DeeJax71 5 Report post Posted February 7, 2020 Hi, Could anyone help me identify what kind of suspension I have on this car, and also what suspension would you recommend I run on the car.\ TIA Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
qube 3570 Report post Posted February 7, 2020 @Jacko @M3AN resident 130 specialists Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jacko 2156 Report post Posted February 7, 2020 (edited) Stock M sport, it looks a little lower than normal though so likely just a little flogged out (bump stops look very dead) I run Birds B1 dynamics (custom valved bilstiens with eibach springs and swaybar, and the qauife diff), with poly bushed everything, and M3 LCAs. Its pretty much perfect for NZ B roads, as its not over damped or sprung. Not cheap, but I would definitely get it again. There is a really good suspension thread on one of the 1 series forums, where one guy changed suspension setup multiple times. Worth reading, it depends very much on what you want, cant search at the moment, but have a googles. Edited February 7, 2020 by Jacko Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3AN 4016 Report post Posted February 8, 2020 (edited) Yep, stock and riding too low but that's to be expected with age. The thread Chris is referring to is this one (I think): https://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=80208 Assuming you don't want coilovers the next best option is the Birds B1 setup I think but that can be pricey. I understand the best price/performance option is the Bilstein B12 kit (shocks and springs). I don't like the idea of the Koni setup with stock motorsport springs because of the springs but they are slightly adjustable. Nice looking car, my favourite standard wheels for this and I'd get them in a heartbeat if they were 17's. Welcome. Edited February 8, 2020 by M3AN Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herbmiester 925 Report post Posted February 8, 2020 It depends what you want out of your car. Because it has the same suspension with some minor spring rate changes to the E90/92 series you can use that info as well. I went with Koni Yellows so I could get adjustable rebound damping and I am happy I did as I went with Tein springs that are very close in spring rate to M3 springs so stiffer than the usual H&R or Eibach options, My ride is quite firm now and I wouldn't want it any firmer. Quite often you can get a combo with springs and shocks Bilstein especially and the spring rate and the damping are supposedly matched, i noticed a bit of pogoing in my E92 so with the Konis I could add more rebound to settle it down. I have also gone with M3 control arms which up front will give you stiffer bushings and more camber. Stiffing up the rear has a downside and that is no factory LSD so getting the power down can be tricky, perhaps less so with a no turbo car. On a budget shocks are your first upgrade and the more affordable options are Koni STRT or Bilstein b4. Next up Koni Yellows and Bistein B6/B8. Factory M Sport springs are good for daily driving, touring and some sport work but stiffer lower springs can help if you are really getting after it. They will lower your car but with good shocks ride comfort will still be OK. Getting rid of run-flats helps a lot for ride. A bigger rear sway-bar is good but again without an LSD it is a limited upgrade. Also depending on the vehicle your suspension bushes may be flogged out, at 70k my rears were getting pretty loose. and the M3 rear arms gave my rear noticeably less movement. M3 front arms give noticeably more front end grip. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites