Suspension Quick Reference Thread

zeshon · 07-31-2008, 03:27 PM

Since we finally have a forum for suspension and brakes, it's time to crap it up with threads. First order of business is giving people a place to start. These are just a few things to get the ball rolling. Now that the E46 is a more affordable option for people, the community can only grow. We need quicker access to information so new people don't crap up the forum. This thread is for posting useful links to information about suspensions bother generally, and focused on the E46 chassis.

General Suspension Resources

E46 Suspension Information (Many thanks to JPR)

kuksul08 · 08-01-2008, 06:17 PM

very nice!

zeshon · 08-03-2008, 11:24 AM

I wish I could edit so I could add more as I go...

Arrows · 08-03-2008, 02:48 PM

You can always PM a mod to edit it.

jpr · 08-07-2008, 05:46 PM

simsima325 · 08-07-2008, 06:01 PM

great work guys! if you want to keep adding, I will add all the info to the initial post, and sticky both this thread and the brake info thread in this forum

keep up the great contributions!

jpr · 08-07-2008, 09:14 PM

Here's some more suspension goodness -

Swaybar noise solutions - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=380005

Sway bar upgrades using factory BMW parts - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=371422

BMW Performance Suspension Kit - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=537216

What coilovers perform the best while not slamming the car itself? - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=539125

Bulletproofing your Suspension: What next? - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=523207

** simsima325 - consolidation into the top post would be beneficial, thanks for offering to take care of that

zeshon · 08-12-2008, 09:57 AM

Oh JPR, you're the man!

jpr · 09-02-2008, 08:28 PM

Another goody - the epic thread on the correct way to seat the springs on the struts. The pictures expired in the first through post, but read the whole thing and you'll find them again - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=350079

zeshon · 09-08-2008, 11:14 PM

Here is a good thread for DIY KW installation.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...9&highlight=kw

zeshon · 12-28-2008, 10:54 PM

Do I need a front/rear strut tower bar?
Short answer : No
Long answer : If you have a few hundred to burn, then go ahead. The front bar has some minute effect, as does the rear. Putting in a front bar looks cool, and will have little/no negative impact on your vehicle. 323/328 vehicles need updated strut hats with longer studs. Rear bars take up trunk space, and don't do much. You will get mixed reviews, but as a whole they won't net you any real benifits.

roastbeef · 11-03-2009, 09:32 PM

where is the thread on how to get rid of the factory understeer? it had to do with alignment, camber, and toe adjustment. it was a good read, but now i can't find it.

edit; found it.
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...ory+understeer

Bob Ramberg · 06-22-2010, 11:57 AM

I was looking at the alignment specs and the alignment sheet from my dealer and it appears that my car (2002 330Ci) has toe-out on both the front and rear axles. Is this correct? Every other car I have had had toe-in, espcially in the rear. I have used toe-out for track events but not on the street.

Bob

jpr · 06-24-2010, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Ramberg

I was looking at the alignment specs and the alignment sheet from my dealer and it appears that my car (2002 330Ci) has toe-out on both the front and rear axles. Is this correct? Every other car I have had had toe-in, espcially in the rear. I have used toe-out for track events but not on the street.

Bob

Bob -
I believe you are misunderstanding the specs. Toe in is cited as a positive number, toe out is cited as a negative number. The toe specification for all E46's calls for toe-in front and rear.

Bob Ramberg · 06-26-2010, 10:27 AM

Thanks JPR for the quick response. I thought that would be the case but it pays to make sure. Unfortunately I now have to look for another cause of the squirrely handling that I have. I had the car aligned after I replaced the bushings and control arms. The car is a 2002 330ci with 55k miles, It has UUC rear trailing arm bushings and Powerflex front control arm bushings. I replaced the front control arms last summer. Tires are Goodyear F1 Asymetrical. The car trammels terribly. Uneven roads cause it to pull to the left or right, quite hard sometimes. In hard corners it is pretty stable. Not sure what the problem is.
Any suggestions where to look would be appreciated.

jpr · 07-04-2010, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Ramberg

Thanks JPR for the quick response. I thought that would be the case but it pays to make sure. Unfortunately I now have to look for another cause of the squirrely handling that I have. I had the car aligned after I replaced the bushings and control arms. The car is a 2002 330ci with 55k miles, It has UUC rear trailing arm bushings and Powerflex front control arm bushings. I replaced the front control arms last summer. Tires are Goodyear F1 Asymetrical. The car trammels terribly. Uneven roads cause it to pull to the left or right, quite hard sometimes. In hard corners it is pretty stable. Not sure what the problem is.
Any suggestions where to look would be appreciated.

