BMW X3 Forum
BMW X3 Forum
Welcome to the ultimate BMW X3 community.
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-12-2012, 05:57 AM   #1
mooney058
Private First Class
12
Rep
102
Posts

Drives: F25 (Sept 2012) 525i (gone)
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

M-Sport: standard or sport suspension?

My current 5 serries (e60) has quite a harsh ride. In my new X3 I will be going for M-Sport package/styling, but not sure what to tick next to this box: 'sport suspension delete' ...

I was not sure about VDC, but now when I read so many positive reviews and feedback about it, I may stretch to VDC also - is VDC compatible with a sport suspension?
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2012, 08:20 AM   #2
3Bimmer
Private First Class
3Bimmer's Avatar
United_States
11
Rep
163
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 35i
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

This discussion was extremely helpful to me in deciding to get DHP (VDC). I don't have the car yet, but based on this feedback and review comments, it seemed like the best option to get. I've driven both DHP and non-DHP X3s and the DHP car feels more lively and connected.

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=698812

Also, this topic has been widely discussed on this board. A quick search will produce ample results. Good luck!
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2012, 08:31 AM   #3
QTPie
Private First Class
11
Rep
161
Posts

Drives: BMW X3 2.0D M Sport
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

If memory serves me right, you cannot have both "Sports suspension deletion" (or even "sports suspension") AND VDC on the X3. So if you go for VDC (which I did): you get VDC and all that entails. Does that make sense?

QT
(I ordered VDC and there wasn't a suspension option - tried to delete sports suspension)
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2012, 09:00 AM   #4
Yeltzer
First Lieutenant
Yeltzer's Avatar
11
Rep
315
Posts

Drives: F25 xDrive 20d M Sport
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: West Mids & Worcs

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mooney058 View Post
My current 5 serries (e60) has quite a harsh ride. In my new X3 I will be going for M-Sport package/styling, but not sure what to tick next to this box: 'sport suspension delete' ...

I was not sure about VDC, but now when I read so many positive reviews and feedback about it, I may stretch to VDC also - is VDC compatible with a sport suspension?
Have you test driven an F25 with M-sport suspension? If you are happy with it, then go for it. If not, then either delete it or get VDC
__________________
F25 xDrive 20d M Sport in Alpine White, Pro Nav, Auto 'Box, 19" Wheels, Visibility Pack, Heated Seats, Reverse Cam w/ Top View, Sun Protection Glass, DAB radio
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2012, 11:54 AM   #5
troggy1969
Lieutenant
United Kingdom
54
Rep
554
Posts

Drives: 335D MSport 2016
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ludlow

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I have standard on mine and it's very smooth but can get floaty if you really press on.

If you drive lots on bendy B roads at high speed (seems to be soft at the rear and you can feel the inside front wheel lifting, traction light flashing in the dry) then go VDC otherwise go standard and enjoy the ride.

I've done over 2000 miles now and only wished it was stiffer for about 30.
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2012, 12:09 PM   #6
Rogerbu
Private First Class
24
Rep
130
Posts

Drives: X3 GO1 30e M Sport
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Portsmouth, UK

iTrader: (0)

I have the 30D M Sport with its standard sport Suspension. I intended to order Sports Suspension Delete, but as I eventually bought an ex demo car, it came with Sport Sus.

Occasionaly I feel it is a little firm when there a a lot of potholes (we are 2 geriatric caravanners - sorry). It never feels floaty nor lifts a wheel. I like the feel of the suspension. In hindsight I am glad I wasn't able to delete the Sports Suspension.

I have the 309 19 inch wheels. If I could I wouuld have changed them to 18 inch wheels.

