BMW M140i - Best upgrade suspension?
Discussion
Thinking of starting to make some mods to our 2019 M140i and the suspension would seem to be the obvious starting point.
The car is a daily driver and has standard suspension, not the active type.
I wouldnt want anything firmer than whats there now.
Am i right in thinking the Bilstein B12 kit is the way to go?
I've also heard good reports of the Birds setup but its pricey and not sure if its better?
The car is a daily driver and has standard suspension, not the active type.
I wouldnt want anything firmer than whats there now.
Am i right in thinking the Bilstein B12 kit is the way to go?
I've also heard good reports of the Birds setup but its pricey and not sure if its better?
What is your desired outcome of the suspension mods?
Better ride quality, more comfort, better track performance, lower ride height, adjustability, etc.?
If you want adjustability, then the Bilstein B16 or KW V3 kits are great - and you can set them up to your specific needs (height/bump/rebound) and have crank the settings up/down depending on the weather/road/track conditions.
Better ride quality, more comfort, better track performance, lower ride height, adjustability, etc.?
If you want adjustability, then the Bilstein B16 or KW V3 kits are great - and you can set them up to your specific needs (height/bump/rebound) and have crank the settings up/down depending on the weather/road/track conditions.
The B12 kit is the defacto choice for many especially because it can be picked up for sensible cash from the likes of Autodoc. I had the B8 dampers on mine with H+R springs and it was noticeably better than stock but could have been better.
The Birds set up gets really good reviews if you have the cash. I had their B1 set up on my 130i which was noticeably better than the B12 on my mates 125i which I though was very firm in comparison despite bing on 17’s versus the 18’s on my car. Some say Birds suspension is too soft for track use, but in the road I was massively impressed.
If yours is a five door, the underbody brace is worth adding too especially since it’s only £140 from Williams Performance.
The Birds set up gets really good reviews if you have the cash. I had their B1 set up on my 130i which was noticeably better than the B12 on my mates 125i which I though was very firm in comparison despite bing on 17’s versus the 18’s on my car. Some say Birds suspension is too soft for track use, but in the road I was massively impressed.
If yours is a five door, the underbody brace is worth adding too especially since it’s only £140 from Williams Performance.
Deep Thought said:
I wouldnt want anything firmer than whats there now.
Am i right in thinking the Bilstein B12 kit is the way to go?
I would suggest not, B4’s would be the best fit with keeping it similar to how it rides now Am i right in thinking the Bilstein B12 kit is the way to go?
That and new MSport springs from bilstein or others and new improved top/bottom mounts
That will transform it yet keep it still pliant and good for general road use
mmm-five said:
What is your desired outcome of the suspension mods?
Better ride quality, more comfort, better track performance, lower ride height, adjustability, etc.?
If you want adjustability, then the Bilstein B16 or KW V3 kits are great - and you can set them up to your specific needs (height/bump/rebound) and have crank the settings up/down depending on the weather/road/track conditions.
Apologies.Better ride quality, more comfort, better track performance, lower ride height, adjustability, etc.?
If you want adjustability, then the Bilstein B16 or KW V3 kits are great - and you can set them up to your specific needs (height/bump/rebound) and have crank the settings up/down depending on the weather/road/track conditions.
I should have been more explicit.
The car is used as a daily driver and fast road use.
Better handling is paramount, ideally with better ride comfort, but at very least the ride comfort cannot be worse (as its pretty crap as is).
Court_S said:
The B12 kit is the defacto choice for many especially because it can be picked up for sensible cash from the likes of Autodoc. I had the B8 dampers on mine with H+R springs and it was noticeably better than stock but could have been better.
The Birds set up gets really good reviews if you have the cash. I had their B1 set up on my 130i which was noticeably better than the B12 on my mates 125i which I though was very firm in comparison despite bing on 17’s versus the 18’s on my car. Some say Birds suspension is too soft for track use, but in the road I was massively impressed.
If yours is a five door, the underbody brace is worth adding too especially since it’s only £140 from Williams Performance.
Thanks for your insightThe Birds set up gets really good reviews if you have the cash. I had their B1 set up on my 130i which was noticeably better than the B12 on my mates 125i which I though was very firm in comparison despite bing on 17’s versus the 18’s on my car. Some say Birds suspension is too soft for track use, but in the road I was massively impressed.
If yours is a five door, the underbody brace is worth adding too especially since it’s only £140 from Williams Performance.
Underbody brace already fitted.
Earthdweller said:
Deep Thought said:
I wouldnt want anything firmer than whats there now.
Am i right in thinking the Bilstein B12 kit is the way to go?
I would suggest not, B4’s would be the best fit with keeping it similar to how it rides now Am i right in thinking the Bilstein B12 kit is the way to go?