Just because you got the alignment done does not necessarily mean that you got a good alignment done. If you haven't done so already, check out the links to alignment info in this thread, then if you've got a copy of your alignment report, post it in a new thread and we'll take a look at it.

kubi · 12-11-2010, 08:35 PM

I have 2002 330ci convertible and trying to replace the rear shocks. In the rrepair manual and couple of other sites say that we can reach the upper mount of the shock from the "top storage compartment". Where is it? Is at reachable from the trunk or where? Is it a big space and easy to work at?

Any help appaciated.

Thanks

Kubi

AlexD330 · 03-22-2012, 07:12 PM

... Good thread

Imola.ZHP · 07-11-2012, 05:42 PM

I would argue with the post about not needing a strut tower bar, my passenger side pinch weld has a hairline crack and a friend just had both of this fail...

Popped in here to hopefully find some information, I'll keep on searching...

irishpaul · 10-04-2012, 02:25 AM

Hi.. I'm no expert but I have had cars geo'd for track which can cause darting and / or tramlining

Check your settings against recommendations, specially camber and toe.

....and if you have lowered it a lit check caster

Check everything ;-)

Sent from my HTC Incredible S using Bimmer App

07-31-2008, 03:27 PM	#1
zeshon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Washington Posts: 1,361 My Ride: S/C 2000 328Ci View My Garage	Suspension Quick Reference Thread Since we finally have a forum for suspension and brakes, it's time to crap it up with threads. First order of business is giving people a place to start. These are just a few things to get the ball rolling. Now that the E46 is a more affordable option for people, the community can only grow. We need quicker access to information so new people don't crap up the forum. This thread is for posting useful links to information about suspensions bother generally, and focused on the E46 chassis. General Suspension Resources HowStuffWorks walkthrough of suspensions Swaybar Info E46 Suspension Information (Many thanks to JPR) Alignments ZHP Suspension Info Swaybar Settings Spring Color Info OEM Damper Info Suspension Reviews __________________ - Austin Favorite sponsors Bavarian Soundwerks \| Euro Spec Mods : Performance : Active Autowerkes Stage 1 C38 • New Subframe and TMS Rear Re-Enforcements • Upgraded VANOS seals • M3 Fuel Baffle • KW V2 • ZHP Control Arms • E60 Short Shifter • Sound : Bavarian Soundwereks Stage 2 • DICE iPod Link • Looks : Replica M3 Mirrors • Replica M3 Front Bumper • Matte Black Grillz • LED Signals Last edited by Solidjake; 01-18-2013 at 06:53 AM.

08-01-2008, 06:17 PM	#2
kuksul08 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: California Posts: 2,081 My Ride: M3 View My Garage	very nice! __________________ Look at that subtle jet-black coloring. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh my God, it even has a 6mt. S54 Valve Adjustment Spreadsheet & Info: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/28231781/S54...ent%20info.zip

08-03-2008, 11:24 AM	#3
zeshon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Washington Posts: 1,361 My Ride: S/C 2000 328Ci View My Garage	I wish I could edit so I could add more as I go... __________________ - Austin Favorite sponsors Bavarian Soundwerks \| Euro Spec Mods : Performance : Active Autowerkes Stage 1 C38 • New Subframe and TMS Rear Re-Enforcements • Upgraded VANOS seals • M3 Fuel Baffle • KW V2 • ZHP Control Arms • E60 Short Shifter • Sound : Bavarian Soundwereks Stage 2 • DICE iPod Link • Looks : Replica M3 Mirrors • Replica M3 Front Bumper • Matte Black Grillz • LED Signals

