[danatk]

bI've replaced my 325i SE with a 330i SE, but the 330i has the sport suspension option. I like the improved handling but ride quality is nasty on the torn up London roads.

I've been reading the forums and it looks like i have two options to improve the situation:

1. Ditch the runflats

2. Install aftermarket shocks, e.g. Koni FSD

I'd like to get opinions on which of these will make the greatest improvement in ride quality over poor surfaces. Or maybe I should do both?

thanks,
Dan.

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

Both IMO

[335i4u2nv]

ya both... y only go half the distance

[danatk]

well, having just splurged on the new car, if i want to do both upgrades then i will need to sell some of my wife's stuff on ebay lol

so, by doing one mod first i may save my nads from her wrath - in which case which is going to be the more effective?

[Xeloj]

Sports Suspension is pretty stiff. Get after market shocks for sure.

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

Originally Posted by Xeloj

Sports Suspension is pretty stiff. Get after market shocks for sure.

+1

It'll will be more cost efficent to say the least

[danatk]

yeah that's what i was thinking, plus i'm not 100% sure about ditching the runflats - i can put up with the tramlining etc, the crashing over potholes etc is what i don't like....

thanks guys

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

^Ha very true.

[gloster]

I have the sport package w/sport suspension option. I had the OEM wheels/tires from July 1 when I picked up my car until I put the winter tire/wheels on in early November.

I do not notice any improvement or reduction in ride quality with my winter wheels with non-run flat tires.

[danatk]

Originally Posted by gloster

I have the sport package w/sport suspension option. I had the OEM wheels/tires from July 1 when I picked up my car until I put the winter tire/wheels on in early November.

I do not notice any improvement or reduction in ride quality with my winter wheels with non-run flat tires.

hmm interesting, i've read other posts saying it's like night and day when you switch to non-runflats...greatly improved ride and no tramlining, skipping over poor surfaces etc..

still, i'm gonna upgrade the shocks first and see where that gets me.....

[LI E90]

I have sports pckg with stock tires, suspension, the ride is firm but definetly not harsh

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by danatk

yeah that's what i was thinking, plus i'm not 100% sure about ditching the runflats - i can put up with the tramlining etc, the crashing over potholes etc is what i don't like....

thanks guys

I would say the crashing over potholes is more from the RF tires than the shocks.

My 330xi had the 18" summer performance RF tires and while the handling was great, the one thing I did not care for at all was this.

Even when I had winter RFs on, the crashing was substantially diminished.

[danatk]

Originally Posted by LI E90

I have sports pckg with stock tires, suspension, the ride is firm but definetly not harsh

I think it depends what you're used to....i drove the non-sport e90 for 2.5 years so moving to sport is noticeably firmer to the point where i feel like doing something about it.

Maybe I would get used to it with time, but if I can pay a few hundred for aftermarket shocks that will give me a more comfortable ride and equal or better handling then it's an easy decision...

[stressdoc]

Change tires first. No brainer.

[RokX]

+1 with the tires. I have the sport suspension, and I switched from my stock RFT's to BBS CH 19's with Goodyear Eagle F1's. I definitely noticed a difference in the ride after I put those on.

[gunner]

Stay out of the potholes. That will improve your ride and won't cost anything.

Just kidding. My E90 w/sport is firm but I've come to really like it. The roads around here can get pretty rough too but I much prefer it to my old Pontiac ride

My 330i had snow tires on it when I got it and the dealer swapped them for OEM Bridgestone runflats. I noticed a big difference. The runflats were much better! The Kumho snowtires were brutal!

Scott

[danatk]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Change tires first. No brainer.

Well, i'm no fan of runflats but this is a family car so the safety aspect is appealing. More importantly, with no room for a spare i'd be a bit concerned with only a mobility kit for cover, especially on long trips through Europe that we do once or twice a year.

What i'm thinking is that if the new shocks bring the ride to an acceptable level of comfort then i will keep the RFTs and be happy on all counts....

[danatk]

Originally Posted by gunner

Stay out of the potholes. That will improve your ride and won't cost anything.

Just kidding. My E90 w/sport is firm but I've come to really like it. The roads around here can get pretty rough too but I much prefer it to my old Pontiac ride

Scott

The potholes are ok really, i do tend to drive round them - the problem here in London is that the city waterworks were put in during victorian times and are falling to pieces, therefore the roads are constantly being ripped up for pipework repairs. This is great news for keeping our water supply going but leaves scars all over the roads that you simply can't avoid. My daily commute is 7 miles each way through these conditions...

When I get out of town the sport suspension is superb - hopefully i can make these mods and get it comfy in the city too...

[equ]

I'd definitely do tires first. How about pirelli p-zero neros (M+S)? Here in the US they are decently priced, great for 3 seasons, passable for an English winter.. I had them on my s4 and think they're great for daily driving (are you really going to go to the track?).

The question I'm grappling with is, do I ditch my runflats while they're still new?

[johnc_22]

Originally Posted by equ

I'd definitely do tires first. How about pirelli p-zero neros (M+S)? Here in the US they are decently priced, great for 3 seasons, passable for an English winter.. I had them on my s4 and think they're great for daily driving (are you really going to go to the track?).

The question I'm grappling with is, do I ditch my runflats while they're still new?

I'm keeping mine until they're worn and hoping for better alternatives that are still RFT.

Michelin is selling PS2 ZP (zero pressure) RFT's now and some folks have had them delivered as OEM tires but I haven't heard anyone with direct experience comparing the ride quality between those and the Bridgestones that have traditionally been delivered with the sports package.

I had the Pirelli M+S on a Viggen a few years ago and they were great and they are now available in a run flat but again who knows how they ride as a run flat?

The new RFT's from Michelin and Pirelli are too new on TireRack to have any reviews. I'm anxiously awaiting reports as I've probably only got another 10K on the OEM RFT's and then will have to do something.

[calle_enell]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Change tires first. No brainer.

+1 Get a set of PS2s. Much better ride and less noice.

No need to swap stock suspension as the sport set up is really great. (Try an A4 S-line and you'll see what hard and bumpy can feel like) The E90 Sports package is a wonder of comfort.

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by equ

I'd definitely do tires first. How about pirelli p-zero neros (M+S)? Here in the US they are decently priced, great for 3 seasons, passable for an English winter.. I had them on my s4 and think they're great for daily driving (are you really going to go to the track?).

The question I'm grappling with is, do I ditch my runflats while they're still new?

Bought my 335I in Palm Beach Florida - drove 1600 miles on the RFT's - no complaints.

Shipped the car to New York City (my home) got rid of the Run Flats after 2 weeks - replaced them with P_Zero Nero M&S - night and day. After 2 miserable weeks with the RFTs in NYC I was prepared to get rid of the car.

Posted my concerns on e90Post and several members suggested ditching the RFTs.

I am interested in the Koni M&S. I would like to hear from someone who has installed them on 1 335I Cabriolet.

CA