[lbjgh]

The Dynamic Comfort Package is a $1500 option on the X3 in Canada. This sounds like a reasonable deal if I understand the components correctly.

This Package includes:

• Dynamic Damper Control - (DDC)
• Performance Control - (PC)

DDC is similar to GM's MagneRide technology where the shocks adjust to the road surface (but without the magnetic fluid in the GM product).

DCC can be adjusted from a console switch from normal --> sport --> sport + with the normal damper mode being softer than the stock suspension, sport damper mode the same/similar to the stock damper tuning and sport + mode being firmer than stock.

When selecting sport or sport+, DCC also triggers the transmission to go into Drive Sport (DS). This feature/option can defeated by settings using the BMW iDrive.

The transmission can then be shifted into DS mode by moving the gear selector to the left regardless of the DCC mode selected.

PC is similar to Acura's Super Handling all wheel drive whereby the outside wheels turn faster than the inside wheels to help the vehicle rotate around a corner.

PC uses the breaks to distribute the power to the outside wheels when cornering.

I know these acronyms have been discussed a million times before but like others have said, BMW have done a terrible job marketing the different packages and options (not to mention using different terminology for the same hardware in different markets).

[E92LNGCGY]

Originally Posted by lbjgh

The Dynamic Comfort Package is a $1500 option on the X3 in Canada. This sounds like a reasonable deal if I understand the components correctly.

This Package includes:

• Dynamic Damper Control - (DDC)
• Performance Control - (PC)

DDC is similar to GM's MagneRide technology where the shocks adjust to the road surface (but without the magnetic fluid in the GM product).

DCC can be adjusted from a console switch from normal --> sport --> sport + with the normal damper mode being softer than the stock suspension, sport damper mode the same/similar to the stock damper tuning and sport + mode being firmer than stock.

When selecting sport or sport+, DCC also triggers the transmission to go into Drive Sport (DS). This feature/option can defeated by settings using the BMW iDrive.

The transmission can then be shifted into DS mode by moving the gear selector to the left regardless of the DCC mode selected.

PC is similar to Acura's Super Handling all wheel drive whereby the outside wheels turn faster than the inside wheels to help the vehicle rotate around a corner.

PC uses the breaks to distribute the power to the outside wheels when cornering.

I know these acronyms have been discussed a million times before but like others have said, BMW have done a terrible job marketing the different packages and options (not to mention using different terminology for the same hardware in different markets).

This is also my understanding. I ordered my X3 initially without this option but tonight I went back and added it. It does make a big difference. I think $1500 is reasonable. I haven't settled on the final pricing yet but will most likely do so tomorrow. Did you get a deal for it? What other packages/options do you have?

[lbjgh]

I'm planning on ordering in the new year.

35i
Alpine white/ black leatherette/ wave brown trim
Tech package
Dynamic Comfort Package
Panorama roof
Satin roof rails

[E92LNGCGY]

Originally Posted by lbjgh

I'm planning on ordering in the new year.

35i
Alpine white/ black leatherette/ wave brown trim
Tech package
Dynamic Comfort Package
Panorama roof
Satin roof rails

Great color choice. How much are taxes?

[paul386]

The X3 does not dynamically (actively) adjust to road surfaces with the dynamic dampers. It is just 2 finite settings. Normal and Sport.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by paul386

The X3 does not dynamically (actively) adjust to road surfaces with the dynamic dampers. It is just 2 finite settings. Normal and Sport.

Really? It does on UK specs:

Variable Damper Control uses data collected by sensors throughout the BMX X3: each second, it gathers thousands of readings about the position of the steering wheel, the strength of lateral forces, wheel rotation speeds and much more. The system calculates the best possible setting for each individual wheel and continually adjusts its suspension accordingly.

http://www.bmw.co.uk/specials/x3_201...trol.html#more

[RichardBR]

Originally Posted by paul386

The X3 does not dynamically (actively) adjust to road surfaces with the dynamic dampers. It is just 2 finite settings. Normal and Sport.

There's an extra setting now. In my new X3 that will be delivered in March, I also get the Eco Pro mode. The same you'll find in the new 1 series.

[clivem2]

I drove a new 1 series with the Eco setting last week. Awful in Eco mode.

[RichardBR]

Originally Posted by clivem2

I drove a new 1 series with the Eco setting last week. Awful in Eco mode.

Please share, how is it awful? Slow? Miss half the power?

