Rims or Suspension First

shadowiix · 01-29-2009, 07:26 PM

What would you guys get first. Rims or Suspension? I cant make up my mind

penny · 01-29-2009, 07:28 PM

Rims. Get used to your stock suspension first so you can write a better comparison review for the rest of us.

1013mm · 01-29-2009, 07:38 PM

rims of course cause if you get say 19" youll have to change tires and if you change tires with already changed suspension it might rub or still be too high.

jkp1187 · 01-29-2009, 08:18 PM

Suspension. Every pimp in Pomona gets new rims. Go low-key first.

rcracer_tx · 01-30-2009, 01:14 AM

Do you have the sports package?

I would say suspension first if you do not need new tires. If you put 19" wheels without a drop, it looks bad IMO. 18" will look ok without a drop, but still looks weird sometimes depending on the offsets.

shadowiix · 01-30-2009, 02:35 AM

i do have the sports package. i worry if i get 18" or 19" without the suspension it would raise the car and make it look like a pickup.

yourfriend · 01-30-2009, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowiix

i do have the sports package. i worry if i get 18" or 19" without the suspension it would raise the car and make it look like a pickup.

the 135i has 18" rims standard with the same suspension as our sport package... i don't think it looks like a pickup.

Monaco35Dream · 01-30-2009, 11:07 AM

Suspension first!!! The car already looks amazing, just rid it of the massive body roll...

Alow · 01-30-2009, 01:36 PM

If you say why you are considering the mods we might be able to help better... are you going for just looks? Or do you want better handling characteristics?

I chose wheels first to complete the look of the car I wanted. I'll do suspension later. Since my car is a DD, I can wait until later for the suspension.

MI128 · 01-30-2009, 01:39 PM

If you already have sports suspension I would say rims and if not i would still say rims

Artmasterx · 01-30-2009, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourfriend

the 135i has 18" rims standard with the same suspension as our sport package... i don't think it looks like a pickup.

This is true, and the overall tire diameter is the same as the 128i, the tire sidewalls are simply shorter. So you can certainly go with 18's, just keep the overall tire diameters correct to keep the stance the same.

shadowiix · 01-31-2009, 12:52 PM

the reason why i want either of these mods would be to improve the cars responsiveness in corners. Suspension would fix that and give the car a nice lowered height but also getting rid of the overly heavy rims would work too, wouldnt it? Does anyone know how heavy the stock rims are. My last pair of bmw rims on my old car at least when compairing to dumb bells felt like 50lb apeice.

imported_erick · 01-31-2009, 03:10 PM

If you are going to do both on the car, I would recommend doing suspension 1st, because then you will be able to determine if you need rims with different offsets to accomodate the suspension.

I had a car whose stock rims would rub against the coilover so different rims with a different offset had to be used to fit away from the suspension.

shadowiix · 01-31-2009, 05:55 PM

Would a camber kit fix the problem with the rims rubbing the coilovers? Hmmm and should i get those dinan control arms while im at it. so many things to do.

Alow · 01-31-2009, 08:37 PM

do you want to improve the car's responsiveness on the street or on the track?

For the street, a better suspension is probably all you need. For the track, I'd say add camber kit.

you'll see a much drastic improvement with suspension than wheels.

dcarchitect · 02-16-2009, 12:09 AM

ok I have put some research into this topic.
The car understeers at the limit.
The cause; only 205 width tires on 7" rims on the front.(either lawyers trying to dial in understeer for "safety", or accountants keeping the 128i cheaper)
The glorious handling 95 E36 M3 had it engineered correct with 235/45/17 on 7.5" rims on all four corners.
from 96-99, they had 225 on front and 245 on rear, (debatable possible improvement)
the 135i has 7.5" out front. and 8" on the rear w/ 245s
so whether you want 17" or 18" is up to you, but the bargain upgrade is to buy 2 new stock "sport-rear" rims at 7.5" wide, and fit up with new 235's or 245 for the back, and put your current rear 7.5"s w/ 225's on the front.
much more wheel and tire, (225 front with 245 rear) totally stock looking with no "pimp my ride or "bling" effect, subtle, but effective.
you could sell your current front rims on ebay to recoup some of the up front cost...
Next upgrade, bilstein sports and not more than 1.5" drop springs, progressively wound, to preserve ride quality, something decent from Dinan, Alpina, TUV approved or at least bavarian autowerks.
good luck

Alow · 02-16-2009, 08:45 AM

Those are very interesting observations. I do plan to change my wheels, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to sell them or not. I think I am going to keep them now. No I won't sell them to you :P

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarchitect

ok I have put some research into this topic.
The car understeers at the limit.
The cause; only 205 width tires on 7" rims on the front.(either lawyers trying to dial in understeer for "safety", or accountants keeping the 128i cheaper)
The glorious handling 95 E36 M3 had it engineered correct with 235/45/17 on 7.5" rims on all four corners.
from 96-99, they had 225 on front and 245 on rear, (debatable possible improvement)
the 135i has 7.5" out front. and 8" on the rear w/ 245s
so whether you want 17" or 18" is up to you, but the bargain upgrade is to buy 2 new stock "sport-rear" rims at 7.5" wide, and fit up with new 235's or 245 for the back, and put your current rear 7.5"s w/ 225's on the front.
much more wheel and tire, (225 front with 245 rear) totally stock looking with no "pimp my ride or "bling" effect, subtle, but effective.
you could sell your current front rims on ebay to recoup some of the up front cost...
Next upgrade, bilstein sports and not more than 1.5" drop springs, progressively wound, to preserve ride quality, something decent from Dinan, Alpina, TUV approved or at least bavarian autowerks.
good luck

Mark M · 02-16-2009, 09:08 AM

I'm a suspension man myself. I love the feel of a good aftermarket suspension.

Just installed KW V2s on my 135 this past weekend. Looks great, lower and so flat in the corners with a crisp responsive feel.

Breville · 02-18-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark M

I'm a suspension man myself. I love the feel of a good aftermarket suspension.

Just installed KW V2s on my 135 this past weekend. Looks great, lower and so flat in the corners with a crisp responsive feel.

Ditto the above, I did the same and it totally dialed out the under steer..

Bones13 · 03-01-2009, 08:04 AM

Ordered my 128i, with no sports package. This will be a daily driver, I drive about 7K a year in a smaller city between the office and the different hospitals I go to.

I am buying BMW this time (had some in the past, but really did not like the 3 series 5 years ago) because of the nice handling, and feel that I got with the 128i when I drove it. Roads around here are not that smooth, and really was going to stick with the 17 inch rims (19 on my Lexus SC430 are pretty harsh) I also did not like replacing the runflats at 20K miles for 600 each.

Anyone modded their 128i suspensions only, preserving the ride, but improving the roll? I will consider wheels at a different time.

Add1ct · 03-01-2009, 08:04 PM

wheels and tires are what went for- breyton race gts-r's with non-runflat yoko S Drives- don't forget ligther rims and non-runflat tires can make a HUGE difference in the feel and performance of the car- case in point- tirerack tested no-runflats on a e90 325i and the PS2, contisportcontact 3, bridgestone non-runflat, the yokos and many others are getting minimum .96g on the skidpad, the new goodyear f1s got .98, vs the stock .88-.89g's per the mags so tires make a difference

as for my breytons- the member who had them on his car tested it before and after- they saved him .2 secs 0-60, thank you 40lbs less unsprung weight!!!

Xyloft · 04-05-2009, 06:56 PM

personally, I say suspension, lighter wheels and stickier tires will help with accell/braking and some cornering, but stiffer suspension with less body roll will deffinately change teh dynamics of the car.

I know that the stock sport rims are a few lbs lighter than my KM-11' winters i have. its noticable in MPG and just by moving them around.

i havnt shopped for performance rims and tires for a long time, but last time i looked you could get springs and sways and sometimes even dampers for the same price as a quality rim/tire combo.

