GAS monoball kit in a street car?

smokinjoe64 wrote

Some additional data to consider [from FCPEuro]...

I didn’t expect a product from them to actually fail but you said your fall-back position was their lifetime warranty. I was just pointing out the damage would extend well beyond just the lower control arm. That entire corner, including brake rotor and caliper, will be damaged. It happens at the track and it’s not pretty.

smokinjoe64 wrote

Some additional data to consider...

https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1520921

Based on the video, the Syncro monoball uses a snap-ring to hold it in place. That should be fine then. Cos I couldn't see the snap-ring just from the pics and thought it was just held in by friction.

Redd wrote

Based on the video, the Syncro monoball uses a snap-ring to hold it in place. That should be fine then. Cos I couldn't see the snap-ring just from the pics and thought it was just held in by friction.

Yup...e46 M3 guys been running these successfully for years with high praise.

As too often, many luv to chime-in... ill-informed with 'predictions' of doom without actual knowledge/experience.

Clearly, a proven, superior option to the OEM spec...nuff said

Do you guys recommend replacing the tension arms as well? I see GAS has a whole kit.

GinTonic wrote

Do you guys recommend replacing the tension arms as well? I see GAS has a whole kit.

Its a MUCH quicker install if you get it pre-installed in a new arm. You also have the benefit of getting a new ball joint as well.

drwankel wrote

Its a MUCH quicker install if you get it pre-installed in a new arm. You also have the benefit of getting a new ball joint as well.

I am asking about this:

https://germanautosolutions.com/gas-store/bmw-e82-e90-monoballs-and-control-arm-mset-v2/

Vs just replacing the control arms which is this kit:
https://germanautosolutions.com/gas-store/bmw-e82-e90-monoballs-in-trw-upper-control-arms-v2/

I am asking if it makes sense to replace both control arms on each side?

GinTonic wrote

I am asking about this:

https://germanautosolutions.com/gas-store/bmw-e82-e90-monoballs-and-control-arm-mset-v2/

Vs just replacing the control arms which is this kit:
https://germanautosolutions.com/gas-store/bmw-e82-e90-monoballs-in-trw-upper-control-arms-v2/

Do I am asking if it makes sense to replace both control arms on each side.

Oh! No, I wouldn't worry about that unless your control arm bearings are shot.

The real reason for that package, is the non M e9x guys use those parts as an upgrade. The M3 e9x control arms add additional camber on the regular e9x.

You already have those, so really no need unless you have failing bearings.

drwankel wrote

Oh! No, I wouldn't worry about that unless your control arm bearings are shot.

The real reason for that package, is the non M e9x guys use those parts as an upgrade. The M3 e9x control arms add additional camber on the regular e9x.

You already have those, so really no need unless you have failing bearings.

Appreciate the clarification!

Just figured I would follow up as this thread came up in my research on which monoball upgrade to do on my E92 M3 track build.

The previous owner replaced all the suspension arms prior to my ownership. I was looking to upgrade the thrust arm to a monoball style due to the performance benefits.

Simultaneously I was trying to track down the source of a high speed steering wheel shimmy. At about 75+ I would have a shimmy in the steering wheel. I am very sensitive to this type of thing and for me it kills the driving experience. After ruling out my wheels naturally I looked to the suspension components. The car has SPL tie rods and I thought maybe it was a little worn out from the lousy NJ roads. In the mean time I had ordered the GAS monoball preinstalled into new Lemforder arms.

To my amazement, after I swapped in the arms, my high speed steering wheel shimmy is completely gone. The car feels super solid and smooth now. I am so happy I upgraded! No extra noises or vibrations. It's stiffer in a positive way. Even for a 100% street car I would recommend this upgrade. Can't wait to test it on the track next.

Just wanted to follow up and check with those running these how they're holding up and what their impressions have been so far on the street?

Looking to replace my OEM ones at almost 90k but don't want to introduce any additional harshness. Would rather just go OEM new then.

They don’t add harshness. They provide accurate steering feel and reduce unwanted geometry changes under load.

Said screw it and ordered em. Putting in new OE just wasn't feeling right.

From everything I'm reading seems these are a win when paired with Ohlins i.e. properly sorted suspension.

Excited. Thanks to everyone here for the motivation

a5m wrote

Said screw it and ordered em. Putting in new OE just wasn't feeling right.

From everything I'm reading seems these are a win when paired with Ohlins i.e. properly sorted suspension.

Excited. Thanks to everyone here for the motivation

Nice job. You'll notice the difference the first time you take a turn.

