M3 bits...

[submarshall]

I am about to pull the trigger on a little over $1K on all of the M3 suspension bits. I just want to hear from everyone that its really worth it. I could either buy these parts or the ST coilover kit. Please give me some input ppl!!

[1Pirate]

I certainly think upgrading your suspension with M3 parts is worth it (not sure which M3 parts you are considering ordering since you didn't list them), but I also think at some point you will also want to upgrade the dampers/springs on the car. In my opinion the OEM dampers are the weakest link in the car's suspension.

So to answer your question, yes the M3 suspension parts are worth it, but so are upgraded dampers/springs/coilovers if you really want to transform the car's handling. I upgraded my suspension piece meal, starting with the front M3 parts, then dampers/springs and then finally the rear M3 suspension parts.

[submarshall]

Originally Posted by 1Pirate

I certainly think upgrading your suspension with M3 parts is worth it (not sure which M3 parts you are considering ordering since you didn't list them), but I also think at some point you will also want to upgrade the dampers/springs on the car. In my opinion the OEM dampers are the weakest link in the car's suspension.

So to answer your question, yes the M3 suspension parts are worth it, but so are upgraded dampers/springs/coilovers if you really want to transform the car's handling. I upgraded my suspension piece meal, starting with the front M3 parts, then dampers/springs and then finally the rear M3 suspension parts.

Thank you for your input. Here is my list of parts and transaction...

1x BMW Control Arm Kit 5-Piece Front (M Upgrade) - TRW BMWMCAKIT $378.82
4x BMW Brake Disc Set Screw - Genuine BMW 34211161806 $4.72
2x BMW Subframe Bushing Rear - Genuine BMW 33312283382 $129.10
2x BMW Subframe Bushing Rear - Genuine BMW 33312283383 $145.10
1x BMW Control Arm Rear Right Upper (1M M3) - TRW 33322283546 $94.95
1x BMW Control Arm Rear Left Upper (1M M3) - TRW 33322283545 $94.95
1x BMW Control Arm Rear Right Upper (1M M3) - TRW 33322283548 $134.95
1x BMW Control Arm Rear Left Upper (1M M3) - TRW 33322283547 $134.95
2x BMW ABS Cable Bracket - Genuine BMW 34522283017 $23.10

Item Total: $1,140.64
Promotion (Loyalty Code 10% off $999): -$114.06
Shipping: $9.99
Order Total: $1,036.57


I think I got a pretty damn good deal too!!

And like I said, I plan on installing the ST coilovers, StopTech rotors and Hawk pads at the same time. the only thing I am dreading to install is the subframe bushings...

[amsnow440]

Just completed the M3 Front Control Arm/Tension Arm install on Saturday and had the car aligned yesterday. The difference is absolutely noticeable and totally worth it, and I really love how the car has responded to the change. Turn-in response is so much better, and steering/road feel has improved. I suspect that I will only enjoy it more as I get more seat time and push the car it harder through turns. For $350 shipped, I'm not sure if there is a better upgrade per dollar available.

Just an FYI: I also installed the Dinan Camber Plates at the same time so I gained about 1.4 degrees of camber and I am also on PSS tires with Whiteline RSFB's. Those mods together have transformed the car and I pretty sure I've yelled the phrase "These parts should be factory installed!!" on several occasions

Also my alignment specs are as follows:

Front:
Camber: -2.0
Toe: -1/16" total toe out
Caster: Max
Rear
Camber: -1.8
Toe: 1/8" total toe in

[MightyMouseTech]

Just ordered front TRW M3 bits for my own car, where did you find the TRW version of the rear arms?

[1Pirate]

Originally Posted by amsnow440

Just completed the M3 Front Control Arm/Tension Arm install on Saturday and had the car aligned yesterday. The difference is absolutely noticeable and totally worth it, and I really love how the car has responded to the change. Turn-in response is so much better, and steering/road feel has improved. I suspect that I will only enjoy it more as I get more seat time and push the car it harder through turns. For $350 shipped, I'm not sure if there is a better upgrade per dollar available.

I agree. The front M3 control arms and tension rods really do provide a noticeable difference with turn in and steering feel. The M3 FSB also helps diminish body roll.

