128i MSport Suspension Refresh?

odiford · 11-09-2020, 02:47 PM

Hey All -

First off, I know there is a lot of talk on here about this topic but after reading everything available I'm still a bit cloudy.

I picked up a 2010 128i MSport 6mt a few weeks ago after hunting for months and I am totally loving it. I split my time between northern VA and Long Island/Brooklyn, and after having it up here in LI for the past two weeks or so I'm starting to question my suspension which I believe to be original at ~115k miles. In VA where the roads are nice it drives like a total dream, but on subpar LI roads every little bump feels really rough. I haven't driven any other 1 series so I don't have a great point of reference which is why I am posting.

I know most people say that above 100k the shocks are definitely shot, but since it handles so well on fine roads I don't know what to think. Any thoughts?

(picture attached because I am still excited about my new ride)

b1aze · 11-09-2020, 02:50 PM

Congrats! Nice to see another MSport 6MT 128i on the boards!

Still on runflat tires?

Honestly, unless you’ve got a blown shock/strut or you’re hearing clunking from bad bushings, ride them till they blow. Then upgrade to Bilsteins and I’m impartial to the Swift springs. Not overly aggressive of a drop but subtle and sporty. It’s a nice MSport+ type feel.

odiford · 11-09-2020, 03:06 PM

Thanks! Not on run flats - wheels are 18's from a 135 and the tires are hankook ventus v12's which I don't love, but they have a lot of life left and I don't really want to spring for new tires if I don't have to.

Would I need to swap springs if I did a refresh? I'd like to keep it as close to stock as possible and was thinking I could just do struts/shocks and bushings.

b1aze · 11-09-2020, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odiford

Thanks! Not on run flats - wheels are 18's from a 135 and the tires are hankook ventus v12's which I don't love, but they have a lot of life left and I don't really want to spring for new tires if I don't have to.

Would I need to swap springs if I did a refresh? I'd like to keep it as close to stock as possible and was thinking I could just do struts/shocks and bushings.

Nope. You can either go OEM shocks/struts or Bilstein B4s if you want stock-like performance without lowering. B6s are a bit firmer but for MSport-height suspension

odiford · 11-09-2020, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1aze

Nope. You can either go OEM shocks/struts or Bilstein B4s if you want stock-like performance without lowering. B6s are a bit firmer but for MSport-height suspension

Great, that's what I thought. Priced out a set of B4's yesterday and it's not heinous, still just not convinced it's necessary right now.

jdt10768 · 11-10-2020, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1aze

Congrats! Nice to see another MSport 6MT 128i on the boards!

Still on runflat tires?

Honestly, unless you’ve got a blown shock/strut or you’re hearing clunking from bad bushings, ride them till they blow. Then upgrade to Bilsteins and I’m impartial to the Swift springs. Not overly aggressive of a drop but subtle and sporty. It’s a nice MSport+ type feel.

Which version/model of Swift springs are you running ?
Thanks

b1aze · 11-10-2020, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdt10768

Which version/model of Swift springs are you running ?
Thanks

The Sport Spec-R for the E82 platform

Gangplank · 11-11-2020, 02:01 PM

Above 100k you'll feel a difference from new shocks. Lots of good options like Billy B4, Koni Special Active, Sachs OEM... or upgrade to STX or Ohlins if you want better. For a daily driver don't go crazy with stiffer lower springs. You'll thank me later.

NorthernDancer · 11-11-2020, 04:39 PM

I don't think rear shocks last more than about 50K miles.

Gangplank · 11-12-2020, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorthernDancer

I don't think rear shocks last more than about 50K miles.

Agreed... After about 50-60,000 miles all shocks begin to decline. They still “work” but not as well.

jdt10768 · 11-12-2020, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1aze

The Sport Spec-R for the E82 platform

Can you post a side image of your car with these springs b1aze? They indicate a 1" drop front and rear. Any issues with scraping at this height - driveways etc?

b1aze · 11-12-2020, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdt10768

Can you post a side image of your car with these springs b1aze? They indicate a 1" drop front and rear. Any issues with scraping at this height - driveways etc?

