[leeks]

Dear all,

wanted some inputs from you guys. The car is a 2011 325i E92 with about 130,000 km.

Changed out to some new wheels:
Beyern Spartan 18"
8.5 ET30 front
9.5 ET25 rear

Since changing out to winter tires, I've been getting some rubs whilst going over huge bumps / potholes / rough roads. (rear only at least from the feelong and where the sound is coming from)

I've measured the ride height (from bottom of rim to fenders) and they measure (in cm):
Front left 62 (driver)
Front right 60
Rear left 60
Rear right 59.3 (battery)

Any ideas if I should look into replacing the bump stops or look into the suspension? I've attached the photos, sorry it's kinda dark.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Q1ZpSFCYbB9GCNPf9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/47LiBLNx7REhA1nW8

Reason I'm asking is that I'm looking to slowly swap out the suspension in phases or at one go to the B12 Pro Kit but I'm not sure I can lower the vehicle any more (and also that's not really my aim). I'm more aiming towards a more connected driving feel like when the car is new. Certainly a daily-driver. No tracking.

Thanks in advance to your inputs.

UPDATE:
*TIS seems to suggest ride height (with 10 mm tolerance):
front 619 mm
rear 596 mm

I obviously measured without any load (TIS says normal position is 2x 68kg on front seats, 14kg in boot and full fuel tank.

Apart from rolling the rear fenders, is there a practical way of safely raising the rear? I believe the rub is attributed to the rear wheel offset (ET25) + those bloody broad wall Michelin tires, should have gone for ET35 so wheels will be in the wheel well = (

[feuer]

Your e92 isn't lowered and you are experiencing rubbing. Although e30 pads might help that isn't the correct way of addressing the issue. Also you can try, alignment with more negative camber and of course rolled/pulled fenders. However, different wheels will be the correct remedy, less aggressive offset and smaller size tire.

[Phil325i]

Or you could have a small portion of the rear arches rolled. You'll see where the tyres are rubbing and what needs rolling. Worked for me when I changed wheels and added spacers...

[Soravia]

My 2011 with 60k has suspension dampers ALREADY BLOWN and rubber mounts have sag and compression. Suspension arm bushings are still there, adding tension and artificial spring rate to lift the car.

You MUST replace all your suspension parts, save the springs, unless they are rusted out. All control arm bushings included. When your tighten them to torque at neutral wheel position, they add spring rate due to their resistance. Cracked bushing will lower the car.

[leeks]

Mmmm. Define all suspension parts?

[leeks]

Originally Posted by feuer

Your e92 isn't lowered and you are experiencing rubbing. Although e30 pads might help that isn't the correct way of addressing the issue. Also you can try, alignment with more negative camber and of course rolled/pulled fenders. However, different wheels will be the correct remedy, less aggressive offset and smaller size tire.

Yeah I realised the mistake but it was too late after I ordered. Silly me followed someone else's suggestion who mentioned that it worked without any issues.

I guess I could do either of the following:
1) get new rears of ET35 (hence less aggressive)
2) roll fenders on the rear (not so keen since I don't know of any good workshops in my region)

Does everyone actively change out their suspension bushings/control arms etc? I checked the car last weekend (when lifted). I don't really see any play in any of the wheels, front/rear. Hard to justify changing it but would be keen to changing the control arms etc to those from the M3 (that can be found on FCPeuro)

@Phil325i did you roll those fenders "by eye" or is there a specific measurement you took?

[Phil325i]

Originally Posted by leeks

@Phil325i did you roll those fenders "by eye" or is there a specific measurement you took?

It was done for me. But yes, I believe it was clear 'by eye' where the tyres were rubbing and only a small area of the lip needed folding under. Towards the rear of the arch as I recall...

[leeks]

Well, the rub is quite minor but annoying enough for me to notice.

Would I be judged if I say I'd live with it until I get the suspensions changed out next year? OR would I be destroying the poor car?

[Emilime75]

The problem is that your winter wheel spec is a little aggressive. 9.5 +25 pushes out about 22mm from the M Sport rears at 8.5 +34. That's the equivalent of putting 22mm spacers on the stock rear wheels.

What size are your rear tires?

Can you tell if it's rubbing on the metal quarter panel, or on the inner liner?

I'd be looking at adding some camber or rolling the quarters before adding height to the car.

[Soravia]

Originally Posted by leeks

Mmmm. Define all suspension parts?

Dampers, bump stops, rear top foam mounts, rear bottom mount, front top mount, control arms (worn bushings), and of course, single use fasteners.
All of them contribute to ride height and suspension control. On extreme cases, check for condition of anti sway bar link joints and their mounting metal clips for corrosion and leaks

[feuer]

Originally Posted by Soravia

You MUST replace all your suspension parts

Originally Posted by leeks

Mmmm. Define all suspension parts?

Unless Soravia is joking that would be extremely stupid to do.

[Soravia]

Originally Posted by feuer

Unless Soravia is joking that would be extremely stupid to do.

What would YOU keep?

[feuer]

Originally Posted by Soravia

What would YOU keep?

Keep what? From the suspension? What you are suggesting is stupid. Owner is better of replacing the whole vehicle at that point. Do you know much overhauling the complete suspension will cost? Even if is free isn't necessary lol. I would just get new wheels. Maybe shocks. Ends with that.

[Soravia]

Originally Posted by feuer

Keep what? From the suspension? What you are suggesting is stupid. Owner is better of replacing the whole vehicle at that point. Do you know much overhauling the complete suspension will cost? Even if is free isn't necessary lol. I would just get new wheels. Maybe shocks. Ends with that.

Cool! That's your idea.
And I call it "Stupid" in your own words.
Poster likes the wheels and obviously wants to keep them. Thus, looking to change out suspension. I point to worn out bushings being part of the cause that isn't helping with ride height.

One can get $700 or less spent on getting front AND back M3 control arms (new) with new bushings. Better handling, a bit more ride height if the original bushings are worn out.

Wheels can cost just as much if not more.

One cheap solution for OP is to get xDrive springs. They are taller and slightly stronger springs. It will definitely lift your car up. You can cut them down to size if too tall?

[feuer]

Originally Posted by Soravia

Cool! That's your idea.
And I call it "Stupid" in your own words.
Poster likes the wheels and obviously wants to keep them. Thus, looking to change out suspension. I point to worn out bushings being part of the cause that isn't helping with ride height.

One can get $700 or less spent on getting front AND back M3 control arms (new) with new bushings. Better handling, a bit more ride height if the original bushings are worn out.

Wheels can cost just as much if not more.

One cheap solution for OP is to get xDrive springs. They are taller and slightly stronger springs. It will definitely lift your car up. You can cut them down to size if too tall?

You pointing out that bushings are warn out is exactly that, oh I don't want to use that word anymore....Click on the links. That e92 isn't sitting low at all, as you are suggesting it is due to warn bushings. Any car is riding on springs. Yeah, bushings are a factor, but negligible at best in this case. Owner of that e92 will spend their money listening to you only to find out that rubbing will be present again, as soon as they start driving aggressively, have people riding in the back and ect. Not very smart idea man, not very smart....

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by Soravia

Cool! That's your idea.
And I call it "Stupid" in your own words.
Poster likes the wheels and obviously wants to keep them. Thus, looking to change out suspension. I point to worn out bushings being part of the cause that isn't helping with ride height.

One can get $700 or less spent on getting front AND back M3 control arms (new) with new bushings. Better handling, a bit more ride height if the original bushings are worn out.

Wheels can cost just as much if not more.

One cheap solution for OP is to get xDrive springs. They are taller and slightly stronger springs. It will definitely lift your car up. You can cut them down to size if too tall?

Bushings are not the answer and control arm bushings are definitely not the answer. That would be $700 down the drain if the goal was to simply fix the tires from rubbing.

The problem is the wheel and tire spec. The fix is different wheels and/or tires, added camber or rolling the fenders.

[leeks]

Fair enough! It is indeed a "user's fault" in this case, mine. I will look into changing out to the ET35 as recommended by the wheel manufacturer next year (it's a rather big investment). Thank you for enlightening ideas. Emilime75 and feuer

Soravia will look into updating the suspensions at a later time. Like I said, I don't see any play on all wheels. Checked the bushing yesterday after seeing what everyone has been saying and I don't see that they are terribly worn out.