Hope that helps.
O
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2012, 04:17 PM   #7
mooney058
Private First Class
12
Rep
102
Posts

Drives: F25 (Sept 2012) 525i (gone)
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

thanks for the feedback! not an easy task to find a demo car with eithe sport suspension or VDC in Belgium/Brussels.
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2012, 05:50 PM   #8
redonebe
New Member
redonebe's Avatar
Belgium
0
Rep
20
Posts

Drives: X3 2.0D
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2012 BMW X3  [0.00]
2010 BMW 116D  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by mooney058 View Post
My current 5 serries (e60) has quite a harsh ride.
I had the same problem with the E60 and my wife's E81 M-Sport and that is why i went for the standard suspension with 17" non RFT tires. Much better on our famous Belgian roads. Off course VDC is the most flexible solution.

I am sure BMW Belgium have cars available with and without sport/VDC. Ask your dealer for a test drive in Bornem.
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2012, 08:58 PM   #9
Nahoa
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
45
Rep
1,876
Posts

Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Yeltzer View Post
Have you test driven an F25 with M-sport suspension? If you are happy with it, then go for it. If not, then either delete it or get VDC
There s no "M-sport suspension" on the F25.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2012, 05:09 AM   #10
clivem2
Colonel
United Kingdom
539
Rep
2,073
Posts

Drives: X3 M40i
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nahoa View Post
There s no "M-sport suspension" on the F25.
True for the US. Not the the case for many other countries. I believe also that the standard suspension in the US is softer than the rest of the world gets.
__________________
Current: G01 M40i Silver / Tartufo
Previous: E30 318iS, E39 520i 523i 523i, E46 vert 330i 330i, E93 vert 335i, F25 30D 35D
Appreciate 0
      07-31-2012, 04:03 PM   #11
degarfs
Private
9
Rep
62
Posts

Drives: X3 2011
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

How can we tell the difference when driving a sport suspension (installed) but the model is ordinary x3 2.0D (not Msport)?
Appreciate 0
      08-01-2012, 04:21 AM   #12
dathrilla
New Member
5
Rep
15
Posts

Drives: X3 20d on order
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: CH

iTrader: (0)

I bought a stock model which had all of my specs except EDC or Sport suspension...it has the standard one and I can confirm there is a significant decrease in handling and control vs. the test drive model which had EDC.

If it were up to me and EDC was out of the question due to its higher price, i would at the very least select sport suspension. The one set back is that it lowers the car by a few mm.
Appreciate 0
      08-01-2012, 05:23 AM   #13
clivem2
Colonel
United Kingdom
539
Rep
2,073
Posts

Drives: X3 M40i
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dathrilla View Post
The one set back is that it lowers the car by a few mm.
I'm not sure about this. Usually it is the case with BMW sport suspension but I don't believe it is with the X3. Certainly looking at standard and sport side by side I can't detect any height difference.
__________________
Current: G01 M40i Silver / Tartufo
Previous: E30 318iS, E39 520i 523i 523i, E46 vert 330i 330i, E93 vert 335i, F25 30D 35D
Appreciate 0
      08-01-2012, 07:42 AM   #14
NordicBMW
Private
NordicBMW's Avatar
Norway
0
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: 2012 X3 / 2013 X1
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Norway

iTrader: (0)

I selected M sport with standard suspension (i suspect that is something similar to sport suspension delete) and this was based on advice from my dealer since i opted EDC out. I have done 3000KM with it on a variety of highways and backroads and I am perfectly happy with it. BMWs std suspension is rather firm compared with other brands (at least in my geography) and in my opinion it is a good match for my 20D. If I had 151 000 EUR for a 35i (yes, that's the insane price for a reasonably equipped X3 sixbanger in Norway) with a bit more kick I would have thrown in the EDC while I was at it but I really don't regret sticking with standard suspension - it's a SUV (well, SAV) and I chicken out before my suspension does when driving fast on curvy roads.
Appreciate 0
      08-02-2012, 02:17 AM   #15
Chris55
Second Lieutenant
Chris55's Avatar
Switzerland
28
Rep
220
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 35d M Sport
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Switzerland

iTrader: (0)

The car I traded in was a 335d with sports suspension. It was great but perhaps a bit too hard on bad roads and would dislodge your teeth when going over the smallest pot holes.

