[SnapCoupe]

I'm planning on holding onto my 2011 335i for around 4-5 more years, considering i'm in the process of putting a factory fresh motor into it. It currently has 82k miles and I had been planning to do M3 control arms and ST coilovers this summer as my biggest complaint with this car (besides blowing a motor) is the suspension feel.

I daily drove my Z4 M coupe for 3 years, so I actually prefer a stiffer ride but only of its refined and doesn't have the "crashing" or "bouncy" feeling. I would like the car to be lowered (currently on OEM M-sport suspension) maybe 3/4-1in in the front and 1/2-3/4 in the rear. The car is my daily driver and sees just over 15k miles a year. A majority of my driving is a mixture of country roads and freeway but the car will see a few autocross and track events this summer.

Coilovers, from my experience, tend to last around 2-3 years depending on the quality of the suspension and your driving style. Considering that, I am debating going with a more traditional setup such as bilstein or similar. I would like to only have to do the suspension once for the rest of my ownership of the car, so what do you guys suggest?

Thanks!

[r4dr]

Bilstein B12. Make sure to refresh the hardware.

[6ixSpd]

Any Koni Sport setup should do the job. They last a very long time and can be setup to remain comfortable yet sporty. I absolutely love mine with H&R Sport springs, it's daily driven year round with lots of annual mileage. Coming up on 25k on my setup and it drives just like day 1.

As the poster above said, be sure to refresh the associated hardware.

[Biginboca]

IMO, Koni with your choice of springs, Bilstein B12 kit, or the BMW Performance Suspension.

I feel all of those set ups will last and handle excellently

[chatch10]

I've had the B12 kit for about 45k miles and it still feels tight. I also replaced all the hardware and front control arms. Might look into RSFB, but otherwise for 95k miles I think my car still feels really good.

[SnapCoupe]

Originally Posted by chatch10

I've had the B12 kit for about 45k miles and it still feels tight. I also replaced all the hardware and front control arms. Might look into RSFB, but otherwise for 95k miles I think my car still feels really good.

As far as suspension feel, how does it compare to stock? I have a feeling I might be disappointed unless its a pretty big jump from stock.

[chatch10]

Originally Posted by SnapCoupe

As far as suspension feel, how does it compare to stock? I have a feeling I might be disappointed unless its a pretty big jump from stock.

I would say it's worth it's value, but it's not night and day like a proper coilover suspension. It also takes a few thousand miles to break-in, but I don't regret it at all.

I guess it depends on what you are using it for. Mine is just a daily driver so I love it for that and some spirited driving, but I don't think it would be your best bet for track use.

[Mistajay]

Kw for me and they are lifetime warranty

[SnapCoupe]

Originally Posted by Mistajay

Kw for me and they are lifetime warranty

This was my other option, but considering the ST were basically the same for $500 cheaper I figured they were the better bet. I have not heard of the lifetime warranty part though, that would be well worth the $500 extra. Do the coilovers have to be visibly leaking for them to replace under warranty?

[Mistajay]

Don't know. I have it for arround one months only.

I choose the V3 for having more setting to adjust because i do arround 10 to 15 lapping day per years.

Other thing i'm xDrive i don't have a lot of choice of coilover.

I think ST is the same than the V1 but they are not stainless steel.

[SnapCoupe]

Bump. Looking for some more input. Still leaning towards ST/KW as I have read the bilstien setup is pretty soft.

[Phil325i]

Also worth looking at Ohlins R&T. Great handling and superb ride quality...

https://www.ohlins.com/product/road-...5-2012-e90e92/

[dsjr2006]

Originally Posted by SnapCoupe

Bump. Looking for some more input. Still leaning towards ST/KW as I have read the bilstien setup is pretty soft.

The Eibach springs with the Bilstein kit have the same spring rate as factory Sport springs, so some would say a little soft. You could do Dinan, Swift, BMW Performance, etc. springs with the shocks & struts of your choice.

