BMW 1-Series Forum (F20) 135i - 1Addicts.com > Second Generation 1 Series Forum > 2012 BMW 1-Series Sporthatch (F20) Discussion > Stock suspension: F20 vs E87
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      08-25-2016, 12:49 AM   #1
sergestusx
New Member
2
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: 116i
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Question Stock suspension: F20 vs E87

Hi all!

I have an F20 (non facelift 116i) with stock suspension and 16" wheels (non runflat - 205/55 R16) and I've been wondering about how the car behaves. It is too soft (everyone knows by now, for sure), but the E87 with stock suspension had waaaaaaay better behaviour. It felt a lot more responsive handling-wise.

Has anyone changed things to make it handle more like the stock E87? Initial thoughts are Bilstein B6's and/or antiroll bars, but it's a wild guess. Maybe 17" rims? Everything?

ĄThanks!
Appreciate 0
      08-25-2016, 02:32 AM   #2
ovekvam
Brigadier General
Norway
266
Rep
3,290
Posts

Drives: 2021 Galvanic Gold i3S
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bryne, Norway

iTrader: (0)

I agree that the E87 was significantly stiffer set up, but I think the F20 handles just as well, or even better. You are right that it feels more sluggish, but I don't think it is. The steering feel is a bit vague during normal driving, but provides plenty of feedback on the limit. When driving against E87 on tracks, the turn-in and cornering grip is actually pretty good on the F20, making it easy to keep up with the older sibling.

The tyre type has a lot of influence on steering response. I think you would prefer low profile 18" tyres.
Appreciate 1
      08-25-2016, 02:53 AM   #3
sergestusx
New Member
2
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: 116i
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for responding.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ovekvam View Post
I agree that the E87 was significantly stiffer set up, but I think the F20 handles just as well, or even better. You are right that it feels more sluggish, but I don't think it is. The steering feel is a bit vague during normal driving, but provides plenty of feedback on the limit. When driving against E87 on tracks, the turn-in and cornering grip is actually pretty good on the F20, making it easy to keep up with the older sibling.

The tyre type has a lot of influence on steering response. I think you would prefer low profile 18" tyres.
I was eager to try a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4's (I'm using a set of Crossclimate's right now), but they aren't available for my rim size. For now, at least. That made me want to consider changing them to 17". Not sure if 18" would be a little too much. It might be a first step.

Last edited by sergestusx; 08-25-2016 at 03:28 AM.. Reason: Added detail.
Appreciate 0
      08-25-2016, 08:51 AM   #4
No one
Major
1030
Rep
1,326
Posts

Drives: F21 118i
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Undisclosed

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ovekvam View Post
I agree that the E87 was significantly stiffer set up, but I think the F20 handles just as well, or even better. You are right that it feels more sluggish, but I don't think it is. The steering feel is a bit vague during normal driving, but provides plenty of feedback on the limit. When driving against E87 on tracks, the turn-in and cornering grip is actually pretty good on the F20, making it easy to keep up with the older sibling.
The question is about stock suspension while you appear to stick to M-Sport.

AFAIK (reportedly, no experience) F20's M-Sport suspension feels quite close to E87's stock (there was an M-Sport option too, thus quite "Mmer" than what we have, presumably) and F20 stock suspension is really too soft for handling seekers. And, of course, electric power steering versus hydraulic - no contest. And different generations of runflat tyres (if applicable).
Appreciate 0
      08-25-2016, 09:02 AM   #5
ovekvam
Brigadier General
Norway
266
Rep
3,290
Posts

Drives: 2021 Galvanic Gold i3S
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bryne, Norway

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by No one View Post
The question is about stock suspension while you appear to stick to M-Sport.

AFAIK (reportedly, no experience) F20's M-Sport suspension feels quite close to E87's stock (there was an M-Sport option too, thus quite "Mmer" than what we have, presumably) and F20 stock suspension is really too soft for handling seekers. And, of course, electric power steering versus hydraulic - no contest. And different generations of runflat tyres (if applicable).
I have also driven non M sport F20s. The F20 M Sport is definitely better, but I think the E87 M Sport is a bit too stiff for everyday use. It seems like the E87 needs to be stiffer than the F20 to handle well.
Appreciate 0
      08-25-2016, 10:10 AM   #6
sergestusx
New Member
2
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: 116i
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by No one View Post
The question is about stock suspension while you appear to stick to M-Sport.

AFAIK (reportedly, no experience) F20's M-Sport suspension feels quite close to E87's stock (there was an M-Sport option too, thus quite "Mmer" than what we have, presumably) and F20 stock suspension is really too soft for handling seekers. And, of course, electric power steering versus hydraulic - no contest. And different generations of runflat tyres (if applicable).
That's why I seek mine to be less... "bouncy". Don't know if B4's or B6's would be enough.
Appreciate 0
      08-25-2016, 10:30 AM   #7
ovekvam
Brigadier General
Norway
266
Rep
3,290
Posts

Drives: 2021 Galvanic Gold i3S
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bryne, Norway

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sergestusx View Post
That's why I seek mine to be less... "bouncy". Don't know if B4's or B6's would be enough.
B4 is supposed to be quite similar to stock, but B6 would surely feel stiffer.
Maybe the stock M Sport suspension is worth considering as well?
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
f20, handling, soft, stock, suspension

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:46 AM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST