How do I get my 318iS to handle LIKE NEW!

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Royalratch
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Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:52 pm

Hello again guys.

Big respect to Brianmoooore for being on point everytime - cheers javascript:emoticon(':cool:')

The latest 318iS question.

To get factory fresh handling (not super sharp track racing just new and tight) is it better to use solid bushes all round instead of the semi-soild E30 stock one's?

What difference does the E36/E30 M3 eccentric bush make as a post to centered?

Anyone tried Powerflex or Delrin bushes - I've heard they are good but too harsh for everyday use.

Respect!
oze30
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Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:58 pm

Solid are better, though they might be harder ti fit initially. POly bush are apparently fantastic if you can handle the noise.

The M3 bush means it fixes the camber change when you lower it ( thinks I should have got these when I did mine!)

My 2p worth, but then again, I have just done my whole front end ( lower arms, top mounts f/r, new bush, new bilstein inverted shocks [front]) now just need to get the track ends changed for new, new rear shocks. my rear subframe had the bushes replaced last yr, so im guessing they're still good!
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Royalratch
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Tue Oct 31, 2006 5:23 pm

Regarding the M3 camber fix when lowered, you mean if you fit lower suspension?

How would it affect the stock MTEC 318iS set-up?
320Touring
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Tue Oct 31, 2006 5:25 pm

If you just replace all the stock items for new then she'll handle like new.

TB the stock MTech setup is plenty handy on the road.I've recently moved to an iS after my touring, and the difference in grip is very noticable
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Ziggy
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Tue Oct 31, 2006 5:26 pm

Erm... maybe a silly question but if you want it to handle like it did when it came out of the factory, why not just fit standard stuff? I've gone for poly eccentric bushes etc on mine, but I wasn't trying to make it like standard... :?
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Royalratch
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Tue Oct 31, 2006 5:33 pm

I mean handle / ride like factory but perhaps take advantage of superior stuff if it's availabe - just not go too far hence the questions about poly stuff etc.

Seems like regular or solid is the way to go...
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Tue Oct 31, 2006 9:16 pm

The poly Eccentric control arm bushes don't any harshness at all, they are simply too small to make a difference.

Whether you go for Poly or OE, the eccentrics are a must have.

H&R Springs with Bilstein shocks will do wonders ...... and this is no exageration.

This route is expensive and there are other routes which are almost as good.

KW do a fantastic suspension kit which retails for Ԛ£325. So far very impressed with KW suspension.

Sal
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Royalratch
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Tue Oct 31, 2006 9:42 pm

Eccentrics it is. E30 M3 or E36. Thanks to all.
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borat
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Wed Nov 01, 2006 8:17 am

oze30 wrote: The M3 bush means it fixes the camber change when you lower it ( thinks I should have got these when I did mine!)
ay? you talking about the M3 spec eccentic CAB? if so Im pretty sure camber deson't change. The caster, however does change, increasing high speed stability.
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Wed Nov 01, 2006 8:39 am

As already advised the Bilstein B12 kit is a good bet...otherwise if money allows go for the B8 and Eibach springs...can be obtained from several suppliers in London for sensible money...its all relative as they are better quality than other alternatives..depends on where you are in London as to good value installation
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Kos
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Wed Nov 01, 2006 1:34 pm

as what most here have said, bilstein and some good springs ( this i what i have doen to mine ) but change all the bushes as most will be very worn by now, ARB links, ratck rod ends aswell may be worth it


mine is a little harsh, but you only feel it on crap bumpy roads, other than that its is fantastic
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Wed Nov 01, 2006 1:41 pm

320Touring wrote:If you just replace all the stock items for new then she'll handle like new.

TB the stock MTech setup is plenty handy on the road.I've recently moved to an iS after my touring, and the difference in grip is very noticable
I agree with 320 touring - mine handled good but was a bit sloppy - changed the Bilstein shocks for new ones and all the links, bushes and mounts for proper original items.....(not neceesarily from BMW)...

And Oh my god - the car felt better than a few newer cars ive driven - Crisp turn in and no roll and car just responded to little touches - PERFECT!!!

.....If only my forrest gump little bro hant took it out for a test drive a few days later and piled it into some railings!!!!..... :cry: :cry:
robsy
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Wed Nov 01, 2006 1:46 pm

and dont forget the ball joints too!!
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