Better than OEM

[sclass]

Hi everyone,

Thank GOD it's Friday :rollsmile:

I'd like to be in the habit of replacing all parts on my car that are past their best with components that are even better than OEM. Are there any agents (preferably in the Gauteng area) that supply these (for instance suspension parts)?

Thanks guys :thumbs:

 

[P1000]

Imcomex is the only one I know of, but I have had some bad service from them before.

 

[sclass]

Yeah Imcomex, enquired about gearbox, engine, and diff mounts; their prices were MUCH MORE cheaper than the stealers. But are they supplying better than OEM?

 

[whattingh]

I have read a lot of forum on suspension parts for BMW and sound like the oem brands is the best. SOme aftermarket brands get close and some are terrible. I could be wrong

 

[P1000]

If you can get them to give you Meyle HD parts, in some aspects they might be better than OEM, but it is hard to beat OEM in suspension parts. They spend lots of money on engineering these parts, and the aftermarket guys don't understand why they did certain things in certain ways...

 

[sclass]

+1 P1000

...but what about the argument that most cars are the net result the accountants penchant for cost containment, and not the engineers wet dreams? Does this argument (if true) not then open the window for the aftermarket fitment of 'wet dream' parts, albeit at a premium?

 

[P1000]

+1 P1000

...but what about the argument that most cars are the net result the accountants penchant for cost containment, and not the engineers wet dreams? Does this argument (if true) not then open the window for the aftermarket fitment of 'wet dream' parts, albeit at a premium?

Nope, definitely not. My car's suspension for one is terribly over-designed IMO. Looks like the engineers had a field day...

 

[whattingh]

+1 P1000

...but what about the argument that most cars are the net result the accountants penchant for cost containment, and not the engineers wet dreams? Does this argument (if true) not then open the window for the aftermarket fitment of 'wet dream' parts, albeit at a premium?

For some brands is for sure the factor but not all.

 

[sclass]

So are you saying that the guys driving around with AC Scnitzer sport suspensions aren't getting what they're paying for?

 

[moranor@axis]

i would use Meyle HD parts parts for thing that dont last long like lower control arm bushes... the rest is better to go for oem...

 

[P1000]

No, it would depend on what your design goal is. If it is to go fast round a track, you will compromise comfort, etc. The standard suspension has drastic measures to ensure it is stiffer under higher speeds, with complex dampers that change characteristics with frequency. This ensures a good balance between comfort and great handling, and a high price, but is quite difficult to design for. If comfort is not a goal, it is relatively easy to design it to go round a track well...

 

[Raybimmer]

Wet dreams - this not ST forum ....:roflol:

 

[sclass]

So before buying/fitting anything one must ask themselves what they are really after and not just fit because it's the 'in' thing? If I still had my E39 I might not deviate from OEM for the sake of preserving the ride comfort, but my E36 is only really comfortable on highways and other smoothly surfaced roads so there isn't much of a sacrifice for a huge impovement in roadholding...

---

Lol Ray!

 

[moranor@axis]

So before buying/fitting anything one must ask themselves what they are really after and not just fit because it's the 'in' thing? If I still had my E39 I might not deviate from OEM for the sake of preserving the ride comfort, but my E36 is only really comfortable on highways and other smoothly surfaced roads so there isn't much of a sacrifice for a huge impovement in roadholding...

this is the way :rollsmile: dont just go slapping parts on and think it will make it better...

 

[sclass]

Moranor@ Are you saying that with my current setup fitting strut braces and EBC brakes won't necessarily yield better results?

 

[moranor@axis]

strut braces are good yes... if you not getting brake fade now then just get EBC pads and run them on smooth disks...

 

[sclass]

Ok so realistically, with all these things available to install on a car, what do you really need for everyday road use just to get that little bit extra from you car, in terms of more 'go' more 'stop' more dynamic ability and I suppose safety?

 

[moranor@axis]

strut braces are good yes... the braces will stiffen the car making the body flex less improving handling and making your car stronger so it will be less suseptable to thing like distorted shock towers... you should also look on turner motorsport to see what they have to reinforce the car... i know there is also a front subframe brace that was fitted to the Ci this will help alot to stiffen it up...

if you not getting brake fade now then just get EBC pads and run them on smooth disks... the higher friction pads will give you better stopping power... unless you have over heating issues you wont need more...

 

[sclass]

Yes I've seen the Tuner Motorsport website, you can seemingly replace everything on a car with what they have! I like the idea of strut braces though and these will be on my shopping list soon hopefully. Are all braces the same or is there something specific one should be looking for? How come manufacturers don't fit them as standard to their sportier models?

 

[Raybimmer]

If I compare an e36 bmw of say 15 years old with a 5 year old car I still prefer the e36 . The package of acceleration , road holding , features , comfort etc was a good design . The replacement of all suspension rubbers would give a nearly as new ride . Our roads in SA are deteriorating so that a sports orientated suspension ( poly bushes )becomes harsh in normal driving .IMHO fitting a strut brace will help on the track , but may make the shell too rigid on our roads .Tyres are an example - they are better than a few years ago .