[Bmwlvr60]

The Dynamic Handling Package is a $1400 option with the 28i.

If one chooses The M Sport Package- per the 2013 brochure from the BMW dealer- it includes:
Variable Sport Steering
Dynamic Damping Control
Performance Control

Per the BMW website, The Dynamic Handling Package includes:
Variable Sport Steering
Performance Control

Therefore, I thought that by choosing The M Sport Package it includes The Dynamic Handling Package. One person says that's true, and another person says I still need to purchase the $1400 option to receive all the advantages of The Dynamic Handling Package.

Edmunds describes The Dynamic Handling Package as including:
Variable Sport Steering
Dynamic Damping Control
Performance Control

Dynamic Stability Control
Driving Dynamics Control Selector

If the second person is correct and one needs to spend the extra $1400 what exactly is one buying? If there are some extras coming with the $1400 it certainly seems like that one has to double pay for certain features- that makes no sense! This is as clear as mud.

Does "The Sports Suspension Delete" when choosing The M Sport Package relate to The Dynamic Handling Package option?

If someone can clear this up it would be most appreciated!

[lbjgh]

Sure it's been discuss a bunch of times but....

If you want dynamic dampers you need to spend the extra $1400.

The only component common between the Dynamic Handling Package and the Msport is the performance control.

There is no credit for performance control if you buy both packages.

[3Bimmer]

lbjgh is right -- you need to spend the $1400 to get all the features of DHP. And yes, you want DHP. It makes a huge difference in the car's handling and the quality of the ride.

I have it on my 35i. I was given a 28i loaner this morning that does not have DHP. By the time I got to work, I was ready to trade the car in! DHP adds a subtle quality to the ride, but it is a quality that is a complete bargain at $1400.

On a side note, the N20 engine in the 28i is very impressive. It doesn't have the off the line grunt that the 35i has, but it provides reasonable torque and works very well.

[mr. zero]

Actually, if according to the 2013 pricing guide, if you order the M Sport package, the DHP is $100 cheaper @ $1300.

[Bmwlvr60]

Originally Posted by 3Bimmer

lbjgh is right -- you need to spend the $1400 to get all the features of DHP. And yes, you want DHP. It makes a huge difference in the car's handling and the quality of the ride.

I have it on my 35i. I was given a 28i loaner this morning that does not have DHP. By the time I got to work, I was ready to trade the car in! DHP adds a subtle quality to the ride, but it is a quality that is a complete bargain at $1400.

On a side note, the N20 engine in the 28i is very impressive. It doesn't have the off the line grunt that the 35i has, but it provides reasonable torque and works very well.

Can you describe the "subtle quality of the ride" DHP adds in greater detail? What do the Dynamic Dampers do? Thanks again.

I don't know if it's deception or carelessness on BMW's part, but I've never seen a more confusing package option for a car in my entire life. I called BMW's customer support and the woman was clueless. She said I should speak to a salesperson at the dealer about this- the sales people all describe this different ways!

[Bmwlvr60]

Originally Posted by mr. zero

Actually, if according to the 2013 pricing guide, if you order the M Sport package, the DHP is $100 cheaper @ $1300.

Good to hear, but without knowing what the distinction is first I thought there should be a more dramatic discount. I'm a marketing guy and BMW absolutely dropped the ball on this. Thanks!

[lbjgh]

Bmwlvr60, I have to agree with your assessment of the various packages offered by BMW and their customer support when you call them.

I think it's BMW's way to force customers into ordering every package for the fear of missing the 'actual' options they want.

The manufacturer's website has got to be one of the worst in the automotive biz... it's a good thing the forums exist.

[3Bimmer]

Originally Posted by Bmwlvr60

Can you describe the "subtle quality of the ride" DHP adds in greater detail? What do the Dynamic Dampers do? Thanks again.

I don't know if it's deception or carelessness on BMW's part, but I've never seen a more confusing package option for a car in my entire life. I called BMW's customer support and the woman was clueless. She said I should speak to a salesperson at the dealer about this- the sales people all describe this different ways!

Well, judging ride quality is subjective, of course. I think the best way to describe it is you get three levels of refinement. Comfort gives a nice, compliant ride and easy steering. Sport gives a firmer ride, stiffer steering and higher throttle and shift points. Sport+ turns the car into a beast and everything gets much more aggressive. IMO, you just get a more stable, solid, but not jarring ride and you can select the mode depending on your preference and the road and driving conditions. Non-DHP is certainly a decent ride, but you get one setting that is somewhat firm. There are many on this board that prefer non-DHP and for good reason -- BMW has done a fabulous job of making the X3's ride one of the best in the business. DHP just adds more choice, more versatility and that little 'extra' when it comes to ride quality. I like to drive in Sport and my wife likes the ride in Comfort -- we can both be happy!

