what makes a bmw so special in its handling and suspension characteristics? what specific components make it that much better than hondas/acuras? is there anyway to get similar or relatively similar handling/suspension on ours? i'm looking for a "premium" set-up.

 

It's a front engine/rear drive, with 50/50 weight distribution to start.

Here's what I found on the M3 suspension

Front suspension
Single-joint spring-strut axle with displaced camber; small positive steering scrub Radius; compensation of traverse forces; anti-dive

Rear suspension
Central-arm axle with longitudinal control arm and double track control arm; anti-squat; anti-dive

 

Get a Honda 2000. Once you remove the drive axles from the front, you can do wonders with suspension geometry up there, as well as avoiding torque effects. Since the rear doesn't steer much, driving those wheels doesn't hamper handling characteristics. Although you can get good numbers on a track with fwd, you can't make it 'feel' like rwd.

Note as a breed German cars tend to stiffer front and softer rear spring and shock rates than the Japanese or domestic product. You might take a stab at copying a VW/Audi.

Steve


Steve