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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > Final Suspension Upgrade - Need Input



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      11-03-2013, 11:16 AM   #1
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Final Suspension Upgrade - Need Input

After months of reading, test driving and talking with various vendors, I have narrowed done my suspension upgrade to three options and I need some input to help me make the decision!

Option 1

Koni Yellows with Swift Spec R springs

Option 2

BMW Performance Suspension Upgrade Kit v2

Option 3

TCKline Single Value Coilovers

Option 1 is the most cost effective. Option 2 costs $300 more. Option 3 costs $400 more than Option 1. So price wise they are basically in the same ballpark.

I have ruled out the ever popular KW's for reasons I won't go into.

This is for a spirited daily driver e90. I do not track this car. I also drive allot of highway mileage for work. Around 50k's a year.

Greatly appreciate how you would rank these three options. Need to make a decision soon.

Cheers,
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      11-03-2013, 11:53 AM   #2
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Do you have firmer than oem subframe bushings? What tires are you running?
Options 2 and 3 have matched bumpstops.
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      11-03-2013, 12:32 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cvc 22349a View Post
Do you have firmer than oem subframe bushings? What tires are you running?
Options 2 and 3 have matched bumpstops.
I currently still have OEM subframe bushings. I am running Michelin Pilot Super Sports. 235/265's non runflats.
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      11-04-2013, 10:31 PM   #4
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Option. 2 also includes a slight stiffer front anti sway bar.
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      11-04-2013, 11:36 PM   #5
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+1 ^
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      11-05-2013, 08:00 AM   #6
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I have not yet purchased my suspension upgrade (springs, dampers, etc), but have narrowed things down quite a bit, mostly due to the excellent expertise and patience of the people on this forum.

Some related things I've done for my car's handling, and each of the following made some slight differences:

* bought some used 19" MORR wheels with Continental DW tires to replace the runflats. That made the ride somewhat smoother and the handling crisper.
* later replaced the Continentals with Michelin PSS. Very, very slightly rougher ride, but the handling and feedback were definitely better. The best tire I've ever used.
* installed M3 tension arms and control arms (or whatever you want to call them--both pieces on each side). Another noticeable enhancement and more responsive in all aspects of subtle driving inputs to hard driving. I really wish BMW had installed these as stock components.
* had it realigned right away.

Nice positive difference with the car now. More responsive and predictable. Slightly better ride despite 19" wheels.

Next step is simply springs and dampers in some form....very likely either the BMWPS, or KW Street Comfort. Will then get aligned again and pull the pins in front suspension to get maybe a -1.5 degree camber. Just moved from Austin to SW Houston area and the driving and roads are a different animal.
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      11-05-2013, 03:21 PM   #7
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I would go with option 1; I have yet to hear a negative review for the swift spec r springs.

-Mike

Last edited by HP Autosport; 11-06-2013 at 02:48 PM..
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      11-05-2013, 05:39 PM   #8
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I just installed the BMW PS kit and will be doing a review here shortly as soon as I get a little more driving time. I also have michelin PSS 235 and 265 non run flat tires on 18" rims. The install went OK except we put this stupid washer on updside down on the front struts which caused steering issue. Had to take them back off, take off top hats and then reassemble and re-install but everything is ok now. The back ride height looks about perfect right now but the front is still too high, higher than my stock sport suspension was before i did the install. Hopefully the fronts will still settle some. I'll just say that my initial impression was not mindblowing or anything like that and maybe slightly underwhelming as far as tightness and control are concerned; maybe i was expecting too much; i need a little more time though for my final verdict. I also changed most mounts, top hats etc but honestly my car didn't really need them at 45,xxx miles. My second choice was the Ohlins kit by the way...

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      11-09-2013, 09:57 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nikitino25 View Post
I just installed the BMW PS kit and will be doing a review here shortly as soon as I get a little more driving time. I also have michelin PSS 235 and 265 non run flat tires on 18" rims. The install went OK except we put this stupid washer on updside down on the front struts which caused steering issue. Had to take them back off, take off top hats and then reassemble and re-install but everything is ok now. The back ride height looks about perfect right now but the front is still too high, higher than my stock sport suspension was before i did the install. Hopefully the fronts will still settle some. I'll just say that my initial impression was not mindblowing or anything like that and maybe slightly underwhelming as far as tightness and control are concerned; maybe i was expecting too much; i need a little more time though for my final verdict. I also changed most mounts, top hats etc but honestly my car didn't really need them at 45,xxx miles. My second choice was the Ohlins kit by the way...
Interesting about your comparisons with the ZSP suspension. I'd love to drive a few suspensions that are on my short list, so need to meet some people in the Houston area.
My experience with my previous Audi S4 was that a change to matching springs (slightly stiffer) and dampers made a very nice positive difference in all handling aspects....without any noticeable change in ride quality. I will try to replicate that experience. We'll see!
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      11-09-2013, 11:43 AM   #10
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Opt 1 or 3. If you don't want to deal with setting ride height, opt 1.

Use your springs to set roll stiffness, not sway bars.
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      11-09-2013, 12:10 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ashmostro View Post
Opt 1 or 3. If you don't want to deal with setting ride height, opt 1.

Use your springs to set roll stiffness, not sway bars.
Thanks for your input. I am leaning towards option 1. Have now ruled out the BMW PS. Drove three cars with it and it do much for me.

Haven't heard much about Option 3. The TCKline single coils look like a much better value than say the KW's. Any input from anyone who has these?
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      11-09-2013, 12:44 PM   #12
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Tck is a well known and reputable suspension expert that is well regarded and common in the club race circles. Great on the street too. Closest competitor is ground control.
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      11-09-2013, 01:40 PM   #13
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I think, with the oem sport springs and some bilstein hd's, you will be pleasantly surprised.

and combined with m3 front control arms you will have a pretty rewarding setup.

it really comes down to what you want and what you want to spend. I did all that and f/r sways with subframe bushings in the rear, and couldn't be happier.

bilstein vs oem sport strut:

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      12-18-2013, 08:05 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by D's Bimmer View Post
Thanks for your input. I am leaning towards option 1. Have now ruled out the BMW PS. Drove three cars with it and it do much for me.

Haven't heard much about Option 3. The TCKline single coils look like a much better value than say the KW's. Any input from anyone who has these?
Can't remember if you've made your decision and installed yet. Impressions?
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      12-18-2013, 10:11 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jjellyneck View Post
Can't remember if you've made your decision and installed yet. Impressions?
Not yet but after the holiday's I will make my decision and place the order. Will definitely post up afterwards....
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      12-18-2013, 11:06 PM   #16
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AVOCET
We have the same car, and I live in Vancouver too.
Did you notice if the Bilstein's raised the car up?
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      12-19-2013, 01:05 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daily_Driver View Post
AVOCET
We have the same car, and I live in Vancouver too.
Did you notice if the Bilstein's raised the car up?
Hey there... No there was no noticible difference in ride height. I also installed lowering hats, and it looks pretty good.

I am actually in the New West area.

Let me know... I'd be happy to let you check it out and take you for a spin round the block.
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