01-29-2009, 07:26 PM	#1
shadowiix Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 204 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: irvine iTrader: (0)	Rims or Suspension First What would you guys get first. Rims or Suspension? I cant make up my mind
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01-29-2009, 07:28 PM	#2
penny Captain 43 Rep 829 Posts Drives: '08 135i (sold) Join Date: May 2008 Location: Las Colinas iTrader: (2)	Rims. Get used to your stock suspension first so you can write a better comparison review for the rest of us. __________________ '08 135i.
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01-29-2009, 07:38 PM	#3
1013mm aka 1013MM 1246 Rep 9,545 Posts Drives: pokingly flush Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles / HK iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 135i [8.26]	rims of course cause if you get say 19" youll have to change tires and if you change tires with already changed suspension it might rub or still be too high. __________________ -John Project YOSHI Sale Thread
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01-29-2009, 08:18 PM	#4
jkp1187 Unindicted co-conspirator 66 Rep 1,734 Posts Drives: to work, mostly. Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania / Detroit, Michigan iTrader: (0)	Suspension. Every pimp in Pomona gets new rims. Go low-key first.
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01-30-2009, 01:14 AM	#5
rcracer_tx Banned 55 Rep 2,013 Posts Drives: BSM 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Do you have the sports package? I would say suspension first if you do not need new tires. If you put 19" wheels without a drop, it looks bad IMO. 18" will look ok without a drop, but still looks weird sometimes depending on the offsets.
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01-30-2009, 02:35 AM	#6
shadowiix Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 204 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: irvine iTrader: (0)	i do have the sports package. i worry if i get 18" or 19" without the suspension it would raise the car and make it look like a pickup.
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01-30-2009, 11:07 AM	#8
Monaco35Dream Captain 44 Rep 647 Posts Drives: 08' 135i, 96' Talon Tsi AWD Join Date: May 2008 Location: Santa Maria, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	Suspension first!!! The car already looks amazing, just rid it of the massive body roll...
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01-30-2009, 01:36 PM	#9
Alow Lieutenant 38 Rep 456 Posts Drives: E82 128i, F36 430i GC Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kansas City, MO iTrader: (3)	If you say why you are considering the mods we might be able to help better... are you going for just looks? Or do you want better handling characteristics? I chose wheels first to complete the look of the car I wanted. I'll do suspension later. Since my car is a DD, I can wait until later for the suspension.
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01-30-2009, 01:39 PM	#10
MI128 Private First Class 10 Rep 134 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 35I M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 128 [0.00]	If you already have sports suspension I would say rims and if not i would still say rims
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01-31-2009, 12:52 PM	#12
shadowiix Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 204 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: irvine iTrader: (0)	the reason why i want either of these mods would be to improve the cars responsiveness in corners. Suspension would fix that and give the car a nice lowered height but also getting rid of the overly heavy rims would work too, wouldnt it? Does anyone know how heavy the stock rims are. My last pair of bmw rims on my old car at least when compairing to dumb bells felt like 50lb apeice.
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01-31-2009, 03:10 PM	#13
imported_erick normally aspirated 9 Rep 168 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sf ca iTrader: (0)	If you are going to do both on the car, I would recommend doing suspension 1st, because then you will be able to determine if you need rims with different offsets to accomodate the suspension. I had a car whose stock rims would rub against the coilover so different rims with a different offset had to be used to fit away from the suspension.
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01-31-2009, 05:55 PM	#14
shadowiix Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 204 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: irvine iTrader: (0)	Would a camber kit fix the problem with the rims rubbing the coilovers? Hmmm and should i get those dinan control arms while im at it. so many things to do.
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01-31-2009, 08:37 PM	#15
