[ni8shadow]

What would be a good suspension set up for an e90 328i non sport package? The BMW Performance suspension would cost me $2400 installed with all those additional parts so I am considering going after market.

Looking for handling comparable to the sports package ver.

[snipersix]

i would say Koni yellows with H&R sport springs

[ni8shadow]

Ok ill take a look at those and see. Where would I have them installed? Dealer? "Uncle Bob's Suspension Shop?" Dealer informed me that when changing suspension and ride height you also have to change some "software." What is that and how/where do you go for that?

[Samuel L Jackson]

Eibach and Bilstein. That's what Alpina uses.

[BMW F22]

If you're looking for a moderate drop while maintaining a smooth ride, I would recommend the Koni FSD & Eibach Pro-kit system. Let us know if you have any questions.

[ni8shadow]

Modest drop and "sport package" handling is what I am looking for. I am looking into the combos stated so far(thanks bty). Are these the ONLY part I would need to get that modest drop and "sport package" handling? I have a bare bones base model, only one I could find with manual trans.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by ni8shadow

Modest drop and "sport package" handling is what I am looking for. I am looking into the combos stated so far(thanks bty). Are these the ONLY part I would need to get that modest drop and "sport package" handling? I have a bare bones base model, only one I could find with manual trans.

Transmissions have nothing to do with the suspension. The Koni FSD & Eibach springs will give you a little lower drop than the sport package since the drop is based off of a sport package equipped vehicle. It will be a little firmer than the stock sport suspension and will give you better handling. It will fit just fine with your car.

[ni8shadow]

Handling better,similar, or i little "worse" than the sports package with the FSD/eibach combo? And do most places adjust the lighting angle and "computer inputs" for the new suspension?

[BMW F22]

Since the car will sit lower, it will have a lower central gravity thus better handling. As for your other questions, I'm not sure what you're asking about. The suspension is not really tied into the car's computer so there's no need to adjust anything.

[ni8shadow]

Evan@ Tischer said it's not so much new software, but coding differences to tell the car a change was made and how to handle it. I don't know how to adjust the "codes" or adjust the headlight angle to compensate for the lower ride height.

Lower center of gravity is good, but what about "stiffness?" I keep hearing about it. Stiffeness is usually is followed by "great ride" or "very responsive." Will the FSD/Eibach give me this "stiffness?"

I talked to some people and they mention the sport package came with sway bars. Is that true?

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by ni8shadow

Evan@ Tischer said it's not so much new software, but coding differences to tell the car a change was made and how to handle it. I don't know how to adjust the "codes" or adjust the headlight angle to compensate for the lower ride height.

Lower center of gravity is good, but what about "stiffness?" I keep hearing about it. Stiffeness is usually is followed by "great ride" or "very responsive." Will the FSD/Eibach give me this "stiffness?"

I talked to some people and they mention the sport package came with sway bars. Is that true?

Yup- but the OEM sways are not that thick thus there is some body roll there. If you're looking to reduce the body roll, we carry the H&R sways for your vehicle here.

As far as the coding- I think he meant just how the car handles overall (DSC, DTC, etc. working in conjunction with one another). I've not heard of the suspension being controlled by the ECU.

This combo will be a little stiffer than the stock sport suspension (as they all are). However, the nice thing about the Koni FSD is that under normal driving they will "soften" up to give you a smooth, comfortable ride and tighten up when you are cornering. The ride is still going to be a little bit stiffer than stock but not harsh at all.

[ni8shadow]

FSD's are self adjusting? So on my communte they act like stock suspension, and if I go on canyon runs they turn into "sport" suspension?

Are these better in the handling dept. than the koni sports? I understand the koni sport/yellow are adjustable with the "turn of a dial."

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by ni8shadow

FSD's are self adjusting? So on my communte they act like stock suspension, and if I go on canyon runs they turn into "sport" suspension?

Are these better in the handling dept. than the koni sports? I understand the koni sport/yellow are adjustable with the "turn of a dial."

Yup you got it. Basically it's softer when you're just driving around town but when your drive becomes more aggressive the shocks will stiffen up even more. Performance-wise, H&R sport & Koni Yellow/Sports will give you an even firmer ride than the Koni FSD & Eibach kit. Since the H&R springs have a lower drop, you should get a better performance although the difference probably won't be noticed by the average driver.

[Ron@Modbargains]

Originally Posted by ni8shadow

What would be a good suspension set up for an e90 328i non sport package? The BMW Performance suspension would cost me $2400 installed with all those additional parts so I am considering going after market.

Looking for handling comparable to the sports package ver.

You are in socal - and looking for a comparable sports package - go ST's (you can your not living in snow area so take advantage of it)

or if you want to go H&R Sport springs and Koni yellow shocks .

You can always spend more and go with the KW variant 2's or 3's but it doesn't sound like you are looking for more just a good sports suspension that would be the ST's.

Let me know if you have any questions, will be happy to help.

[ni8shadow]

I'm a newb when it comes to suspension so how would you adjust the Koni's? There's a knob or something...but you have to put your car on a lift to adjust it right?

What are the pros/cons of coilovers vs. shock and spring combos? The recomm. ones looks real nice, but I also have no knowledge of coilovers. They too are "customizable."

[stressdoc]

The best value is to buy a sports package from someone that has replaced theirs. I would imagine you could get a complete set -- shocks, springs, sway bars -- for under $500 for the parts. Install at a BMW dealer could run close to $1000. You might find a good shop that would do it for $600 or 700. So the minimum would be about $1200. A complete BMW Performance suspension installed for $2400 is actually an excellent choice IMO. You keep BMW warranty on everything, increase the resale value of your car, and can be assured that you have a well-engineered package. If you are experienced at tuning suspensions, then coilovers and adjustable sway bars are great, although now you are looking at 3k or more installed.

[SV Concepts III]

Originally Posted by ni8shadow

I'm a newb when it comes to suspension so how would you adjust the Koni's? There's a knob or something...but you have to put your car on a lift to adjust it right?

What are the pros/cons of coilovers vs. shock and spring combos? The recomm. ones looks real nice, but I also have no knowledge of coilovers. They too are "customizable."

The front shocks are adjusted inside the engine bay with knobs on the top of the shock that you turn to adjust the dampening level. The rears must be removed from the car and are adjusted by twisting the shock piston.

[ni8shadow]

you have to remove the rears to adjust them? wow...same for the coilovers?