It's funny you mention Ohlins. Been thinking about that myself. My stock edc shocks are approaching the age and mileage where I should consider refreshing them. Considering the cost of the stock shocks, it's not significantly more to make the upgrade.

But is it worth it on a street car? I have the same question about the Ohlins as I did the monoballs.

drwankel wrote

Nice job. You'll notice the difference the first time you take a turn.

It's funny you mention Ohlins. Been thinking about that myself. My stock edc shocks are approaching the age and mileage where I should consider refreshing them. Considering the cost of the stock shocks, it's not significantly more to make the upgrade.

But is it worth it on a street car? I have the same question about the Ohlins as I did the monoballs.

Can't wait to feel the difference and eliminate that slow speed, when hitting speed bumps click I'm getting. Pretty sure it's one of if not both control arms that are causing it.

Regarding the Ohlins, a resounding yes from me. But depends on what your goals are. My car is strictly a street daily driver, no plans to hit the track or even do any kind of aggressive driving. I wanted to lower the car without losing comfort, and these deliver that in spades. Now the car is stiffer than stock no doubt, but for me that doesn't translate to less comfort. Uncomfortable for me is harsh bump hits, clunky sounding and feeling suspension, where it seems the car will fall apart. Ohlins have none of that. They're so smooth I often forget the front spring rates are more than double from stock. So for me they are more comfortable than stock non-EDC suspension.

I am running them 10mm lower than their recommended settings, but also have shaved front top hats and the Dinan RSM, which regains the lost travel essentially putting me back to their recommended settings. Car looks great and I wouldn't want it any lower, and feels amazing on the poor Chicago streets. On the highway it's a dream.

EDC wasn't a concern for me but if it was I may have considered other options since my OCD would be triggered knowing I removed and disabled a factory option...

a5m wrote

Said screw it and ordered em. Putting in new OE just wasn't feeling right.

From everything I'm reading seems these are a win when paired with Ohlins i.e. properly sorted suspension.

Excited. Thanks to everyone here for the motivation

Can you post your thought after you get them installed? Curious if that noise goes away for you.

Andreweatstacos wrote

Can you post your thought after you get them installed? Curious if that noise goes away for you.

Definitely, plan to post my impressions once installed. Hoping next weekend or so.

Andreweatstacos

Finally got around to installing these. Last few weeks have been too hot so I've been holding off. Have some important install notes to share but first, initial impressions.

Car is transformed. By that I mean on my typical, around the city puttering around on terrible Chicago streets, the car feels so taught and smooth. I did change the wishbones too, and I suspect majority of the improvement is probably coming from brand new bushings because my stock ones were probably shot at 90k, but the monoballs aren't adding any negatives whatsoever.

Granted it was my first little extended drive today on various road surfaces but it didn't include any highway. So I'm sure I'll notice differences once I fully experience them, but based on initial impressions I can't say I'll have anything negative to say. Anybody on the fence; just do it and thank all of us later.

Also I am running Ohlins, so I feel that's playing a big role in the improvement in ride quality as well. Because I've read opposite impressions but perhaps that was on stock, worn dampers and/or lowering springs. I think I can even mess with the rebound setting to see if I can get away with em being softer. Currently have them at 14 clicks but they seem to be behaving better as well, because that slop and bounce in the front end is gone. So they're operating more optimally? I just can't believe it made that much of a positive difference. At the very least I'd say new control arms with Ohlins or aftermarket suspension, but these GAS Monoballs for anyone wanting better performance are a no brainer. Thanks to everyone who contributed with positive impressions and encouragement in this thread!

Now the install notes, most important thing is the torque spec for the inboard bolts that mount the arms to the subframe. The ones I removed, which I assume are factory original, and the ones I got new from the dealer (Part # 31106763928) are both the same and Grade 8.8. Which means torque spec is 68Nm (50 ft-lbs) + 90°, not 100Nm (74 ft-lbs) + 90° as stated in the DIY Reference - Common E9X M3 Torque Specs thread. This was mentioned in the FCP Euro video so I checked TIS and sure enough, it says 68Nm for the Grade 8.8 bolts that are used on our cars.

Other point, make sure to remove the headlight level sensor from the wishbone during removal as to not damage it, but more importantly, remember to put the sensor and its bracket back onto the bolt before threading on the nut. I forgot to do this as I tucked the sensor up above the subframe and realized afterwards so had to retorque the stretch bolt. I'm tempted to replace that bolt just to be safe but I think it'll be fine as everything feels fine.

Just FYI the monoballs i bought were discounted for being cosmetically blemished previously during shipping. Functionally 100% and Gary assured me they wouldn't be used if they had any issues. That may be seen in the photos so just pointing it out.