[porsche959]

Have a 325i on stock non sport springs and shocks.

Thinking about some m3 mods: front m3 control arms, m3 steering rack, m3 28mm front sway bar.

Is it worth it?

Just want to have more fun in the twisties during weekend drives.

[Tambohamilton]

So long as the other components are in good condition, yes...in my opinion. Geometry is the most effective change you can make for starters.

[Biginboca]

Depends on the cost, IMO. I picked up a used m3 rack for $300 on eBay. One of my favorite mods I’ve done. If you are paying the ~$900 retail price for a new rack, well then maybe it’s not worth it.

My opinion is at used/take off prices those mods are definitely worthwhile. If buying new it’s hard to justify spending what is in all likelihood almost 1/4 the value of your car on them.

[porsche959]

Originally Posted by Biginboca

Depends on the cost, IMO. I picked up a used m3 rack for $300 on eBay. One of my favorite mods I’ve done. If you are paying the ~$900 retail price for a new rack, well then maybe it’s not worth it.

My opinion is at used/take off prices those mods are definitely worthwhile. If buying new it’s hard to justify spending what is in all likelihood almost 1/4 the value of your car on them.

Yes I picked one up for $350 on the bay. How difficult was the install? Pretty straight plug and play? Been reading all the threads, but seems like there is an issue with aligning something in the rack. Most difficult diy I’ve done is simple stuff like rotors, pads, spark plugs, shocks, etc.

[tylerboland01]

I put M3 control arms on my 335i. Definitely made a difference with cornering, though the car tends to track imperfections in the roads more.

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by porsche959

Yes I picked one up for $350 on the bay. How difficult was the install? Pretty straight plug and play? Been reading all the threads, but seems like there is an issue with aligning something in the rack. Most difficult diy I’ve done is simple stuff like rotors, pads, spark plugs, shocks, etc.

Very easy straightforward swap. I didn’t hook up any of the servotronic stuff, just the lines to the pump and reservoir. Center your steering wheel and secure it before you remove the old rack, you don’t want it to spin.

Trim the black plastic alignment tab off the m3 rack. Then center the rack so you measure an equal amount of extension on both ends of the rack where the tie rods screw in. Bolt it into place.

I had m3 control arms already so was able to use my original tie rods. If you have stock Control Arms you need m3 tie rods (or so I’ve read). When you are done you’ll need to redo your toe setting, it will be off a bit.

[porsche959]

Originally Posted by Biginboca

Very easy straightforward swap. I didn’t hook up any of the servotronic stuff, just the lines to the pump and reservoir. Center your steering wheel and secure it before you remove the old rack, you don’t want it to spin.

Trim the black plastic alignment tab off the m3 rack. Then center the rack so you measure an equal amount of extension on both ends of the rack where the tie rods screw in. Bolt it into place.

I had m3 control arms already so was able to use my original tie rods. If you have stock Control Arms you need m3 tie rods (or so I’ve read). When you are done you’ll need to redo your toe setting, it will be off a bit.

Thanks. I bought a m3 rack with m3 tie rods. I plan to install m3 control arms at the same time. should all line up correct? (m3 tie rods fit with m3 control arms, vice versa).

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by porsche959

Thanks. I bought a m3 rack with m3 tie rods. I plan to install m3 control arms at the same time. should all line up correct? (m3 tie rods fit with m3 control arms, vice versa).

Read this page carefully...

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showt...=842392&page=5

All I can say for sure is stock (non m) tie rods work with M3 Arms and M3 rack.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by porsche959

Have a 325i on stock non sport springs and shocks.

Thinking about some m3 mods: front m3 control arms, m3 steering rack, m3 28mm front sway bar.

Is it worth it?

Just want to have more fun in the twisties during weekend drives.

On a 328?

I'd stop with the M3 control arms

[porsche959]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

On a 328?

I'd stop with the M3 control arms

No steering rack or front sway?

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

On a 328?

I'd stop with the M3 control arms

Originally Posted by porsche959

No steering rack or front sway?

Mweis has the unique opinion that the 328i simply cannot fathom the cornering ability of the 335i.

Do whatever you want, it's your car.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by tlow98

Mweis has the unique opinion that the 328i simply cannot fathom the cornering ability of the 335i.

Do whatever you want, it's your car.

It's not that, I just wouldn't put a whole bunch of $$$ in a 328. It's true nature is a DD car. One can't install the HP on a 328 to even push the suspension to it limits when you are talking about a 328. So, why bother?

[porsche959]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

It's not that, I just wouldn't put a whole bunch of $$$ in a 328. It's true nature is a DD car. One can't install the HP on a 328 to even push the suspension to it limits when you are talking about a 328. So, why bother?

Interesting. I’d hope that I would feel the differences even if the suspension isn’t pushed to the limits.

[The Nightman]

Best bang for the buck suspension mods from my experience:
1. Larger front sway bar (M3 one is good)
2. Rear subframe bushing inserts
3. M3 front tension struts

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

It's not that, I just wouldn't put a whole bunch of $$$ in a 328. It's true nature is a DD car. One can't install the HP on a 328 to even push the suspension to it limits when you are talking about a 328. So, why bother?

Explain to me what horsepower has to do with cornering ability.

Originally Posted by porsche959

Interesting. I’d hope that I would feel the differences even if the suspension isn’t pushed to the limits.

You would. Mweis is, funnily enough, kind of 'racist' toward 328s. Even a corolla's suspension can be pushed to its limits if you jerk the wheel on the highway doing 80 mph, just as any suspension can be pushed to its limits in almost any situation as long as the wheels are attached to the car and it runs.