?

I will try to do it tonight after work. Even though I am retired I still work part time to pay for these toys. Just got back from vacation 12 hours ago.

[335dFan]

Originally Posted by 335dFan

Remind me on 4 April. I have all the OEM parts off.

Base model rear springs C6
base model front springs C8

Base model shocks 3352 679 6157
Base model struts 3131 679 6155/6156

[taibanl]

Originally Posted by Ryebread

Now, this kit will fit on a 335D, but is it designed for it, probably not right?
My dealer will not sell me the kit b/c it's not for my car.

The part number is: 33 50 0 444 832

Not correct....see http://realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?p...+50+0+444+832+

[taibanl]

Originally Posted by Ryebread

Springs

PN for yellow springs....

31336788893 front
33536788901 rear

Originally Posted by Ryebread

Sells the kit today for $1260 but they ARE bundling it to include the springs, plus shipping is $50.

I have already posted availability of this kit in the $1100 range on the groupbuy list of interest thread....including springs.

Originally Posted by Ryebread

Because this pic below (info from BMW NA) clearly states GASER only:
The info is at the bottom....

Note that that pic....is old....it talks about future availability coming in 2008.

[Ryebread]

A good bit of time has gone by. I'm still furious that the rsb in the Msport is the base rsb, and not the sport model. And there is no easy solution, since the subframe needs to come down, correct?

[Ryebread]

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...=31&fg=95&hl=2

With this kit, which rsb would we be acquiring?

[DieselRacer]

What are the spring rate for the M sport model on a 335d????

[austinla335d]

Originally Posted by Ryebread

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...=31&fg=95&hl=2

With this kit, which rsb would we be acquiring?

I bought the performance suspension from Tischer and even after providing my VIN, they sent me the 13mm rear sway bar (and I don't have an M Sport).

If you really want the 13mm RSB, I'll sell you mine.
The M Sport supposedly had the RSB softened because of how rough it rides with the increased spring rate. I've read that, I don't know how much sense it makes, but it could be.
I had a Mini Cooper S with an Eibach RSB that rode rough over bumps after installed, a bump on the right shook the whole car, that sort of thing.

[DieselRacer]

Originally Posted by austinla335d

I bought the performance suspension from Tischer and even after providing my VIN, they sent me the 13mm rear sway bar (and I don't have an M Sport).

If you really want the 13mm RSB, I'll sell you mine.
The M Sport supposedly had the RSB softened because of how rough it rides with the increased spring rate. I've read that, I don't know how much sense it makes, but it could be.
I had a Mini Cooper S with an Eibach RSB that rode rough over bumps after installed, a bump on the right shook the whole car, that sort of thing.

I'm getting H & R coilovers pro street and H & R rear bar 20mm front bar 28mm, I think this will be the best set up for the D, I have used the H & R coilovers on TDI's before and love them, they are aluminum save about 5 lbs per wheel over oem and go low and ride soooo nice, the sway bar im concerned if this will be to much its basically an M3 set up...

[DieselRacer]

Any one get a rougher ride on the rear with a sway bar upgrade and coilovers or springs upgrade???

[hobbyshop]

figured this is the best place for 335D suspension talk

any experience with the bird's b3 suspension? http://www.birdsauto.com/product-inf...330i-335d-330d

they say it's made specifically for these cars, but don't take into account the added weight of the 335d. most suspension kits don't though. should we be overly concerned either then?

would be curious what spring rates and bar thicknesses they use in that kit.