Pics can be found here:
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1661528

That 1” drop is for non-sport so in reality, I got 5-10mm drop from MSport. I’ve also got Dinan camber plates up front which levels the car out perfectly, it’ll have a 5mm rake without the camber plates or spacers. I’m at 12.875” from center of wheel to top of wheel arch all around.

When I added my front lip, I scrape on some bad sidewalk entrances but not horribly.

odiford · 11-29-2020, 05:50 PM

I know this is a little old but following up for anyone curious -

Was back down in VA for the holiday and put my car up on a friend's lift. The suspension is definitely original but shockingly everything is super tight and none of the shocks/struts are leaking. Furthermore it just rides so well on the good roads down there so I think I will let it be for now.

Kinda crazy that everything can still be that solid after almost 120k.

11-09-2020, 02:47 PM	#1
odiford Private 43 Rep 75 Posts Drives: 2010 128i 6MT MSport Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: NYC, NoVA iTrader: (0)	128i MSport Suspension Refresh? Hey All - First off, I know there is a lot of talk on here about this topic but after reading everything available I'm still a bit cloudy. I picked up a 2010 128i MSport 6mt a few weeks ago after hunting for months and I am totally loving it. I split my time between northern VA and Long Island/Brooklyn, and after having it up here in LI for the past two weeks or so I'm starting to question my suspension which I believe to be original at ~115k miles. In VA where the roads are nice it drives like a total dream, but on subpar LI roads every little bump feels really rough. I haven't driven any other 1 series so I don't have a great point of reference which is why I am posting. I know most people say that above 100k the shocks are definitely shot, but since it handles so well on fine roads I don't know what to think. Any thoughts? (picture attached because I am still excited about my new ride) Attached Images
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11-09-2020, 02:50 PM	#2
b1aze Just one more taste... 566 Rep 2,011 Posts Drives: 2013 128i 6MT MSport Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Uxbridge MA iTrader: (18)	Congrats! Nice to see another MSport 6MT 128i on the boards! Still on runflat tires? Honestly, unless you’ve got a blown shock/strut or you’re hearing clunking from bad bushings, ride them till they blow. Then upgrade to Bilsteins and I’m impartial to the Swift springs. Not overly aggressive of a drop but subtle and sporty. It’s a nice MSport+ type feel.
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11-09-2020, 03:06 PM	#3
odiford Private 43 Rep 75 Posts Drives: 2010 128i 6MT MSport Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: NYC, NoVA iTrader: (0)	Thanks! Not on run flats - wheels are 18's from a 135 and the tires are hankook ventus v12's which I don't love, but they have a lot of life left and I don't really want to spring for new tires if I don't have to. Would I need to swap springs if I did a refresh? I'd like to keep it as close to stock as possible and was thinking I could just do struts/shocks and bushings.
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11-11-2020, 02:01 PM	#8
Gangplank Brigadier General 1542 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	Above 100k you'll feel a difference from new shocks. Lots of good options like Billy B4, Koni Special Active, Sachs OEM... or upgrade to STX or Ohlins if you want better. For a daily driver don't go crazy with stiffer lower springs. You'll thank me later. __________________ 2011 135i w/ DCT \| ZSP Sport Pkg \| PPK \| Ohlins R
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11-11-2020, 04:39 PM	#9
NorthernDancer Colonel 850 Rep 2,276 Posts Drives: 08 Sedona 128 & 06 330xiT 6MT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ottawa On Canada iTrader: (3)	I don't think rear shocks last more than about 50K miles.
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11-29-2020, 05:50 PM	#13
odiford Private 43 Rep 75 Posts Drives: 2010 128i 6MT MSport Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: NYC, NoVA iTrader: (0)	I know this is a little old but following up for anyone curious - Was back down in VA for the holiday and put my car up on a friend's lift. The suspension is definitely original but shockingly everything is super tight and none of the shocks/struts are leaking. Furthermore it just rides so well on the good roads down there so I think I will let it be for now. Kinda crazy that everything can still be that solid after almost 120k.
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