[lbjgh]

Donno where you got that info Paul.

See below...

Originally Posted by paul386

The X3 does not dynamically (actively) adjust to road surfaces with the dynamic dampers. It is just 2 finite settings. Normal and Sport.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by lbjgh

Donno where you got that info Paul.

See below...

always wanted to use those two smilies together

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by RichardBR

Please share, how is it awful? Slow? Miss half the power?

Just horribly unresponsive, I can live with "normal" which is the default. Sport is so much better but if you seriously want to save fuel then Eco will do it. Having fun use more fuel, there's no way around this.

[lbjgh]

hehe, ya ya , you got in there first with the info but from a UK site not the Canuck site... plus we don't get 'variable damper control' I noticed Paul is from the USA.

I specifically noted the Canadian reference because BMW tends to offer different appointment in different markets.

Originally Posted by sfax

always wanted to use those two smilies together

[paul386]

Originally Posted by sfax

Really? It does on UK specs:



http://www.bmw.co.uk/specials/x3_201...trol.html#more

Originally Posted by lbjgh

Donno where you got that info Paul.

See below...

I stand corrected. Very interesting. BMW USA doesn't do a good job advertising this feature.

[xDrive35i]

So I guess we're going to have to do this again.

Ordering the Sports Activity Package alone on a 35i offers driver selectable damper controls via the Normal and Sport buttons; two chassis settings (Normal and Sport) and two drivetrain settings (Normal and Sport). Where Sport is customizable between drivetrain only, chassis only, or both, Sport+ automatically activates both Sport chassis and Sport drivetrain and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control). With only the Sports Activity, DTC increases traction on variable or loose surfaces but decreases overall driving stability as speed increases. DTC deactivates some of the assists that are present in the car's stability control system (DSC), allowing the wheels to spin more freely which can help you get out of some deep snow, for example. You can activate DTC in any mode you want, which is why DTC is standard even if your car does not come with a rocker switch. Because DTC allows for a less active assist threshold, it is automatically tied to Sport+ mode to increase fun and involvement in more spirited driving.

If you order the M-Sport Package alone, you get everything the Sports Activity Package offers AND Performance Control, which is essentially a continuously variable rear axle that can transfer 90% of the power to the rear wheels, simulating some of the more spirited driving characteristics of a rear wheel drive car. This is most present when Sport+ is selected because DTC is then automatically activated.

NEITHER THE M-SPORT PACKAGE NOR SPORTS ACTIVITY PACKAGE COME WITH ACTIVE DAMPERS.

If you order the Dynamic Handling Package (or Dynamic Comfort Package if you're from Canada) in conjunction with either the Sports Activity or M-sport Package, not only are the damper settings driver selectable, but in each of the two selectable damper (chassis) modes (Normal and Sport), the car's computer (get ready for a bunch of annoying BMW lingo) actively variates the damper stiffness based on steering inputs and road conditions/imperfections to offer a more compliant ride. The computer recognizes when Normal or Sport chassis modes have been selected and responds to the road differently in both.

Notice that the M-Sport Package comes with Performance Control already, so the cost of the Dynamic Handling/Comfort Package is higher than it should be if you spec the car with the M-Sport Package.

A screenshot is provided with the contents of the Dynamic Handling/Comfort Package from the BMWUSA BYO tool, which is the most updated in terms of package contents and availability.

This answer does not apply to the 28i, but I do know that if the Dynamic Handling/Comfort Package is not spec'd on a 28i, there will be no rocker switch whatsoever, no matter if you spec'd the Sports Activity or M-Sport package. You must order the Dynamic Handling/Comfort Package on a 28i if you want the rocker switch at all, as far as I am aware.

[lbjgh]

There is no Sports Activity Package offered in Canada and I'm not interested in the M-sport as it offers no performance advantage... just lipstick IMO.

Originally Posted by juddholland

So I guess we're going to have to do this again.

Ordering the Sports Activity Package alone on a 35i offers driver selectable damper controls via the Normal and Sport buttons; two chassis settings (Normal and Sport) and two drivetrain settings (Normal and Sport). Where Sport is customizable between drivetrain only, chassis only, or both, Sport+ automatically activates both Sport chassis and Sport drivetrain and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control). With only the Sports Activity, DTC increases traction on variable or loose surfaces but decreases overall driving stability as speed increases. DTC deactivates some of the assists that are present in the car's stability control system (DSC), allowing the wheels to spin more freely which can help you get out of some deep snow, for example. You can activate DTC in any mode you want, which is why DTC is standard even if your car does not come with a rocker switch. Because DTC allows for a less active assist threshold, it is automatically tied to Sport+ mode to increase fun and involvement in more spirited driving.

