[Ridiculous]

Hey everyone, just ordered my 4th BMW... I've been on these forums with my e92 N54, an N63 e71, and most recently a 35d e70, but I've now chosen a 2015 MSport F10 535i Xdrive model without the dynamic handling package, and after spending some time on these boards, I think it might make sense to add a set of stiffer springs, or do something to the suspension to make the ride a bit sportier.

Hoping to take delivery of the car next week. Would love to get some info on different suspension options and any advice that you guys would have for someone getting this car, suspension wise. This is a daily driver, I commute a total of 65 miles a day in traffic, so retaining comfort is still pretty important to me. Thanks in advance for the advice!

[valbmw]

Hi and congratulations! For the F-10 no DHP the best suspension upgrade will be: upgrade of the sway bars and installation of sport springs. For the sway bars please see this thread: http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthre...ht=M5+sway+bar and example how to order the whole upgrade kit: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-F10-535...Bar/ES2702862/. For the sport springs, H&R or Eibach are recommended, ask local distributor or BMW tuning shop to help you ordering the proper part number.

[ezmaass]

I'd drive it a bit before deciding. If "LI" is Long Island in your location (born and raised, myself), I know the roads can be a complete mess in many areas. The standard suspension is a bit soft on the F10, but going to an after-market stiffer sport suspension for a DD there may also be a too punishing. Maybe you want to drive it around for a few weeks after delivery to judge?

That said, DHP is really THE best option. It's THAT good that I'd seriously consider talking to your dealer about not taking delivery of the car you're expecting and finding a replacement with DHP instead.

[SonicEndeavor]

Get high quality springs. AC Schnitzer (aka ACS) springs are amongst the best available, then drive the car for a few months. If after that initial period you feel you need sway bars, then you can consider them but creating a tighter coupling between the two sides of the car will decrease ride comfort on rough roads.

[Ridiculous]

Thanks for the feedback. I definitely intend to drive the car on stock suspension for at least a week or two after I take delivery. I've driven plenty of F10s (loaners mostly) and there's nothing bad about the soft ride, I find it quite comfortable actually, but without the dynamic control, I agree, you do sacrifice some of the sportiness.

That being said, I'm working direcrly with a close friend at a dealership and this is the car I'm going to comit to. The deal is right and the car has other options that I am very happy with, i.e. lighting package, msport, cold weather, etc.

Anyway, seeing as it's an Xi, a slight drop couldn't hurt the aesthetics. Happy to read more feedback from the group, and thanks again for all of the responses!

[Ridiculous]

would be awesome to hear some personal experiences of non dhp cars on springs. I've been reading threads and it seems like members are very happy with H&Rs

[VMRWheels]

Congrats! I believe the majority of forum members (including other chassis) go with H&R, can't go wrong there. Unfortunately, I don't have much insight on how they ride specifically on the F10

[SonicEndeavor]

Just keep in mind that you'll have the standard suspension rather than the sport so you probably want to go with the H&R OE sport springs instead of the Sport springs to avoid the bouncy ride a lot of H&R buyers complain about. Also the Sport springs drop close to 1.5 inches vs. 1 inch with the OE sports.
I'd still strongly consider ACS over H&R.

[Ridiculous]

Originally Posted by SonicEndeavor

Just keep in mind that you'll have the standard suspension rather than the sport so you probably want to go with the H&R OE sport springs instead of the Sport springs to avoid the bouncy ride a lot of H&R buyers complain about. Also the Sport springs drop close to 1.5 inches vs. 1 inch with the OE sports.
I'd still strongly consider ACS over H&R.

Interesting. Seen some reviews that say H&R are the way to go, but would consider ACS for sure.

[valbmw]

For your info:

AC Schnitzer USA
German Tuning Corporation
1711 McGaw Avenue
Irvine, CA 92614

Phone: 949.863.0015

You can email Andreas at: andreas@acschnitzer-us.com - if I am not mistaken, he was my experienced sales rep in Vorsteiner with whom I've made a good business last year.

http://www.acschnitzer-us.com/en/bmw...e/contact.html

[Ridiculous]

Thanks!!! As far as I know, ACS is a rebranded Eibach spring at 2x the cost. So I highly doubt I'll be buying ACS.