That and new MSport springs from bilstein or others and new improved top/bottom mounts
That will transform it yet keep it still pliant and good for general road use
Are the top and bottom mounts Bilstein also?
Deep Thought said:
Earthdweller said:
Deep Thought said:
I wouldnt want anything firmer than whats there now.
Am i right in thinking the Bilstein B12 kit is the way to go?
I would suggest not, B4’s would be the best fit with keeping it similar to how it rides now Am i right in thinking the Bilstein B12 kit is the way to go?
That and new MSport springs from bilstein or others and new improved top/bottom mounts
That will transform it yet keep it still pliant and good for general road use
Are the top and bottom mounts Bilstein also?
140 owner here with the Brids suspension.
Low speed it is very slightly crashy - and I mean slightly - but medium and upwards I'd say the ride is actually vastly improved (as well as being far more competent).
A lot of people go for the B12s, I can't comment on comfort for them but people certainly rate them as great value for money.
Low speed it is very slightly crashy - and I mean slightly - but medium and upwards I'd say the ride is actually vastly improved (as well as being far more competent).
A lot of people go for the B12s, I can't comment on comfort for them but people certainly rate them as great value for money.
B12 on mine, I think they’re the best compromise between cost and handling improvements.
Better ride comfort than OEM but the most noticeable improvement, for me at least, was what I’d describe as better ‘wheel control’ or reduced hopping/bouncing at the rear. Difficult to describe but I’d 100% recommend the set up.
Suggest changing the rear bump-stops to M-Performance versions also, part number 33536859769
My ride height dropped less than 10mm on the B12, a real plus point for me.
Birds B1 might be better but the cost difference is significant.
Better ride comfort than OEM but the most noticeable improvement, for me at least, was what I’d describe as better ‘wheel control’ or reduced hopping/bouncing at the rear. Difficult to describe but I’d 100% recommend the set up.
Suggest changing the rear bump-stops to M-Performance versions also, part number 33536859769
My ride height dropped less than 10mm on the B12, a real plus point for me.
Birds B1 might be better but the cost difference is significant.
Edited by swanny71 on Friday 18th November 20:03
swanny71 said:
B12 on mine, I think they’re the best compromise between cost and handling improvements.
Better ride comfort than OEM but the most noticeable improvement, for me at least, was what I’d describe as better ‘wheel control’ or reduced hopping/bouncing at the rear. Difficult to describe but I’d 100% recommend the set up.
Suggest changing the rear bump-stops to M-Performance versions also, part number 33536859769
My ride height dropped less than 10mm on the B12, a real plus point for me.
Birds B1 might be better but the cost difference is significant.
I'm still drawn back to the B12 setup.Better ride comfort than OEM but the most noticeable improvement, for me at least, was what I’d describe as better ‘wheel control’ or reduced hopping/bouncing at the rear. Difficult to describe but I’d 100% recommend the set up.
Suggest changing the rear bump-stops to M-Performance versions also, part number 33536859769
My ride height dropped less than 10mm on the B12, a real plus point for me.
Birds B1 might be better but the cost difference is significant.
Edited by swanny71 on Friday 18th November 20:03
Everything you're describing there is exactly what i want.
Deep Thought said:
It's the same thing, just jointly marketed due to Bilstein making the damper and Eibach making the springs!You'll also find a slightly sportier kit called the 'Sport-Kit' instead of 'Pro-Kit'
Bilstein B14’s on mine it’s a massive improvement over stock. No less comfortable but much more capable through the twisites and more so the rear is planted over bumps unlike the standard bouncing about all over the place. Iv also done chassis brace, m4 LCA’s and some polly bushes as I track mine and it’s a completely transformed car.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/1-series/...
I don't think their engine map is warranty friendly anymore so there is zero reason to go for a Birds remap when BM3/MHD are a tenth of the price.
The handling package though, I have no regrets.
I don't think their engine map is warranty friendly anymore so there is zero reason to go for a Birds remap when BM3/MHD are a tenth of the price.
The handling package though, I have no regrets.
mooseracer said:
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/1-series/...
I don't think their engine map is warranty friendly anymore so there is zero reason to go for a Birds remap when BM3/MHD are a tenth of the price.
The handling package though, I have no regrets.
That assumes that all maps are born equal - I don't know for sure but the Birds map on my 340i isn't just a case of turning up the boost. It's a proper job that means a linear torque curve all the way to the redline. I don't think their engine map is warranty friendly anymore so there is zero reason to go for a Birds remap when BM3/MHD are a tenth of the price.
The handling package though, I have no regrets.
I say this on every thread of this nature but as others say above, just take it to Birds. My 340i was entirely transformed by what they did to it - suspension, diff and remap. It's an entirely different car and superior in every single way to the standard set up.
Edited by b14 on Sunday 20th November 21:33
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