[LFC]

For those that have picked up with the M sports package and WITHOUT dynamic handling, can you please post the window sticker? It looks like so far that everyone ordering an M sports package has the buttons next to the shifter and possibly Dynamic Dampers as well.

[Nahoa]

Darwin is clearly hovering around this thread, ready to strike . . .

[bluesky]

Thanks to you all for shedding light on a critical information area where BMW has unfortunately fallen short.

I've been following this thread with great interest as I have a 35 on order with SAP + DHP + 309's among other pkgs (currently on hold due to Japan-sourced electronic component shortages). Personally I value DDC much more than VSS as a source of potential driving comfort (especially with the 309's) and prefer the overall look of MSport, so I've instructed my CA that IF he can confirm that DDC is an inherent part of MSport --in actuality, irrespective of what the order guide says-- to delete SAP+DHP and substitute MSport.

We'll see what happens...In the meantime it will be interesting to see if/when someone comes up with secondary physical proof (beyond the console switch).

[ManMachine]

Originally Posted by LFC

For those that have picked up with the M sports package and WITHOUT dynamic handling, can you please post the window sticker? It looks like so far that everyone ordering an M sports package has the buttons next to the shifter and possibly Dynamic Dampers as well.

Just order the DHP if you want it. There's no free lunch. The buttons are there in other BMW models for the sport auto transmission also, when the damper controls don't exist.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by ManMachine

Just order the DHP if you want it. There's no free lunch. The buttons are there in other BMW models for the sport auto transmission also, when the damper controls don't exist.

You're rather opinionated aren't you. You are arguing a position with no more evidence than those arguing the contrary position, yet you have that self-righteous tone about it.

When I go to Configure SPORT Mode in iDrive, I have the options: "Drivetrain and Chassis" or "Drivetrain Only".

Maybe that configuration option is just make believe too.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by ManMachine

Just order the DHP if you want it. There's no free lunch. The buttons are there in other BMW models for the sport auto transmission also, when the damper controls don't exist.

except that someone posted a picture who doesn't have DHP showing the nav screen with suspension adjustment, now why would they show that if it doesn't have damping control?

[tibookM3]

Originally Posted by Mako

except that someone posted a picture who doesn't have DHP showing the nav screen with suspension adjustment, now why would they show that if it doesn't have damping control?

My dealer pulled up a page similar to the one scanned that showed options. He said it reads that the variable sports steering and dampening control are part of the m-sport package.

I watched him use his configurator tool and DDC didn't show up under the Dynamic Handling package or M Sport...which prompted the electronic brochure...so far more proof it is included than not...at least for the US market.

For what it's worth, neither one of us could find how to explicitly add DDC to my build.

[ManMachine]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

You're rather opinionated aren't you. You are arguing a position with no more evidence than those arguing the contrary position, yet you have that self-righteous tone about it.

When I go to Configure SPORT Mode in iDrive, I have the options: "Drivetrain and Chassis" or "Drivetrain Only".

Maybe that configuration option is just make believe too.

I have no personal vetting in this, so I'm just chiming in for information purpose only; if you are wrong, those who DO want the dynamic damper control would miss out on the feature they want. No need to get personal. I have provided my observation and logic in my previous post, and there it is again.

- 1. You all recognize that BMWNA's online building system is pretty lousy.
- 2. Logic suggests that BMW does not provide freebies. If they are doing this by mistake, they'll certainly correct it.
- 3. The websites for UK and Canada are quite clear. If you read German (I don't), check out the German website to see if M Sport includes dynamic damper control.
- 4. X3 are exclusively built in the U.S. for the whole world market. From the manufacturing perspective, they would want to load one piece of software as a whole package for a model (say X335), rather than making various versions of software to fit different vehicles. The difference for cars with electric damper control would be the physical electric/mechanical connections. Just because the control screens show chassis control, does not mean actual control.
- 5. If you have M Sport, take off the wheel and take a look at the suspension. Take photos. Compare that to a car with DHP. Then you'll be helping everyone.

[LEDZEP]

Not getting personal at all. Just observing that you tend toward a negative outlook on this topic where several others tend toward a more optimistic outlook.