Alow Lieutenant 38 Rep 456 Posts Drives: E82 128i, F36 430i GC Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kansas City, MO iTrader: (3)	do you want to improve the car's responsiveness on the street or on the track? For the street, a better suspension is probably all you need. For the track, I'd say add camber kit. you'll see a much drastic improvement with suspension than wheels.
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02-16-2009, 12:09 AM	#16
dcarchitect New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 128i sport 6 speed Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: san francisco peninsula california iTrader: (0)	ok I have put some research into this topic. The car understeers at the limit. The cause; only 205 width tires on 7" rims on the front.(either lawyers trying to dial in understeer for "safety", or accountants keeping the 128i cheaper) The glorious handling 95 E36 M3 had it engineered correct with 235/45/17 on 7.5" rims on all four corners. from 96-99, they had 225 on front and 245 on rear, (debatable possible improvement) the 135i has 7.5" out front. and 8" on the rear w/ 245s so whether you want 17" or 18" is up to you, but the bargain upgrade is to buy 2 new stock "sport-rear" rims at 7.5" wide, and fit up with new 235's or 245 for the back, and put your current rear 7.5"s w/ 225's on the front. much more wheel and tire, (225 front with 245 rear) totally stock looking with no "pimp my ride or "bling" effect, subtle, but effective. you could sell your current front rims on ebay to recoup some of the up front cost... Next upgrade, bilstein sports and not more than 1.5" drop springs, progressively wound, to preserve ride quality, something decent from Dinan, Alpina, TUV approved or at least bavarian autowerks. good luck
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02-16-2009, 09:08 AM	#18
Mark M Major 240 Rep 1,288 Posts Drives: E30M3 E83X3 E90335D Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lancaster, PA iTrader: (0)	I'm a suspension man myself. I love the feel of a good aftermarket suspension. Just installed KW V2s on my 135 this past weekend. Looks great, lower and so flat in the corners with a crisp responsive feel.
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03-01-2009, 08:04 AM	#20
Bones13 Private 0 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 2009 128i BSM/Coral Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: LA (Lower Alabama) iTrader: (0)	Ordered my 128i, with no sports package. This will be a daily driver, I drive about 7K a year in a smaller city between the office and the different hospitals I go to. I am buying BMW this time (had some in the past, but really did not like the 3 series 5 years ago) because of the nice handling, and feel that I got with the 128i when I drove it. Roads around here are not that smooth, and really was going to stick with the 17 inch rims (19 on my Lexus SC430 are pretty harsh) I also did not like replacing the runflats at 20K miles for 600 each. Anyone modded their 128i suspensions only, preserving the ride, but improving the roll? I will consider wheels at a different time. __________________ 2009 128i BSM/Coral/Walnut/Steptronic Premium Package/Comfort Access Navigation/Premium Audio/USB/iPod Heated Seats/Xenon/Bike Prep
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03-01-2009, 08:04 PM	#21
Add1ct Lieutenant Colonel 59 Rep 1,859 Posts Drives: 135i, 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Palos Verdes Estates (SoCal) iTrader: (3)	wheels and tires are what went for- breyton race gts-r's with non-runflat yoko S Drives- don't forget ligther rims and non-runflat tires can make a HUGE difference in the feel and performance of the car- case in point- tirerack tested no-runflats on a e90 325i and the PS2, contisportcontact 3, bridgestone non-runflat, the yokos and many others are getting minimum .96g on the skidpad, the new goodyear f1s got .98, vs the stock .88-.89g's per the mags so tires make a difference as for my breytons- the member who had them on his car tested it before and after- they saved him .2 secs 0-60, thank you 40lbs less unsprung weight!!! __________________ E82 N54 6MT 6FL 668 KASW turned in E92 Crimson/Cream N54 6MT, ZSP, ZPP, ZCW, Nav, Sat radio, HD Radio, Logic7, PDC, Active Steering, Active Cruise, 6FL, CA
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04-05-2009, 06:56 PM	#22
Xyloft Lieutenant 34 Rep 504 Posts Drives: 2008 AW 128i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	personally, I say suspension, lighter wheels and stickier tires will help with accell/braking and some cornering, but stiffer suspension with less body roll will deffinately change teh dynamics of the car. I know that the stock sport rims are a few lbs lighter than my KM-11' winters i have. its noticable in MPG and just by moving them around. i havnt shopped for performance rims and tires for a long time, but last time i looked you could get springs and sways and sometimes even dampers for the same price as a quality rim/tire combo.
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