[Suntzu]

Hi guys!

I'm a bit new here. I just picked up a SG 2005 330i e90 sedan in Australia. It's my first BMW. I'm been dreaming of one for over 20 years when I saw my first E36 M3. I love it

It's in great condition with 128 000km, great paint, lemon interior, active cruise, active steering and a 6 speed auto - as its a daily traffic combat weapon!

Colour altered to show ride height: Stock or sport? I dunno..


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I like the way it drives but I miss the turn-in, response rate and flat stance my 2010 Focus ST had - despite its FWD lameness. The focus handles very well and sucked up the bumps like a true champ!

So after 3 weeks of driving the 330i I'm thinking of some upgrades.

You see, with the RFT (17") its figgetly and very busy at low speeds, turn in is adequate and the body roll is a little too much. It does grip up and go like a muther though. So the back end is good for straight line grip. At higher speeds its fine - good in fact. It will suck up large bumps with no issue. But rough tarmac is a big challenge for a great Bavarian inline 6...

I really can't lower the car, in fact as I don't know what suspension it has. I think its stock but it looks lower??

Before you reply to the below I want to say - I have searched and read my Ar$S oFf on this forum. I literally have read everything about the combos I propose below. So be kind to your colonial great southern land bros!

In Australia we have many kangaroos and a lot of crappy roads. Even a 30mm drop may be a liability... that's my problem...how to improve the handling without a drop?

Options I have considered:

Lowered ( pray I wont hit yet another roo!)

Pro Kit plus bilstein B4-S (can't get stock in Australia or on tirerack - cheap and good according to reviews here)
Pro kit + FSD - A bit pricey but sounds like a good compromise.
Pro-kit plus B8 (B12) - reviews say - might be a bit stiff for aussie crud roads!

Not Lowered:
Bilstein B4 - I think my stock shocks are ok - I don't see this us much of an upgrade.
Bilstein B6 - stock springs ( too rough according to many people here)
Koni FSD - stock springs (good according to reviews but what about roll and turn in?)

or maybe - just maybe (heres where I need advice)

Not Lowered:
M3 control arms and/or ARB's and Bilstein B6 - stock springs ( too rough according to many people here -like B6)
M3 control arms and/or ARB's Koni FSD stock springs (good according to reviews but turn in fixed??)

Ultimately I am going 18" non-RF Michelin PS3 tyres. So bear that in mind.

Now seeking the greater guru's or newly plebs with an opinion to flame - and/or give me some sage advise!

Not too concerned for lowered looks.

I'm all about getting it done at speed while having the front end response to avoid our furry marsupial-ed suicidal grey hopping friends - well at least the capacity to drive over the bastards without ripping my front end off!


Also aiming to keep some comfort. So I have modest aims. A 20% improvement in stiffness and roll reduction would do it. And a turn in improvement.

Or maybe i should get the 18" non-RFT firts and see how she goes. That wont help the turn in or body roll though. Im thinking CSl rep 1.6.

I'm on a strict budget. I can get to Pro-kit FSD if I need to but want to save some cash for the 18 NRFT!

Thanks heaps in advance.

russ

[SoIntoYou]

try upgrading to m3 sway bar for both front and rear. I would not lower my car either =P

[GOTMH8N]

Sway bars and control arms will def beef up a suspension!

[Meeni]

Trash the RFT as a first step. They are so horribly bad that it is a shame to fit this on a BMW (I suppose you have the Turanza turds ? ) .

[sutter2k]

I'd do M3 front components (get some more camber in the front) + BMW performance suspension(least amount of lowering compared to aftermarket springs).

tires at some point too.

[BillionPa]

try the swaybars first, the stock ones are quite anemic for the weight of the vehicle, more suitable for a miata

FSD will make rough roads much more drivable

if it still needs 'more', M3 front suspension components to improve turn-in

tires will help with turn-in as well, but not as much as the suspension.... remember, tires are the most important component of both the brake and suspension systems

[Suntzu]

I ended up with a good compromise.

I ordered the Eibach Pro-Street S coilover suspension!

The Pro street was $300 more than Pro-Kit + Bilstein B4s and a little more than Bilstein B12 (which I wrote off anyway as word-on-the-street is its too stiff for over 35's yrs )

So, given I have the benefit of properly matched springs and shocks and the ability to lower it by only 20mm from non-sport- or a lot more if I get 19" wheels and want to Slaaam the bimmer - well at least I can.

I'm hearing good things about the pro street ride-wise and handling-wise so wish me luck when I get the eibach installed in a few weeks.

I got a GREAT DEAL from Bann Velgen who matched a great ebay price but added great advice and excellent service. What a nice bunch of guys.

Can't wait to receive the coilovers and report in on the pro-street performance. Bann Velgen also gave me a great rate on BMW OEM spring pads and rubber bushings to refresh the mounts - especially appreciated since there's no margin in $5 parts for these guys.

Will be sure to post a full review and pictures.

Thanks for all your help and advice guys.

russ

Canberra
Australia

[wheen]

Very interested in your review. Not many reviews out there for pro-street-s. If you can elaborate on the ride quality vs stock, that'd be great. Also if it's a DIY install, pics or any gotchas would be super.