When I test drove X3 30d M sport it had the normal suspension. It was a very good ride yet had good control, though if pushed hard it had a tendency to float a bit, but nothing bad.

When I ordered my 35d M sport I was advised to simply go with the normal suspension as the roads here in Switzerland are quite good. True but I also often go to Germany. Anyway after reading a lot of post I decided to go with the VDC. I HIGHLY recommend it! It is not cheap but if plan on keeping the car awhile and like to drive a bit hard it's truly worth it.

In order of preference I would recommend the following:

1. VDC - gives you:
a. normal
b. sport, with option of sport chassis/drivetrain, or chassis only (good on autobahns), or drivetrain only (pointless IMHO).
c. sport +

2. Sport - good control but not overly hard (like my 335d).

3. Normal - great comfort but maybe a bit unstable at high speeds.

It all depends on your driving style, but then again it matters not what your driving style or mood is if you chose the VDC.

VDC =
Appreciate 0
      08-02-2012, 02:59 AM   #16
clivem2
Colonel
United Kingdom
539
Rep
2,073
Posts

Drives: X3 M40i
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

This is an intensely personal decision. I can only relate my personal thoughts which may or may not chime with yours.

BTW, my last car was a 335i. The suspension was way too hard for comfort and fast driving on anything but good roads. I like firm setups but this was way too hard.

For the X3 my personal preference is:

1) Sport suspension
2) VDC
3) Standard (European) suspension

The standard suspension was not controlled enough if I enter a roundabout or corner fast.

Sport suspension is fine in this respect and in reality only a little firmer (not remotely like my 335i). BTW I have 18 inch wheels.

VDC is great in sport but I would very, very rarely use in in normal. The cost of VDC for me is therefore totally unjustifiable, hence it's my 2nd choice.

Standard suspension is my 3rd choice because I couldn't live with it.

I've moved from a sports car to the X3 so my perspective is different from someone else who may be moving from a dull handling 4x4 to the X3.
__________________
Current: G01 M40i Silver / Tartufo
Previous: E30 318iS, E39 520i 523i 523i, E46 vert 330i 330i, E93 vert 335i, F25 30D 35D

Last edited by clivem2; 08-02-2012 at 03:11 AM..
Appreciate 0
      08-02-2012, 03:21 AM   #17
sfax
Brigadier General
sfax's Avatar
United Kingdom
91
Rep
3,855
Posts

Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Berkshire, UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by clivem2 View Post
This is an intensely personal decision. I can only relate my personal thoughts which may or may not chime with yours.

BTW, my last car was a 335i. The suspension was way too hard for comfort and fast driving on anything but good roads. I like firm setups but this was way too hard.

For the X3 my personal preference is:

1) Sport suspension
2) VDC
3) Standard (European) suspension

The standard suspension was not controlled enough if I enter a roundabout or corner fast.

Sport suspension is fine in this respect and in reality only a little firmer (not remotely like my 335i). BTW I have 18 inch wheels.

VDC is great in sport but I would very, very rarely use in in normal. The cost of VDC for me is therefore totally unjustifiable, hence it's my 2nd choice.

Standard suspension is my 3rd choice because I couldn't live with it.

I've moved from a sports car to the X3 so my perspective is different from someone else who may be moving from a dull handling 4x4 to the X3.
+1 Good points, well made. I think if I had VDC, I would have to always leave it in Sport which kind of defeats the object of paying to make it adjustable. And you can't make VDC default to Sport mode which would be annoying also. I drove a standard suspension X3 with 17s and it was too floaty, too disconnected - I opted for sports suspension and i much prefer it
__________________

F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package | dynamic package | climate package | 309s | xline | xenons | electric seats | folding mirrors | business speakers
Appreciate 0
      08-02-2012, 01:16 PM   #18
MattUK
Captain Unsensible
MattUK's Avatar
United Kingdom
99
Rep
737
Posts

Drives: 2016 M240i Coupe - Estoril
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: United Kingdom

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2016 BMW M240i  [0.00]
I opted for the delete option and added VDC, very glad I did, especially for the country roads that I drive to work. If it wasn't for the state of the roads in the UK I would have kept it, but now I can select SPORTS or SPORTS+ if I want the sports suspension back on when I have good roads.
Appreciate 0
      08-02-2012, 01:37 PM   #19
clivem2
Colonel
United Kingdom
539
Rep
2,073
Posts

Drives: X3 M40i
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MattUK View Post
I opted for the delete option and added VDC, very glad I did, especially for the country roads that I drive to work. If it wasn't for the state of the roads in the UK I would have kept it, but now I can select SPORTS or SPORTS+ if I want the sports suspension back on when I have good roads.
I'm not sure how it works with VDC but with sport sus the only difference between sport and sport+ is that you only get traction control, not ESC or whatever it's called. Yes you can use another button for this but I find on dry roads sport+ gives an extra crispness to handling due to less electronic interference with traction/stability.

Suspension is very individual, I've got bad roads around here and I don't find sport sus a problem but I had a 335i before so the difference in suppleness is HUGE.
__________________
Current: G01 M40i Silver / Tartufo
Previous: E30 318iS, E39 520i 523i 523i, E46 vert 330i 330i, E93 vert 335i, F25 30D 35D
Appreciate 0
      08-02-2012, 01:38 PM   #20
valeram
Major
37
Rep
1,413
Posts

Drives: 992 TTS, 991.2 GT3 T, F80 M3 C
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dublin, OH

iTrader: (0)

Opted for VDC and hopefully will do the code to start off in Sports mode.
Appreciate 0
      08-02-2012, 02:22 PM   #21
MattUK
Captain Unsensible
MattUK's Avatar
United Kingdom
99
Rep
737
Posts

Drives: 2016 M240i Coupe - Estoril
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: United Kingdom

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2016 BMW M240i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by clivem2 View Post
I'm not sure how it works with VDC but with sport sus the only difference between sport and sport+ is that you only get traction control, not ESC or whatever it's called. Yes you can use another button for this but I find on dry roads sport+ gives an extra crispness to handling due to less electronic interference with traction/stability.

Suspension is very individual, I've got bad roads around here and I don't find sport sus a problem but I had a 335i before so the difference in suppleness is HUGE.
I've programmed in the onboard computer that when I select SPORTS I can enable the suspension change, or the power change or both. For Sports, I have selected only suspension. On plus, I get both.
Appreciate 0
      08-02-2012, 02:27 PM   #22
MattUK
Captain Unsensible
MattUK's Avatar
United Kingdom
99
Rep
737
Posts

Drives: 2016 M240i Coupe - Estoril
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: United Kingdom

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2016 BMW M240i  [0.00]
I've experienced varying levels of BMW suspension. When I had the CSL it was far too hard for a comfortable drive anywhere, even when it did sound nice.

The E92 M3 was hard, but passable, but on the days when you just want to be comfortable, you couldnt have it.

All the reviews before ordering my X3 seemed to be with the full bunch toys, and nothing with only the SS. I saw a few posts around the net suggesting sports mode with the suspension was a bit too hard, and I have to agree that if I had to live with that mode (and I am told when its enabled it very similar to the M sport) all the time, those days where you are hungover, feeling crap and driving on bad roads, you really might not enjoy the trip.

On times I stay in comfort mode, and while it bounces and wallows on corners, its comfortable and especially good when carrying passengers who do not like speed.

I only in the last few weeks decided to start driving in S+ mode, and I have to say I love that mode for a spirited drive on a good day. So I like having the join at least in the summer.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:12 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST