[228iFan]

I own a 2016 228i without sport suspension. It was a leftover 2016 model with every other option and a great price. I'd like to upgrade the suspension, and was thinking of simply buying the M Sport suspension.

Based on searching here, my understanding is the M Sport different suspension-specific pieces are only struts and springs. I also understand the M235i and 228i M Sport share the same struts and springs. I'm thinking about picking up used M235i struts/springs from the classified forums here and having them installed locally. Is there anything I'm missing or should consider, or does this plan seem viable?

[WolfGTI]

Physically the springs and struts should fit however F/R weight balance on the 228i vs the 235i will be different as will overall weight. This is something you should factor in because it will affect your car's handling and probably will not be optimum.

[228iFan]

Originally Posted by WolfGTI

Physically the springs and struts should fit however F/R weight balance on the 228i vs the 235i will be different as will overall weight. This is something you should factor in because it will affect your car's handling and probably will not be optimum.

I had read somewhere the M Sport 228i and M235i share the same strut and spring, so I figured that wouldn't be an issue. Have you heard differently?

[crabu2]

I don't know about the springs, but I'm pretty sure they don't share the same dampeners.. The M-Sport dampener is static... The M235 is controlled electronically using sensors.

M235i = Adaptive M Suspension
228i with M-Sport = Features shorter suspension springs and tighter damper settings, as well as harder stabilizers.

Does that make sense?

[Tpeterson]

Originally Posted by 228iFan

I own a 2016 228i without sport suspension. It was a leftover 2016 model with every other option and a great price. I'd like to upgrade the suspension, and was thinking of simply buying the M Sport suspension.

Based on searching here, my understanding is the M Sport different suspension-specific pieces are only struts and springs. I also understand the M235i and 228i M Sport share the same struts and springs. I'm thinking about picking up used M235i struts/springs from the classified forums here and having them installed locally. Is there anything I'm missing or should consider, or does this plan seem viable?

Though it will be expensive, you have the perfect opportunity to install an M Performance suspension.It has static dampers and lowers the car 20mm.I sometimes wish I would have purchased a base model so I could have gone this route.As it is I have the adaptive dampers ( like the M235) so going back to static struts is really not a viable upgrade option.
You would probably want to upgrade to 18 in wheels too.(more expense)

[Hops128i]

Originally Posted by Tpeterson

Though it will be expensive, you have the perfect opportunity to install an M Performance suspension.It has static dampers and lowers the car 20mm.I sometimes wish I would have purchased a base model so I could have gone this route.As it is I have the adaptive dampers ( like the M235) so going back to static struts is really not a viable upgrade option.
You would probably want to upgrade to 18 in wheels too.(more expense)

I had wondered if the adaptive suspension is difficult to replace, as I'm considering a 2 series, I'm really thinking of a 230i with absolutely no options, and add what I like.

[Tpeterson]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

I had wondered if the adaptive suspension is difficult to replace, as I'm considering a 2 series, I'm really thinking of a 230i with absolutely no options, and add what I like.

The down side is that you wouldn't have the upgraded Brembo brakes and M Performance brakes are really,really expensive. And you'd have run flat tires. All in all I really don't have buyers remorse,but what you're contemplating is something to consider.

[Uridian]

If you're going through all this trouble, why not just go with coilovers? You'll get better results than the stock M Sport suspension at probably the same price.

[BEM-S4]

If the 235 parts would work you can easily score a set slightly used for really cheap assuming you're not in a rush. Lots of folks upgrade their cars and post the old stuff (which would be an upgrade for you) in the classifieds here.

Someone in FL has the springs posted for $150 with 1500 miles on them in fact.

[228iFan]

I did consider coilovers, but I'm not sure they're really worth the added expense for my use case (no track or autocross). Like BEM-S4 said, if M235i parts worked, it'd be very cheap to buy some used ones here. Unfortunately, it sounds like the M-adaptive suspension parts may be standard on the M235i, so I may not be able to plug and play into my base suspension.

I think my next best option is something like Bilstein B6s and H&R Sport/Eibach Sportline, or perhaps B14 coilovers at $950.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by 228iFan

I did consider coilovers, but I'm not sure they're really worth the added expense for my use case (no track or autocross). Like BEM-S4 said, if M235i parts worked, it'd be very cheap to buy some used ones here. Unfortunately, it sounds like the M-adaptive suspension parts may be standard on the M235i, so I may not be able to plug and play into my base suspension.

I think my next best option is something like Bilstein B6s and H&R Sport/Eibach Sportline, or perhaps B14 coilovers at $950.

Yeah I had no idea if the m235 stuff would work since I've never had any reason to investigate. Would be great if it did!

[casualDIYer]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

I had wondered if the adaptive suspension is difficult to replace, as I'm considering a 2 series, I'm really thinking of a 230i with absolutely no options, and add what I like.

If you're swapping EDC (electronic damper control) dampers for EDC dampers, as long as it's compatible for your car it's a straight swap. Call it a 6 out of 10 in the DIY scale. Swapping out non-EDC dampers for EDC dampers is a major, major upgrade. That's more like a 9-9.5. Depending on make, model EDC dampers will have between 4 and 12 sensors at various points in the car along with a controller module. The challenge is not the number of components. It's where they are located in the car. Step 1 - remove car interior. Even if that wasn't scary for a determined DIY'er, the price would be. Modules, harnesses, dampers likely in the 3k+ territory. That's getting into mid to top tier coilovers. EDC as a concept is great but the shocks themselves are only okay. That's why you see some ditching EDC and going coilover.

[Hops128i]

Originally Posted by menncars

If you're swapping EDC (electronic damper control) dampers for EDC dampers, as long as it's compatible for your car it's a straight swap. Call it a 6 out of 10 in the DIY scale. Swapping out non-EDC dampers for EDC dampers is a major, major upgrade. That's more like a 9-9.5. Depending on make, model EDC dampers will have between 4 and 12 sensors at various points in the car along with a controller module. The challenge is not the number of components. It's where they are located in the car. Step 1 - remove car interior. Even if that wasn't scary for a determined DIY'er, the price would be. Modules, harnesses, dampers likely in the 3k+ territory. That's getting into mid to top tier coilovers. EDC as a concept is great but the shocks themselves are only okay. That's why you see some ditching EDC and going coilover.

That sounds really involved! Kinda keeps me on my idea of getting a 230i with msport being the only option, and add the better brakes on my own.

[casualDIYer]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

That sounds really involved! Kinda keeps me on my idea of getting a 230i with msport being the only option, and add the better brakes on my own.

Makes sense. MSport includes the aero kit minus rear diffuser, steering wheel, wheels, door sills, foot rest for far less than those options cost on their own.