[rgipson]

I'm looking to upgrade my stock 2013 F30 328i suspension (Non M-Sport). The stock suspension is just ok and has a bit too much body roll and is a little too bouncy. I've read positive things on the H&R springs with the Bilsten B8s. For a little more there's coilovers from KW. Also, I don't want to lower the ride height too much - maybe around 1 inch. Can anyone help me decide with some experience on these set-ups?

[Jimminez]

Both KW and Bilstein offer coilovers in "comfort" versions which do not drop the car as much as other coilovers, 10-30mm drop vs 30-50mm. This gives you an option to tailor exactly how much of a drop you want (springs will provide a set drop of ~20mm) plus the shocks are matched to the springs.

The Bilstein B8s are heavy duty springs that work with the H&R spring but are created to be matched, though do work much better than the stock shocks.

For the cost of the components and the same labor, I'd say go with one of the comfort coilovers which will provide less body roll and firmer ride without being bouncy.

[rgipson]

Another thought is the M Performance Suspension. And would that still be warrantied from the dealer since I'm still way under the factory warranty?

[Dippydo]

I had H&R coil overs first. The ride was stiff on the verge of bouncy. It was nice to one degree that I was able to run a very aggressive offset without rubbing. The problem is after 6 months they were making binding and clunking noises. I had them sent in to get warranty and bought the KW V2s. Best decision ever. They ride very smooth yet firm and they have been on the car for a year now and still quiet as a mouse. The only problem since you said you do not want to lower it much, on the KWs the rears are really low. Make sure you get the extra spacer or longer threaded sleeve. I like to tuck so it works for me, but for someone just looking to lower an inch you will not like it because it lowers it about 1.5-2 inches.

[rgipson]

KW and Bilstein street comfort series sound like they are not as low of a drop. Both get great reviews but KW SC are a little cheaper. Just curious what will happen with my factory warranty ? And anyone know of a good shop for suspension install in San Diego?

[rgipson]

Also, can anyone chime in on the difference between the KW Street Comfort and the M-Performance Suspension?

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by rgipson

KW and Bilstein street comfort series sound like they are not as low of a drop. Both get great reviews but KW SC are a little cheaper. Just curious what will happen with my factory warranty ? And anyone know of a good shop for suspension install in San Diego?

I just installed KW Street Comfort coilovers in my 2013 F30 335i xDrive sedan. PM sent with a shop recommendation.

[rgipson]

I heard back from BMW of San Diego about the M-Performance Suspension and they said the parts were about $1400 but 13 hours labor which would be around $2100 (Total $3500). What the F? I got quotes from local independent shops for $350-500 for the new suspension install. That helps narrow it down to just KW or BC Racing now.

[Jimminez]

Originally Posted by rgipson

I heard back from BMW of San Diego about the M-Performance Suspension and they said the parts were about $1400 but 13 hours labor which would be around $2100 (Total $3500). What the F? I got quotes from local independent shops for $350-500 for the new suspension install. That helps narrow it down to just KW or BC Racing now.

[eric@helix]

Originally Posted by rgipson

I heard back from BMW of San Diego about the M-Performance Suspension and they said the parts were about $1400 but 13 hours labor which would be around $2100 (Total $3500). What the F? I got quotes from local independent shops for $350-500 for the new suspension install. That helps narrow it down to just KW or BC Racing now.

Wow. Just wow. Tell you what. I'll fly out there and do it for $1000 less.

One other consideration in the coilovers vs. springs/shocks decision is, to get full effectiveness from your coilovers, you really should corner weigh it in addition to aligning it. This adds more expense and complication to the install.