Thanks for these videos. I've been very disappointed with my G80's steering (and the rubbery manual, but that's another story) and have been eyeing this monoball kit for a while. I'm probably moving on to a CT5V Blackwing, but I want to give this a shot before I do.
@@autofanaticcars Not local, unfortunately, but I will be checking out my buddy's car this weekend with the Fall Line monoball kit and a short throw shifter installed. I do like my G80 overall but admittedly I've been itching for a V8 and Tremec again. I do appreciate the offer!
@@autofanaticcars Drove a car with the fall line monoball today -- all I can say is WOW! What an improvement in feedback and steering precision. Not that the steering wasn't precise before, it just feels much, much better with the monoball. Definitely going to order the Dinan now (for the rubber seals, like you mentioned in another comment.)
1:06 - Great video. Thanks for posting. Just received my monoballs and about to take this on. Would love to see a bit more detail on moving the cooler. The BMW instructions for thrust arm removal don’t call for moving the cooler, but after a Quick Look yesterday, I can’t see how to get sufficient access to the bolt with the cooler in place.
Its a pita job the first time but you gotta remove the under paneling and wheel arch panels and youll see the best approach. The block of aluminum wedged into frame and front bumper supports has to be removed from below its very right fit even with cross bolts removed. Will need soft hammers.Be very patient removing the torx screw on the plastic bracket that screws into the aluminum block that will seriously frustrate you. Once the block is removed from below fyi use wd40 it helps then you have access to thrust arm bolts and enough room to torque to spec with torque wrench
I did the VAC monoball uppers on the 440i and it made a very big difference. Much more better manners in corners and a welcome increase in feedback. The 440 is good but it ain't no M and handling fell short of the mark without the monoballs (and strut brace actually)
Thanks for the thorough review, I've got the Dinan set sitting in a box at home. I've looked all over, do you know the BMW part numbers for the 1-use bolts? Going to install them soon but want to stick to the OEM recommendations for replacing the bolts.
Glad you like the spherical bearing! Mine is from Fall Line and I don't think there'd be much of a difference between the two of our cars in terms of the part itself. The summer tyre itself plays a huge role in feel, especially if you're on the OE * spec MPS4S. I'm on aftermarket MPS4S and it's nowhere near as good as the * spec.. the price I pay for aftermarket wheels haha
I spoke to Fall Line they said with debris they would last 6 months which is why i did Dinan that has rubber seals to keep dirt out. The car feels incredible
whats your opinion on F80 steering feel (and response) vs the G80? Im an F80 owner, thinking about doing mono balls. I've also heard that camber plates helps out alot with steering feel (factory camber is pretty conservative), factory strut top hat is a source of additional "mushiness". I'm used to the older hydraulic rack feel (I've owned e90, e46, e30, etc), these newer electric racks have a very numb feeling to me, not good for feeling front end traction in a corner. Excellent video, you have excellent commentary and go into great detail
The G80 is lightyears better than the F80 but the issue with the F80 is the EPS rack it is so stiff and the car adds too much artificial weight. the Monoballs do make a nice improvement and with caster camber plates dial in the caster to +7 or more and camber -1.5 and you should see a huge difference, also keep steering in Comfort Normal Mode to reduce the artificial weight. I have installed and set up many F80 and they respond excellent to these changes
Did you ever try the F80 with GTS EPS flashed? It completely changes it. Looking forward to adding monoballs as well. I’ve seen a few people say they prefer F80 steering over G80. Can’t speak personally as I haven’t driven the G80 yet.
No nvh at all just a slight harsher impact on bad bumps but i think its a combination of the summer tires stiffness. Mono ball and hr springs but its very minimal and the only reported change so far after over 700 miles driven on this set up.
Lots of options for other BMW platforms but i choose the DINAN because of rubber dust boots otherwise these might fail in 6 months from debris getting in them
Thinking of getting this for the m5 had the g80 but changed for the m5 and the handling is so much better in the m3 Hoping the monoball changes I’ve heard good things
the M5 is a much heavier car the M3 itself is heavy and much larger than prior models but my car with all the mods feels lighter, faster and much more raw to drive with exceptional handling. you can try to do this update on your M5 to see how it works but the weight is the biggest issue with the M5 so maybe consider lighter exhaust, wheels and brakes
@@autofanaticcars No idea why you have such reliability problems on the American market. With us, the Quadrifoglio's run without any problems worth mentioning (e.g. 50kMi, of which around 100 rounds are hard tracking on the Nürburgring Nordschleife) and here in Germany we are very critical when it comes to quality problems. Wish better experience with the BMW, certainly also a highly complex car. At the end, it´s all about having fun.
Unfortunately you either accept technology in new cars or youll be driving old cars forever. Mercedes does a way nicer job but BMW got lazy and its here to stay. So glad the cars performance makes you overlook it.
