How did BDR choose the BMW suspension?

mattr762 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-24-2003, 10:10 PM

How did BDR choose the BMW suspension? Is it more cost effective? Obviously proven, and not a big deal, but why don't they make their own?

Also, another stupid question: Is there a metal frame support inside the doors?

Sorry for wasting your time...

decooney · #2 (**permalink**) 11-24-2003, 11:19 PM

A few of my friends that were looking at BDRs discussed the same thing.

...probably because Jaguar, MG, Corvette, and Mustang were already taken. Hehehehe

A guess would be they are quality parts, well engineered, light weight, and plentiful in recycling yards around the world if they are in fact used parts... However, I understand there is a hefty premium if you want to upgrade to the "M" suspesion setup.

I'm certain Regg at BDR could tell you the scoop. It would seem the fewer the parts they have to make themselves, the better for cost containment, customer value and performance. May be just one of the few reasons they are able to sell the BDRs at such an affordable price.

CobraDan · #3 (**permalink**) 11-25-2003, 04:42 AM

In South Africa BMW's in junkyards are as easy to find as Chevy and Ford are here in the States.
Dan

Doug I · #4 (**permalink**) 11-25-2003, 10:24 AM

And it works .... very well. Period

On 14&14 Nov. I watched a BDR lapping just as quickly as everyone else at the NPR here in Louisiana.

I rode in the car from the track to a local gas station. The ride was flat, smooth, firm and responsive. Dump the gas and the rear hooks and you disappear. Corning was flat without any bad habits showing through. If there was a bump you went over it and it didn't really matter if you were corning on or off the gas - it didn't upset the car at all. It didn't dive much when transiting from the gas to the brakes, nor did the rear squat with serious application of right foot. With 350HP on tap and the BMW rearend I think you'd have to work it to get it to light up on normal road surfaces - it just wants to hook up and go.

My wife had a ride and she loved how smooth it was. She is now all for getting one.

This was the standard BDR suspension package.

regards
Doug I

Doug I · #5 (**permalink**) 11-25-2003, 10:26 AM

ohh and Boudy is one of the nicest guys you'll come across. :-)

Boudy · #6 (**permalink**) 12-02-2003, 10:59 AM

Matt: We can't take the credit for being the first to use this suspension under a Cobra. It was done some years ago in South Africa by a small company who still manufacturers cars on a limited basis. I could be mistaken, but it may be Jonex, not sure.

BDR liked the car and went from there.

Boudy

Boudy · #7 (**permalink**) 12-02-2003, 11:00 AM

Sorry, this post was a brain fart.

Boudy

mattr762 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-02-2003, 09:16 PM

Quote:

and plentiful in recycling yards around the world if they are in fact used parts...

Quote:

In South Africa BMW's in junkyards are as easy to find as Chevy and Ford are here in the States.

Boudy,
Can you put this myth to rest? Is the suspension new or used?

Thanks,
Matt

Boudy · #9 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 06:24 AM

We start with a used suspension package. Then all of the consumables are replaced. That means new springs, bushings, ball joints, bearings, rotors, sway bar, seals, and shocks. The rear CV joints also get rebuilt so about the only thing left that is still used is swing arms, housings, brackets, and stuff like that.

Hope this helps.

Boudy

mattr762 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 08:49 AM

Yes. Thank you.