[3002 tii]

M3 control arms and Whiteline subframe insets would be a good compromise and easier on cost. You could then use the savings to pick up quality set of shocks and springs, ie Billstein B12's for $750. That puts you right around the $1100 mark on parts. M3 sway comes along classifieds pretty frequently so I'd hold out and buy used.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by amsnow440

Just completed the M3 Front Control Arm/Tension Arm install on Saturday and had the car aligned yesterday. The difference is absolutely noticeable and totally worth it, and I really love how the car has responded to the change. Turn-in response is so much better, and steering/road feel has improved. I suspect that I will only enjoy it more as I get more seat time and push the car it harder through turns. For $350 shipped, I'm not sure if there is a better upgrade per dollar available.

Just an FYI: I also installed the Dinan Camber Plates at the same time so I gained about 1.4 degrees of camber and I am also on PSS tires with Whiteline RSFB's. Those mods together have transformed the car and I pretty sure I've yelled the phrase "These parts should be factory installed!!" on several occasions

Also my alignment specs are as follows:

Front:
Camber: -2.0
Toe: -1/16" total toe out
Caster: Max
Rear
Camber: -1.8
Toe: 1/8" total toe in

You and I have the same list, although I've yet to install my control arms and Dinan plate. Don't want to pay for 2 alignment jobs since I may do suspension too but those would be the alignment specs I'd go for as well (or maybe 0 toe since I log so many miles on my commute).

[dcaron9999]

At a minimum, M3 subframe bushings are a must, so are front M3 control arms.

If you want another noticeable modification, get a Limited Slip Diff. Some affordable options (new player from the JDM scene) are coming up on this forum.

[submarshall]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Just ordered front TRW M3 bits for my own car, where did you find the TRW version of the rear arms?

You can find them on ecstuning. here is the link http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135...ade/ES2622633/.

they are 440.00

[submarshall]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

M3 control arms and Whiteline subframe insets would be a good compromise and easier on cost. You could then use the savings to pick up quality set of shocks and springs, ie Billstein B12's for $750. That puts you right around the $1100 mark on parts. M3 sway comes along classifieds pretty frequently so I'd hold out and buy used.

Thanks for the input. Do you think the Billstein shocks and springs are better to go with than KW V1 or ST coilovers? and what are subframe insets?(bushings)?

[submarshall]

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

At a minimum, M3 subframe bushings are a must, so are front M3 control arms.

If you want another noticeable modification, get a Limited Slip Diff. Some affordable options (new player from the JDM scene) are coming up on this forum.

Thanks for the help man. And yes, I know who you are talking about in the JDM world. I have already be talking with them. I do not track my car so do you think I really need an LSD? I am FBO though.

[amsnow440]

Subframe bushing inserts are just that, polyurethane inserts that are placed inside the voids of the factory subframe bushings therefore adding stiffness to the factory set up:



The complete polyurethatne subframe bushings are what I have and they replace the entire factory unit. This requires pressing out the stock bushings and replacing them with the polyurethane variants (no need for a press to install unlike the m3 ones). This is the stiffer option, yet I did not notice an increase in NVH with this setup, just more confidence in the rear end.



FWIW, as far as coilovers go, this is going to be my choice:
http://www.tcklineracing.com/webdocs...Details978.cfm

That price includes camber plates, you can choose to remove them which brings the price down about $400

[submarshall]

Originally Posted by amsnow440

Subframe bushing inserts are just that, polyurethane inserts that are placed inside the voids of the factory subframe bushings therefore adding stiffness to the factory set up:



The complete polyurethatne subframe bushings are what I have and they replace the entire factory unit. This requires pressing out the stock bushings and replacing them with the polyurethane variants (no need for a press to install unlike the m3 ones). This is the stiffer option, yet I did not notice an increase in NVH with this setup, just more confidence in the rear end.



FWIW, as far as coilovers go, this is going to be my choice:
http://www.tcklineracing.com/webdocs...Details978.cfm

That price includes camber plates, you can choose to remove them which brings the price down about $400

WOW, that's an impressive set up!!

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by submarshall

Thanks for the input. Do you think the Billstein shocks and springs are better to go with than KW V1 or ST coilovers? and what are subframe insets?(bushings)?

FYI re the post above, I prefer inserts. I've never been a fan of FULL poly bushings. Do a search and you'll see how poly bushings a) don't last nearly as long as oem rubber which should be no surprise, and b) they can add NVH (noise, vibration and harshness). The inserts have the benefit of working with your oe rubber bushings and the install is quite simple. OE rubber subframe bushings will easily last 60-80k if not more.

Yes M3 bushings are great, in fact some view it as a Godsend but I just can't justify the cost/labor/time involved in the swap. A 1-2 hour insert job vs 6-8 hour bushing swap is a no brainer for me. Worst case if the inserts don't do it for you, $50 down the drain and you go with the M3 bushings after all. If you're already near high mileage (80k and above), then I would consider the M3 bushings.

Hard to say, I've yet to driven a car with the B12's. I have used Bilstein shocks in the past and I found them to be somewhat harsh but those were also paired with springs not necessarily designed for those shocks. Ask fellow B12 owners here what their experience has been thus far. But if you don't need the adjustability I would go B12's assuming you're ok with the ride height it provides. Realistically how often are you going to change the ride height on your car? Not sure how easy it is with KW but if the wheels need to come off I bet you won't be doing it much at all.

PS - I also considered Koni FSD's but I've read they require frequent rebuilds (unlike Bilsteins)... else I would've considered the FSD's as well.

[128Convertibleguy]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

PS - I also considered Koni FSD's but I've read they require frequent rebuilds (unlike Bilsteins)... else I would've considered the FSD's as well.

The FSDs specifically say they are to be used with stock springs only. I'd bet actual money that the "frequent rebuilds" comments come mostly (entirely?) from people who ignored that, and used them on lowered cars. They have the same warranty as the yellows.

I'm retaining the stock springs and ride height, so I'm going FSD.

[1Pirate]

Originally Posted by 128Convertibleguy

The FSDs specifically say they are to be used with stock springs only. I'd bet actual money that the "frequent rebuilds" comments come mostly (entirely?) from people who ignored that, and used them on lowered cars. They have the same warranty as the yellows.

I'm retaining the stock springs and ride height, so I'm going FSD.

I have the stock springs as well (although mine are 2011 springs which are linear in the rear as opposed to 2009 progressive rear springs that came on my car) along with Koni Sport (Yellow) adjustable dampers. I like the combination because you can dial in the dampers to give you the ride/handling mix that suites your driving style and the other suspension mods you have, like M3 components.

[Dackelone]

The thing I have seen posted a few times about FSD's... is that they are almost like OE shocks in the ride. ie: rather soft. I think some have even gone from FSD's to Yellows after awhile. I think Koni Yellows are a better choice.

[EOD23]

There's a thread on E90 that had a sale last week for 300 shipped on the front kit. I don't know what the normal price is but it wouldn't hurt to check it out.

EDIT: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=924226

[sour97]

I have powerflex subframe insert with M3 arms, the information and feedback for the car is much clear ! if budget allowed, ohlins is the best chose for trackday and DD ! the best suspension I ever have.

[135iam]

Originally Posted by submarshall

I am about to pull the trigger on a little over $1K on all of the M3 suspension bits. I just want to hear from everyone that its really worth it. I could either buy these parts or the ST coilover kit. Please give me some input ppl!!

I recently installed
KWv3 coilovers, Dinan camber plates, M3 front and rear arms, and white line rear subframe bushings (not inserts). I installed the rear first and drove it almost 150 miles before doing the front.

IMO buy in order as funds allow (assuming run flats are long gone!)
1. full subframe bushings (M3 or poly) should be first.
2. Good shocks should be second
3. M3 front arms should be third
this combo, which several on the site have, gives that "this car shoulda come like this setup".
4. Next I would say springs (at a rate for what you want)
5. Camber plates (for improved corner carving)
6. Swaybars (to compliment the springs, not as a bandaid for soft stock springs like some on here recommend)
7. Rear M3 arms

[ItsHectic]

I did subframe bushings and control arms front and back and the car feels more connected to the road.

Hard to explain but the rear wheels when going over bumps feel part of the rear of the car rather than something hanging off it. (This sounds really weird so can anyone else relate??)

The steering feels as sharp as my 350Z was, a lot more pointy and responsive than stock.

Overall the car feels more like a go-kart and less like some miniature disconnected cruiser.

I do instinctively go faster around corners now, the car kind of eggs you on to do it with these mods and inspires more confidence.