Upgrading suspension to be more supple?

Mr. Monday · 11-12-2020, 03:27 AM

I have a 45k mile 3.0si coupe and I find the ride quite harsh. I know that most suspension upgrades improve handling but are there any suspension mods that will improve comfort?

garz747 · 11-12-2020, 08:15 AM

If youre on old rubber then fresh Michelin Pilots make a world of difference!I was originally on old continentals on my M and they rode like hockey pucks.

KevinC · 11-12-2020, 12:30 PM

Is it still on runflats? Going to "real" tires is a MASSIVE improvement.

wdb · 11-12-2020, 08:22 PM

Ditto both of the above.

Mr. Monday · 11-13-2020, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garz747

If youre on old rubber then fresh Michelin Pilots make a world of difference!I was originally on old continentals on my M and they rode like hockey pucks.

The run-flats are long gone, I'm currently running a set of Ventus V12 Evo2 and I'm pretty happy with them.

Are there any suspension mods that will improve handling with equal comfort?

Steeler · 11-13-2020, 02:28 PM

With 45k on the clock, the suspension should not be tired. However are the springs/shocks showing any signs of aging?

Perhaps a refresh would be in order.

What size wheels? 19" wheels will produce a harsher ride due to the shorter tire sidewall.

My non M is lowered with poly bushings everywhere and it is not a harsh ride.
Subjective I suppose.

wdb · 11-13-2020, 05:01 PM

Bilstein PSS9 coilovers have had some commentary indicating they can add suppleness. I have no personal experience, but they are currently at the top of my list when I get around to that part of things.

Mr. Monday · 11-14-2020, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbarton62

With 45k on the clock, the suspension should not be tired. However are the springs/shocks showing any signs of aging?

Perhaps a refresh would be in order.

What size wheels? 19" wheels will produce a harsher ride due to the shorter tire sidewall.

My non M is lowered with poly bushings everywhere and it is not a harsh ride.
Subjective I suppose.

The springs/shocks feel like new. The wheels are the same size as stock and I actually went for tires with more sidewall than stock. The ride isn't that harsh, but if I could improve it I would. The car gets upset by mid-corner bumps and doesn't feel that planted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdb

Bilstein PSS9 coilovers have had some commentary indicating they can add suppleness. I have no personal experience, but they are currently at the top of my list when I get around to that part of things.

Thanks for the suggestion, those look perfect.

westunion2007 · 11-14-2020, 08:55 AM

I just got a Z4C 3.0si as well, and I also found the ride to be quite harsh especially on the long drive home. It's got 77k miles and the PPI did not note any suspension items that were worn out.

I can't tell if it's the early electric power steering or what, but there's a lot of play at speed going over bumps. Not really sure how to describe it -- the previous owner thought it was tramlining, but to me it just feels like the steering is too loose.

And yeah, the bumps are quite jarring compared to my C6.

Gamb1t · 11-14-2020, 03:26 PM

Suppleness is quite subjective. The e85's short wheelbase will be a bit jittery on undulation during mid-corners. I would ease the gas and progressively throttle-in after the apex. I once spun the rears (was able to recover no probs) when I was early apexing with the 3.0i.

I don't find the e85 a rackety car like a Mitsu EVO or old Miata. If you are experience such harshness, I am wondering if your car was a rebuilt? Chassis compromise due to a major accident will result in all sorts of scuttle and harshness over time.

Taller side wall tires will help with soaking in road imperfection.

Mr. Monday · 11-14-2020, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by westunion2007

I just got a Z4C 3.0si as well, and I also found the ride to be quite harsh especially on the long drive home. It's got 77k miles and the PPI did not note any suspension items that were worn out.

I can't tell if it's the early electric power steering or what, but there's a lot of play at speed going over bumps. Not really sure how to describe it -- the previous owner thought it was tramlining, but to me it just feels like the steering is too loose.

And yeah, the bumps are quite jarring compared to my C6.

Agreed, I would like to switch to the Z4M hydraulic rack at some point since the steering is pretty vague.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamb1t

Suppleness is quite subjective. The e85's short wheelbase will be a bit jittery on undulation during mid-corners. I would ease the gas and progressively throttle-in after the apex. I once spun the rears (was able to recover no probs) when I was early apexing with the 3.0i.

I don't find the e85 a rackety car like a Mitsu EVO or old Miata. If you are experience such harshness, I am wondering if your car was a rebuilt? Chassis compromise due to a major accident will result in all sorts of scuttle and harshness over time.