08-03-2008, 02:48 PM	#4
Arrows Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 42,105 My Ride: 2000 323i. View My Garage	You can always PM a mod to edit it. __________________ Amit For Sale: Gauge Rings: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=630213

08-07-2008, 05:46 PM	#5
jpr Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,005 My Ride: '99 323i View My Garage	Swaybar sizes - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=372138 Bilstein Shocks Explained - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=517995 Ride Height - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=492030 DIY Info - Control Arm Replacement - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=421918 Toe Alignment - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=459889 Camber Measurement - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=523203 TIS Info - BMW Spring/Strut/Shock Replacement Instructions - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=516827 Steering wheel jerking on rapid brake application - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=515143 Control Arm Ball Joint Info - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=515137 Broken Rear Spring TSB - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=496579 __________________ Handy Links Alignments ZHP Suspension My Suspension Swaybars BMW Springs BMW Dampers Brakes Brake Choices Cross Drilling Torque Specs Oil

08-07-2008, 06:01 PM	#6
simsima325 'a certain moderator' Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Hyattsville, MD Posts: 36,639 My Ride: Honda Civic View My Garage	great work guys! if you want to keep adding, I will add all the info to the initial post, and sticky both this thread and the brake info thread in this forum keep up the great contributions! __________________ -Brendan FS: 2004 Porsche 996 Turbo Cabriolet X50

08-07-2008, 09:14 PM	#7
jpr Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,005 My Ride: '99 323i View My Garage	Here's some more suspension goodness - Swaybar noise solutions - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=380005 Sway bar upgrades using factory BMW parts - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=371422 BMW Performance Suspension Kit - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=537216 What coilovers perform the best while not slamming the car itself? - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=539125 Bulletproofing your Suspension: What next? - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=523207 ** simsima325 - consolidation into the top post would be beneficial, thanks for offering to take care of that __________________ Handy Links Alignments ZHP Suspension My Suspension Swaybars BMW Springs BMW Dampers Brakes Brake Choices Cross Drilling Torque Specs Oil

08-12-2008, 09:57 AM	#8
zeshon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Washington Posts: 1,361 My Ride: S/C 2000 328Ci View My Garage	Oh JPR, you're the man! __________________ - Austin Favorite sponsors Bavarian Soundwerks \| Euro Spec Mods : Performance : Active Autowerkes Stage 1 C38 • New Subframe and TMS Rear Re-Enforcements • Upgraded VANOS seals • M3 Fuel Baffle • KW V2 • ZHP Control Arms • E60 Short Shifter • Sound : Bavarian Soundwereks Stage 2 • DICE iPod Link • Looks : Replica M3 Mirrors • Replica M3 Front Bumper • Matte Black Grillz • LED Signals

09-02-2008, 08:28 PM	#9
jpr Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,005 My Ride: '99 323i View My Garage	Another goody - the epic thread on the correct way to seat the springs on the struts. The pictures expired in the first through post, but read the whole thing and you'll find them again - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=350079 __________________ Handy Links Alignments ZHP Suspension My Suspension Swaybars BMW Springs BMW Dampers Brakes Brake Choices Cross Drilling Torque Specs Oil

09-08-2008, 11:14 PM	#10
zeshon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Washington Posts: 1,361 My Ride: S/C 2000 328Ci View My Garage	Here is a good thread for DIY KW installation. http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...9&highlight=kw __________________ - Austin Favorite sponsors Bavarian Soundwerks \| Euro Spec Mods : Performance : Active Autowerkes Stage 1 C38 • New Subframe and TMS Rear Re-Enforcements • Upgraded VANOS seals • M3 Fuel Baffle • KW V2 • ZHP Control Arms • E60 Short Shifter • Sound : Bavarian Soundwereks Stage 2 • DICE iPod Link • Looks : Replica M3 Mirrors • Replica M3 Front Bumper • Matte Black Grillz • LED Signals

