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[Yebo!]

I am about to order an E90. I'm not really sure I want sports suspension (it may be a little bit too stiff), but it's part of a really attractive option package (dynamic executive, including PDC, xenon, etc), so I will order it anyway.

What are my options if it turns out that I don't like the sport suspension after all, apart from buying another car of course...? Can you simply replace some parts? What needs to be replaced, and how costly is that?

[brewer]

Originally Posted by Yebo!

I am about to order an E90. I'm not really sure I want sports suspension (it may be a little bit to stiff), but it's part of a really attractive option package (dynamic executive, including PDC, xenon, etc), so I will order it anyway.

What are my options if it turns out that I don't like the sport suspension after all, apart from buying another car of course...? Can you simply replace some parts? What needs to be replaced, and how costly is that?

Swap your sport suspension with someone's regular non-sport suspension. I'm sure there will be plenty of people willing to do that. Easy.

[CC 330i]

The sports suspension (in the US anyway) consists of lower, stiffer springs (about .6 inches lower) and firmer shocks (and bigger 18 inch wheels on the 330i, 17 inch on the 325).

I am sure you would be able to find someone that would trade you the standard springs and shocks for the sport ones, but I don't think you will find the sport suspension too stiff. If it is too stiff, and you can't find anyone to trade, you will certainly be able to find stock parts for sale either from another owner (who might be upgrading to aftermarket suspension) or from BMW or aftermarket sources.

[billgti]

during my test drive of the 325 non-sport and 330 sport, i actually felt that the 330 sport was smoother and more compliant. maybe it was in my imagination but the difference in ride quality is certainly not big imo.

[Frank_NJ]

The sport suspension is great and the ride is comfrotable and not stiff. You should like it.

[nexus66]

I'm sure the Sports Suspension also has stiffer anti-roll bars which would be a much bigger job to switch over!

Personally I find the Runflats provide much of the stiffness in the car's ride. As this technology improves, I'm sure we'll see much more suppleness in the ride.

I wouldn't worry about not liking the ride though - we also have a MINI with SS+ and even it isn't too hard for the crap british roads!

[thebigman]

Originally Posted by nexus66

I'm sure the Sports Suspension also has stiffer anti-roll bars which would be a much bigger job to switch over!

Personally I find the Runflats provide much of the stiffness in the car's ride. As this technology improves, I'm sure we'll see much more suppleness in the ride.

I wouldn't worry about not liking the ride though - we also have a MINI with SS+ and even it isn't too hard for the crap british roads!

I had a Mini One as a loner car a few weeks back, I though the ride was appalling!

I agree about the run-flats, give it a couple of years and you won’t be able to tell the difference.

[CC 330i]

Originally Posted by nexus66

I'm sure the Sports Suspension also has stiffer anti-roll bars which would be a much bigger job to switch over!

I believe you are correct. Forgot about that. They will definitely make a little harsher ride.

Also, the shorter sidewalls on the sport run-flats also will contribute to a stiffer ride as Nexus66 stated. But again, there should be no problem trading out the wheels with someone with standard wheels, and you may even make a little money back in the transaction.

[obLu]

I'm sure the Sports Suspension also has stiffer anti-roll bars which would be a much bigger job to switch over!

That would actually be the easiest part of it. The hardest part of any suspension install is compressing the springs, and that's only because most people don't have a hydraulic spring compressor at home.

Sometimes wiggling the rear bar out can be a pain, but it's usually four bolts, one on each endlink and two to the subframe/chassis.

Either way, a competent shop should take no longer than 3 hours to do a complete spring/damper/sway bar swap.

[David328M-Sport]

The lowered sports suspension (15mm) completes the car, with a smaller gap between the top of the tyre and the wheel arch. Looks great, feels just fine. Go for it!

[Black325i]

I agree with the post above. The car looks better, drives better. Trust me, if you don't get it, you'll see another pass you on the road and you'll be wishing you got it ...

[onesixeight]

Originally Posted by obLu

That would actually be the easiest part of it. The hardest part of any suspension install is compressing the springs, and that's only because most people don't have a hydraulic spring compressor at home.

Sometimes wiggling the rear bar out can be a pain, but it's usually four bolts, one on each endlink and two to the subframe/chassis.

Either way, a competent shop should take no longer than 3 hours to do a complete spring/damper/sway bar swap.

Someone mentioned that getting rear sway bar is a PITA! It's behind the rear diff and you might have to drop the diff to get the rear bar out.

I'm not sure...can anyone comfirm?

[bzzbenz]

I really wish I would have gone with the sport package... everytime I see one it makes me sad I didn't get it...

[ward]

Originally Posted by onesixeight

Someone mentioned that getting rear sway bar is a PITA! It's behind the rear diff and you might have to drop the diff to get the rear bar out.

I'm not sure...can anyone comfirm?

I had to lower the diff in my E30 to change bars,

the rear bar is probably the same story this time around

[Mark]

Originally Posted by ward

I had to lower the diff in my E30 to change bars,

the rear bar is probably the same story this time around

on the E46 you could get it on without messing with the diff, you just have to snake the bar around a little and get it at just the right angle then it will go in.. I dont know about the e90, but hopefully its the same story