[DSH7]

Hi fellas, I just got a good deal on a 2012 328i with super low miles (base model, standard suspension). This will be my daily driver, and my wife's backup car. It will most likely never see a track or club event. It's great for it's purpose, but I wouldn't mind a little more fun factor. I will most likely get a stage 1 tune, but I'm clueless on suspension. I'm not interested in lowering the car too much...maybe 1/2 inch or so... I also do not want to sacrifice the comfort level too much. The biggest thing I want to control is body roll. It sounds like sway bars would be best for countering roll without sacrificing comfort, but I've also read you should start with springs? What's your thoughts on a cheapish suspension upgrade that will put more on my face.

[cfm56d7b]

What is your budget for suspension upgrade?

[DSH7]

Hopefully less than $1000

[T4NZ4NIT3 335i]

bilstein hd with acs springs

[DSH7]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll research it. Any ideas on what I could expect if I just added h&r OE sport springs to the stock setup? The drop looks like it would be similar to the M sport drop over base model suspension. Would that give me similar performance to the m sport suspension?

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by DSH7

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll research it. Any ideas on what I could expect if I just added h&r OE sport springs to the stock setup? The drop looks like it would be similar to the M sport drop over base model suspension. Would that give me similar performance to the m sport suspension?

basically, if you do a "springs only" drop the ride will typically be bouncy or harsh and your struts will fail prematurely. i can almost guarantee this, and then you'll be doing it over again or trying something else.

springs only drop on base struts will not be similar to m-sport suspension performance.

i suggest doing a complete used m-sport suspension swap OR lowering springs and aftermarket struts such as bilstein or koni which are meant to work with lowering springs. personally i like to have the struts and springs be the same brand and tuned to each other but it is not necessary if you know what you're getting.

[DSH7]

Thanks for the responses, good to fill in the blanks a little bit. What would be the expectations of adding beefier sway bars, say m sport bars, to my stock (non-sport) shocks and springs?

[alohasurftoad]

stiffer sways will help your cause, even on base struts springs

[DSH7]

OP here. What could I expect in performance changes if I put Bilstein HDs on and kept my OEM (non-m sport) springs? I'm not interested in lowering the ride height any more than 10mm or so, just upping the fun factor while hopefully maintaining a decent comfort level.

[DSH7]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

stiffer sways will help your cause, even on base struts springs

I had a pro tell me that this would result in a harsh ride and short lifespan for my suspension. Thoughts? I don't know much about suspension, but upgraded sways doesn't seem like it would have that effect. As mentioned earlier in the thread I can see how upgraded springs might do that to the stock shocks, but sways?

[BlueCrabMafia]

How about an OEM M sport suspension from a 2012 328i Sportline? Springs and struts with only 48K on them. Zero issues with them, I just removed them to install coilovers. Sport springs will lower the car 10mm.

$350 and we'll split the shipping cost.

[DSH7]

Originally Posted by BlueCrabMafia

How about an OEM M sport suspension from a 2012 328i Sportline? Springs and struts with only 48K on them. Zero issues with them, I just removed them to install coilovers. Sport springs will lower the car 10mm.

$350 and we'll split the shipping cost.

Nah, mentally can't put 48k suspension on my 15k car. I'm sure they're mint, but I just can't do it.

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by DSH7

I had a pro tell me that this would result in a harsh ride and short lifespan for my suspension. Thoughts? I don't know much about suspension, but upgraded sways doesn't seem like it would have that effect. As mentioned earlier in the thread I can see how upgraded springs might do that to the stock shocks, but sways?

if you run stiffer sways or stiffen up the chassis, in general (i.e. strut tower braces), the ride will change because the chassis will be flexing less. if it is noticeable it'll probably feel firmer and more planted but i doubt that it'll feel harsh. there's a slight possibility the lifespan could shorten due to the struts doing more work due to the stiffer chassis, but i think it's negligible. a springs only drop is much more detrimental to strut performance and lifespan. you're pro is correct in knowing these things affect the suspension, tho...