12-28-2008, 10:54 PM	#11
zeshon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Washington Posts: 1,361 My Ride: S/C 2000 328Ci View My Garage	Do I need a front/rear strut tower bar? Short answer : No Long answer : If you have a few hundred to burn, then go ahead. The front bar has some minute effect, as does the rear. Putting in a front bar looks cool, and will have little/no negative impact on your vehicle. 323/328 vehicles need updated strut hats with longer studs. Rear bars take up trunk space, and don't do much. You will get mixed reviews, but as a whole they won't net you any real benifits. __________________ - Austin Favorite sponsors Bavarian Soundwerks \| Euro Spec Mods : Performance : Active Autowerkes Stage 1 C38 • New Subframe and TMS Rear Re-Enforcements • Upgraded VANOS seals • M3 Fuel Baffle • KW V2 • ZHP Control Arms • E60 Short Shifter • Sound : Bavarian Soundwereks Stage 2 • DICE iPod Link • Looks : Replica M3 Mirrors • Replica M3 Front Bumper • Matte Black Grillz • LED Signals

11-03-2009, 09:32 PM	#12
roastbeef Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: huntington beach, ca Posts: 1,129 My Ride: 325ci View My Garage	where is the thread on how to get rid of the factory understeer? it had to do with alignment, camber, and toe adjustment. it was a good read, but now i can't find it. edit; found it. http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...ory+understeer __________________ professional grade '02 nissan frontier rock crawler, and a 325 with a few add-ons. Last edited by roastbeef; 11-03-2009 at 09:36 PM.

06-22-2010, 11:57 AM	#13
Bob Ramberg Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Naperville, IL Posts: 45 My Ride: 2002 330Ci View My Garage	Toe-in or -out I was looking at the alignment specs and the alignment sheet from my dealer and it appears that my car (2002 330Ci) has toe-out on both the front and rear axles. Is this correct? Every other car I have had had toe-in, espcially in the rear. I have used toe-out for track events but not on the street. Bob

06-26-2010, 10:27 AM	#15
Bob Ramberg Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Naperville, IL Posts: 45 My Ride: 2002 330Ci View My Garage	Thanks JPR for the quick response. I thought that would be the case but it pays to make sure. Unfortunately I now have to look for another cause of the squirrely handling that I have. I had the car aligned after I replaced the bushings and control arms. The car is a 2002 330ci with 55k miles, It has UUC rear trailing arm bushings and Powerflex front control arm bushings. I replaced the front control arms last summer. Tires are Goodyear F1 Asymetrical. The car trammels terribly. Uneven roads cause it to pull to the left or right, quite hard sometimes. In hard corners it is pretty stable. Not sure what the problem is. Any suggestions where to look would be appreciated.

12-11-2010, 08:35 PM	#17
kubi Account Under Review Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: 43221 Posts: 1 My Ride: BMW 330Ci View My Garage	I have 2002 330ci convertible and trying to replace the rear shocks. In the rrepair manual and couple of other sites say that we can reach the upper mount of the shock from the "top storage compartment". Where is it? Is at reachable from the trunk or where? Is it a big space and easy to work at? Any help appaciated. Thanks Kubi

03-22-2012, 07:12 PM	#18
AlexD330 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: The Woodlands, TX Posts: 233 My Ride: 2003 BMW 330i View My Garage	Best Coilovers for Sedans? ... Good thread __________________ - AlexD330 - official.fm/djadub April Dub Mix Out NOW! Last edited by AlexD330; 03-22-2012 at 07:13 PM.

07-11-2012, 05:42 PM	#19
Imola.ZHP Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Mud Island, TN Posts: 1,145 My Ride: Imola ZHP View My Garage	I would argue with the post about not needing a strut tower bar, my passenger side pinch weld has a hairline crack and a friend just had both of this fail... Popped in here to hopefully find some information, I'll keep on searching... __________________ -- '03 330i ZHP -- Marcus

10-04-2012, 02:25 AM	#20
irishpaul Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: lancashire Posts: 2 My Ride: e46 diesel touring View My Garage	Hi.. I'm no expert but I have had cars geo'd for track which can cause darting and / or tramlining Check your settings against recommendations, specially camber and toe. ....and if you have lowered it a lit check caster Check everything ;-) Sent from my HTC Incredible S using Bimmer App

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