Review: M3, V8 Suspension Conversion for 335 (Updated)

444YYY

Honorary ///Member
Twins, just a thought, if you put those bilsteins springs and dampers onto an M3, would you get the same harsh ride?

On another note, is the subframe of the E90 M3 and E90 335i different? I would assume them to be the exact same thing?
 

Twinz

Forum - Support
Staff member
No idea, how the bilsteins would perform on the M3; i would assume the M3 stock suspension is competent enough and would not need an aftermarket kit.

There maybe subtle subframe differences...??
 

Rennzport

BMWFanatics Advertiser
Official Advertiser
An m3 already has a harsher ride.
With 3 way adjustable coilovers, you can maintain that ride.
Obviously if you decide to slam it, it will be harder.

We are ordering kw v3 for a customers e92 m3, so he can report back.

Also fitting kw v1 to an e46 m3.
 

Twinz

Forum - Support
Staff member
IMPORTANT UPDATE: 3/17/2013

When I completed this review, I had mixed feelings about this conversion. I recommended it for track use but not for road use because my first experience of the conversion was that it was a terribly harsh and unpredictable drive on the road.

During December 2012, I fitted Vossen wheels on my car and noticed that the Hotchkis adjustable sway bar links were worn and leaky.

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Instead of ordering a new adjustable kit from Hotchkis I decided to re-install the M3 sway bar links front & rear AND the M3 front tension struts and control arms. The M3 sway bars, and suspension bushings were already installed and were working well.

For ease of reference here are the M3 parts. These parts are a direct fitment and no modification on the 335 is required.

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After installing the parts we readjusted the ride height a few times and a couple of wheel alignment visits later, I was surprised at the outcome.

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NEW OUTCOME:

* The harshness was gone and I attribute this to the better ride height that we chose (front & rear) and secondly the NON run flat tyres of the latest superb FALKEN AZENIS FK453. See the review here: http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=39399

* The bounciness was gone too as a direct result of the better suspension height. I also flared the fenders to allow the 20inch Vossens to fit (CV3 20 x 9 - 5 x 120 - ET35; CV3 20 x 10.5 - 5 x 120 - ET42)

* As with the first installation experience the precise & direct steering was back!

* I am glad the second attempt with the M3 suspension parts has turned out well, this time round.

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moranor@axis

///Member
Official Advertiser
Twinz you wont believe how many people make this mistake... just because the coilovers can go low does not mean its a good idea...

I always advise that people look at where the high quality spring sit for a guideline of what drop is best...

too low and the control arms sit at the wrong angles causeing all sorts of nasties :yuck:
 
J

Josh-ZN

Guest
is it just me or does that car look more amazing with each new photoshoot!?
 

Twinz

Forum - Support
Staff member
Moranor, i totally agree. Low is not always ideal for a good quality ride although it may look cool...

Josh, you are just getting used to the car...:=):
 

Photokid

New member
will it not be easier to replace the entire rear suspension (diff, brakes, arms) with that of the M as you will then have the LSD too?
 

Twinz

Forum - Support
Staff member
Photokid said:
will it not be easier to replace the entire rear suspension (diff, brakes, arms) with that of the M as you will then have the LSD too?

* Already have the M3 arms as you can see in the first post.
* Already have the wavetrac LSD.
* 335 Brakes are seriously sharp if you upgrade to the ER brake lines - Done. I found no need for bigger calipers with the line upgrade. There is something else done to the front brakes as well - for another review :=):
 

boost3d

Honorary ///Member
Bumping this thread, as i would like to see who else has attempted this retrofit to their car...
 

moranor@axis

///Member
Official Advertiser
good info here :rollsmile:

as a side note Powerflex now make diff bushes for this car and also the anti squat subframe bushes
 

boost3d

Honorary ///Member
moranor@axis said:
good info here :rollsmile:

as a side note Powerflex now make diff bushes for this car and also the anti squat subframe bushes

Enlighten us some more good sir, what do these cost...

i had poly bushes in my E36 , but i didnt enjoy the squeaking sound they made....
 

moranor@axis

///Member
Official Advertiser
Boosted@TheFanatics said:
moranor@axis said:
good info here :rollsmile:

as a side note Powerflex now make diff bushes for this car and also the anti squat subframe bushes

Enlighten us some more good sir, what do these cost...

i had poly bushes in my E36 , but i didnt enjoy the squeaking sound they made....

what polly did you have? I have full powerflex on the e46 with 0 squeaks :)
 
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