318ti.org forum

Go Back   318ti.org forum > Garage > Lounge

Notices

Lounge Temporary forum until new sections are suggested.

.
» Recent Threads
1999 M-Sport For Sale
12-31-2023 05:10 PM
Last post by Coop540iT
03-23-2024 06:39 PM
1 Replies, 99,784 Views
Once again 318ti owner...
03-20-2024 12:39 PM
Last post by two30grain
03-22-2024 02:04 PM
1 Replies, 62,738 Views
What brakes do I...
03-20-2024 03:27 PM
Last post by huirtera
03-20-2024 03:27 PM
0 Replies, 59,905 Views
Reply Share/Bookmark
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-13-2007, 05:49 PM   #1
speedracerf4i
Member
 
speedracerf4i's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 55
iTrader: (0)
Thumbs up New front end overhal. Detailed ride review.

Hi Guys,

I just did a complete front suspension overhaul, that included: Bilstein sport shocks, Bav Auto sport springs, Meyle all metal ball joint control arms, 96' M3 solid control arm bushings, sway bar links with new brackets, Sach's new front and rear shock mounts, and of course, alignment and balancing.

I acquired a 1998 red 318ti sport through e-bay 2 month ago. The car has 116,000 miles and felt very loose in the front end, thus the complete overhaul. I did my upgrade in steps so I can better determine what each component's improvements were.

My Honest Unbias Review (with costs breakdown):

1. Tie-Rods ($98 each.): After the new tie-rods was put in, I noticed a much better control and tightness in steering. But the overall suspension slopiness is still noticeable.

2. Control arms ($100 each): This is what made the most improvement. I did install a solid-rubber-core M3 control arm bushing so it added to the tightness feel. The car responded better to the imperfections of the road.

3. Sway bar link($27 each): I kept the original sport bar because it was enough for our 2759 lb car. I lubed the bushings with grease and replaced the link. I made a mistake of not tightening the nuts with the wheels compressed, so it make clacking noises afterwards. Make sure you press your rotor up with a jack to tighten the link bolt. This upgrade did not produce any noticeable improvement to the ride.

4. Shocks and springs ($575 kit) Strut mounts ($100 total): The original boge and sport springs were more firm, but a little more britle than Bilstein-bavauto combo. I felt that the car is much better damped but the bav-auto springs were a little softer than stock. The new springs lowered the height in front by .75" and back by .4" over stock sport set up.
The Bav springs promised to lower the car without punishing ride of the other sport springs, and they're right. But the car felt heavier in the front with their springs. I would keep my old springs and change them back in a few months if I can't get use to it. I love the Kart-like nimbleness of the original sport springs, but I definitely love the bilsteins. One benefit with my new set up is that high-speed freeway ride became more stable and refined. The bilsteins dumpens the smaller, high-frequency bumps very well.

Overall, I would recommed any high-mileage Ti's to do a front suspension overhaul. The choice of springs is a matter of personal taste. I hope my experience would help those who likes to renew that lengendary BMW ride.
speedracerf4i is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-15-2007, 12:48 AM   #2
Mad-Machine
Senior Member
 
Mad-Machine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SOUTH Jersey
Posts: 1,085
iTrader: (0)
Default

going to do mine this summer.. 107,000 miles.. it is time
Mad-Machine is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:28 PM.


.
Powered by site supporters
vBulletin Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©1999 - 2024, 318ti.org
© vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2
[page compression: 57.57 k/66.62 k (13.59%)]

318ti.org does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or products discussed.