Not gelling with 'new' car (BMW 325Ci Sport - E46)
Discussion
Back in April I bought a BMW 325Ci Sport and I'm just not gelling with it at all.
Did these cars have a rough suspension from new? I'm wondering if mine has been modified...
I'm looking for suggestions to soften things up a bit - maybe a full suspension refresh (but with the risk the car was hard like that from new) - or - fit the softer suspension from one of the saloons perhaps?
I previous had a 323i (also E46) saloon and that was really quite smooth, even on poor roads. Same can be said for the 330i I previously owned as well.
I don't really want to have to sell the car on as I love the look of it and the interior but....
Did these cars have a rough suspension from new? I'm wondering if mine has been modified...
I'm looking for suggestions to soften things up a bit - maybe a full suspension refresh (but with the risk the car was hard like that from new) - or - fit the softer suspension from one of the saloons perhaps?
I previous had a 323i (also E46) saloon and that was really quite smooth, even on poor roads. Same can be said for the 330i I previously owned as well.
I don't really want to have to sell the car on as I love the look of it and the interior but....
Is the ride height standard and have you had a look under the arches to see if the shocks/springs look aftermarket?
Generally speaking, even the ‘Sport’ options from BMW are a long way from aftermarket stuff in terms of stiffness.
An E46 by now has quite a good chance of being modified cheaply (crashy eBay suspension would be high up that list).
To add, I do t recall E46 sport suspension being particularly stiff. I’m sure I drove an E46 330ci Sport a few times.
Generally speaking, even the ‘Sport’ options from BMW are a long way from aftermarket stuff in terms of stiffness.
An E46 by now has quite a good chance of being modified cheaply (crashy eBay suspension would be high up that list).
To add, I do t recall E46 sport suspension being particularly stiff. I’m sure I drove an E46 330ci Sport a few times.
Edited by Tommie38 on Sunday 15th August 09:32
Possible differences:
- Tyres - what are the tyre pressures? are they run-flat? Even if not, some tyres have stiffer sidewalls than others
- Wheels - does it have larger wheels with thinner sidewalls than your previous car?
- Sport suspension - could be stiffer than 'SE' spec? I'd imagine you could change all four springs and dampers for a set off a non-Sport version if so?
A set of one inch smaller wheels (assuming they still clear the brakes) plus fresh tyres would be one thing you could do. Otherwise I guess suspension.
Tommie38 said:
Is the ride height standard and have you had a look under the arches to see if the shocks/springs look aftermarket?
Generally speaking, even the ‘Sport’ options from BMW are a long way from aftermarket stuff in terms of stiffness.
An E46 by now has quite a good chance of being modified cheaply (crashy eBay suspension would be high up that list).
To add, I do t recall E46 sport suspension being particularly stiff. I’m sure I drove an E46 330ci Sport a few times.
It had replacement rear springs back in January. I wouldn't know by looking at them if they are standard or not - however I would assume so.Generally speaking, even the ‘Sport’ options from BMW are a long way from aftermarket stuff in terms of stiffness.
An E46 by now has quite a good chance of being modified cheaply (crashy eBay suspension would be high up that list).
To add, I do t recall E46 sport suspension being particularly stiff. I’m sure I drove an E46 330ci Sport a few times.
Edited by Tommie38 on Sunday 15th August 09:32
The springs are black in colour for what that's worth!
samoht said:
Possible differences:
- Tyres - what are the tyre pressures? are they run-flat? Even if not, some tyres have stiffer sidewalls than others
- Wheels - does it have larger wheels with thinner sidewalls than your previous car?
- Sport suspension - could be stiffer than 'SE' spec? I'd imagine you could change all four springs and dampers for a set off a non-Sport version if so?
A set of one inch smaller wheels (assuming they still clear the brakes) plus fresh tyres would be one thing you could do. Otherwise I guess suspension.
The rear tyres are new Avons, 255/35 18 94Y (extra load fitment) (not run flats)- Tyres - what are the tyre pressures? are they run-flat? Even if not, some tyres have stiffer sidewalls than others
- Wheels - does it have larger wheels with thinner sidewalls than your previous car?
- Sport suspension - could be stiffer than 'SE' spec? I'd imagine you could change all four springs and dampers for a set off a non-Sport version if so?
A set of one inch smaller wheels (assuming they still clear the brakes) plus fresh tyres would be one thing you could do. Otherwise I guess suspension.
The tyre profile is lower than my previous car (Skoda VRS)
Sport suspension could indeed be the problem.
g3org3y said:
Never felt the (standard) suspension on my 330Ci was unduly harsh.
What alloy/tyre combo are you running?
As mentioned above, perhaps some aftermarket kit on the car.
Can car did you have previously? My 330Ci on 18s was notably less comfortable than my E36 328i on 16s (as expected).
I think the wheels are MV2? 18" staggered fitment. Tyres are Avon 255/35What alloy/tyre combo are you running?
As mentioned above, perhaps some aftermarket kit on the car.
Can car did you have previously? My 330Ci on 18s was notably less comfortable than my E36 328i on 16s (as expected).
Pics below - it seems to be riding low at the back?
They're not a waft bus; and yes the Sport suspension is stiffer than SE, but not massively IMO
You could look to swap the whole suspension out; but you'll still not achieve what I think it is you're after
However, one thing to check is the suspension itself and make sore that ALL the bushes and ball joints are in rude health and if not; swap them parts out (Lemforder if you want OEM BMW spec but not with BMW prices); or Meyle (not HD), or Moog
You could also look to run 17" alloys, thicker sidewall gives that bit more comfort maybe?
