Refreshing the Suspension! 100k

[Juggernaut135i]

Hey everyone! Just hit 100k miles!!! Time to refresh the suspension and bushings. Everything is original
I just put 10mm spacers in the front and 15mm in the back. I think I need an alignment because it pulls right.

I'm doing BC Racing coilovers. Got quoted 1360 installed which I think is reasonable but want to know what you guys think.

Also, I was thinking of just replacing the control arms instead of the bushings. Got quoted 203 (parts) + 120 (labor) for lower control arms.

Let me know guys!!! Thanks in advance!!

[Juggernaut135i]

Morning bump

Just want opinions

[Gangplank]

If your replacing the control arms buy the M3 TRW ones. Adds camber, better handling. Lots of options for suspension. Depends on your goals.

[Juggernaut135i]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

If your replacing the control arms buy the M3 TRW ones. Adds camber, better handling. Lots of options for suspension. Depends on your goals.

It's my DD so I'm not trying to go over board with money or making it not comfortable.

I confirmed with the shop to do BC coilovers. And they said (and I trust them because my buddy works there) they'd let me know if I even should do control arms.

Just curious if anyone else has done a suspension "refresh"

[1mang]

I would also recommend the TRW 1M/M3 control arms. I got mine through FCPEuro for $298. I had some weird clunking at slow tight speeds such as going up and down a driveway. Turns out bushings are worn at about 109k...so you might as well replace now when suspension is being worked on than later (to save on labor costs).

BMW 4-Piece Control Arm Kit (1M M3) - E9XM34PIECEKIT 1 $297.99
BMW M3 Control Arm Installation Kit - 31106763928KT 1 $44.99

It's also nice to treat your car at its old age too so good time to upgrade to 1M/M3 control arms.

[Yeineken]

Im in the same boat and replacing a lot on my car the moment.

I would look at your sway bar end links, they can cause clunking when the bushings go bad. Also might be a good time to replace the the strut mounts front and rear with the new suspension going in.

[Juggernaut135i]

Originally Posted by 1mang

I would also recommend the TRW 1M/M3 control arms. I got mine through FCPEuro for $298. I had some weird clunking at slow tight speeds such as going up and down a driveway. Turns out bushings are worn at about 109k...so you might as well replace now when suspension is being worked on than later (to save on labor costs).

BMW 4-Piece Control Arm Kit (1M M3) - E9XM34PIECEKIT 1 $297.99
BMW M3 Control Arm Installation Kit - 31106763928KT 1 $44.99

It's also nice to treat your car at its old age too so good time to upgrade to 1M/M3 control arms.

Originally Posted by Yeineken

Im in the same boat and replacing a lot on my car the moment.

I would look at your sway bar end links, they can cause clunking when the bushings go bad. Also might be a good time to replace the the strut mounts front and rear with the new suspension going in.

Thanks guys!!! Definitely taking all this into consideration! Yea I don't think I'll ever sell the car since it was passed down to me so it has sentimental value. I received it with 55k so I doubled it almost. And I think I want the feeling of a new car

[Juggernaut135i]

Originally Posted by 1mang

I would also recommend the TRW 1M/M3 control arms. I got mine through FCPEuro for $298. I had some weird clunking at slow tight speeds such as going up and down a driveway. Turns out bushings are worn at about 109k...so you might as well replace now when suspension is being worked on than later (to save on labor costs).

BMW 4-Piece Control Arm Kit (1M M3) - E9XM34PIECEKIT 1 $297.99
BMW M3 Control Arm Installation Kit - 31106763928KT 1 $44.99

It's also nice to treat your car at its old age too so good time to upgrade to 1M/M3 control arms.

What's the difference between these and the ones on the 135? Just can handle more camber?

[Manual Transmission]

Originally Posted by Juggernaut135i

What's the difference between these and the ones on the 135? Just can handle more camber?