Taller side wall tires will help with soaking in road imperfection.

It's not terrible but I'm wondering if it can be improved with better coilovers. We're basically sitting on the rear axle so that can't help.

I am rubbing slightly under high compression since I switched to tires with more sidewall than stock.

meh92 · 05-16-2021, 07:41 PM

Simply ditching the run-flats and installing Michelin PS 4S tires really made a difference in comfort on my '07 3.0si.

11-12-2020, 03:27 AM	#1
Mr. Monday New Member 1 Rep 21 Posts Drives: Z4C 3.0si 6mt Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Upgrading suspension to be more supple? I have a 45k mile 3.0si coupe and I find the ride quite harsh. I know that most suspension upgrades improve handling but are there any suspension mods that will improve comfort?
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11-12-2020, 08:15 AM	#2
garz747 Captain 286 Rep 679 Posts Drives: 07 Z4MC 01 330i 18 X3 M40i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	If youre on old rubber then fresh Michelin Pilots make a world of difference!I was originally on old continentals on my M and they rode like hockey pucks.
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11-12-2020, 12:30 PM	#3
KevinC your average JAMF 3094 Rep 4,092 Posts Drives: '21 M2 Comp, '19 Golf R Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cochise County, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 VW Golf R [0.00] 2021 BMW M2 Competi ... [0.00]	Is it still on runflats? Going to "real" tires is a MASSIVE improvement. __________________ '21 M2 Comp '19 Golf R
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11-12-2020, 08:22 PM	#4
wdb dances with roads 4718 Rep 4,094 Posts Drives: '07 E86, '02 996, '95 Seven Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: the perimeter iTrader: (4)	Ditto both of the above.
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11-13-2020, 02:28 PM	#6
Steeler Colonel 2428 Rep 2,704 Posts Drives: Built not Bought 04 Z4 VF Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Kitchener Ontario Canada iTrader: (2)	With 45k on the clock, the suspension should not be tired. However are the springs/shocks showing any signs of aging? Perhaps a refresh would be in order. What size wheels? 19" wheels will produce a harsher ride due to the shorter tire sidewall. My non M is lowered with poly bushings everywhere and it is not a harsh ride. Subjective I suppose. __________________ W2A Intercooled Vortech V3Si, custom ducting, Alpha N, 60# Bosch,2.62 pulley, multi port WMI, Severn Tuning(pokeybritches), Tial, magnaflow,SS race muffler, 42 design,3.91LSD, H&R, Hotchkis,ST coils,Konis, Megan camber arms, AKG SS, Nylon mounts, Poly bushings, Carbon interior, CF Aero.APEX
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11-13-2020, 05:01 PM	#7
wdb dances with roads 4718 Rep 4,094 Posts Drives: '07 E86, '02 996, '95 Seven Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: the perimeter iTrader: (4)	Bilstein PSS9 coilovers have had some commentary indicating they can add suppleness. I have no personal experience, but they are currently at the top of my list when I get around to that part of things.
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11-14-2020, 08:55 AM	#9
westunion2007 Enlisted Member 18 Rep 40 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kansas iTrader: (0)	I just got a Z4C 3.0si as well, and I also found the ride to be quite harsh especially on the long drive home. It's got 77k miles and the PPI did not note any suspension items that were worn out. I can't tell if it's the early electric power steering or what, but there's a lot of play at speed going over bumps. Not really sure how to describe it -- the previous owner thought it was tramlining, but to me it just feels like the steering is too loose. And yeah, the bumps are quite jarring compared to my C6.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-14-2020, 03:26 PM	#10
Gamb1t Major 598 Rep 1,343 Posts Drives: 330i,X1,Z4,Solstice GXP, RX-8 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Canukistan iTrader: (0)	Suppleness is quite subjective. The e85's short wheelbase will be a bit jittery on undulation during mid-corners. I would ease the gas and progressively throttle-in after the apex. I once spun the rears (was able to recover no probs) when I was early apexing with the 3.0i. I don't find the e85 a rackety car like a Mitsu EVO or old Miata. If you are experience such harshness, I am wondering if your car was a rebuilt? Chassis compromise due to a major accident will result in all sorts of scuttle and harshness over time. Taller side wall tires will help with soaking in road imperfection.
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05-16-2021, 07:41 PM	#12
meh92 New Member 2 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0si Roadster Join Date: May 2021 Location: NE Ohio iTrader: (0)	Simply ditching the run-flats and installing Michelin PS 4S tires really made a difference in comfort on my '07 3.0si.
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