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Best way to improve handling on 335i???

12K views 28 replies 16 participants last post by  c.dude  
#1 · (Edited)
Don't get me wrong, the handling on my 335i non-sport is very good. But I might want to improve it. Would the biggest improvement be a change in the tires? (I have almost new 17 inch M&S rated VR rated run-flats on the car now; I'd probably want similarly sized tires.) Or would new struts or something make more of a difference?

Is there a really excellent set of 17 inch tires (preferably non-run flats w/similar size so they would fit on stock rims) for better summer handling and at least some ability in occasional light snow and about 20 degrees F cold (or warmer) --- I'm in NJ. Or how much would v. good summer only tires with relatively inexpensive, but decent, alloys be? I would use the M&S run-flats in the winter and dedicated summers (17 inch or 18 inch) in the spring/summer/fall. Tx!

Tx. :angel:
 
#9 ·
Tires IMO, or better yet tires + 18" wheels.

For UHP M+S rated, according to my TireRack research, Yoko Advan S4 are the very best, at a premium price. For 95% of their performance with a lower price, I think Goodyear F1 allseasons will serve you well. I have Pirellu PZero M+S which are not rated as high, but I like them very much (minus a few weird niggles).

For max perf or uhp summers, I'd suggest to figure out the budget and pick the best tire (according to TireRack) in that category. An alternative being the Toyo T1-R which are not sold at TireRack.

If you have a coupe, it already comes with the sport suspension and tires will have a huge impact in handling and ride quality. If you have a sedan, then you may need some sways too...
 
#11 ·
Find a way to remove about 500 lbs of weight.

A car as heavy as the 335 can only do so much. For how fat it is, it handles extremely well.

The laws of physics cannot be overridden simply with better tires and suspension mods. Forcing that much weight to change direction will always present a challenge.

The new M3 faces a similar challenge.
 
#13 ·
Why stop there? A bicycle can handle better then.

If you start removing amenities, why have a BMW in the first place? :dunno: I can always go jump in my Mr2 if I want something that handles better, but the 3er will definitely get me there in a more comfortable fashion...
 
#18 ·
My first recommendation would definately be to get some summer tires. I see you are in Jersey. The weather will certainly start warming up there if it hasn't already. The best all season tires offer nowhere near the handling characteristics that even the worst summer tires do. There's a huge difference. After tires you should look into things like swaybars. Shocks and springs would be the last thing I would look at.
 
#22 ·
BMW Performance suspension w/ m sport sways-- that is what I did to my non-sport and I could not be happier. Non-sport suspension is really a disappointment for this phenominal vehicle. Tires alone will not help you. Worth every penny--- and not harsh at all-- still feels very comfortable but the cornering is like a totally different car now.
 
#27 ·
Buy a couple days at the BMW performance driving school - most of us are not even getting close to the limits of the car long before we start trying to make it work better!