F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Suspension | Chassis | Brakes > 2013 335i Sport Line suspension upgrade suggestions
ARMA SPEED
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-29-2017, 07:13 PM   #1
couch000
Private First Class
42
Rep
124
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW 335i 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Louisville, KY

iTrader: (0)

2013 335i Sport Line suspension upgrade suggestions

I bought a new to me 2013 335i Sport Line in November of last year. I need to get new tires on it and was curious as to what I could also do to the suspension to help with the handling.

I probably won't track the car nor do I really care about lowering it. A little drop is ok but nothing that doesn't look somewhat stock. I just want something that makes the ride a little stiffer with less roll going into corners. I feel like my car rolls more than it should. I want something that handles better but still comfortable enough for a daily driver.

Should I just look at springs? Are coilovers worth the cost for what I want? I'm really a newb when it comes to all this so any help is appreciated.

Just FYI-
The front tires are currently contisport contact ssr and back are firehawk wide oval as. I am looking at ultra high performance all season and have it narrowed down to extreme contact dws, Michelin pilot sport, or Pirelli p zero. I do have to drive in snow in the winter and that's why I'm looking at all season tires. I don't think a summer and winter set up is an option at this point.
Appreciate 0
      04-29-2017, 08:16 PM   #2
Polo08816
Brigadier General
1594
Rep
3,926
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i M Sport
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by couch000 View Post
I bought a new to me 2013 335i Sport Line in November of last year. I need to get new tires on it and was curious as to what I could also do to the suspension to help with the handling.

I probably won't track the car nor do I really care about lowering it. A little drop is ok but nothing that doesn't look somewhat stock. I just want something that makes the ride a little stiffer with less roll going into corners. I feel like my car rolls more than it should. I want something that handles better but still comfortable enough for a daily driver.

Should I just look at springs? Are coilovers worth the cost for what I want? I'm really a newb when it comes to all this so any help is appreciated.

Just FYI-
The front tires are currently contisport contact ssr and back are firehawk wide oval as. I am looking at ultra high performance all season and have it narrowed down to extreme contact dws, Michelin pilot sport, or Pirelli p zero. I do have to drive in snow in the winter and that's why I'm looking at all season tires. I don't think a summer and winter set up is an option at this point.
BMW M Performance Suspension kit.
Appreciate 0
      04-30-2017, 11:58 AM   #3
cfm56d7b
Lieutenant General
United_States
5849
Rep
10,229
Posts

Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (2)

What's your budget for the suspension upgrade?

Coilovers will lower the vehicle by at least 10mm and so will M Performance Suspension Kit. Coilovers (and matched springs) with compression and rebound controls will however provide the widest range of options to tune suspension behavior. KW Street Comfort Coilovers offer the lowest lowering range to maintain almost OEM suspension height.

Bilstein B6 shocks are another lower cost option.
Appreciate 0
      04-30-2017, 04:46 PM   #4
couch000
Private First Class
42
Rep
124
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW 335i 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Louisville, KY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by cfm56d7b View Post
What's your budget for the suspension upgrade?

Coilovers will lower the vehicle by at least 10mm and so will M Performance Suspension Kit. Coilovers (and matched springs) with compression and rebound controls will however provide the widest range of options to tune suspension behavior. KW Street Comfort Coilovers offer the lowest lowering range to maintain almost OEM suspension height.

Bilstein B6 shocks are another lower cost option.
I was thinking $1,000 - $1,500 for my budget but not sure what that's going to get me. I don't want to spend $1k on something and find out it's not the right thing. Seems the BMW M Performance Suspension Kit has gotten good reviews and in my price range?
Appreciate 0
      04-30-2017, 06:34 PM   #5
madmonkey
Lieutenant
madmonkey's Avatar
200
Rep
536
Posts

Drives: 2013 335xi Alpine White
Join Date: May 2010
Location: GTA

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Dinan is another option if you are looking to maintain drive quality for every day use
Appreciate 0
      04-30-2017, 08:36 PM   #6
saaltonen
Second Lieutenant
saaltonen's Avatar
United_States
105
Rep
272
Posts

Drives: 2014 F31 328i xDrive
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: MA, USA

iTrader: (0)

I vote Dinan or M Performance suspension. Coilovers can take some work to get right, and will be lower.

