[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]

suggestions for reduction of body roll E34/'95 530i 5-speed

Well, I have _another_ request for advice/suggestions from E34 owners
out there. I am in the process of upgrading wheels/tires from stock
to plus1 or plus2 (still have not completely made up my mind). But
there is a good amount of body roll with my car which I do not think
Plussing will take care of. While I do not want the ride of a Corvette
I would like to achieve the best compromise between a comfortable ride
and very good handling.

The other day I was driving on a 2 lane highway and speeds somewhat higher
than the posted speed limit with _very_ light traffic. I noticed if I
did a lane change then back again (similar to a slalom) the car felt
like it was floating a bit until the body caught up with the wheels.

I do not know which suspension parts contribute the most to this body
roll. In a previous experience (Firebird) simply replacing the stock shocks
with Monroe Formula GP racing shocks removed a huge amount of the body
roll, but then again the Firebird never had anywhere as much roll as the
BMW has. Are springs a more likely candidate for replacement/upgrade?
I see many digesters talk about replacing springs but not too much discussion
about shock upgrades. Maybe the stock shocks on my car are good enough so
they are rarely replaced.

I would appreciate any suggestions in minimizing the body roll. This is my
daily driver and I will probably not ever take the car to the track or an
autocross. I say probably, because one never knows... Also, should I wait
until I do the plus1/2 before I make any decisions. Does anyone have any
experience with body roll being reduced with plussing the wheels/tires?

Thanks to all who may respond.

Kim Watters
E34/'95/530i/5 speed 32,000 miles, currently stock
BMWCCA