[J Tiberius]

Ok, this is kind of a long post. I'm glad I saved a lot of money up front on my F30 because I'm a little disappointed having to change out springs on a Sport Line to make it feel sporty.

The adaptive suspension did not appeal to me because of the longevity concerns and the fact that it had very little impact on the ride quality or height.

So now I've just ordered the H&R sport lowering springs and will be installing them next week. Turner Motorsports has already done the same on their 335 and it looks like the best way to go, both for performance and appearance.

Seriously, there is WAY too much body roll in corners (even in Sport +) on the F30 and this might be the most cost-effective way to rectify the problem. My e90 was insane on corners and I always looked forward to taking some back roads to work in order to really put it through the twisties...not so with the F30. Everything else is great, but then I only buy the 3 series so that I can have that experience right up front without having to mod the suspension.

Would like to know what fellow forum members think on the subject of adding aftermarket springs. The Sport Line should be sportier!!

[PrinceBarin]

I haven't had the privilege of driving the new F30 but aesthetically it really needs lowering IMO. How much drop are you getting from this new kit because from stock I would guess it needs at least 20mm, probably 30mm.

Unfortunately mine is a company vehicle so I don't have the option to do this. But I would if I could! Would be great to see some pics when it's done.

[J Tiberius]

Originally Posted by PrinceBarin

I haven't had the privilege of driving the new F30 but aesthetically it really needs lowering IMO. How much drop are you getting from this new kit because from stock I would guess it needs at least 20mm, probably 30mm.

Unfortunately mine is a company vehicle so I don't have the option to do this. But I would if I could! Would be great to see some pics when it's done.

You are pretty close actually. If my metric conversions are correct, it will lower the front approximately 30mm and the rear just under 20mm.

I had to reorder this morning because my first choice vendor was out of stock (for the next 6 weeks...maybe others are doing the same as me?), so delivery will not be for this weekend as initially planned

I will post pics ASAP though - could be as early as Mar 21st for the install, but not later than the weekend of the 24th. After that expect lots of before and after pics.

In the meantime, here is what it looks like on TMS's project 335i:

[PrinceBarin]

Nice. Now that's what I'm talking about!

Looking forward to some more pics. If you can get some of the work being carried out that would be even better!

Best of luck.

[Blake P]

Originally Posted by PrinceBarin

Unfortunately mine is a company vehicle so I don't have the option to do this. But I would if I could! Would be great to see some pics when it's done.

Would your company really know or care if you paid for the parts/labor and forgot to mention it?

[AlexM]

Originally Posted by J Tiberius

The adaptive suspension did not appeal to me because of the longevity concerns and the fact that it had very little impact on the ride quality or height.

I don't think this is the case as it is actually the whole point of AS. From what i heard, most of ppl who drove it loved it, but then again there are always different tastes.

[J Tiberius]

Originally Posted by AlexM

I don't think this is the case as it is actually the whole point of AS. From what i heard, most of ppl who drove it loved it, but then again there are always different tastes.

I drove the adaptive. It's not substantially different, and not as good as e90 stock sport package. I understand how things change with each new generation, but the handling on the F30 Sport is pretty disappointing. Yesterday a woman pulled right out in front of me (DC drivers!!!) and I could barely escape hitting her. Rapid lane changes are not as easy or fluid as you would expect. The car is simply not as nimble as it could be.

I've overlooked little issues with BMW in the past, including the general absence of torque in the e90 328i (even with MT), because I was always rewarded with a go-cart like agility that made me smile. I don't think I am alone in saying that the essence of the 3 series is being ever more diluted, until eventually it won't be the "ultimate" any more.

I'm pretty sure the aftermarket springs will get me closer to where the car should be, but if that is what it takes to make this car perform, why would any one pay the extra $2500 for the sport line?

Anyway, I still love the car but it needs some work to get where it already should have been.

[PrinceBarin]

Originally Posted by Blake P

Would your company really know or care if you paid for the parts/labor and forgot to mention it?

Good point but, it would almost certainly invalidate my insurance in the event of an accident!

[MiloMia]

I already order my set of H&R sport springs. Should be installed any day now and I would post pics on 19"..

[hanman]

does anyone know if it voids the warranty?

[ric124]

Originally Posted by hanman

does anyone know if it voids the warranty?

I would think it voids suspension warranty but who cares.

[hanman]

lol good point

[onehungevo]

Originally Posted by MiloMia

I already order my set of H&R sport springs. Should be installed any day now and I would post pics on 19"..

Definitely post pictures!!

[cardnation]

Originally Posted by MiloMia

I already order my set of H&R sport springs. Should be installed any day now and I would post pics on 19"..

You've had three days now, lets see them.

[jgrasty]

M performance suspension for me, if it ever gets released.

[MiloMia]

Originally Posted by cardnation

You've had three days now, lets see them.

Tuesday!!

[GTM_Challenge]

We went with the Super Sport springs for the drop i wanted on our 335i. So far the ride is pretty good. stiff but not too stiff. I'll hopefully get to push it a bit more this week and give you some feedback. I also put on some BBS CH with Bridgestone RE11 at the same time. The grip level alone is huge so far over the stockers.

[Blake P]

GTM, that looks fantastic!

[ric124]

Originally Posted by GTM_Challenge

We went with the Super Sport springs for the drop i wanted on our 335i. So far the ride is pretty good. stiff but not too stiff. I'll hopefully get to push it a bit more this week and give you some feedback. I also put on some BBS CH with Bridgestone RE11 at the same time. The grip level alone is huge so far over the stockers.

I wanted to get the super sport but I was worried about the extra stress on the adaptive M. Do you have adaptive M on your car?

[GTM_Challenge]

Originally Posted by ric124

I wanted to get the super sport but I was worried about the extra stress on the adaptive M. Do you have adaptive M on your car?

Our is on just the normal Sport suspension plus springs

[J Tiberius]

Alright, finally got everything finished and the new tires put on. I got the Sumitomo HTR Z III tires with the sport springs and it is AWESOME! The car finally launches, brakes, steers, and rides like it was meant to! I am thrilled beyond belief. Anyone in the greater DC area should take their business to Convenience Car Care in Manassas - they do fantastic work and definitely go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction. Pics to follow as soon as I load them on the computer.

[J Tiberius]

As promised, here they are (albeit fairly crappy iPhone pics)