Derek's E90: ///M3 Sedan Journal

[derbo]

My cousin loves the Swift's, definitely a great choice Derek!

The Eibach's don't feel any stiffer/harsher than stock to me, but improve handling and looks - I only went with Eibach because I'm not really a big mod guy (OEM+), and aside from Dinan, they advertise the most conservative drop, though again the front ended up being a full inch (same as the Swift's) even though they're quoted at .8 inches.

Good call on rod bearings - other than a OneEighty headlight retro-fit which I had to do (hate the stock coronas), rod bearings were one of the first things I did. Great piece of mind, and even though we probably both plan to drive these cars for a long time, having the RB's replaced will make it easier to own/drive/enjoy these cars, and easier to sell when that day comes!

Look forward to following this thread.

Thanks man! I'll update as much as I can.

##Suspension
The problem is that I want to retain EDC while having the best track like handling. Unfortunately, I think I'm looking for a unicorn setup that doesn't exist! I’ll have to compromise on something in order to retain the EDC functionality. A b16 damptronic would be amazing but at MSRP, I cant imagine keeping EDC and opting for MCS coilovers for the best track setup. This leaves springs as the only option that will fit the bill at a decent price point.

Swift springs on paper looks like the best spring setup with my track handling goal in mind. Eibach, H&R and BG all seem to aim for OEM like comfort with a small drop to fill the fender gap. It also seems like swift is the only vendor that list spring rates on their website. My experience with swift coil over springs on my ZHP has been nothing but great. With the plan to track the car, it makes sense! The drop is also not low enough to cause headaches with suspension travel.


##Bearings
From my research, it seems like a lottery for factory bearings to wear properly. I'm not sure the severity of the actual cases but it is enough of a concern for myself to spend the extra coin. This car will get some track time and I want a little insurance that the engine isn't going to grenade due to bad bearing clearances. I’ve read about issues with coated bearings still and the only real solution is the BE bearings.


##Angel Eyes
I haven't really looked at aftermarket rings beyond just the lux 180 bulbs. The stock design is really silly and makes for poor light distribution with led bulbs. I️ mean look at it!



That said, the halogens factory version looks fine to me for now.



Do you have a pic of the one-eighty lights on your car?

[Sockethead]

The original owner of my wife's 135 had put an HID light system in for the angel eyes, they were bright as shit but after it started malfunctioning, I ripped all that crap out and got just LED replacement bulbs and they look great... still very bright even in direct sunlight

[704sw]

I’m in the minority, but I really like the halogen AEs. I think they look classy, and contrast nicely with the HIDs.

If changing from stock, I think the LUX ambers look mean as hell, and I love them. Just my 2¢

[derbo]

The original owner of my wife's 135 had put an HID light system in for the angel eyes, they were bright as shit but after it started malfunctioning, I ripped all that crap out and got just LED replacement bulbs and they look great... still very bright even in direct sunlight

Oh god, that sounds crazy with HID system..

LUX180 looks great, but I don't want to spend $120-$200 on LED bulbs. I'll stick to stock for now. I actually like that "older" halogen look too.

[Sockethead]

I got switchbacks white/Amber for my car after I saw them on Trevor's M3.

[san]

I got switchbacks white/Amber for my car after I saw them on Trevor's M3.

Those look great Rob! Is this something you did recently?


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[704sw]

Those are sexy, and aggressive.

[Sockethead]

I did it during the summer.... I have to get around to updating my build thread...

[derbo]

well crap, that is cool if there is a switchback version..

[Whammy]

Very nice pickup Derbo! A bit jealous of what you have. My incoming V8 purchase isn't of the BMW variety....