I beg to differ about the software argument though. That is among the easist and most customizable elements of the vehicle. Many screens and options are based upon components in the car, such as Premium Sound, PDC settings, Climate, etc. I've owned several BMWs with iDrive and have never seen a screen or configurable setting for something that is not on my vehicle.

In the end, I really don't care about impressing the gear heads on whether I have DDC or not, I was interested in having the settings, and I do. It is an X3, not an M3 and I think buying the former and expecting the latter will disappoint many.

[ManMachine]

Here's the cost for Germans:

Performance control: 150 Euro
Variable sport steering: 300 Euro
Dynamic damper control: 1100 Euro

I'm not saying what one should get. It's an individual's decision. Just trying to identify the right information - does the dynamic damper control (option 223) come with M Sport?

[LEDZEP]

That was the mystery that we thought we'd solved with delivery of some M Sports. Performance Control is part of M Sport, we know this. That function has no driver controls of any sort, so it is not an apparent item. Sport mode for the transmission already provides a more aggressive shift pattern, holding revs higher and starting in first instead of second, etc.
So, logic has led us to assume that the Normal/Sport buttons are for DDC. One poster has even suggested that the Variable Sport Steering is part of it... I'd have to do some controlled driving tests to see what is percievable in each setting. Haven't been able to really do that yet.

[STE92VE]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Maybe that configuration option is just make believe too.

I thought we were supposed to keep it a secret that I don't have the sport suspension....

[STE92VE]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

I'd have to do some controlled driving tests to see what is percievable in each setting. Haven't been able to really do that yet.

Yeah, I've seen you drive and control is not one of your attributes....

[ManMachine]

From what I understand of such systems (including Audi), if you have the chassis control options, you can set the transmission shifting characteristics in normal while setting the damper control to sport+; this way you don't get a sensitive throttle but can take aggressive turns.

Will the current M Sport (without DHP) allow this setting?

Again, as you said, this may not prove things conclusively, if chassis setting is control steering only (assuming the dynamic dampers aren't there).

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by ManMachine

From what I understand of such systems (including Audi), if you have the chassis control options, you can set the transmission shifting characteristics in normal while setting the damper control to sport+; this way you don't get a sensitive throttle but can take aggressive turns.

Will the current M Sport (without DHP) allow this setting?

Again, as you said, this may not prove things conclusively, if chassis setting is control steering only (assuming the dynamic dampers aren't there).

Yes, they do function independently.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by STE92VE

Yeah, I've seen you drive and control is not one of your attributes....

I've seen you drink, and could make the same statement....

[Lotus7]

Here is a photo of a 35i (non-M-Sport) with DDC.
DDC equipped X3's have a cylindrical appendage on each of the front struts which terminates in an electrical cable. Not to be confused with the rectangular attachment which all X3's have which is the TPS pick-up antenna.

In addition, there is a small position sensor attached to the front suspension (not shown) that is also present only on DDC equipped vehicles.

Anyone have a photo of a M-Sport's front strut?

[ManMachine]

Nice work!

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by Lotus7

Here is a photo of a 35i (non-M-Sport) with DDC.
DDC equipped X3's have a cylindrical appendage on each of the front struts which terminates in an electrical cable. Not to be confused with the rectangular attachment which all X3's have which is the TPS pick-up antenna.

In addition, there is a small position sensor attached to the front suspension (not shown) that is also present only on DDC equipped vehicles.

Anyone have a photo of a M-Sport's front strut?

LEDZEP, please help solve this once and for all with pics from your spanking hot M-sport!

[LEDZEP]

I'm not pulling a wheel to take photos. I'm satisfied that I have controls for SPORT and SPORT+, and I can feel a difference when I use them. That's all I wanted.

[Theepz]

Originally Posted by Lotus7

Here is a photo of a 35i (non-M-Sport) with DDC.
DDC equipped X3's have a cylindrical appendage on each of the front struts which terminates in an electrical cable. Not to be confused with the rectangular attachment which all X3's have which is the TPS pick-up antenna.

In addition, there is a small position sensor attached to the front suspension (not shown) that is also present only on DDC equipped vehicles.

Anyone have a photo of a M-Sport's front strut?

Wait till another 2 weeks i will upload a picture...

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by Theepz

Wait till another 2 weeks i will upload a picture...

Thanks looking forward!