[valbmw]

Confirmed about price. However my info says Eibach factory is punching a separate ACS product line at their proprietary specs. Not sure about different stiffnesses of different spring brands, but IMO the main considerations are: what lowering is wanted (1 inch vs. 1.5 inch etc.) and which set seen first at attractive price.
As for myself, I've got the Eibach E10-20-022-11-22 Pro-Kit from Germany, $300 including shipment. Still keep it in a box thinking to install after the winter season ends.

[Ridiculous]

Very nice! I still am yet to take delivery of my F10, so am in decision mode still

[valbmw]

Good time, even before spending the first bunch of money on proper wheels

[Ridiculous]

I dont think I will upgrade the wheels. Just some spacers and springs, and sways if needed. This is a lease so I will have to control myself somewhat!

[SonicEndeavor]

Originally Posted by Ridiculous

Thanks!!! As far as I know, ACS is a rebranded Eibach spring at 2x the cost. So I highly doubt I'll be buying ACS.

That's not correct. ACS springs are made in the same factory, but to a different spec so they are not the same springs.
H&R makes decent springs but I think a lot of guys buy them for the big drop of the sport springs, not the ride quality. It just depends on what you're looking for. I personally wouldn't be concerned about a few hundred extra dollars on a $60,000 car, but each person has their own priorities.

[Ridiculous]

Originally Posted by SonicEndeavor

That's not correct. ACS springs are made in the same factory, but to a different spec so they are not the same springs.
H&R makes decent springs but I think a lot of guys buy them for the big drop of the sport springs, not the ride quality. It just depends on what you're looking for. I personally wouldn't be concerned about a few hundred extra dollars on a $60,000 car, but each person has their own priorities.

Thanks-- you might be right, but based on the research I've done, I still think H&R is the way to go from a looks and performance standpoint.

See this thread, where members discuss bottoming out and too much rake on their ACS springs: http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthre...light=from+acs

What I mean is, why spend more money for a seemingly inferior product? To each is own though.

[WilliCO]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

That said, DHP is really THE best option. It's THAT good that I'd seriously consider talking to your dealer about not taking delivery of the car you're expecting and finding a replacement with DHP instead.

DHP is very good, though I think BMW has undersprung the F10 in the standard suspension and there is still a bit of front-to-back wallow in the car when driving behavior is not telling DHP to tighten up the dampers. Personally I drive mine in Sport mode 95% of the time, and had I been able to do so I would gladly have foregone the $3500 DHP option price and ordered an xDrive F10 with the M-Sport suspension.

That said, my previous BMW was a RWD E60 with the sport suspension. I loved it but most of the people who rode in it with me, especially my wife, told me they thought it was a little high-strung for their taste.

OP, please let us know what you decide and especially let us know what your installation costs turn out to be.

[Ridiculous]

Originally Posted by WillInDenver

DHP is very good, though I think BMW has undersprung the F10 in the standard suspension and there is still a bit of front-to-back wallow in the car when driving behavior is not telling DHP to tighten up the dampers. Personally I drive mine in Sport mode 95% of the time, and had I been able to do so I would gladly have foregone the $3500 DHP option price and ordered an xDrive F10 with the M-Sport suspension.

That said, my previous BMW was a RWD E60 with the sport suspension. I loved it but most of the people who rode in it with me, especially my wife, told me they thought it was a little high-strung for their taste.

OP, please let us know what you decide and especially let us know what your installation costs turn out to be.

Will do! I am almost certainly doing an H&R install unless someone can come in and convince me otherwise. Your post is reassuring to me as I was starting to get a little upset about not having DHP. I think I made a fine choice though. As far as installation costs, I have a very good connection for the install, so I know it will be ~$200 to have the springs installed, and then another $75-125 at Intrack Tires in Queens, NY for the alignment. Thanks again!

[Ridiculous]

Just got word, I will be picking her up on Monday!

[Joe5268]

Originally Posted by Ridiculous

Just got word, I will be picking her up on Monday!

Congrats, its always exciting!

[Slickrick2]

Any updates?