View Poll Results: How does your G sedan handle?
My G is one of the best handling cars I have ever driven
7
16.28%
My G handles great for a sedan but could be better
23
53.49%
My G handles decent, there's things I would change.
9
20.93%
My G doesn't handle great, could be worse but many are better
4
9.30%
I think my G handles terrible, I would change most things if I could
0
0%
Voters: 43. You may not vote on this poll
Sedan owners with sports car experience, how does.your G handle?
It's all about perspective. As far as 10-15yr. old M cars go it is not bad. I sometimes think about a V8 M3 (E92), but it is highly recommended to spend $2,500+ to replace the crankshaft bearings because the tolerances are junk from the factory. A little erie considering that is a $20k motor...
Fortunately, the Tein coilovers ride very similar to stock on regular roads, but definitely handle better when it gets twisty and are great on the track. I would say the Tein basis coilovers actually ride better than the stock E46 M3 suspension over big bumps.
The only bushings I have replaced are the ones for the sway bars when I replaced those. Then again, my car only has about 23,500 miles so everything is still pretty fresh.
It doesn't have to be terrible for maintenance, but it can be. I had mine less than two years and did not have any big issues. The more I read the BMW forums though, I kept thinking the damn thing was going to explode at any minute.
It's all about perspective. As far as 10-15yr. old M cars go it is not bad. I sometimes think about a V8 M3 (E92), but it is highly recommended to spend $2,500+ to replace the crankshaft bearings because the tolerances are junk from the factory. A little erie considering that is a $20k motor...
Fortunately, the Tein coilovers ride very similar to stock on regular roads, but definitely handle better when it gets twisty and are great on the track. I would say the Tein basis coilovers actually ride better than the stock E46 M3 suspension over big bumps.
The only bushings I have replaced are the ones for the sway bars when I replaced those. Then again, my car only has about 23,500 miles so everything is still pretty fresh.
It's all about perspective. As far as 10-15yr. old M cars go it is not bad. I sometimes think about a V8 M3 (E92), but it is highly recommended to spend $2,500+ to replace the crankshaft bearings because the tolerances are junk from the factory. A little erie considering that is a $20k motor...
Fortunately, the Tein coilovers ride very similar to stock on regular roads, but definitely handle better when it gets twisty and are great on the track. I would say the Tein basis coilovers actually ride better than the stock E46 M3 suspension over big bumps.
The only bushings I have replaced are the ones for the sway bars when I replaced those. Then again, my car only has about 23,500 miles so everything is still pretty fresh.
How is the adjustability on the coilovers and would would you compare the coils to sway bars in terms of handling improvements? I currently have 370z nismo front springs and OEM rear sport springs, Alutec strut brace, KYB struts/shocks, and eibach sways set to medium and the ride is somewhat rough and bouncy, yet there is still more body roll in turns than I want
The Tein Basis are only adjustable for height and that is really all you need unless you are building a dedicated track rat. The coilovers make a much larger difference than sway bars in terms of ride and handling and also lower the center of gravity.
Well as much as I love the E46 M3 I would hate to have something like that as a DD and be a ticking time bomb for issues. That is why I have a 10 year Infiniti instead of an e46 330i or B6 S4 that I wanted when I bought my car.
How is the adjustability on the coilovers and would would you compare the coils to sway bars in terms of handling improvements? I currently have 370z nismo front springs and OEM rear sport springs, Alutec strut brace, KYB struts/shocks, and eibach sways set to medium and the ride is somewhat rough and bouncy, yet there is still more body roll in turns than I want
How is the adjustability on the coilovers and would would you compare the coils to sway bars in terms of handling improvements? I currently have 370z nismo front springs and OEM rear sport springs, Alutec strut brace, KYB struts/shocks, and eibach sways set to medium and the ride is somewhat rough and bouncy, yet there is still more body roll in turns than I want
I don't know how good KYB shocks are. I have Koni yellows on OEM springs(softest settings all around). It's like driving a different car. Ride is much more refined. Attacking those turns in canyon roads feels more calm and alot less "on the edge". No sacrifice in ride comfort. I also have eibach sways and love them. But there's no way you can compare the improvement of a shocks/coilovers vs swaybars.
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6,103
Likes: 593
From: People's Republic of IL
^^Koni doesn't list a sedan application. Did you use the coupe parts? Have part numbers? Stock springs all around right? Did anything change in terms of ride height?
You can Koni Yellow with a lowering spring such as Swift or Tanabe. Your car will probably handle reallllly well. Coupe and Sedan use the same suspension for RWD. Koni just doesn't make an AWD application.
I've been on Koni Yellows and swift springs for ~3 years. Love the combo
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 6,103
Likes: 593
From: People's Republic of IL
My car is fully stock as far as height goes. I have no desire to drop/lower it. At some point, the stock S shocks will wear out and need replacement. It's good to have options lined up ahead of time.
Post #19 suggests he is running stock springs (height), so it sounds like it should all work correctly.
Post #19 suggests he is running stock springs (height), so it sounds like it should all work correctly.
Sway bars are the best bang for your buck suspension mod. However a quality set of shocks/coilovers are the biggest game changer in how your car handles (well, maybe 2nd behind tires).
I don't know how good KYB shocks are. I have Koni yellows on OEM springs(softest settings all around). It's like driving a different car. Ride is much more refined. Attacking those turns in canyon roads feels more calm and alot less "on the edge". No sacrifice in ride comfort. I also have eibach sways and love them. But there's no way you can compare the improvement of a shocks/coilovers vs swaybars.