[SnapCoupe]

Originally Posted by dsjr2006

The Eibach springs with the Bilstein kit have the same spring rate as factory Sport springs, so some would say a little soft. You could do Dinan, Swift, BMW Performance, etc. springs with the shocks & struts of your choice.

I was thinking of doing swift springs if I go with the bilstein route. In that case, what would the pros/cons be versus a coilover setup like ST or KW?

[PORTMOODY]

I was asking the same question and something to consider is FCPeuro has a warranty on any item you buy from them, even wear and tear parts like brakes if you are the original purchaser. You could buy any suspension or brake components and they will refund you once you purchase a replacement set. So you just got a 2 for 1 on anything they sell. Hard to beat that value.

[dsjr2006]

Originally Posted by SnapCoupe

I was thinking of doing swift springs if I go with the bilstein route. In that case, what would the pros/cons be versus a coilover setup like ST or KW?

You gain adjustability. Really depends on what coils you choose. I've had cheap coilovers and for the same price I'd rather have quality shocks/struts and well matched springs.

[DrRobert]

I have 2011 335i with sport pkg and the stock sport suspension was absolute crap. IME you will need more than just springs/dampers or coilovers to make it handle like a BMW should. I was not happy with my suspension until I also had M3 front and rear control arms, M3 front sway bar, rear subframe bushings, camber plates, plus wider stickier tires and an LSD. I have been mostly happy with Koni yellows and BMWPS springs, which lower the car 1/2” from sport suspension height, but am switching to coilovers soon for ride height adjustability.

[dsjr2006]

Originally Posted by DrRobert

I have 2011 335i with sport pkg and the stock sport suspension was absolute crap. IME you will need more than just springs/dampers or coilovers to make it handle like a BMW should. I was not happy with my suspension until I also had M3 front and rear control arms, M3 front sway bar, rear subframe bushings, camber plates, plus wider stickier tires and an LSD. I have been mostly happy with Koni yellows and BMWPS springs, which lower the car 1/2” from sport suspension height, but am switching to coilovers soon for ride height adjustability.

What mileage did you buy that car or were you the original owner?

[DrRobert]

2nd owner, bought it at 40K

[dsjr2006]

Originally Posted by DrRobert

2nd owner, bought it at 40K

Hmm. I’m curious what these cars were like new with Sport suspension. When I bought my first E90 I saw so many threads from original owners that really liked the Sport suspension. I’m wondering if it’s really that bad or it’s just 2nd & 3rd owners are getting them with worn suspension? I bought my 2nd with around 60k and it was shot all around already.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by dsjr2006

Hmm. I’m curious what these cars were like new with Sport suspension. When I bought my first E90 I saw so many threads from original owners that really liked the Sport suspension. I’m wondering if it’s really that bad or it’s just 2nd & 3rd owners are getting them with worn suspension? I bought my 2nd with around 60k and it was shot all around already.

There is absolutely some of this happening. It's also 12-year-old tech now, so it likely wouldn't rate objectively as highly in the marketplace as it once did.

I'm sure new, stock dampers on non-run flat tires would feel great for some "x" amount of mileage, but I think the real bang-for-your-buck is in something like a Koni Yellow that tends to last quite a bit longer and is higher quality, to begin with. Unless you're willing to spend on something like Ohlins or Fat Cat Motorsports...

[DrRobert]

Originally Posted by dsjr2006

Hmm. I’m curious what these cars were like new with Sport suspension. When I bought my first E90 I saw so many threads from original owners that really liked the Sport suspension. I’m wondering if it’s really that bad or it’s just 2nd & 3rd owners are getting them with worn suspension? I bought my 2nd with around 60k and it was shot all around already.

I'm curious if they changed anything with the sport suspension pre- and post-LCI. My buddy had a 2007 E90 with stock sport suspension and non-RFTs that handled way better at 70K miles than my 2011 E90 did with same setup at 40K.