[DerekMD07]

Hi there,

What options are out for the 09 335xi M sport? Please correct me if I am wrong. My understanding is that the OEM suspension that comes with the M sport package is not M-tuned. I want a slightly more aggressive setup with less body roll for street driving. I don't want to do just the springs swap. Dinan stage 1 do the springs + koni struts in the rear only. Anyone have any experience with this setup? It's priced pretty well. Another option is H&R coilovers. I don't need height adjustment, which brings me back to the Dinan setup. Any thoughts?

In short, what system would you recommend for the 09 335xi M sport?

Thanks,
Derek

[reprod]

So far us XI guys don't have any shock options. I think that getting some KW v1 coilovers is your best option. you may not need adjustability but that would be your best and most reputable option. they can be had for 1300 shipped to your door.

[chillychan]

I would definitely get something with height adjustability, the XI stance looks pretty ridiculous. A drop of "at least" 1 inch in front is needed.

[PKumarM3]

kw v1
kw v3
h&r

i went with kw v1. my garage won't be ready this weekend, so push the install another week later

[chillychan]

Originally Posted by PKumarM3

kw v1
kw v3
h&r

i went with kw v1. my garage won't be ready this weekend, so push the install another week later

I am looking for a used set of KW v1s. Will the KW v1 from an i fit an xi? Also if you can PM me the price you paid and who you got it from.

Thanks.

[DerekMD07]

Originally Posted by PKumarM3

kw v1
kw v3
h&r

i went with kw v1. my garage won't be ready this weekend, so push the install another week later

where did you get the kwv1? why did you pick it over H&R. I am super excited to pick up my car next week. can't say enough the importance of AWD in Canada.

Cheers

[SGxi]

Originally Posted by chillychan

I am looking for a used set of KW v1s. Will the KW v1 from an i fit an xi? Also if you can PM me the price you paid and who you got it from.

Thanks.

KW v1 from an i WILL NOT fit an xi

[chillychan]

Originally Posted by SGxi

KW v1 from an i WILL NOT fit an xi

Thanks for the heads up. This apparently is a crucial bit of info when shopping for used KV1s.

[jimmy330xi]

KW V3's. Best mod ever.

[DerekMD07]

I want to replicate the handling prowess of Boxster S/ Honda S2000 on the 335xi. I don't particularly like how the E90 M3 handles. Stock M suspension has too much body roll. I know it's not fair to compare a 4-dr sedan to a sports convertible. But hey, it's the M3.

Long story short, does getting KW V1 will even come close to my Boxster? If not, what other mods are needed? Swaybars? endlinks?

I don't care about straight line speed anymore. Fun car should perform well in winding road.

[chillychan]

Originally Posted by DerekMD07

I want to replicate the handling prowess of Boxster S/ Honda S2000 on the 335xi. I don't particularly like how the E90 M3 handles. Stock M suspension has too much body roll. I know it's not fair to compare a 4-dr sedan to a sports convertible. But hey, it's the M3.

Long story short, does getting KW V1 will even come close to my Boxster? If not, what other mods are needed? Swaybars? endlinks?

I don't care about straight line speed anymore. Fun car should perform well in winding road.

I am not a suspension specialist but based on my common sense, I can only assume that handling dynamics and corner speed is what you are trying to replicate. The 335xi has understeer designed into its suspension setup. I don't think that KW V1s alone will replicate the Boxster in handling dynamics and corner speed. It would help with the body roll though. If I had an unlimited budget, I would target weight and chassis mods:

Wheels and Tires - I would get a lightweight(about 20lbs) set of wheels and good summer performing tires. My choice would be BBS RGR and Michellin PS2s. The lighter wheels should help unsprung weight(braking, acceleration, rotational mass, damper longevity, etc.) The tires will improve grip and feel of the road. The staggered setup currently on the car actually increases understeer. A less staggered setup or even equal size front and rear tire width will improve understeer. If handling and not aesthetics were my concerns, a 255 width tire all around. If it aesthetics were important, 265 in the rear and 245 in the front.

Shocks - I would probably get KW v3s to be able to fine tune compression/rebound to match the road surface and limit body roll. This should instill confidence and improve grip. A lower center of gravity also helps transitional response.

Swaybars - I never really understood the purpose of sway bars. I figure a good shock/spring combo should eliminate the need for this. I guess to be able to tune body roll independently from the shock helps somehow. People smarter than me recommend it, so I would have to go with them.

Weight - Carbon fiber hood, roof, and boot. Weight is the enemy when it comes to handling.

So long story short, the KW V1s alone probably will not replicate the Boxster, question is: How much do you want to spend? Once you have that decided, call up Turner Motorsports. They have extensive suspension experience as they race BMWs for a living. Dinan also has a good program for the XI.