Decent budget suspension setups - e90 330xi

[Rabbitt]

Spring snapped today on front left, the broken part gouged the inner wheel edge and the tire... which was nice

Curious what decent setups you can get on a budget, don't want to go mad, but would be nice to get an improvement over stock so somewhere in between.

Car is a 2008 e90 330xi (272hp), looks like this limits things a bit being the xi.

Any suggestions welcome! Cheers

[d_a_n1979]

Rabbitt said:

Spring snapped today on front left, the broken part gouged the inner wheel edge and the tire... which was nice

Curious what decent setups you can get on a budget, don't want to go mad, but would be nice to get an improvement over stock so somewhere in between.

Car is a 2008 e90 330xi (272hp), looks like this limits things a bit being the xi.

Any suggestions welcome! Cheers

As you said; you need to ensure whatever you buy works with the Xi spec

For me, OEM shocks and Eibach pro-kit springs would be a superb replacement.

If you want to spend more; get the B12 kit and if you want coilovers; the best 'budget' coilovers would be BCs, nothing cheaper

Either way; ensure you pay the right person to fit them and set the car up properly etc

[Court_S]

Bilstein B4S dampers with Eibach pro’s has ended up being my go to set up. The parts are generally well priced and it works.

In comparison I’ve found the B12 kit a bit firm.

[InitialDave]

It's fifteen years old, so you'd probably see a decent improvement just from renewing everything with good quality standard spec components.

[Rabbitt]

Thanks for feedback so far, I was thinking of just using OEM parts but thought I might get some improvement for not much extra money.
The car has always been very stiff, maybe as the current suspension is seemingly pretty worn out, fair enough given the age and I don't know if it was replaced previously.

I will have a look at the options mentioned above today.

[d_a_n1979]

Rabbitt said:

Thanks for feedback so far, I was thinking of just using OEM parts but thought I might get some improvement for not much extra money.
The car has always been very stiff, maybe as the current suspension is seemingly pretty worn out, fair enough given the age and I don't know if it was replaced previously.

I will have a look at the options mentioned above today.

Different car I know but same principle. I ran my E39 530i Sports on OEM Sachs shocks but with Eibach Pro kit springs and the ride/handling was spot on...

Similar to what Sam's recommend re the Bilstein B4s etc

Compliant for the road but the springs are progressive, so stiffen up when the cars pushed etc

[Rabbitt]

d_a_n1979 said:

Rabbitt said:

Thanks for feedback so far, I was thinking of just using OEM parts but thought I might get some improvement for not much extra money.
The car has always been very stiff, maybe as the current suspension is seemingly pretty worn out, fair enough given the age and I don't know if it was replaced previously.

I will have a look at the options mentioned above today.

Different car I know but same principle. I ran my E39 530i Sports on OEM Sachs shocks but with Eibach Pro kit springs and the ride/handling was spot on...

Similar to what Sam's recommend re the Bilstein B4s etc

Compliant for the road but the springs are progressive, so stiffen up when the cars pushed etc

Thanks, that sounds good so will likely go that route.

Typical it happened as I was literally on the way to my mates to fix the PCV...

[helix402]

The E9x factory set up is very stiff. I wouldn’t recommend the B12 kit as found it still very stiff. Afraid I’ve never heard of budget decent kit for the E9x range. As others have mentioned new standard dampers and Eibach springs may be an improvement.

[Rabbitt]

Got the springs sorted, ended up with keeping standard shocks and getting eibach pro springs.

Now I noticed a leak thats dripping on the pipes and smoking/smelling, looks like its maybe the valve cover gasket?

I have a PCV problem im sure, it was making whistling noises and the pressure was high when lifting the oil cap when running, so I have the parts to fix this already, do you think it could be this making the leak worse? Is there a chance that fixing the PCV fixes the leak by relieving the pressure?

Or is that wishful thinking ha!

Can just make out a bit of smoke and can see the leak on the left side below the rusty bolt... one thing after another with this bloody car just now

[pmorg4]

Valve cover gaskets are very common on the N52/53/54 and probably just about every engine that has ever come out of Munich! PCV problems will certainly exacerbate any leak, but unless the gasket has been replaced previously you'll probably find the rubber has turned rock solid and hence isn't performing its sealing role as the engine expands and contracts over its temperature range.

[Court_S]

pmorg4 said:

Valve cover gaskets are very common on the N52/53/54 and probably just about every engine that has ever come out of Munich! PCV problems will certainly exacerbate any leak, but unless the gasket has been replaced previously you'll probably find the rubber has turned rock solid and hence isn't performing its sealing role as the engine expands and contracts over its temperature range.

And these engines run hot, really hot which I’m sure doesn’t help.

[Rabbitt]

Just seen the last replies, fixed the PCV I think, no more error codes or whine after relacing the membrane and alu cover.

Tightened up the bolts on the left side of the valve cover, so hoping this may seal it but will see how it goes, probably wishful thinking!

The bolts did turn about a quarter turn compared with the other side at similar pressure not moving, so fingers crossed!