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In Reply to: Suspensions explained, and some options -continued posted by Christopher Graff on December 18, 2000 at 23:00:55:
The best thing to do is realize what each modification will do to the handling relative to what you already have.
A VERY good explanation of what each component in the suspension does to affect handling (over/understeer) is available in the BMW Enthusiasts Guide by Robert Bentley. There are also some very good explanations in there on suspension tuning.
Of note, I recommend 16" wheels for most people. It improves handling and the newer technologies in tire design help both grip and compliance. In fact, it is a Plus 0.7 size (since TRX's are 15.3" in diameter). 16"x7.5" with a 20mm offset fit both front and rear on E28's without much problem. 225/50 tires also fit. You *may* have to roll the fenders, but it is doubtful if you have the correct offset. There are many 16" wheels avaiable at TireRack or Discount Tire. In fact, discount tire even has the offsets listed on their wheels on their website.
Of course, if you get performance tires, your low temperature and snow grip will suffer. So consider getting summer and winter wheels/tires (if you live in an area that has snow). I firmly believe that all-season tires offer too great a compromise for winter/summer handling requirements.
Alright, I'll stop now.
Chris Graff
Head Coordinator
BMW M535i Special Interest Group
I have bilstein HDs I should have got sports. But, i didn't. So, don't lecture me on why you shouldn't lower shock like these, it is done with stock shocks on new cars all the time. Besides, I am using what I have. I was planning to lower them with H&R springs from BMP, use a stress bar from BMP, racing dynamics sway bars, and upgrade to 16inch wheels with 225/50's. I am trying to accomplish a ride that will not give me as much body lean in turns. With the hd's it is not where i want it to be. Can anyone tell me is this resonable setup that will work? Please help.
josh
thx
535i to is
Colorado
Josh;
Bilstein Hd's are perfect;the sports will be far to harsh for the ride you say you want.
On body lean,that is eliminated more by springs and swaybars,not shocks.I've been setting up e28 cars for years,and my own outcorners "M" cars regularly,using Eibachs,Koni or Bilstein HD's,and RD or SuS.Tec. swaybars.And you still have 85% if a normal road ride.
I use 16x7.5" rims with 205/55/16 or 225/50/16 tires,adding a 3.73LSD diff and 7 series brakes.
Great combination;you have 25% more usable power,M5 handling, BETTER than M5 braking,and it's still comfortable all day long.
Of course,lately I've gone to 17x8.5" rims and 245/40/17 tires,but that's for an instructor's track car.
You also need to reinforce the center swaybar mounts,as well as the rear shock towers if you plan serious driver's school rides,along with new 7 series control arm bushings,and new "a" arm and subframe bushings as well.
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