PRC

1 minute ago, Herbmiester said:

Around here debates on suspension usually revolve around one member saying Koni is the only choice and dismissing other products. You will get used to it. 

Thank you for your clarification. I have no interest in parochial argumentation; only to seek advice (kindly given, thank you), to help me decide how to proceed. The advice given has been very helpful.

4 hours ago, Herbmiester said:

AKA you did what I recommended. LOL.

??

New dampers (Koni Sport, adjusted half-turn front and full-soft rear), radius arms (Superpro), bump stops (BMW performance) and rear shock mounts (OEM) now fitted, along with a fresh set of Pilot Sport 4 tyres (36 psi). The car is now settled when driven, and it is quieter and more comfortable than before too. Thank you for all the advice, which has been most helpful.

On 8/1/2020 at 10:56 PM, Herbmiester said:

If you are looking to do radius arm its worthwhile considering the M3 setup. A lot of people just do the front as this gives you some more camber and stiffer bushes. The rear is often touuted as having less noticeable improvement but for me it was noticeble as the rear had a more stable feel on change of direction, it just felt more precise. When you look at the rear arms they are just folded steel, which at 75k had some very sloppy bushes.

Thanks John. My suspension specialist thought the bushes in the rear all ok (an in situ check). But he will check them again when the dampers and radius arms are fitted.

Thinking ahead to fitting the new Koni Sport dampers, radius arms and tyres....

Keen to hear any guidance about fitting the rear dampers, including what interior panels need to be removed?

Thank you in advance.

Koni dampers arrived yesterday (8 days from UK, thanks Demon Tweeks and Parcel Force), so everything Is now on hand for fitment next week. ?

2 minutes ago, 3pedals said:

what did you pay for the front Konis? 

about £143 each.

Order for Koni sport adjustable shocks placed (via Demon Tweeks).

BMW performance bump stops, and Superpro radius arms complete with bushes etc. will be ordered tomorrow.

Now we wait.

2 hours ago, Herbmiester said:

Price from NZ, Stocks and perhaps Adens tyres and then look at Demon Tweeks. DT were substantially cheaper even after freight and GST. That said I would prefer to shop local and would pay a small price premium over imported. 

Are the radius arm bushes replaceable of do your replace the whole arm?

Thank you. My suspension guy is checking with Stocks and I'll check Demon Tweeks for a private import comparison. Like you, my preference is to shop local (less hassle!). Also, we are checking option of radius arms complete v. replacement bushes (both are available from Superpro, apparently).

Visited my suspension and brakes specialist today for a detailed assessment. The dampers, bump stops and radius arm bushes are worn, and everything else is in good condition. So, fewer new parts required than first thought:

• Koni sports adjustable dampers
• BMW Performance bump stops
• Superpro radius arm/bushes
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres

Any recommendations on best source for Koni dampers? A NZ supplier preferred, but will order from reputable off-shore supplier if no local recommendations. Thanks.

3 hours ago, Eagle said:

Do you have budget? Refreshing suspension on most BMW is by far the biggest expense in my experience.

B4 are basically OEM replacements and are priced accordingly, you could probably get them and new hardware for under $1000 landed from places like Daemon tweeks, Rockauto or FCP

Koni's are a performance upgrade (like the B6 and B8) and are much more expensive (shox.com list Sport adjustables F&R for $1200 NZD). You may get hit with custom import entry fee\paper work\GST and at least a $100-200 freight bill importing them, making them over $1500 landed. Then you got all new bump stops, mounts etc to buy on top of that. 

Typically most stuff in NZ would likely cost more even if its available.

No budget. Current dampers (and probably bushes) are worn, and have decided to retain the car for the foreseeable future. Options having read responses here and elsewhere:

1. OEM dampers and bushes
2. Koni adjustable dampers and OEM bushes

Will also order a new set of tyres at the same time.

36 minutes ago, M3AN said:

I don't think we can answer any more of your questions until you've posted pictures and details of your car. ?

 

Our current BMW is a 2006 130i; New Zealand-new, with full BMW dealer service history (excepting one WOF).

• Colour: Le Mans Blue
• Interior: 'Boston' black leather
• Options: S704, S339, S337, S710, S715, S441, S470, S473, S430, S431, S481, S411, S494, S459, S493, S4MG, S644, S609, S620, S540, S548, S534, S520, S502, S508, S522, S2MG, S249, S874, S775, S925, S9AA, S864, S853, S818, S302, S321, S825, S880

Just read through various comments (and thanks to contributors). How do Koni FSD and Sport (adjustable?) compare with Bilstein B4 then?

2 hours ago, M3AN said:

Yes SuperPro are very good, have no hesitation in using them. If you're going to use BMW bump stops you MUST use BMW Performance ones, they're shorter, the stock ones are downright dangerous as your shocks wear.

Read this and pop back to ask questions: https://www.babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=80208

  

Thanks. I found this thread earlier this morning and will read it later. 

Thank you, appreciate the lesson.

38 minutes ago, Jacko said:

It depends on what you are after. I have superpro bushes in mine, the full kit, everything is a PU bush. I think its fine for road use, and it did wonders for tightening up the suspension (even on 35 profile 19" tyres). However I have friends who think its was to harsh for a road car. 

If you do want to go PU bushes, Superpros design and quality are way above anything else Ive seen.

Bumpstops - OEM unless your shock kit includes them. The rear shock mounts (top and bottom) are also wear items, and again, OEM is the best bet. There are also a number of spherical bushes in the ass end suspension, which are often the first to go, replace them with OEM. 

I'm after predictable town and open road handling and ride quality—general driving. Thanks for the endorsement of Superpro bushes. From your description, a combination of Superpro bushes, and OEM bumpstops and rear shock mounts sounds OK. Didn't understand basis for OEM rear spherical bushes... why not Superpro? And front ARB bushes?

Keen to hear recommendations ahead of replacing worn dampers and suspension bushes on the 130i. 

After initial research, I’m leaning towards Bilstein B4 dampers. But what about bushes, bump stops, &c.? Do aftermarket brands such as Superpro offer handling and ride quality benefits over OEM items, or are they false economy for road use? Finally, what other parts should be checked/replaced at the same time? FYI, a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (stock sizes) will be fitted too.

21 minutes ago, E30 325i Rag-Top said:

Coombes Johnston in Hamilton had a very nice one they were selling on behalf of a customer. Was on display at the BMW festival.

Owner was looking for around $35k I believe.

Thanks. Do you have a contact name or any other information?

Wanted to buy: an E30 M325i mtech2.

Interested in buying a largely original or fully restored example in mint condition and—ideally—with history. I appreciate there are only a few left in the country.

Many thanks, Peter.