Suspension upgrades for Track use: Control Arms, Toe Arms, Solid Mounts, ...

Hi guys, (perhaps a new sticky thread?)

as there are enough discussions here available about suspension systems, wheel spacers, wheels, brakes, ... that's why I want to find and list all available products which go beyond these "standard" upgrades.
These parts here can dramatically improve the feedback and handling of the e9x M3 as most of them use solid ball joints and not the soft rubber bushings.
A not flexing suspension means a precise working suspension.

Just an example: The new but already sold out Porsche 911 RS 4.0 comes with heim ball joints all around - on all suspension parts.
The e92 M3 GTS doesn't come with the same subframe bushings like the stock M3. It comes with solid subframe mounts.

Further more I'm asking for feedback: who has changed any suspension parts like control arms, toe arms, ... and want to share his experience with the new parts.



What I found so far:

The best of the best: a complete new suspension from Motorsport24. But the pricing is totally ridiculous. 3950 euro is ~$5100 US.
In Germany also available from Schirmer. Motorsport24 parts are available at IND in US.

http://www.motorsport24.de/motorsport-teile/M3-E92/M3-E92-Fahrwerk-und-Achsteile/GTR-Vorderachse-für-BMW-M3-E92-E90::1557.html




The rear of this kit is not cheaper but as nice as the front. 5950 euro is ~$7600 US.

http://www.motorsport24.de/motorsport-teile/M3-E92/M3-E92-Fahrwerk-und-Achsteile/GTR-Hinterachse-für-BMW-M3-E92-E90::1667.html

http://www.motorsport24-na.com/product/E9X%20M3%20Adjustable%20Rear%20Axle-TBA^67.php






Solid Differential Mounts/ Bushings


http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2955-e90-e92-m3-solid-differential-mounts.aspx




Solid Rear Suframe Mounts

The e92 M3 GTS doesn't come with the same bushings like the stock M3.
As far as I know the GTS subframe mounts are solid like these.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1573-e90e92-m3-grand-am-cup-solid-rear-subframe-mounts.aspx





Hope you know parts and vendors who have more for us.

Part 2:
Rogue Engineering Adjustable Rear Toe Arms

http://www.rogueengineering.com/rogue/CTRLARM/E9X_TA.html






Hotchkis Rear Camber Links

http://www.hotchkis.net/bmw_e90e92_sport_rear_camber_links.html





Update Jan 12th 2012
Velocity Motorcars - Adjustable Upper Rear Control Arms

http://www.velocitymotorcars.com/e82-e88-e90-e91-e92-e93-adjustable-upper-rear-control-arms.html





Dinan Racing Racing Rear Toe Links

http://www.DinanCars.com/shop/R280-0006-Racing-Rear-Toe-Links.aspx#page=4

Youtube Video explaining the product:




Challenge Aluminium Toe Arm Kit

http://www.gtmotoring.com/product_info.php?products_id=1504





Dinan Lower Control Arm Monoball Kit

http://www.DinanCars.com/shop/D280-0008-Lower-Control-Arm-Monoball-Kit.aspx#page=4

"The Dinan Monoball Kit replaces the stock rubber bushings with racing-quality spherical bearings and precision machined aluminum housings, improving response by eliminating the deflection associated with the stock bushings. The bearings are Teflon-lined for and offer superior load capacity to the other tuner's products."

That Monoball replaces the rubber bushing in the front tearing rod.






Update Jan 12th 2012
Megan Racing Rear Trailing Arms

http://www.meganracing.com/product_detail.asp?prodid=892&catid=54





Megan Racing Rear Toe Control Arms

http://www.meganracing.com/product_detail.asp?prodid=891&catid=54

I've been on this thread for 30 seconds and massively approve already. Thank you for this.

Just throwing in that Dinan makes Adjustable Rear Toe Arms as well.

who knows more? who's running any of these parts and want's to provide feedback?

I have the dinan rear toe links which I will install in the spring...I'll report back.

Love to see some feedback on this as well.

I would like to know as well

I had the VMC rear control arm kit w/toe links on my old 135, for the money it was a very nice setup. The rear end felt more solid and a bit more positive feedback. Install was a breeze and adjustments were quick and easy; Fit and finish was spot on. Personally I preferred how they use a locking collar versus a jam nut, all I usually needed to adjust the arms was an allen key to loosen the collar, the arms could then be rotated by hand without any additional tools.

The only downside was that the joints were open to the elements, I wish it was possible to get the arms with a boot similar to what the Challenge arms have.

I have the Dinan monoballs in front and had them on my last e90. In normal driving they aren't noticed. Ride is same, no difference in noise. Every now and then I get what seems like a loose feeling in the steering in low speed (parking lot) maneuvers when driving over irregularities in the pavement. I haven't tracked with the monoballs, yet, but I expect better steering response while under braking.

Another advantage is the elimination of the dreaded 80mph shake from the front end. My first car didn't have any problem with shake, but the second car had it. My 18 inch RACs made it worse with the necessary spacers. The monoballs eliminated it.

I'd love to have solid rear subframe mounts. I hear the new M5 has the subframe solidly mounted. I guess there is hope for M GmbH.

klammer wrote

Love to see some feedback on this as well.

Dinan says that the link flexes and causes to changes under acceleration. I'm thinking that the rear end squats which adds some neg camber which also adds some toe out. Which in the rear, will make your rear come around a little quicker if you lose traction and harder to recover.

So we'll see...

Radiation Joe wrote

I'd love to have solid rear subframe mounts. I hear the new M5 has the subframe solidly mounted. I guess there is hope for M GmbH.

Yes, that's a good thing. I'm sure BMW hasn't forgotten the E36 and E46 rear subframes.

Radiation Joe wrote

I'd love to have solid rear subframe mounts. I hear the new M5 has the subframe solidly mounted. I guess there is hope for M GmbH.

Just talked to a specialized BMW M mechanic here in the headquarter in Munich (sometimes it helps to live here in Munich ).

He said. Do it. Definitely. You'll feel the difference! The rear will be more connected to your butt. It takes them 3-4 hours. They drop the rear axle a little bit.
As the stock e92 GTS comes with solid mounts I thougt these solid bushings would be an alternative to the Turners solid bushings but that wouldn't work as I'll have to order the complete GTS subframe. That thing is one piece with no bushings at all.
So the Turner bushings are the way to go in this case.

bigjae1976 wrote

Dinan says that the link flexes and causes to changes under acceleration. I'm thinking that the rear end squats which adds some neg camber which also adds some toe out. Which in the rear, will make your rear come around a little quicker if you lose traction and harder to recover.

So we'll see...

That's exactly what happens.
Under heavy load the geometry of your axle changes which is something you don't want to have on the track.

Here's some pictures of what I did to my '09 Challenger subframe. I replaced all bushings with Pedders bushings. The difference was night-day. The car felt like it was running on rails afterwards.

added some new products I found to the list

I love the rear kit!!! Other than those 2 cnc pieces, I can make them for 1/4 to 1/3 of the price above. LOL

LateBraking wrote

I've been on this thread for 30 seconds and massively approve already. Thank you for this.

Agreed...

FYI I am installing the vorshlag urethane motor mounts and VAC's diff bushings/mounts soon here, I have already ordered both...

stega wrote

Agreed...

FYI I am installing the vorshlag urethane motor mounts and VAC's diff bushings/mounts soon here, I have already ordered both...

Very nice! Keep us updated on the benefits and disadvantages you experience firsthand.

LateBraking wrote

Very nice! Keep us updated on the benefits and disadvantages you experience firsthand.

If its anything like my E46...the Vorshlag red engine mounts are a good upgrade but it borders on tolerable for a DD. Once I added Vorshlag's orange tranny mounts, it became intolerable. It gets rough in the lower RPM range.

bigjae1976 wrote

If its anything like my E46...the Vorshlag red engine mounts are a good upgrade but it borders on tolerable for a DD. Once I added Vorshlag's orange tranny mounts, it became intolerable. It gets rough in the lower RPM range.

AFAIK, they are the exact same mounts, no? I hear of E46 and E36 guys with busted mounts switching to E92 ones since they're beefier, but otherwise direct plug-and-play.

Interested in those diff bushings/mounts perhaps, but I've already heard a lot of negatives regarding comfort with the Vorshlag poly mounts. I hear the nylons are even more unbearable.

LateBraking wrote  

bigjae1976 wrote

If its anything like my E46...the Vorshlag red engine mounts are a good upgrade but it borders on tolerable for a DD. Once I added Vorshlag's orange tranny mounts, it became intolerable. It gets rough in the lower RPM range.

AFAIK, they are the exact same mounts, no? I hear of E46 and E36 guys with busted mounts switching to E92 ones since they're beefier, but otherwise direct plug-and-play.

Interested in those diff bushings/mounts perhaps, but I've already heard a lot of negatives regarding comfort with the Vorshlag poly mounts. I hear the nylons are even more unbearable.

I like the engine mounts but it really depends on the person. If you are sensitive to NVH...the Vorshlag mounts are definitely not for you. Especially if you have a 6mt...this is a good upgrade. Shifting is much better under heavy acceleration...much crisper. Helps a lot with heel toe downshifting.

I can atest to how strong the rear suspension is. I had a client put his M3 through a median. The right rear wheel bearing was pushed so hard it cracked the spindle. I replaced both upper arms and the toe rod as precaution. When I removed the 3 arms, i lined them up to the new ones, none of them were bent. However the retaining bolts that hold them into the spindle were all bent slightly. Most cars would fold the arms like tacos and damage the subframe joints....not the e90 m3!!!!

Mbauer wrote

I can atest to how strong the rear suspension is. I had a client put his M3 through a median. The right rear wheel bearing was pushed so hard it cracked the spindle. I replaced both upper arms and the toe rod as precaution. When I removed the 3 arms, i lined them up to the new ones, none of them were bent. However the retaining bolts that hold them into the spindle were all bent slightly. Most cars would fold the arms like tacos and damage the subframe joints....not the e90 m3!!!!

Damn, that's good info though. I feel that the E46 with the weaker suframe would have probably gone kaput. BMW probably got sick of the subframe class action and just made it beefy as hell to avoid the same issue.

No complaints from me though.

stega wrote

Agreed...

FYI I am installing the vorshlag urethane motor mounts and VAC's diff bushings/mounts soon here, I have already ordered both...

bigjae1976 wrote

I like the engine mounts but it really depends on the person. If you are sensitive to NVH...the Vorshlag mounts are definitely not for you. Especially if you have a 6mt...this is a good upgrade. Shifting is much better under heavy acceleration...much crisper. Helps a lot with heel toe downshifting.

I do have 6MT. How much of a PITA is it to install the mount? Any updates?

interested.. would really like to find a complete, edc maintained, track setup.