[ColoradoX3]

I'm getting ready to place my order and I was planning to get the M Sport Package. I test drove an X3 couple months back but it did not have the M Sport...just the Sport Activity package along with 18" wheels.

The SA is telling me that that I should maybe reconsider getting the M Sport option. He says it's going to be much firmer due to the suspension in addition to the 19" wheels and that my wife may not like it.

When he said that I started to wonder if maybe I should get DHP as that should soften things out in Normal mode versus a non DHP M Sport. Can any other M Sport owners confirm if the ride is indeed too firm?

[Le Chef]

My understanding from posts here is that the M Sport package in the US uses standard suspension unless you order DHP. In other words the ride will be no stiffer than any other model on 18" wheels on the 28 or 19" wheels on the 35.

[lhsa]

ride on m-sport w/out dhp seems fine to me, but i've learned the hard way you need wifey approval first. don't rely on anyone else's opinion as to stiffness when it comes down to you and your DW because they simply don't matter.

i think the x3 with sport package (no dhp) i tested during the x3 event felt similar to the m-sport (no-dhp) with the various normal/sport/sport+ settings. even with the 19" wheels for m-sport.

has your wife tested the sport package?

[Dr Stig 2]

My wife test drove a 30d with M Sport and 19" rims.
She had a ball - and was alledgedly doing over 35kph over the limit when I pointed out how fast she was going.

The ride was much better than an X5 with M Sport we drove a month earleir - and leaves my Z4 for dead (even in comfort mode).

But - after driving round a 4WD that handles like a drunk cow - the X3 is a pleasure.

[ColoradoX3]

I should have mentioned it's on a 35i. I'm wondering if the SA is just saying it's too firm so that I'll buy the 35i that's in their inventory(with options I want) rather than custom ordering one that has the M Sport pkg.

[colton_matthias]

To my understanding the M Sport package for both Canada and the States do NOT have sport suspension. Instead, it is just the normal suspension you will get if it is without DHP.

[ColoradoX3]

Originally Posted by colton_matthias

To my understanding the M Sport package for both Canada and the States do NOT have sport suspension. Instead, it is just the normal suspension you will get if it is without DHP.

My understanding from other threads I've read is that the suspension in a Non DHP M Sport is different from the normal suspension in the sense that switching to Sport or Sport + will firm the suspension up however not in the same way that a DHP M Sport would.

I guess I'm trying to figure out if there is any firmness difference between a Non DHP M Sport(in Normal) and a regular Non DHP 35i(in Normal) and assuming they both have 19" wheels.

[ColoradoX3]

Originally Posted by lhsa

ride on m-sport w/out dhp seems fine to me, but i've learned the hard way you need wifey approval first. don't rely on anyone else's opinion as to stiffness when it comes down to you and your DW because they simply don't matter.

i think the x3 with sport package (no dhp) i tested during the x3 event felt similar to the m-sport (no-dhp) with the various normal/sport/sport+ settings. even with the 19" wheels for m-sport.

has your wife tested the sport package?

She's driven a Non DHP 35i with the Sport Activity pkg and 18" wheels and thought it drove fine. Didn't have the opportunity to test one with the M Sport.

[colton_matthias]

Well, I have a 35i M Sport and the ride is very comfortable. I am coming from a 2009 335i xDrive (suspension I find pretty hard for that car) as well as a 2009 Infiniti G35x. All in all, I don't think the M Sport has a harsh ride, but a very smooth and compliant one...

[clarence]

Originally Posted by ColoradoX3

My understanding from other threads I've read is that the suspension in a Non DHP M Sport is different from the normal suspension in the sense that switching to Sport or Sport + will firm the suspension up however not in the same way that a DHP M Sport would.

No, for North American spec cars, there are only 2 types of suspension - either VDC (which is part of DHP) or standard setting. This is regardless of whether it's Msport or not.
Even with DHP, the suspension setting won't change if u select sport+, cos there're only 2 modes - normal & sport.

[turbotoy4me]

Hello, I have the X3 M-Sport ordered and have not ridden in one. Here is the link to a lengthy post about the DHP in regard to the MSport package.

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=532984

In addition to ride quality consideration have the wife look at the interior exterior trim that accompanies the M Sport.

My vote is for the M Sport. I really like the over al look. What dealer are you working with? I ordered mine through CO's BMW. Good luck and let us know what you choose.

[clarence]

Originally Posted by ColoradoX3

I should have mentioned it's on a 35i. I'm wondering if the SA is just saying it's too firm so that I'll buy the 35i that's in their inventory(with options I want) rather than custom ordering one that has the M Sport pkg.

Either that, or he wants u to order DHP as well.

[turbotoy4me]

Originally Posted by clarence

Either that, or he wants u to order DHP as well.

+1

[lhsa]

from what i could tell, they felt similar to me so m-sport ftw. in addition, the m-sport offers so much more than the sport package alone, at a very reasonable price, that if the cosmetic upgrades are appealing, it makes the decision quite easy.

Originally Posted by ColoradoX3

She's driven a Non DHP 35i with the Sport Activity pkg and 18" wheels and thought it drove fine. Didn't have the opportunity to test one with the M Sport.

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by lhsa

... but i've learned the hard way you need wifey approval first. don't rely on anyone else's opinion as to stiffness ...

Hey guys, this is a family, PG rated, forum about cars!

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by ColoradoX3

I should have mentioned it's on a 35i. I'm wondering if the SA is just saying it's too firm so that I'll buy the 35i that's in their inventory(with options I want) rather than custom ordering one that has the M Sport pkg.

Bingo.