Check to see if any of the bushes have been replaced with poly bushes; as if so they give a harsh ride and need to be swapped out IMO
You could look to swap the whole suspension out; but you'll still not achieve what I think it is you're after
However, one thing to check is the suspension itself and make sore that ALL the bushes and ball joints are in rude health and if not; swap them parts out (Lemforder if you want OEM BMW spec but not with BMW prices); or Meyle (not HD), or Moog
You could also look to run 17" alloys, thicker sidewall gives that bit more comfort maybe?
Check to see if any of the bushes have been replaced with poly bushes; as if so they give a harsh ride and need to be swapped out IMO
d_a_n1979 said:
They're not a waft bus; and yes the Sport suspension is stiffer than SE, but not massively IMO
I owned a 523i (E39) one car prior to this, and that was a waft bus, but at the same time had respectable handling for the size of the car.I didn't expect such waft from the 325, but having owned both 323i and 330i saloons previously - this 325 is several miles away in terms of comfort.
d_a_n1979 said:
You could look to swap the whole suspension out; but you'll still not achieve what I think it is you're after
However, one thing to check is the suspension itself and make sore that ALL the bushes and ball joints are in rude health and if not; swap them parts out (Lemforder if you want OEM BMW spec but not with BMW prices); or Meyle (not HD), or Moog
You could also look to run 17" alloys, thicker sidewall gives that bit more comfort maybe?
Check to see if any of the bushes have been replaced with poly bushes; as if so they give a harsh ride and need to be swapped out IMO
I did actually wonder about poly bushes, however this is a low mileage car and unless one of the previous (3 I think...) owners wanted to track it, I can't see any reason to poly bush it. And who would want to track an auto anyway lol...However, one thing to check is the suspension itself and make sore that ALL the bushes and ball joints are in rude health and if not; swap them parts out (Lemforder if you want OEM BMW spec but not with BMW prices); or Meyle (not HD), or Moog
You could also look to run 17" alloys, thicker sidewall gives that bit more comfort maybe?
Check to see if any of the bushes have been replaced with poly bushes; as if so they give a harsh ride and need to be swapped out IMO
Tony
The suspension on this was no different to your previous E46s so there is something wrong.
Tyre pressures matter. Also they don't like mismatched tyres.
Finally get it up on stands and check the dampers, springs, rear bushes and front wishbone bushes.
If the rest of the car is sound, it may be worth committing to a suspension overhaul including top mounts. If not, you know what you need to do
The suspension on this was no different to your previous E46s so there is something wrong.
Tyre pressures matter. Also they don't like mismatched tyres.
Finally get it up on stands and check the dampers, springs, rear bushes and front wishbone bushes.
If the rest of the car is sound, it may be worth committing to a suspension overhaul including top mounts. If not, you know what you need to do
It may be that the dampers are shagged - E46 (and E39) struts have a habit of being bone dry yet with little to no damping left. The ride will be appallingly bad, noisy and crashy. I'd say a set of Boge gas dampers would be a good idea by 100,000 miles. Springs; leave alone if standard/correct but think about a really good spring kit such as H&R if in any doubt - something 25 mm lower or so.
E46's and E39's are ruined by runflats as they were not designed for them - I wonder if your extra load sidewall tyres are contributing?
E46's and E39's are ruined by runflats as they were not designed for them - I wonder if your extra load sidewall tyres are contributing?
davettf2 said:
The rear definitely looks low. I am running 18's with a similar tyre profile on the rear and it is by no means harsh or 'crashy' In fact I prefer the ride quality over our 225XE family car. The piccy is of my E46 in profile for comparison.
Cheers
Dave
+1 Cheers
Dave
The rear end definitely looks too low, even for Sports suspension - Doesn't look stock.
g3org3y said:
Touring442 said:
E46's and E39's are ruined by runflats as they were not designed for them - I wonder if your extra load sidewall tyres are contributing?
Does anyone ever put RFTs on an E46?(Seems pointless with lovely spare wheel)
#bringbackthespare
Not sure about the "lovely spare wheel" though - both of my E46 Compacts had a space-saver.
Mr Tidy said:
g3org3y said:
Touring442 said:
E46's and E39's are ruined by runflats as they were not designed for them - I wonder if your extra load sidewall tyres are contributing?
Does anyone ever put RFTs on an E46?(Seems pointless with lovely spare wheel)
#bringbackthespare
Not sure about the "lovely spare wheel" though - both of my E46 Compacts had a space-saver.
However space saver is definitely preferable to the goo/air compressor combo.
4rephill said:
davettf2 said:
The rear definitely looks low. I am running 18's with a similar tyre profile on the rear and it is by no means harsh or 'crashy' In fact I prefer the ride quality over our 225XE family car. The piccy is of my E46 in profile for comparison.
Cheers
Dave
+1 Cheers
Dave
The rear end definitely looks too low, even for Sports suspension - Doesn't look stock.
Maxus said:
And here's me thinking the OPs suspension height looks right and Dave's looks too high!
Don't be saying that lol!!!Car has been booked in with a local specialist for a check next week.
Watch this space as they say!
I'm also hoping I don't have the dreaded sub frame tear as doesn't that give the 'low rider' effect as well?
There's no noises from the rear though.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff