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      08-15-2018, 02:09 PM   #1
Jashan90
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Suspension help refresh

Besides the shocks and springs what else can I change for a more stable ride for my Bmw e90 330i? Control arms, bushings, tie rods etc?id appreciate all help and suggestions. What parts can I swap for m3 parts?
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      08-15-2018, 02:10 PM   #2
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M3 front control arm set from FCP will help a lot (along with the proper alignment, for M3 specs), and good tires lol

Tie rods will help too if you're higher KM, stick to Lemforder
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      08-15-2018, 03:17 PM   #3
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Control arms as mentioned, tie rods if you are up there in miles or live in a winter state, rear subframe bushings to tighten up the back end, and an install kit that includes the upper and lower mounts (I got mine from ECS).
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      08-15-2018, 10:34 PM   #4
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The tension struts act as a shock absorber so replace those. I went with the M3 tension struts because they're solid rubber vs the fluid filled non M ones. I went with regular control arms to keep same camber vs the M control arm which add additional -.75 camber each side. Also for $50 do the white line rear subframe bushing inserts. It'll be much much more stable.
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      08-16-2018, 02:19 AM   #5
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Are the lemforder control arm kits M3 control arms? I know the TRW m3 kit control arms are backprdered or something. Just wondering if they are the same.
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      08-16-2018, 04:27 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chatch10 View Post
Control arms as mentioned, tie rods if you are up there in miles or live in a winter state, rear subframe bushings to tighten up the back end, and an install kit that includes the upper and lower mounts (I got mine from ECS).
Do you have a link for the upper and lower mounts?
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      08-16-2018, 04:30 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by chatch10 View Post
Control arms as mentioned, tie rods if you are up there in miles or live in a winter state, rear subframe bushings to tighten up the back end, and an install kit that includes the upper and lower mounts (I got mine from ECS).
Are you referring to shock mounts ?
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      08-16-2018, 06:46 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vincedea View Post
Are the lemforder control arm kits M3 control arms? I know the TRW m3 kit control arms are backprdered or something. Just wondering if they are the same.
Trw are the M3 ones, lemforder the non M. Unless you really want the additional camber just go with your OE control arms like I did. I went with M3 tension struts only to tighten up front end and not worry about busting the bushing.
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      08-16-2018, 07:48 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jashan90 View Post
Are you referring to shock mounts ?
Yes, here is the kit I order from ECS.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...1306775098kt1/
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      08-16-2018, 11:45 AM   #10
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Stupid question: when buying a Bmw M3 front control arms, the tension struts are included in the package correct? Or are tension struts a completely different part?
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      08-16-2018, 11:47 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chatch10 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jashan90 View Post
Are you referring to shock mounts ?
Yes, here is the kit I order from ECS.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...1306775098kt1/
I'll put this in my notes. I think it's best to add on when installing coil overs
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      08-16-2018, 05:58 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jashan90 View Post
Stupid question: when buying a Bmw M3 front control arms, the tension struts are included in the package correct? Or are tension struts a completely different part?
Separate parts so can order M3 tension struts separate from control arms. Get part # from realoem.com and search and buy them from fcpeuro.com. Everything they sell has lifetime replacement warranty
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      08-16-2018, 06:19 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jashan90 View Post
Besides the shocks and springs what else can I change for a more stable ride for my Bmw e90 330i? Control arms, bushings, tie rods etc?id appreciate all help and suggestions. What parts can I swap for m3 parts?
Not to try and toot my horn, but I have replaced every suspension component on a 335i.

IMO, a suspension should be done on 3 phases.

Before you do anything, you need to determine your goals for your car. Is it a DD, a track car or a DD that sees the track once in a while. How do you drive the car? Spirited, normal, like an 80 year old man. What don't you like and do like in a suspension?

Phase 1 -
Shocks, struts & possibly springs
Swaybar links front & rear
Surrounding hardware like strut bearings, bump stops, spring mounts etc.

Phase 2 -
Front controls arms & tie rods
Front swaybar bushings (maybe a better swaybar)
New bolts & nuts - especially if you live in a 4 seasons state that uses salt on the roads in the winter (mid-west & north-east)

Phase 3 -
Rear control arms
Subframe bushings
Differential bushings
Control arm bushings
Rear swaybar bushings (maybe a better sway-bar)
New bolts & nuts - especially if you live in a 4 seasons state that uses salt on the roads in the winter (mid-west & north-east)

Phase 3.5 -
Transmission mounts
Engine mounts

It's best to do this in phases rather than try and go this all at once.
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      08-16-2018, 06:20 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jashan90 View Post
Besides the shocks and springs what else can I change for a more stable ride for my Bmw e90 330i? Control arms, bushings, tie rods etc?id appreciate all help and suggestions. What parts can I swap for m3 parts?
Bmwfans.info will be your friend when looking up part numbers
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      08-17-2018, 12:22 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bamaben View Post
Trw are the M3 ones, lemforder the non M. Unless you really want the additional camber just go with your OE control arms like I did. I went with M3 tension struts only to tighten up front end and not worry about busting the bushing.
When refreshing to OE control arms what difference would I feel? I bought my e90 328i used so just curious.
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      08-17-2018, 11:05 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vincedea View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bamaben View Post
Trw are the M3 ones, lemforder the non M. Unless you really want the additional camber just go with your OE control arms like I did. I went with M3 tension struts only to tighten up front end and not worry about busting the bushing.
When refreshing to OE control arms what difference would I feel? I bought my e90 328i used so just curious.
Prob not much with just replacing control arm but you'll definitely feel a difference with new tension struts
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