E90 M-Sport vs E91 Sport Suspension Differences/Compatibility

E91 Hoarder · 03-25-2024, 12:27 AM

Replacing front struts on my 2007 E91. Car has S226 sport suspension option.
Have 2007 E90 328i parts donor car. This has S704 M Sport suspension option.

When comparing struts between the cars on realoem, noticed that struts from E90 only shared between E90 and E92, while struts from E91 only shared with E93. I'd assume this is due to the added weight of E91's long roof and folding top of E93.
However, when compared struts side by side, they have identical height.

Confused. Is there substantial difference in height/stiffness/etc? Are they interchangeable?

Also realoem does not have data for coil springs, so wonder if they are different too.

Secondary question: if I have to go with new schocks and struts, what is the most reccomended option? I lean towards handling over comfort

jsunma · 03-25-2024, 07:04 PM

Sorry, I really can't follow what you're asking.

At least in my car (2008 E91), the "S704 M Sport" suspension is what is typically referred to as the "sport" suspension. That's what's on my build sheet. I have never heard of the "S226" suspension...but that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. All I can say is that if you want to upgrade your vehicle to what the factory sold as the sport suspension, just look for parts that indicate that they're for the sport suspension.

All that came with S704 were slightly stiffer (shorter) springs and stiffer struts/shocks.

I am using Koni Sport adjustables on mine. But there are many options available. I have the springs that came with the car (S704 M Sport).

Are you in the US? That may shed some light on your options/packages. Your signature is not very helpful in that regard.

Hoody007 · 03-25-2024, 07:44 PM

226 was the code for sport suspension in 06- mid 07. Carry over from the E46 days.

I’d say aftermarket wise, there’s little difference. But the factory dampeners probably differ between the E90/2 and E91/3. Why else have different part numbers?

That being said, you’re probably fine swapping them from the donor car. If they’re still good, that is.

If not, Koni Special Active are an excellent choice!

03-25-2024, 12:27 AM	#1
E91 Hoarder Captain 123 Rep 852 Posts Drives: E91 AWD, E91 RWD, E90, X535i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: On the Road iTrader: (8)	E90 M-Sport vs E91 Sport Suspension Differences/Compatibility Replacing front struts on my 2007 E91. Car has S226 sport suspension option. Have 2007 E90 328i parts donor car. This has S704 M Sport suspension option. When comparing struts between the cars on realoem, noticed that struts from E90 only shared between E90 and E92, while struts from E91 only shared with E93. I'd assume this is due to the added weight of E91's long roof and folding top of E93. However, when compared struts side by side, they have identical height. Confused. Is there substantial difference in height/stiffness/etc? Are they interchangeable? Also realoem does not have data for coil springs, so wonder if they are different too. Secondary question: if I have to go with new schocks and struts, what is the most reccomended option? I lean towards handling over comfort __________________ "Let me see what I can do... sir"
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03-25-2024, 07:04 PM	#2
jsunma Captain 652 Rep 814 Posts Drives: 2008 328iT 6MT RWD Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Sorry, I really can't follow what you're asking. At least in my car (2008 E91), the "S704 M Sport" suspension is what is typically referred to as the "sport" suspension. That's what's on my build sheet. I have never heard of the "S226" suspension...but that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. All I can say is that if you want to upgrade your vehicle to what the factory sold as the sport suspension, just look for parts that indicate that they're for the sport suspension. All that came with S704 were slightly stiffer (shorter) springs and stiffer struts/shocks. I am using Koni Sport adjustables on mine. But there are many options available. I have the springs that came with the car (S704 M Sport). Are you in the US? That may shed some light on your options/packages. Your signature is not very helpful in that regard.
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03-25-2024, 07:44 PM	#3
Hoody007 Major 1310 Rep 1,167 Posts Drives: 335i ZMZ LCI \| 850i/6 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Dunwoody, GA & Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	226 was the code for sport suspension in 06- mid 07. Carry over from the E46 days. I’d say aftermarket wise, there’s little difference. But the factory dampeners probably differ between the E90/2 and E91/3. Why else have different part numbers? That being said, you’re probably fine swapping them from the donor car. If they’re still good, that is. If not, Koni Special Active are an excellent choice!
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