I don't know how good KYB shocks are. I have Koni yellows on OEM springs(softest settings all around). It's like driving a different car. Ride is much more refined. Attacking those turns in canyon roads feels more calm and alot less "on the edge". No sacrifice in ride comfort. I also have eibach sways and love them. But there's no way you can compare the improvement of a shocks/coilovers vs swaybars.
I had Koni yellows on a Subaru WRX for a while and really liked the ability to switch from street to track mode by turning the tabs on the top. Might be an idea for a future mod. I suppose you are only limited to your handling ability by the springs you run.
Yes, the Konis are still adjustable.
The rears have a window at the top of the shock body that you use an Allen wrench in. They are very difficult to adjust on the car.
The rears have a window at the top of the shock body that you use an Allen wrench in. They are very difficult to adjust on the car.
Yea, the rear ones seem a bit of a hassle to adjust. For me I don't take my car to the track so I'll just leave them at factory shipped setting(softest all around).
But don't let the softest setting fool you though, it's still noticeably stiffer than the stock sport shocks on my sedan.
But don't let the softest setting fool you though, it's still noticeably stiffer than the stock sport shocks on my sedan.
Yea, the rear ones seem a bit of a hassle to adjust. For me I don't take my car to the track so I'll just leave them at factory shipped setting(softest all around).
But don't let the softest setting fool you though, it's still noticeably stiffer than the stock sport shocks on my sedan.
But don't let the softest setting fool you though, it's still noticeably stiffer than the stock sport shocks on my sedan.
Registered Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 145
Likes: 14
From: Surrey, B.C.
I was surprised by the results of the G37S on track too compared to my older cars. In all fairness the 370Z probably would have had the same lap times or better if the tires I have now were available then. Tires are also a small factor with the STI and it should have done better with the AWD on the small technical track, but it still understeered a bit and I replaced every bushing on that car and was running 275's at all 4 corners?!?
The steering was also not nearly as sharp on the STI as it was on the Evo or G37S. (Replaced that bushing too)
The E46 M3 is a fantastic car and I often find myself still looking for a nice clean example. It handles exceptionally well, sounds great, loves to rev, and looks awesome. It also stays cool on the track. I was running the Michelin Pilot Cup Sport tires that everyone on this site as well as the BMW forums swears by. Yes, the are decent on the street and ok on the track, but nowhere near competitive anymore. Very old design and compound. The other issue is the brakes.
So here are the bad things about the M3: The brakes are not really up to track duty so plan on spending lots on a big brake kit. You are also best to hire a welder to weld in a reinforcement kit to the rear subframe because it will crack. After that you will need to get the Dr. Vanos kit so your engine does not grenade. If you plan to keep the car a while, learn how to replace the valve shims. Get used to $18/qt. oil and $1,500 or $2,500 every year or two for regular maintenance... if nothing else breaks first. Replace both front seats or at least the driver seat because it has a million adjustments and none of them are comfortable. You will also want to replace the shift linkage with one from a diesel 3 series and get a ZHP shift ****.
If you budget for front brakes, front seats, subframe reinforcement, Dr. Vanos kit, shift kit, and learn how to do the valve shims, the E46 M3 is not a bad car and relatively cheap right now. However, the G37S can be had for about the same price and you don't need to spend as much on parts or maintenance, it is more reliable, and about 10 years newer.
The steering was also not nearly as sharp on the STI as it was on the Evo or G37S. (Replaced that bushing too)The E46 M3 is a fantastic car and I often find myself still looking for a nice clean example. It handles exceptionally well, sounds great, loves to rev, and looks awesome. It also stays cool on the track. I was running the Michelin Pilot Cup Sport tires that everyone on this site as well as the BMW forums swears by. Yes, the are decent on the street and ok on the track, but nowhere near competitive anymore. Very old design and compound. The other issue is the brakes.
So here are the bad things about the M3: The brakes are not really up to track duty so plan on spending lots on a big brake kit. You are also best to hire a welder to weld in a reinforcement kit to the rear subframe because it will crack. After that you will need to get the Dr. Vanos kit so your engine does not grenade. If you plan to keep the car a while, learn how to replace the valve shims. Get used to $18/qt. oil and $1,500 or $2,500 every year or two for regular maintenance... if nothing else breaks first. Replace both front seats or at least the driver seat because it has a million adjustments and none of them are comfortable. You will also want to replace the shift linkage with one from a diesel 3 series and get a ZHP shift ****.
If you budget for front brakes, front seats, subframe reinforcement, Dr. Vanos kit, shift kit, and learn how to do the valve shims, the E46 M3 is not a bad car and relatively cheap right now. However, the G37S can be had for about the same price and you don't need to spend as much on parts or maintenance, it is more reliable, and about 10 years newer.
I can kind of understand where that comes from. On good roads they still over a very compliant stock like ride. However, hit a sharp bump and they have a definitely harsher response, at least paired with Swift springs. Fortunately for me, I'm in the south where we have pretty good roads.
Registered User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 56
Likes: 5
Having driven many sports cars, I would say one thing missing is the feeling of lightness. Compared to an RX8 for example, the G feels pretty heavy in comparison. My car only has sways, better tires (Super Sports) and brakes in terms of performance upgrades and it drives really well FOR A SEDAN. For a sports car, it just lacks that lightning fast response you get from more dedicated sports cars, but the G still impresses me with how well it goes with a couple minor upgrades to the handling. The G is relatively easy to improve handling-wise, but at least in its stock form it isn't that great. With the factory tires i was disappointed the first time I took it to a proper road because of the understeer and general poor handling, but just switching to good tires improved things dramatically. Also consider that it's a pretty old car now, and compared to more modern stuff it is quite archaic, but I do like the simplicity of it compared to a BMW or an Audi.