[stltri]

After much research on this forum, I finally got the Performance Suspension installed. All I can say is WOW!!

Initial impressions on my 335i e90 (with previous stock sport suspension) is that the ride is definitely stiffer but not annoyingly so. Bumps are dampened and you can feel the road more. Of note, I am using non-RFT tires, I switched a long time ago after a short stint with RFT Potenzas.

The biggest change for me is the decreased sway on cornering and turns, including decreased dive during braking, which are all good things. Steering response is about the same but feels a lot tighter, not necessarily heavier, perhaps the new bushings contributed to this.

As far as the height change, I cant tell if it did or not, I may have to do some measurements, although I feel that it may be the fact that the suspension has not had time to settle over the last few days.

Interestingly, the loaner 335i LCI I had for two days had better handling than my stock, not necessarily a stiffer ride (but close) but definitely the sways on turns were much less. The LCI must have thicker bars. Although the ride itself was in fact more jarring to me, which I attributed to its RFT tires.

Overall, as a daily driver, the ride is reasonable and more precise, and of course better handling. As far as ride height, not much difference, but we'll see over time. More inexpensive suspension packages are available out there that can give the same driving dynamics but it was just a personal preference to use OEM parts for my car.

More updates to follow after some time at the track this weekend.

[tyler9595]

nice review. Thanks for posting. I have been considering this upgrade but it is a tad expensive for me now (dealer quoted $2700).

Do you have pics of the car after install? Are you on stock 18" wheels?

[YvesD]

Originally Posted by stltri

The LCI must have thicker bars. Although the ride itself was in fact more jarring to me, which I attributed to its RFT tires.

It does have a wider track than the outgoing car which will help with stability. You get the same effect by using spacers.

Yves

[Lobaeux]

Excellent! I'm real interested in this suspension as well.

[spdy330]

Post some pictures.

[stltri]

Thanks for the comments. I will try to post pictures soon.

Spent the weekend at the track. Definitely improved handling dynamics over stock sport suspension. In retrospect, it would have been nice to be able to tweak the suspension if I had installed the Bilstein PSS10 which was my original choice but the price difference got the best of me.

Of course, since Im not really set up as a track car, there is still some sway when doing turns. I think others have diminished this by adding M3 sway bars to their performance suspension. This will be my next project down the road. I am hesitating since I was not sure whether the upgraded sway bars will make my daily driving unbearable. Perhaps others who have done this can key in.

I experimented a bit with tires since I had GY F1 Asymmetrics (225/40/18 and 255/35/18) on my original 18' wheels and Vredestein Sesanta (235/35/19 and 265/30/19) on my 19' CSL wheels. I used one wheel for a day and the other the next. Surprisingly, there was minimal difference, in the handling between the two despite the difference in size and tire. Having said that, when the tires got hot at the end of the day, I think the wider Vredesteins held up better.

[David1]

I added the M3 control arms to this set up and it makes it even better!

[stltri]

Originally Posted by David1

I added the M3 control arms to this set up and it makes it even better!

Did you also add the M3 sway bars? How much did the control arms change the ride quality? For me, any stiffer than my current setup would probably annoy me with daily driving. However, if the ride is unaffected but the handling is improved (ie, less sway during turns), then the control arms and/or sway bars would definitely be my next upgrade. It seems like the parts are relatively inexpensive but the labor cost may be a bit intense.

[David1]

Originally Posted by stltri

Did you also add the M3 sway bars? How much did the control arms change the ride quality? For me, any stiffer than my current setup would probably annoy me with daily driving. However, if the ride is unaffected but the handling is improved (ie, less sway during turns), then the control arms and/or sway bars would definitely be my next upgrade. It seems like the parts are relatively inexpensive but the labor cost may be a bit intense.

I don't want the M3 sway bars. I like the balance of what BMW did with the front bar with this kit. The M3 control arms sharpen the steering feel and firms it up a little. makes it handle even better since it adds much needed negative camber up front.

[stltri]

Originally Posted by David1

I don't want the M3 sway bars. I like the balance of what BMW did with the front bar with this kit. The M3 control arms sharpen the steering feel and firms it up a little. makes it handle even better since it adds much needed negative camber up front.

Thats interesting. I agree that the front needs negative camber. If the control arms do so, then would that effectively lower the front height a bit?

[David1]

Originally Posted by stltri

Thats interesting. I agree that the front needs negative camber. If the control arms do so, then would that effectively lower the front height a bit?

Camber does not change ride height.

[bavarian19]

good review. Im keeping this as a possible mod soon.

[therealm3]

I too just had my perf suspension and M3 arms installed and couldn't be happier. I agree with everything the OP has said and highly recommend it.

[stressdoc]

+1.

[gizmo335i]

PIIIIIIICCCCCCCSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! please....

[Blue Liquid]

Hey guys, I've also just installed the BMW Performance Suspension. Here is the link with my initial perspective and pics.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...73#post7527473