@@autofanaticcars it is not reliable? BMW m3 is no better. in fact, even more problmatic. i own m3 i know. lots of christmas lights on instrument clusters. lots of faults and errors. it is not reliable.
do you have a G80 or F80 or older M3? German cars suffer from problems like every other brand but they tend to be more annoying problems than safety related which I faced with the Alfa shutting down at highway speeds over and over for 2+ years.
@@autofanaticcars I am sorry to hear of your alfa problems which i thougth Alfa Giulia would have been more reliable after their earlier models. I owned many Alfas in the past. Alfa 33, Alfa 156 selespeed, 156 JTS etc. but no more alfas for me although i have been thinking of wanting a Giulia Qv. but seems you have a scary issue with your car. i have a 88000 KM e92 m3 feb/2011 build competition edition with DCT. I changed so many ABS sensors and last year oil sensor. 3 ABS sensors have been replaced. yet the ABS DSC EBD flights falshed again. Almost non stop. I cannot have peace. and one flashed error again yesterday. this was changed NEW exactly 2 years ago and it happened again. the car flashed all kinds of error lights. it is too complex. and then diagnosis shows DME error, TPU error etc. I am fed up. How can ABS sensor become faulty again barely 12000km. this is truly horrible. german cars are not reliable. i wish they have reliability of japanese cars.
Thanks for these videos. I've been very disappointed with my G80's steering (and the rubbery manual, but that's another story) and have been eyeing this monoball kit for a while. I'm probably moving on to a CT5V Blackwing, but I want to give this a shot before I do.
Hey are you local in NY would love to have you check my car out all set up you would never want the CT5 afterwards thats for sure.
@@autofanaticcars Not local, unfortunately, but I will be checking out my buddy's car this weekend with the Fall Line monoball kit and a short throw shifter installed. I do like my G80 overall but admittedly I've been itching for a V8 and Tremec again. I do appreciate the offer!
@@autofanaticcars Drove a car with the fall line monoball today -- all I can say is WOW! What an improvement in feedback and steering precision. Not that the steering wasn't precise before, it just feels much, much better with the monoball. Definitely going to order the Dinan now (for the rubber seals, like you mentioned in another comment.)
awesome you had the chance to drive on these to report back, the change is simply mega on this chassis
Do the Clutch Delay Valve delete. I did that on my manual G80 and it made a big difference with the gear changes.
1:06 - Great video. Thanks for posting. Just received my monoballs and about to take this on. Would love to see a bit more detail on moving the cooler. The BMW instructions for thrust arm removal don’t call for moving the cooler, but after a Quick Look yesterday, I can’t see how to get sufficient access to the bolt with the cooler in place.
Its a pita job the first time but you gotta remove the under paneling and wheel arch panels and youll see the best approach. The block of aluminum wedged into frame and front bumper supports has to be removed from below its very right fit even with cross bolts removed. Will need soft hammers.Be very patient removing the torx screw on the plastic bracket that screws into the aluminum block that will seriously frustrate you. Once the block is removed from below fyi use wd40 it helps then you have access to thrust arm bolts and enough room to torque to spec with torque wrench
Since you finally posted the monoball review, I have placed the order for mine. Would you think the suspension link kit is worth investing as well?
What is the link kit for sway bars?
You making me thinking about it.
Love that steering wheel. What wheel is that?
Custom made by Auto Fanatic me! I do custom upholstery
I did the VAC monoball uppers on the 440i and it made a very big difference. Much more better manners in corners and a welcome increase in feedback. The 440 is good but it ain't no M and handling fell short of the mark without the monoballs (and strut brace actually)
On the Gx platform the monoball make steering faster and lighter which may not appeal to everyone but i liked it
Thanks for the thorough review, I've got the Dinan set sitting in a box at home. I've looked all over, do you know the BMW part numbers for the 1-use bolts? Going to install them soon but want to stick to the OEM recommendations for replacing the bolts.
You need to call a dealer with your VIn to make sure you get correct parts. They can email you a exploded illustration and you can pick parts
What Road are you on...( like) ...good video!!
Can you do a brake bleed DIY vid on the g80? I heard it’s a different process. Would love to see it!
Maybe in the future the car too new to flush the brakes just yet
Glad you like the spherical bearing! Mine is from Fall Line and I don't think there'd be much of a difference between the two of our cars in terms of the part itself. The summer tyre itself plays a huge role in feel, especially if you're on the OE * spec MPS4S. I'm on aftermarket MPS4S and it's nowhere near as good as the * spec.. the price I pay for aftermarket wheels haha
I spoke to Fall Line they said with debris they would last 6 months which is why i did Dinan that has rubber seals to keep dirt out. The car feels incredible
I wonder what’s up with all the manufactures connecting their sway bars to the struts, i’m not the lower control arms anymore….
Nice video thanks
whats your opinion on F80 steering feel (and response) vs the G80? Im an F80 owner, thinking about doing mono balls. I've also heard that camber plates helps out alot with steering feel (factory camber is pretty conservative), factory strut top hat is a source of additional "mushiness". I'm used to the older hydraulic rack feel (I've owned e90, e46, e30, etc), these newer electric racks have a very numb feeling to me, not good for feeling front end traction in a corner. Excellent video, you have excellent commentary and go into great detail
The G80 is lightyears better than the F80 but the issue with the F80 is the EPS rack it is so stiff and the car adds too much artificial weight. the Monoballs do make a nice improvement and with caster camber plates dial in the caster to +7 or more and camber -1.5 and you should see a huge difference, also keep steering in Comfort Normal Mode to reduce the artificial weight. I have installed and set up many F80 and they respond excellent to these changes
Did you ever try the F80 with GTS EPS flashed? It completely changes it. Looking forward to adding monoballs as well. I’ve seen a few people say they prefer F80 steering over G80. Can’t speak personally as I haven’t driven the G80 yet.
Great video. Do you notice any added nvh?
No nvh at all just a slight harsher impact on bad bumps but i think its a combination of the summer tires stiffness. Mono ball and hr springs but its very minimal and the only reported change so far after over 700 miles driven on this set up.
Awesome mod! Are there any video on your new Alfa coming?
Video on new performance tires next week on the Alfa Romeo Veloce
So, how did you resolve the issue with the steering not going back to the center?
monoballs, Michelin tires and wheel alignment plus lowering the car a bit more the front end became razor sharp and quick
@@autofanaticcars Thanks. Did you also experience tramlining while on PZero?
Awesome! Hopefully they make this for the F9X chassis. Also, what's on your side view mirrors? Looks like a deflector.
Lots of options for other BMW platforms but i choose the DINAN because of rubber dust boots otherwise these might fail in 6 months from debris getting in them
Thinking of getting this for the m5 had the g80 but changed for the m5 and the handling is so much better in the m3
Hoping the monoball changes I’ve heard good things
@@autofanaticcars curious your opinion
the M5 is a much heavier car the M3 itself is heavy and much larger than prior models but my car with all the mods feels lighter, faster and much more raw to drive with exceptional handling. you can try to do this update on your M5 to see how it works but the weight is the biggest issue with the M5 so maybe consider lighter exhaust, wheels and brakes
It's me or manual g80 are louder than auto?
Man those aluminum thrust arms should be illegal lol, aluminum made and cannot handle roads, I go through them every couple of years lol.
yeah it is such an old proven suspension design that does work well but i prefer double wishbone suspension versus this.
The Alfa Giulia has double wishbone suspensions 😊
yeah and a bad electrical system lol i honestly do not miss the car and being stuck on the side of the road walking to safety.
@@autofanaticcars No idea why you have such reliability problems on the American market.
With us, the Quadrifoglio's run without any problems worth mentioning (e.g. 50kMi, of which around 100 rounds are hard tracking on the Nürburgring Nordschleife) and here in Germany we are very critical when it comes to quality problems.
Wish better experience with the BMW, certainly also a highly complex car.
At the end, it´s all about having fun.
Did you try this on the QV
Early QV do not need this but im not aware of a vendor making these for Alfa cars.
@@autofanaticcars got it thank you doing my home work plan on getting a QV soon
How’s the NVH with these?
None really
@@autofanaticcars thanks for the reply. It looks like Dinan still hasn’t confirmed if this will work on the xDrive yet, bummer.
Love the manual. But absolutely hate the interior screens dude.
Unfortunately you either accept technology in new cars or youll be driving old cars forever. Mercedes does a way nicer job but BMW got lazy and its here to stay. So glad the cars performance makes you overlook it.
I don’t mind the screens at all, and yes the performance is 100% worth it
Screen is awesome 🤘🏻💯
you dont like alfa giulia qv anymore? it is the most emotive vehicle i have ever driven. the alfa romeo brand.
QV is a great car but when it is constantly broken the emotion disappears quick.
@@autofanaticcars it is not reliable? BMW m3 is no better. in fact, even more problmatic. i own m3 i know. lots of christmas lights on instrument clusters. lots of faults and errors. it is not reliable.
do you have a G80 or F80 or older M3? German cars suffer from problems like every other brand but they tend to be more annoying problems than safety related which I faced with the Alfa shutting down at highway speeds over and over for 2+ years.
@@autofanaticcars I am sorry to hear of your alfa problems which i thougth Alfa Giulia would have been more reliable after their earlier models. I owned many Alfas in the past. Alfa 33, Alfa 156 selespeed, 156 JTS etc.
but no more alfas for me although i have been thinking of wanting a Giulia Qv. but seems you have a scary issue with your car.
i have a 88000 KM e92 m3 feb/2011 build competition edition with DCT. I changed so many ABS sensors and last year oil sensor. 3 ABS sensors have been replaced. yet the ABS DSC EBD flights falshed again. Almost non stop. I cannot have peace. and one flashed error again yesterday. this was changed NEW exactly 2 years ago and it happened again. the car flashed all kinds of error lights. it is too complex. and then diagnosis shows DME error, TPU error etc. I am fed up. How can ABS sensor become faulty again barely 12000km. this is truly horrible.
german cars are not reliable. i wish they have reliability of japanese cars.