Parts Needed to Refresh E90 335i Suspension – Complete Guide

Refreshing the suspension on your E90 335i is one of the most impactful maintenance jobs you can do to restore handling, comfort, and safety. Over time, shocks wear out, bushings crack, and control arms develop play. A full suspension refresh eliminates clunks, wobbles, and that floaty feeling, bringing back the sharp response the car had when new. Below is a comprehensive list of parts you’ll need, along with guidance on choosing the right components for your driving style and budget.

Shocks and Struts

Shocks and struts are the core of any suspension refresh. For the E90 335i, the front uses struts (integrated coil spring and damper), while the rear uses separate shocks and springs.

Front Struts

• OEM options: Sachs or Boge are the original suppliers for BMW. They provide a comfortable ride that matches factory specs.
• Aftermarket performance: Bilstein B4 (replacement comfort), B6 (heavy duty), B8 (sport, for lowered springs) are popular. Koni FSD or Special Active offer adaptive damping. For track use, coilovers like KW V1 or Bilstein PSS9 are common.
• Recommended: If you daily drive, Sachs or Bilstein B4. If you want a firmer feel, Bilstein B6. For adjustable ride height, go with coilovers.

Rear Shocks

• OEM: Sachs or Boge.
• Aftermarket: Bilstein B4, B6, B8, or Koni Yellow (adjustable).
• Tip: Always replace shocks in pairs (both front or both rear).

Springs

Unless you’re lowering the car, you can reuse the original springs if they’re not sagging or broken. If you’re replacing them:

• OEM springs: Get from BMW or aftermarket like H&R, Eibach, or Swift. H&R Sport or Eibach Pro-Kit lower the car about an inch and improve handling.
• Spring pads: Replace the rubber spring pads front and rear when changing springs.

Strut Mounts, Bump Stops, and Dust Boots

These are wear items often overlooked. Always replace them with new shocks/struts.

• Front strut mounts: Use OEM Febi or Meyle HD. Aftermarket like Lemförder are also good.
• Rear shock mounts: Upgrade to reinforced units from Turner Motorsport or Powerflex to prevent premature failure.
• Bump stops and dust boots: Use OEM or equivalent. The E90 335i has aggressive bump stop design; aftermarket options from Bilstein or Monroe fit.

Control Arms and Bushings

Front control arms are a known weak point on the E90. Worn bushings cause vibration under braking and vague steering.

Front Control Arms (Thrust Arms)

• These are the main arms that have a large bushing at the chassis side. OEM arms come with bushings pre-pressed.
• Aftermarket: Meyle HD has a metal bushing that lasts longer. Lemförder is OEM quality. For track use, consider monoball or spherical bushings from Powerflex, but they increase noise.
• Recommendation: Replace both lower control arms (thrust arms) at once. You can also press in aftermarket bushings into your original arms if they’re not bent.

Front Tension Struts (Spreader Arms)

• Second set of arms on the front lower suspension. Replace if bushings are cracked.

Sway Bar End Links

• Front and rear. These connect the anti-roll bar to the suspension. Worn end links cause clunks over bumps. Use OEM or Moog for greaseable versions.

Rear Upper Control Arms (Camber Arms)

• These adjust rear camber. If your car has high miles, the inner bushing often fails. Replace with OEM or adjustable aftermarket from SPC or K-Mac to dial in alignment.

Rear Trailing Arms and Toe Arms

• Less common to wear, but inspect bushings. Replace if loose.

Bushings Not Part of Control Arms

• Subframe bushings: The rear subframe mounts can sag, causing vibration. Consider polyurethane inserts from Powerflex or BimmerWorld.
• Differential mount: Replace with OEM or poly to reduce driveline slop.
• Engine mounts and transmission mounts: While not strictly suspension, they affect shifting and noise. Refresh if broken.

Additional Hardware

• Bolts and nuts: Many suspension bolts are single-use (torque-to-yield). Buy new ones from BMW or use high-strength aftermarket. Common sizes: lower strut bolt, control arm bolts, sway bar link bolts.
• Alignment bolts: E90 uses eccentric bolts for camber adjustment. Replace if they’re corroded.
• Washers and spacers: For spring perches or strut top nuts.

Tools and Supplies

• Spring compressor (for front struts if not using coilovers)
• Torque wrench capable of 150+ ft-lbs
• Ball joint puller or pickle fork
• Anti-seize and thread locker
• Jack stands, floor jack, and penetrating oil

Practical Recommendations for Your Refresh

For a daily driver on a budget:

• Use Sachs shocks/struts (OEM) or Bilstein B4.
• Replace front thrust arms with Meyle HD.
• Replace all mounts and bump stops.
• Get an alignment after completion.

For an enthusiast who drives spiritedly:

• Bilstein B6 shocks/struts or Koni Yellows with OE springs.
• Install monoball front thrust arm bushings.
• Upgrade rear shock mounts to reinforced units.
• Add poly subframe bushings.
• Use adjustable camber arms to set aggressive alignment.

For track use:

• Coilovers (KW V3, Ohlins, or Moton).
• Complete set of monoball arms or solid bearings.
• Sway bars (H&R or Eibach) with adjustable end links.
• Replace all bushings with polyurethane or spherical.

Final Tips

• Work on a clean, flat surface. Allow enough time—a full suspension refresh can take a weekend for a DIYer.
• Clean rusted bolts with penetrating oil well in advance to avoid breakage.
• After new parts are installed, get a professional alignment. The alignment specifications for an E90 335i with refreshed suspension differ slightly from worn ones.
• Drive gently for the first 200 miles to let bushings settle.

Conclusion

Refreshing your E90 335i suspension is a rewarding project that restores the car’s dynamics. Focus on shocks, mounts, and control arms as the highest-impact items. Choose parts that match your driving style and budget. Whether you go OEM or upgraded aftermarket, a thorough refresh will make your 335i feel tight, responsive, and enjoyable for years to come.