It’s big, powerful and carries the hallowed ‘M5’ badge – but the F90 generation saloon is far from perfect. With the best M5 suspension upgrades, however, you can really make BMW’s super saloon dance.
The BMW F90 M5 delivers staggering performance, but its factory suspension setup inevitably reflects compromise. Designed to satisfy a broad spectrum of drivers, it prioritises comfort and tyre longevity over sharp handling precision.
For enthusiastic driving, particularly on British roads or track environments, this compromise can translate into instability under load, inconsistent suspension geometry, and a lack of front-end confidence.
In this blog, we’ll reveal which suspension upgrades target the root causes of the F90 M5’s handling limitations: insufficient camber, soft rubber bushings, and inconsistent rear toe control.
Adjustable Rear Toe Arms for BMW F90 M5: Improve Stability and Tyre Control
Rear-end stability is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of performance handling. On the standard BMW F90 M5, rear toe settings can shift under load due to compliance in the factory components. This leads to instability during acceleration and unpredictable behaviour in high-speed corners.
The F90 M5 adjustable rear toe arms from Suspension Secrets directly address this issue by allowing precise alignment tuning. By maintaining consistent toe geometry, they ensure the rear wheels remain properly aligned even under heavy load.
This results in a far more planted rear end, particularly when applying power out of corners. The car tracks more predictably, and the driver benefits from increased confidence when pushing harder. Additionally, improved toe control helps reduce uneven tyre wear, making the upgrade beneficial not only for performance but also for long-term running costs.
Solid Front Control Arm Bushes for BMW F90 M5: Eliminate Flex and Sharpen Steering Response
One of the most noticeable shortcomings in the factory suspension of the BMW F90 M5 is the softness of the front control arm bushes. While these rubber components are effective at isolating road noise and vibration, they introduce unwanted flex during fast driving.
Under braking and cornering, this flex can cause subtle changes in alignment, leading to vague steering feedback and a delayed response to driver inputs. For a car with the performance credentials of the M5, this lack of precision becomes particularly apparent.
Upgrading to solid front control arm bushes from Suspension Secrets significantly reduces this compliance. By limiting movement within the suspension geometry, the front end becomes far more direct and responsive.
The steering gains clarity, allowing the driver to better interpret grip levels and road conditions. This improved communication transforms the driving experience, making the car feel more agile and connected without compromising its overall refinement when properly set up.
Front Camber Bushes for BMW F90 M5: Increase Front-End Grip and Cornering Precision
A critical limitation of the standard BMW F90 M5 setup is insufficient negative camber at the front axle. During cornering, this restricts the tyre’s contact patch, leading to reduced grip and a tendency towards understeer.
The F90 M5 front camber bushes developed by Suspension Secrets provide a practical and effective solution to this problem. By increasing negative camber, they allow the front tyres to maintain optimal contact with the road surface when the M5 is loaded in a corner.
The result is a sharper turn-in response and significantly improved mid-corner grip. The F90 M5 feels more eager to change direction, and the front end inspires greater confidence when approaching bends at speed.
Importantly, this upgrade enhances performance without excessively compromising tyre wear or everyday usability, making it ideal for F90 M5 drivers who want a more focused setup without sacrificing practicality.
KW Height Adjustable Spring Kit for BMW F90 M5: Enhance Handling Without Sacrificing Comfort
While alignment and bush upgrades address geometry and precision, ride height and weight distribution also play a vital role in overall handling performance. This is where the KW Height Adjustable Spring Kit becomes a valuable addition to the BMW F90 M5.
Unlike traditional lowering springs, this system allows for fine-tuning of ride height while retaining the M5’s factory adaptive dampers. This means drivers can achieve a lower centre of gravity – improving stability and reducing body roll – without losing the versatility of the original suspension system.
By lowering the car slightly, weight transfer during cornering is better controlled. This leads to improved balance through turns, as well as enhanced grip across all four tyres. The reduction in body movement also complements upgrades such as camber bushes and solid control arm bushes, creating a more cohesive and responsive chassis.
Another key advantage is adjustability. The ability to fine-tune ride height ensures the setup can be tailored to different driving styles, whether the focus is fast road driving or occasional track use. When properly configured, the ride quality remains composed, avoiding the harshness often associated with more aggressive suspension modifications.
Transforming the BMW F90 M5 with Suspension Secrets Upgrades
Each of the upgrades described above offers a clear improvement over the stock setup. And when combined as a package, they elevate the F90 M5’s handling performance to an exceptional level.
The adjustable rear toe arms stabilise the rear axle, the solid front control arm bushes sharpen steering precision, and the front camber bushes maximise front-end grip. Complementing these, the KW Height Adjustable Spring Kit refines the car’s stance and balance.
Together, these enhancements from Suspension Secrets address the core dynamic flaws of the BMW F90 M5. The result is a super saloon that feels more controlled, more predictable, and ultimately far more engaging to drive.