If you order the M-Sport Package alone, you get everything the Sports Activity Package offers AND Performance Control, which is essentially a continuously variable rear axle that can transfer 90% of the power to the rear wheels, simulating some of the more spirited driving characteristics of a rear wheel drive car. This is most present when Sport+ is selected because DTC is then automatically activated.

NEITHER THE M-SPORT PACKAGE NOR SPORTS ACTIVITY PACKAGE COME WITH ACTIVE DAMPERS.

If you order the Dynamic Handling Package (or Dynamic Comfort Package if you're from Canada) in conjunction with either the Sports Activity or M-sport Package, not only are the damper settings driver selectable, but in each of the two selectable damper (chassis) modes (Normal and Sport), the car's computer (get ready for a bunch of annoying BMW lingo) actively variates the damper stiffness based on steering inputs and road conditions/imperfections to offer a more compliant ride. The computer recognizes when Normal or Sport chassis modes have been selected and responds to the road differently in both.

Notice that the M-Sport Package comes with Performance Control already, so the cost of the Dynamic Handling/Comfort Package is higher than it should be if you spec the car with the M-Sport Package.

A screenshot is provided with the contents of the Dynamic Handling/Comfort Package from the BMWUSA BYO tool, which is the most updated in terms of package contents and availability.

This answer does not apply to the 28i, but I do know that if the Dynamic Handling/Comfort Package is not spec'd on a 28i, there will be no rocker switch whatsoever, no matter if you spec'd the Sports Activity or M-Sport package. You must order the Dynamic Handling/Comfort Package on a 28i if you want the rocker switch at all, as far as I am aware.

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by RichardBR

There's an extra setting now. In my new X3 that will be delivered in March, I also get the Eco Pro mode. The same you'll find in the new 1 series.

Am curious, which month will your production be?. I would not mind the eco mode if it exists,

[RichardBR]

Originally Posted by inamik75

Am curious, which month will your production be?. I would not mind the eco mode if it exists,

They told me February. Haven't got the exact week no. yet...

[xDrive35i]

Originally Posted by lbjgh

When selecting sport or sport+, DCC also triggers the transmission to go into Drive Sport (DS). This feature/option can defeated by settings using the BMW iDrive.

The transmission can then be shifted into DS mode by moving the gear selector to the left regardless of the DCC mode selected.

To clarify, DS and Drivetrain Sport or Sport+ are entirely different things. DS is just moving the shift lever over, but Drivetrain Sport and Sport+ offer quicker shift timing, lower gears held longer, and increased throttle response. DS does not do all of that. It does change how long gears are held and throttle response marginally, but not to the degree of Drivetrain Sport and Sport+.

[lbjgh]

Thanks for that clarrification juddholland.

Originally Posted by juddholland

To clarify, DS and Drivetrain Sport or Sport+ are entirely different things. DS is just moving the shift lever over, but Drivetrain Sport and Sport+ offer quicker shift timing, lower gears held longer, and increased throttle response. DS does not do all of that. It does change how long gears are held and throttle response marginally, but not to the degree of Drivetrain Sport and Sport+.

[AspiringBMWOwner]

Originally Posted by lbjgh

There is no Sports Activity Package offered in Canada and I'm not interested in the M-sport as it offers no performance advantage... just lipstick IMO.

.

Don't get too hung up on the dampening system. BMW's suspension is more than adequate. Plus in Canada the dampers are not available to add if you purchase the M-Sport package (BMW's lovely packaging system, :P) The M-Sport offers a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. It remedies that cheap black rubber used around the wheel wells and bumper.

Lets put it in perspective, these are BMW's; they are fantastic handling vehicles with great driver feedback.

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by lbjgh

There is no Sports Activity Package offered in Canada and I'm not interested in the M-sport as it offers no performance advantage... just lipstick IMO.

The MSport package includes the great sports seats, only way to get them in Canada; and worth the price of admission alone IMO.

I much prefer the looks of the MSport package over the regular X3, and IMO is much more than just "lipstick". Whatever turns your crank tho.