[denzo]

Car is a F30 330d Luxury, SE stock springs. This is kind of thread has probably been done to death but..

Everybody by now knows the wallowing drive of the stock F30 and ACS springs seemed the most most popular upgrade. After a nervous encounter on the motorway doing higher speeds, where the car wafted from right to left, I felt it was the right time. In the moment it felt as if though I had no control over the car and its scary to even think what could have happened.

I was going for it purely for handling reasons, and couldnt really care less about the lowering aspect of the springs. Another reason why I went for ACS they lower the car the least out of most competing brands.

Phoned up Lorcan and a date was set. I arranged to fit the springs through the Rossiters authorised garage Autoleys, which is about a 10 minture drive away. The actual day went really well, hospitality from Lorcan and his team was second to none. Very friendly and the coffee was on tap which always helps! Just want to say thanks again. Shout out to Ian from Autoleys also, he knows his stuff.

Took around 4 hours to install and this included new bump stops I decided to change over at the time. Car had done 70,000 + miles at this point and it couldn’t really hurt to change them over.

Once the springs were fitted what can I say, if you have been mulling over this go for it. You will not regret it one bit. Car handles mostly the same at lower speeds, except maybe you feel at bit more of the road. The car however really came into itself at higher speeds and when cornering. No more wallowing car felt more planted and actually drove in the direction you wanted it too. When cornering you have more confidence in what the car is doing and there is no uncertainty in what the car might do, this alone was worth it for me.

And this is just from the springs alone. I do plan on going for the full set up with the shocks, when funds allow and the current stock ones give in and cant even begin to imagine what difference that will make.

Can not recommend this upgrade enough

[Junebug85]

Originally Posted by denzo

Car is a F30 330d Luxury, SE stock springs. This is kind of thread has probably been done to death but..

Everybody by now knows the wallowing drive of the stock F30 and ACS springs seemed the most most popular upgrade. After a nervous encounter on the motorway doing higher speeds, where the car wafted from right to left, I felt it was the right time. In the moment it felt as if though I had no control over the car and its scary to even think what could have happened.

I was going for it purely for handling reasons, and couldnt really care less about the lowering aspect of the springs. Another reason why I went for ACS they lower the car the least out of most competing brands.

Phoned up Lorcan and a date was set. I arranged to fit the springs through the Rossiters authorised garage Autoleys, which is about a 10 minture drive away. The actual day went really well, hospitality from Lorcan and his team was second to none. Very friendly and the coffee was on tap which always helps! Just want to say thanks again. Shout out to Ian from Autoleys also, he knows his stuff.

Took around 4 hours to install and this included new bump stops I decided to change over at the time. Car had done 70,000 + miles at this point and it couldn't really hurt to change them over.

Once the springs were fitted what can I say, if you have been mulling over this go for it. You will not regret it one bit. Car handles mostly the same at lower speeds, except maybe you feel at bit more of the road. The car however really came into itself at higher speeds and when cornering. No more wallowing car felt more planted and actually drove in the direction you wanted it too. When cornering you have more confidence in what the car is doing and there is no uncertainty in what the car might do, this alone was worth it for me.

And this is just from the springs alone. I do plan on going for the full set up with the shocks, when funds allow and the current stock ones give in and cant even begin to imagine what difference that will make.

Can not recommend this upgrade enough

I had mine done in May through Lorcan and Ian. As you said the upgrade was great and the hospitality I got was even better. Great day all round

Have you just bought your car or did you do the 70,000 on the original springs and then decide to change?

[330XDave]

Having just done a 350 mile round trip on 90% motorway in my F31 330d xDrive I really can't fathom where all of this negativity against the so called awful handling on stock suspension comes from.

[denzo]

Originally Posted by Junebug85

I had mine done in May through Lorcan and Ian. As you said the upgrade was great and the hospitality I got was even better. Great day all round

Have you just bought your car or did you do the 70,000 on the original springs and then decide to change?

Drove about 10k miles since purchase before deciding to go for the springs

[denzo]

Originally Posted by 330XDave

Having just done a 350 mile round trip on 90% motorway in my F31 330d xDrive I really can't fathom where all of this negativity against the so called awful handling on stock suspension comes from.

Comming from an e90 there is a massive difference for me personally. I guess it comes down to what you find acceptable. Having driven a 335d xdrive for a while I can say the same for the stock set up on that also.

[1966-TR4]

Originally Posted by 330XDave

Having just done a 350 mile round trip on 90% motorway in my F31 330d xDrive I really can't fathom where all of this negativity against the so called awful handling on stock suspension comes from.

Try and drive it quickly on a B road

[MATYAL330XD]

how much did it cost fitted?....

[Dr Forinor]

Originally Posted by 330XDave

Having just done a 350 mile round trip on 90% motorway in my F31 330d xDrive I really can't fathom where all of this negativity against the so called awful handling on stock suspension comes from.

The motorway isn't enough to give you a good feel of what the suspension really lacks. You need to try it out on a B road and then you understand.

[330XDave]

Originally Posted by Dr Forinor

The motorway isn't enough to give you a good feel of what the suspension really lacks. You need to try it out on a B road and then you understand.

I was responding to the OP to be honest.

At 32 with 2 kids I think my days of thrashing my car around B roads are done. I can make quick enough progress in an enjoyable manner with my car as it is.