As for the tires, I have the new Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus in 245/40/R18 on OEM 397 wheels and like them. I was going to go for the Pilot Sport A/S 3+, but they were considerably more at the time, and not much performance gain. Michelin and Contintal DWS 06 are probably better for lots of snow, but here in the NE I run my Pirelli in the winter instead of a true winter for convinience. Then it's back to summer Pilot Super Sports. Best of luck!
Appreciate 0
      04-30-2017, 09:27 PM   #7
alohasurftoad
Brigadier General
3008
Rep
4,259
Posts

Drives: 440i gran coupe w/mppsk
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: hawaii

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by couch000 View Post
I was thinking $1,000 - $1,500 for my budget but not sure what that's going to get me. I don't want to spend $1k on something and find out it's not the right thing. Seems the BMW M Performance Suspension Kit has gotten good reviews and in my price range?
i have the M-Performance suspension and it's great however it is at the upper limit of your price range and you'll still have to pay for installation.

i suggest the bilstein b14 (pss) coilover. preset damping and adjustable height to dial in each corner.

if you want to spend less you can get lowering springs of your choice in combination with bilstein b8 struts/shocks or koni yellow struts/shocks.
the front and rear ride height/fenderwell gaps may not be equal so you'll have to do your homework on the best combination.
Appreciate 0
      05-01-2017, 11:14 AM   #8
cfm56d7b
Lieutenant General
United_States
5849
Rep
10,229
Posts

Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (2)

I have to credit another forum member for creating a very simple comparison matrix describing suspension upgrade options:

1. OEM shocks + aftermarket lowering springs; risks - mismatched soft shocks with more aggressive springs can lead to bouncing symptoms.

2. Aftermarket shocks + aftermarket lowering springs; the outcome may not always meet everyone's expectations. There are many threads on the Suspension forum where members share experiences with different combinations of shocks (Bilstein, Koni) and springs (ACS, H&R).

3. Coilovers and complete suspension kits: KW, Ohlins, BMW M Performance Suspension, Bilstein, and others. The entry price is about $1,000 plus installation.

Bilstein B14 PSS coilovers at $1,000: a great choice but will lower the vehicle by at least 30mm.

KW Street Comfort coilovers at $1,600: another option and will lower the vehicle by at least 10mm.
Appreciate 0
      05-02-2017, 10:15 AM   #9
Dmitry83
Second Lieutenant
Russian Federation
54
Rep
258
Posts

Drives: F30 320i (328i ECU) M-Sport
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Rostov-on-Don, Russia

iTrader: (0)

Hi,

If your car is RWD (which I suppose under 335i), I can recommend M-Technik springs and Koni Sport shocks (8741-1582 fronts & 8240-1298 rears).

I currently run the same setup (with non-M Konis though).

You can also add the front strut bar and F32 bottom V-bar- this significantly increases body stiffness and improves steering response.
__________________
'13 F30 320i (328i ECU) RWD M-Sport
Michelin PSS, M-Sport brakes, 320i LCI muffler
F32 bottom V-bar
F80 bottom reinforcement plate
Koni Sport, M-Performance springs, M135i Anti-roll bars
Appreciate 0
      05-10-2017, 06:30 AM   #10
pjkbrit
Second Lieutenant
pjkbrit's Avatar
128
Rep
262
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i 6MT ZHP
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

I have the same car.... I just put M Sport springs on it retaining the own shocks. Gives perfect firmness and reduces roll. Lowers car 3/4". Cost me $200 for the springs used off a rwd 2013 M Sport car. Installed them myself, but it's about 4 hours shop time.

Last edited by pjkbrit; 05-10-2017 at 06:31 AM.. Reason: Typo
Appreciate 0
      05-10-2017, 04:56 PM   #11
acslater
Private First Class
36
Rep
108
Posts

Drives: Four wheels
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by couch000 View Post
I was thinking $1,000 - $1,500 for my budget but not sure what that's going to get me. I don't want to spend $1k on something and find out it's not the right thing. Seems the BMW M Performance Suspension Kit has gotten good reviews and in my price range?
$1000 isn't going to get you very far if you want to legitimately improve the suspension
Appreciate 0
      07-04-2017, 04:34 PM   #12
Bimmer Baller
Private
Bimmer Baller's Avatar
United_States
25
Rep
56
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW 335i F30 MelbourneRed
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Sacramento, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by pjkbrit View Post
I have the same car.... I just put M Sport springs on it retaining the own shocks. Gives perfect firmness and reduces roll. Lowers car 3/4". Cost me $200 for the springs used off a rwd 2013 M Sport car. Installed them myself, but it's about 4 hours shop time.
So those springs lower your car 3/4 inch?
I got a 2013 335i Lux & converted it into a M-sport. If I put those M-sport springs on my ride wont it only lower it 10mm?
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2017, 08:30 AM   #13
hellomisterjedi
Private First Class
27
Rep
139
Posts

Drives: F30 BSM 335i
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Austin, Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by pjkbrit View Post
I have the same car.... I just put M Sport springs on it retaining the own shocks. Gives perfect firmness and reduces roll. Lowers car 3/4". Cost me $200 for the springs used off a rwd 2013 M Sport car. Installed them myself, but it's about 4 hours shop time.
Do you mean M Performance springs? IIRC, the de facto springs on an "M Sport" car is the equivalent of the Sportline springs, providing a ~10mm drop from base suspension. The M Performance suspension is an option in which its springs are matched to and designed for the M Performance shocks.
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2017, 08:36 PM   #14
the dope steez
Captain
Canada
401
Rep
808
Posts

