330XI Sway

[2shea]

Does anyone have any input on sway bars for a 330xi? I have been very unsuccessful keeping goodyear on the sidewalls of my tires on the track. I have upgraded my tires to z rated but the extra ride height and skinny sway bars are the root of my problem. Sofar my only hope is to get a set duplicated from my existing set only thicker and worry about bushings when I have the bars, or actually locate a tuner that manufactures one. Lowering the car is a given and available. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[MrElussive]

I am assuming you have a 330xi with the Sport Package. If I were you, I would get a set of H&R Springs ($244 from TireRack). It will lower your car 1.2" in the front, and 1.0" in the rear, and will provide significantly tighter handling. Expect about $300 for installation and wheel alignment. Basically, you're looking at a total of $550 for this mod, which is relatively inexpensive considering how much handling improvement you will experience.
For better handling, you should also consider new rims and tires (or maybe just new tires). The 330xi Sport comes with 205/50-17 all-season tires (worst setup ever). You should invest in a set of lower-profile 225/45-17 Ultra High Performance All-Season tires. You will get much better dry-road handling performance, without sacrificing all-weather drivability...in fact, most Ultra High Performance All-Season tires do better in the snow and rain than regular All-Season tires.

 

[2shea]

330 XI Sway

I actually invested in a second set of rims - 18 inches and did purchase a new set of ultra tires 225/40/18 intending on lowering the car once I acquired a beater for the winter. Although they did make a big difference I am still plowing through turns laying my tires on their side walls. Maybe i should explain.. I attend Performance drivers association ( Driving School ) events. My car is getting loaded heavily in sharp turns at 55 or 60 mph and strong lateral g's at 115 mph. This body roll is forcing me to shave too much speed when entering my turns causing me to abuse my brakes then try to recooperate the speed exiting. My car is receiving this beating for about a 25 minute duration. Actually I feel guilty about the abuse I dish out. I do understand lowering will help a bit, but It will also not stop the body from rolling and loading the "drive tire in the turns".. I am not opposed to investing more money into my car.. drastic improvements do not come cheaply usually. I just want to solve the problem instead of treating the symtoms. The other thought to aid in this is once the suspension and sway bars are addressed i am considering some camber adjusting to increase the 'footprint', but that is in the distant future. I thank you for your recommendations though.

 

[MrElussive]

So basically, your problem is beyond the fact that you have the softer and raised 330xi suspension. You are saying that the body roll is a mjor problem...that is what is slowing you down. In that case, consider investing in a whole new coil-over kit, such as one from H&R ($1,300 from TireRack). Dinan (http://www.dinanbmw.com/) sells stabilizer bars for your vehicle, which will also help control body roll.
Tom or Vlad, I know you guys know a lot about suspension, perhaps you can help out 2shea here.

 

[2shea]

I have already investigated the possible application of a 330I sway bar and since my car has a front differential they do not apply unfortunatly, dinan along with all other tuners I have contacted do not produce a sway bar that will fit into a 330XI, but I havent tried the foreign markets yet which brings me here, I wouldnt know how to go about shopping in germany. The coil overs are a possibility, but the only difference in coil overs to just springs is the adjustability, which i dont know if it is worth the effort, I just want to improve on the original setup by tuning, If i am unhappy it is a set of springs lost verses a set of coilovers. Basically i know i have to improve the suspension. The shocks/springs are available. The sway bars are not. I am just looking for the thicker sway bars. Thanks for the reply

 

[tsquared]

I have the same problem with my 2002 330xi at driving schools. My solution....a 2004 330i w/ sport package on order. The car I should have got in the first place

 

[2shea]

yea I hear that, unfortunately i like my car, it just needs some more tuning to make it the way I want it.

 

[steve330xi]

2shea, I've also got a 330xi and love it, but I don't have nearly the expertise that you're bringing to this search. When you're done tuning your car to the way you want it could you post a complete list of what, how and how much?
Thanks!!

 

[2shea]

Steve, it all depends on what you want in a car. I wanted an all wheel drive naturally aspirated car with acceptable H.P. to start with, that in 2001 ruled out audi and subaru WRX. For street use I have never pushed my car where body roll has been a factor.. and I wouldnt advise it either, but when your in a controlled area, limits are reached quickly. basically the engine and exhaust are all compatible with the 330I, I went with dinan for the warranty and its association with BMW, exhaust, intake and programming, front stut tower bar also lines up, suspension shouldnt be a problem, but thats about it for shared components. Rear strut bar has to be custom and as I am beginning to suspect sway bars aswell. I like this car and when pushed all wheel drive without traction control outweighs the added weight and limited supply of performance items as far as I am concerned.. especially in bad weather.

 

[MrElussive]

2shea, where do you go to have the opportunity to push your car to the limits. Could you provide a few links to the events you participate in? I am very much interested in driving my car on a race track (road course) or something like that, but New Jersey doesn't seem to have much to offer.

 

[steve330xi]

2shea, that's good advice. I selected the 330xi after convincing myself that I'd get basically the same satisfying driving experience as the 330i under "normal" driving conditions, and better handling in bad weather conditions which I need. Since I most likely won't ever see a track, and I generally try to stay under go-to-jail speeds I figured I wasn't sacrificing much. I've been following this board lately looking for any tips that would have a noticeable impact on day-to-day driving experience... not at the limits. Got any suggestions? Thanks!!

 

[2shea]

Mr elusive look up performance drivers association, I am a member and they often hold events through november. I have only driven at pocono raceway, it is a nice course, infield speeds can be up to 60 miles an hour and outfield it basicaly as fast as you want to go guilt free. These events are considered 'drivers education' not racing which provides a loop-hole for insurance protection. the infield track is surrounded by grass so off track experiences can be limited to some lawn mowing. PDA also holds events at limerock.. this november, watkins glenn and some other tracks.. Safety required to run is D.O.T. seatbelts (stock) and a helmet snell 95 or newer. I would recommend a harness cause you need something to hold you to your seat. Your get an instructor at your first event to show you the ropes so to speak, then on that day if you show understanding and control they turn you loose. You get about 4 runs an event at anywhere from 20-30 minutes per run and your on the course with about 10-15 cars. Second event attended your on your own even if you suck at driving.. unless you want an instructor then one will be provided. Check out www.imp-auto.com/pda they should have all the answers The prices are reasonable too.. about 180$ an event.. depending on the course your running.
Steve, enhancing street driving not involving go-to-jail speeds. All I would recommend is tires, the goodyears our car comes with are weak, get some good z rated all season or 'summer/fall/spring' ultra performance on a second set of rims-Tires are one of the most noticable upgrades you can make to a cars handling and ride quality.. check out tire rack for good deals on tires and check out www.thewheelexchange.com. I picked up a nice set of 18" M3 evolutions for 600$ with bmw center caps made by replica wheels, I am very happy with them..especially for the price. I also was able to fit 225 tread width on all four corners to give me a bigger footprint.

 

[MightyMouse]

new to the forums and my 05 Xi should be here next week. My first mod is going to be some sort of suspension. Whether it be springs or a coilover kit. If i do either of these do i need a camber kit? are the rear wheels going to be toed in? anyone have pictures of a 330xi dropped on h&r's?