More camber, stiffer bushings. Removes the fluid filled bushings which are the main mode of failure.

[Juggernaut135i]

Originally Posted by Manual Transmission

More camber, stiffer bushings. Removes the fluid filled bushings which are the main mode of failure.

Interesting.

[Juggernaut135i]

Originally Posted by 1mang

I would also recommend the TRW 1M/M3 control arms. I got mine through FCPEuro for $298. I had some weird clunking at slow tight speeds such as going up and down a driveway. Turns out bushings are worn at about 109k...so you might as well replace now when suspension is being worked on than later (to save on labor costs).

BMW 4-Piece Control Arm Kit (1M M3) - E9XM34PIECEKIT 1 $297.99
BMW M3 Control Arm Installation Kit - 31106763928KT 1 $44.99

It's also nice to treat your car at its old age too so good time to upgrade to 1M/M3 control arms.

Question

Is it direct fit with the installation kit? No fender modification?

[Gangplank]

Yes. Direct fit nothing needed but an alignment afterwards. And you'll be happy. ;-)

[Juggernaut135i]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Yes. Direct fit nothing needed but an alignment afterwards. And you'll be happy. ;-)

Haha okay so bc racing coils in the front with 1M/M3 control arms in the front. I should be good with that? Or do I need to replace the rear control arms? Figured they're probably fine since they don't take nearly as much stress

[Gangplank]

Are they worn out?

[Juggernaut135i]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Are they worn out?

Honestly no idea. They don't feel it tho. Front definitely feels ready for some maintenance

[Juggernaut135i]

Originally Posted by 1mang

I would also recommend the TRW 1M/M3 control arms. I got mine through FCPEuro for $298. I had some weird clunking at slow tight speeds such as going up and down a driveway. Turns out bushings are worn at about 109k...so you might as well replace now when suspension is being worked on than later (to save on labor costs).

BMW 4-Piece Control Arm Kit (1M M3) - E9XM34PIECEKIT 1 $297.99
BMW M3 Control Arm Installation Kit - 31106763928KT 1 $44.99

It's also nice to treat your car at its old age too so good time to upgrade to 1M/M3 control arms.

For the control arm kit it says on the website it doesn't fit a 135i. Is that only because it needs the installation kit?
Sorry for all the questions. Just trying to do this right the first time

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by Juggernaut135i

For the control arm kit it says on the website it doesn't fit a 135i. Is that only because it needs the installation kit?
Sorry for all the questions. Just trying to do this right the first time

Are you looking at this kit?

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...rade-bmwmcakit

[Vorsprung_CJB]

Add me to the list as well...

95k miles and need a refresh for my daily driver. Thrusts definitely shot and feels loose all around. Looking to do F+R and need advice on the "do this while you're in there!" type of stuff. Bushings, rubber, etc. Will probably do shocks as well.

There is a lot of info on here from years ago, but I feel like new products and vendors are available now, like the kits from FCP and ECS.

[Juggernaut135i]

Originally Posted by gjm120

Are you looking at this kit?

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...rade-bmwmcakit

That's the ticket lol

[1mang]

Originally Posted by Juggernaut135i

That's the ticket lol

It's the same kit (look at the part numbers) with the 5th piece being that Headlight Leveling Sensor Rod. We already have one on our cars which you can remove and not use the bracket since the TRW/M arms has hole for it. I find this better because the bracket is a pain to take off and on.

This is not shown to be compatible with 135i because it is a 1M/M3 part. 135i has its own set but most people upgrade 1M/M3 anyways since they fit the same but more "performance oriented"

Remember the 1M is a frankenstein of M3 parts......

[1mang]

Install kit is just bolts/nuts in case you strip your current oem ones. I will only use them if I need to...otherwise return

[Juggernaut135i]

Originally Posted by 1mang

Install kit is just bolts/nuts in case you strip your current oem ones. I will only use them if I need to...otherwise return

Thanks man!!! That helps a lot!!!