I agree with others that the marketing of this feature is really poorly done. It needs to be much more clear to buyers what the option is, what you get and why you would want it. I was able to test drive cars with and without the option, so making that comparison made the choice easier.

[nonagon]

Sport Suspension Delete removes the sport suspension and makes the ride a bit soft (not bad, but not sporty). You should add DHP if you want a sporty ride. In Sport and Sport+, the car comes alive.

[Bmwlvr60]

Originally Posted by 3Bimmer

Well, judging ride quality is subjective, of course. I think the best way to describe it is you get three levels of refinement. Comfort gives a nice, compliant ride and easy steering. Sport gives a firmer ride, stiffer steering and higher throttle and shift points. Sport+ turns the car into a beast and everything gets much more aggressive. IMO, you just get a more stable, solid, but not jarring ride and you can select the mode depending on your preference and the road and driving conditions. Non-DHP is certainly a decent ride, but you get one setting that is somewhat firm. There are many on this board that prefer non-DHP and for good reason -- BMW has done a fabulous job of making the X3's ride one of the best in the business. DHP just adds more choice, more versatility and that little 'extra' when it comes to ride quality. I like to drive in Sport and my wife likes the ride in Comfort -- we can both be happy!

I agree with others that the marketing of this feature is really poorly done. It needs to be much more clear to buyers what the option is, what you get and why you would want it. I was able to test drive cars with and without the option, so making that comparison made the choice easier.

Excellent explanation! I didn't even know that DHP gives 3 settings and non- DHP gives 1 setting. Thanks so much.

[Bmwlvr60]

Originally Posted by nonagon

Sport Suspension Delete removes the sport suspension and makes the ride a bit soft (not bad, but not sporty). You should add DHP if you want a sporty ride. In Sport and Sport+, the car comes alive.

Thanks, but this makes no sense. The M Sport Package is supposed to give a sportier ride. You're saying that The M Sport Package gives a softer ride than the non- M Sport versions? They delete the Sport Suspension in The M Sport Package? Does this makes sense to anyone? I thought this meant that it was replaced with something sportier.

[3Bimmer]

Originally Posted by Bmwlvr60

Excellent explanation! I didn't even know that DHP gives 3 settings and non- DHP gives 1 setting. Thanks so much.

You're welcome. I just need to clear up one point. You still can select Eco-Pro, Comfort and Sport in a non-DHP X3. The settings will only change the throttle response and transmission shift points -- the ride quality will not change. You'll need DHP to be able to experience changes in the ride quality, too. I know, BMW makes it so clear!

[sfax]

Originally Posted by 3Bimmer

You're welcome. I just need to clear up one point. You still can select Eco-Pro, Comfort and Sport in a non-DHP X3. The settings will only change the throttle response and transmission shift points -- the ride quality will not change. You'll need DHP to be able to experience changes in the ride quality, too. I know, BMW makes it so clear!

There are only 2 presets for suspension. Sport+ is the same as Sport with respect to suspension firmness and throttle. All Sport+ does is to turn off DSC

[3Bimmer]

Right. I forget that I have my sport setting set to chassis only, so when I go to sport+, the car really wakes up! I call it 'Snarling Beast' mode. Eco-Pro is referred to as 'Prius' mode.

[ATX78703]

this seems unecessarily complex - but reading everything here i would go for the DHP option. At the very least, you have all variations of ability in your suspension and aren't wondering if it is "too hard or too soft."

[lbjgh]

hmm, I have sport mode set to drivetrain only because all roads are flat and straight where I live. ... if I find a corner I switch to sport+ to have some fun.

... it's the beauty of the system being able to mix and match settings to the conditions and driving preferences.

Originally Posted by 3Bimmer

Right. I forget that I have my sport setting set to chassis only, so when I go to sport+, the car really wakes up! I call it 'Snarling Beast' mode. Eco-Pro is referred to as 'Prius' mode.

[Stephen H]

Originally Posted by 3Bimmer

Right. I forget that I have my sport setting set to chassis only, so when I go to sport+, the car really wakes up! I call it 'Snarling Beast' mode. Eco-Pro is referred to as 'Prius' mode.

+1

[Bmwlvr60]

Thanks all!