After two weeks of running around in city driving and some fast road driving, I felt that I should write a short review about the current setup. My E87 is currently on stock M-Sport springs + dampers + bumpstops, Michelin Pilot Super Sports XL tyres (225/40/18 fronts, 245/35/18 rears), TRW JTC 1426 + 1427 (E9x M3 front LCAs) and Powerflex Yellow rear subframe inserts (front and rear - PFR5-419 + PFR5-423). The car is on 33k miles.
Before starting off, I must emphasize the fact that the MPSS tyres add to the "harsh" ride of the stock M-sport suspension setup. They are also quite noisy and I don't think I'd have gone for them if I lived somewhere where I had long commuting distances. On the plus side, they offer unrivalled dry grip, reportedly over any other tyre out there according to reviews, and the steering has become alive after ditching my old Dunlop Sport SP9000 non-XL tyres. I did notice that they're a bit snappy on the limit, not as progressive as I thought they'd be, but since their limits are so high, I guess that can be forgiven. Just don't expect miracles and expect them to behave when you're placing down all your power abruptly mid-way in a turn. These are the tyres to go for if you want a no-compromise performance road set-up. If you value MPG and less noise, then look elsewhere.
Right, let's start with the
M3 LCAs:
Pros -
1. As most others have stated before me, turn-in grip is very much improved. The car won't try pulling back to a straight line when negotiating a sharp turn - it will grip and go, simple as that. This is all due to the increase in negative camber, which together with the camber pin mod, means you'll have around 1 degree negative camber. I think this is just right for a daily driver.
2. Better steering feel - this is a bit subjective. The steering is a notch heavier and I prefer it this way, while others might prefer a lighter steering. I personally think this is how the steering should have been right out of the factory, it's in no way intrusive mind you - just a bit more heft to it.
3. More steering accuracy - a slight twitch of the steering and it responds straight away. Lane-switching is a quicker affair now, and it lends to the overall sportier feel of the car
Cons -
1. More steering accuracy - yes, this is also a con unfortunately. It means that you'll just need that tiny bit more concentration if you're dozing off on the steering wheel as a slight twitch means that you're going to pull slightly to the left or to the right.
2. Camber-chasing - this is not a good mod to have if you live somewhere where the roads are akin to the Pyramid surfaces. If a road leans to either side, you will notice straight away as the steering will veer towards that direction. The first time it happened I was quite alarmed to tell you the truth!
Poweflex subframe inserts:
Pros -
1. A more settled rear. It didn't get completely rid of that "double dip" which the 1-series cars are renowned for due to the lighter rear, but it did help. At the very least, it settles much more quickly when going fast over a slight dip in the road.
2. "Tightened up" feel - the rear end doesn't feel vague anymore. It's in cohesion with the front end, and it's a must if you plan on installing the front M3 LCAs otherwise you'll risk ending up with an unbalanced car.
Cons -
1. NVH - it has increased a bit, a bit more than what I was expecting tbh. I don't mind it but it might not be everyone's cup of tea if you're seeking a quiet ride.
2. Value for money - I honestly think that compared to what other mods have contributed to the feel of the car, Powerflex Yellow inserts are a smidge over-priced. Don't get me wrong - they're a worthwhile mod, but I wonder if the Whiteline equivalents represent better value really.
To cap it off - the M3 LCAs get a big thumbs up from me, but only if you want a more focused feel for the car. If you just want a leisurely run-about with an emphasis on comfort, don't install them... but I guess you'd have bought a 3-series or 5-series if you prioritise those!
The Powerflex inserts are, ironically, a minor disappointment. They have changed the feel of the car for the better, but after reading rave reviews about how these transform the car, I was a bit nonplussed. They complement the LCAs perfectly, but they don't make as much of a difference as the LCAs.
Hope this helps people out there who are on the fence on whether to have these mods done or not. I'd say go for it. They didn't give me back a new car, but they did improve matters in areas which were important for me, mainly a sportier feel and more accuracy. Now, if you want a transforming mod, get a remap done (depending on the car)
