03-07-2012, 08:26 AM | #1 |
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VDC, sport, or normal suspension on X3 35d M? (new member)
Hi, I'm new to this forum and live in Switzerland... And I just ordered a X3 35d M today!!!
I'm trading in my 2008 335d which has sports suspension. It's a bit on the hard side but overall I'm very happy with it as I like to drive a bit fast and corner hard when conditions permit. For some reason I went along with the dealer's recommendation of "normal suspension" rather than the "Sport" or even the VDC which I originally wanted, and now think it might not have been the right decision. I do like to drive a bit fast, often drive on the German Autobahn and am used to a relatively firm ride. I do not like much body roll or wallowing and expect good control at all times. Can someone give me some advice? Is the expensive VDC worth it (I plan on keeping the car for awhile)? Is the "normal" suspension to soft compared to the "sport"? Any advice is appreciated! Chris Last edited by Chris55; 03-07-2012 at 08:28 AM.. Reason: addition |
03-07-2012, 08:40 AM | #2 |
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I've opted for the dynamic dampers on my order so that I can have the best of both worlds.
A nice comfortable ride in Normal mode (when the mother-in-law is in the car) and a firm suspension in Sport of Sport+ mode to enjoy the corners. |
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03-07-2012, 09:55 AM | #3 |
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Change the order immediately if you can, and opt for the VDC . It is definitely worth the money. In normal it is one of the most comfortable rides an SUV can give you, and in sport mode, feeling is a lot similar to a non M sport 320d for example. Especially on the autobahn switching from normal to sport makes a significant difference in handling and stability.
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03-07-2012, 12:09 PM | #4 |
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Get the adaptive suspension you'll love it. Normal gives a very good comfortable ride, sport & sport + firms up suspension and reduce body roll making it feel/handle like a 335 (only a bit taller).
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03-07-2012, 01:39 PM | #5 |
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You're lucky you can get the sports suspension as a stand alone option and if I were you, I'd opt for it. The simple mechanical solution for stiffer dampers is more robust in the long term and I don't think the ride is compromised.
I special ordered the sports suspension by jumping through some hoops for our 35i and I think its fine. I certainly would not want it softer. Good luck. |
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03-08-2012, 03:47 AM | #9 | |
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I find that on the UK's poor roads sport suspension is perfect for me. It's nowhere near as hard as sport on my 335i was (which was too hard). It's a really good setup, firm but comfortable. VDC just didn't work for me, I prefer a consistently firm setup. As Torzeck says, the ride is really good.
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03-08-2012, 06:46 AM | #10 |
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If the only choice was between "normal" and "sport I would definitely, without hesitation, choose the sport, but with VDC I can switch as needed and have the best of both worlds: Sport - autobahn and back roads; Normal - town, cobblestones and bad French roads.
As far as being robust, I think BMW probably has a dependable system. |
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03-08-2012, 07:30 AM | #11 | |
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sport suspension, variable damper control, vdc |
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