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by denzo

Comming from an e90 there is a massive difference for me personally. I guess it comes down to what you find acceptable. Having driven a 335d xdrive for a while I can say the same for the stock set up on that also.

Is the SE suspension really that bad on an F30 compared to an E90? I never found the handling that bad even on the twisties with an E90 SE.

[330XDave]

Originally Posted by Hooded

Is the SE suspension really that bad on an F30 compared to an E90? I never found the handling that bad even on the twisties with an E90 SE.

No, it really isn't, unless you're expecting hot hatch beating agility.

[denzo]

Originally Posted by Hooded

Is the SE suspension really that bad on an F30 compared to an E90? I never found the handling that bad even on the twisties with an E90 SE.

Yes imo the e90 stock SE was more planted and sure footed, granted the ride was noticeably firmer.. I think BMW really dropped the ball on the f30 suspension set up

[denzo]

Originally Posted by 330XDave

No, it really isn't, unless you're expecting hot hatch beating agility.

Why is it hot hatch beating agility or a wollowy wafting drive. I think there is happy medium and thats the ACS springs

[MATYAL330XD]

Originally Posted by denzo

Car is a F30 330d Luxury, SE stock springs. This is kind of thread has probably been done to death but..

Everybody by now knows the wallowing drive of the stock F30 and ACS springs seemed the most most popular upgrade. After a nervous encounter on the motorway doing higher speeds, where the car wafted from right to left, I felt it was the right time. In the moment it felt as if though I had no control over the car and its scary to even think what could have happened.

I was going for it purely for handling reasons, and couldnt really care less about the lowering aspect of the springs. Another reason why I went for ACS they lower the car the least out of most competing brands.

Phoned up Lorcan and a date was set. I arranged to fit the springs through the Rossiters authorised garage Autoleys, which is about a 10 minture drive away. The actual day went really well, hospitality from Lorcan and his team was second to none. Very friendly and the coffee was on tap which always helps! Just want to say thanks again. Shout out to Ian from Autoleys also, he knows his stuff.

Took around 4 hours to install and this included new bump stops I decided to change over at the time. Car had done 70,000 + miles at this point and it couldn’t really hurt to change them over.

Once the springs were fitted what can I say, if you have been mulling over this go for it. You will not regret it one bit. Car handles mostly the same at lower speeds, except maybe you feel at bit more of the road. The car however really came into itself at higher speeds and when cornering. No more wallowing car felt more planted and actually drove in the direction you wanted it too. When cornering you have more confidence in what the car is doing and there is no uncertainty in what the car might do, this alone was worth it for me.

And this is just from the springs alone. I do plan on going for the full set up with the shocks, when funds allow and the current stock ones give in and cant even begin to imagine what difference that will make.

Can not recommend this upgrade enough

it would be good to know how much you payed for it all as i really want to get this done but has the be the right price...

[Lorcan]

Originally Posted by MATYAL330XD

it would be good to know how much you payed for it all as i really want to get this done but has the be the right price...

The springs including fitting at ours or another good independent comes to around £700 inc vat and wheel alignment etc. We've sold around 2000 sets in the UK now (90% for xDrive cars) so clearly a significant number of 3 and 4 series drivers feel they are worth it.

[Junebug85]

Originally Posted by MATYAL330XD

it would be good to know how much you payed for it all as i really want to get this done but has the be the right price...

For the price they cost to have them on the car, its definitely worth it for the benefits they bring.

As many have said before and I now agree.... It's how the car should of left the factory.

Also consider spacers.... Just for the visual enhancements alone!

[MATYAL330XD]

I was quoted end of last year just over £600. I would have thought maybe it would get cheeper but i guess not :

I want to get it done as i am keeping the car but too much Monies!!!

[Lorcan]

Deutschtech in Milton Keynes were offering a fitted deal at £495 not long ago. Shop around!

[MATYAL330XD]

I will do thanks Lorcan

[robbiep]

Originally Posted by Hooded

Is the SE suspension really that bad on an F30 compared to an E90? I never found the handling that bad even on the twisties with an E90 SE.

I doubt the suspension is in any way lacking.

But the OP does say that they were doing 'higher speeds'.

I suspect it's more that a case of excessive speed, lack of attentiveness, and an over-correction being far more to blame than the suspension setup.

[denzo]

Originally Posted by robbiep

I doubt the suspension is in any way lacking.

But the OP does say that they were doing 'higher speeds'.

I suspect it's more that a case of excessive speed, lack of attentiveness, and an over-correction being far more to blame than the suspension setup.

Instead of assuming what I meant let me explain. By higher speeds, I mean b roads and motorway driving, basically anything other than in town driving. If a small bump or uneveness in the road can cause you to change direction I would call that lacking.

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by robbiep

I doubt the suspension is in any way lacking.

But the OP does say that they were doing 'higher speeds'.

I suspect it's more that a case of excessive speed, lack of attentiveness, and an over-correction being far more to blame than the suspension setup.

What the OP describes and how many other members of this forum have described the F30 SE suspension is not how the suspension was on the E90 SE that I used to own, .. that could push on quite well on the B roads.

This is why I asked the question .. is it really so much worse on the F30 (I've never driven an F30 with SE suspension)... it appears that it is.