Drives: F30 335i M-Sport
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Shredmonton, Illberta

iTrader: (0)

I would just wait for a used set of coils to come up for sale in the classifieds. I run KW street comforts (moderate drop) I picked up for $800 from a member on here. You can often find low mileage sets for a good deal.
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2017, 08:48 PM   #15
couch000
Private First Class
42
Rep
124
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW 335i 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Louisville, KY

iTrader: (0)

Well, I bit the bullet and purchased the M Performance Suspension. Can't believe I just spent $1,600.00 for this. �� I hope it's what I'm looking for. After reading countless reviews and the suggestions in this thread I think it should be.

Just got new tires (Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+) as well so I should be set.

I'll try to write a quick review after the install.

Thanks for all the help.
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2017, 02:26 PM   #16
cfm56d7b
Lieutenant General
United_States
5849
Rep
10,229
Posts

Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (2)

Does $1,600 include installation?
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2017, 06:50 PM   #17
couch000
Private First Class
42
Rep
124
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW 335i 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Louisville, KY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by cfm56d7b View Post
Does $1,600 include installation?
No. installation is not included. Purchased the whole kit at getbmwparts.com. I think that's where a lot of people purchase from.
Appreciate 0
      08-19-2017, 12:54 AM   #18
upsidedownfunnel
Colonel
United_States
1996
Rep
2,499
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2014 BMW 335i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by couch000 View Post
Well, I bit the bullet and purchased the M Performance Suspension. Can't believe I just spent $1,600.00 for this. �� I hope it's what I'm looking for. After reading countless reviews and the suggestions in this thread I think it should be.

Just got new tires (Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+) as well so I should be set.

I'll try to write a quick review after the install.

Thanks for all the help.
Hey couch000, did you get them installed? I have a 2014 sportline 335i 6MT. My car came with square 18" 397 wheels though that I'm planning on replacing with some summer rubber in the winter (stock levels should be better and SoCal can run those all year).

I'm scheduled to get mine installed on Tuesday. Do you have any impressions? I'm having second thoughts on how stiff it may be. I personally prefer a well dampened ride as long as it is controlled, but I also have to consider giving the occasional ride to my kid and wife. Would you say it's anywhere in the realm of an M3? Or just a notch above the M Sport that is stock on the sport line?

Thanks!
Appreciate 0
      08-19-2017, 02:52 AM   #19
GCinFLA
Banned
United_States
284
Rep
1,015
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: FLA

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
Would you say it's anywhere in the realm of an M3? Or just a notch above the M Sport that is stock on the sport line?
Realm of M3?

Same Universe....but that's about all.
Appreciate 0
      08-19-2017, 02:58 AM   #20
upsidedownfunnel
Colonel
United_States
1996
Rep
2,499
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2014 BMW 335i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by GCinFLA View Post
Realm of M3?

Same Universe....but that's about all.
To clarify, I didn't mean overall handling ability. I am concerned about harshness/stiffness so I was trying to get an idea of how harsh it is compared to an M3.
Appreciate 0
      08-21-2017, 04:47 AM   #21
Dmitry83
Second Lieutenant
Russian Federation
54
Rep
258
Posts

Drives: F30 320i (328i ECU) M-Sport
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Rostov-on-Don, Russia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer Baller View Post
So those springs lower your car 3/4 inch?
I got a 2013 335i Lux & converted it into a M-sport. If I put those M-sport springs on my ride wont it only lower it 10mm?
These M-Technik springs will lower by 10mm.
3/4 inch is almost 20mm- this is possible only with red M-Performance springs.
__________________
'13 F30 320i (328i ECU) RWD M-Sport
Michelin PSS, M-Sport brakes, 320i LCI muffler
F32 bottom V-bar
F80 bottom reinforcement plate
Koni Sport, M-Performance springs, M135i Anti-roll bars
Appreciate 0
      08-21-2017, 04:51 AM   #22
Dmitry83
Second Lieutenant
Russian Federation
54
Rep
258
Posts

Drives: F30 320i (328i ECU) M-Sport
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Rostov-on-Don, Russia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
To clarify, I didn't mean overall handling ability. I am concerned about harshness/stiffness so I was trying to get an idea of how harsh it is compared to an M3.
The M3 body has several additional reinforecement plates and bars, which make it much stiffer plus the suspension bushings are solid instead of hydro-filled. So it will not absorb shocks and vibration anywere as good as a F30 stock body.
__________________
'13 F30 320i (328i ECU) RWD M-Sport
Michelin PSS, M-Sport brakes, 320i LCI muffler
F32 bottom V-bar
F80 bottom reinforcement plate
Koni Sport, M-Performance springs, M135i Anti-roll bars
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:31 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST