12-24-2011, 06:19 AM | #23 | ||
Private
2
Rep 60
Posts |
Quote:
The mystery now moves to how sports suspension differs from the standard and do Variable Dampers completely override the differences. The UK brochure describes the MSport as having a "specially aligned" sports suspension. This is good vague marketing speak. Could mean anything from slightly modified track to completely different. I suspect there isn't a great deal of difference other than stiffer shocks and springs. I, therefore, believe that Variable Dampers pretty much do away with the need for sport suspension as I would expect the Sport settings to be as stiff as the sport suspension. Has anyone tried all of the combinations of suspension and Variable Dampers to check this out? |
||
Appreciate
0
|
12-24-2011, 07:48 AM | #24 |
Lieutenant Colonel
104
Rep 1,511
Posts |
It sounds to me that BMW may in their wisdom have different dampers and/or damper controls in Europe vs North America. Europeans expect better handling cars no? As noted earlier in this thread, a US owner confirmed there were only two part numbers in the US market. It would be nice if someone accross the pond could check part numbers there to clear this up.
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-24-2011, 08:01 AM | #25 | |
Brigadier General
91
Rep 3,855
Posts |
Quote:
Can't find the thread but someone in Canada kindly posted a comparison of Normal VDC, Sport VDC, standard suspension, Sport suspension and it suggested Normal VDC was softer than standard suspension and from memory that Sport VDC was the same as sport suspension. I would think they do differ slightly though because the component used for damping is different
__________________
F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package | dynamic package | climate package | 309s | xline | xenons | electric seats | folding mirrors | business speakers |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-24-2011, 10:59 AM | #26 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
330
Rep 1,560
Posts
Drives: 2022 X4M40i, retired ‘11 X3
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MI
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-24-2011, 12:01 PM | #27 | ||
Lieutenant Colonel
126
Rep 1,781
Posts |
Quote:
|
||
Appreciate
0
|
12-28-2011, 01:32 PM | #28 |
New Member
0
Rep 13
Posts |
Sport rocker switch on 35i with SAP
I'm probably just adding fuel to this fire: My 2012 35i with SAP and no DHP has the rocker switch.
Yes, the iDrive gives you the option of deciding whether the Sport setting affects chassis and/or drive train, and illustrates the choice by highlighting parts of a diagram showing either the drive train or the steering AND suspension. HOWEVER, maybe I am insensitive, but I can detect NO DIFFERENCE in the ride or handling of the car when SPORT is selected. What is evident is that the steering effort increases (and the RPMs increase). I have repeatedly tried the Sport mode over various road surfaces in an attempt to sense the difference in ride that others have experienced, and I just can't feel it. That proves nothing; it might just be me, but it's a data point. By the way, for those (like me) who are wondering about the difference between the sport mode in the regular transmission (lever moved to the left) and the sports mode activated by the rocker in the sports transmission: As far as I can tell (as long as you don't touch the shift paddles), the two modes feel pretty much the same as each other. HOWEVER, in the lever-to-the-left mode the dashboard display shows you what gear you're in (S1, S2, etc) and once you touch a shift paddle it stays in manual (M1-M8) AFAIK. I believe (but actually have not tested this) that in the rocker-activated mode the transmission only stays in manual temporarily (I have not played with this much and can spend more time doing so if anyone is interested). In this mode the display does not show the current gear but lights up the word "sport" indicator to the right of the Drive transmission mode indicator (whereas in the lever-to-the-left mode it will say e.g. "S4" but not light up the word "sport." I'm not sure what it does when you have both selected! (Well, in line with another thread, it's really my wife's car so I haven't had all that much time to play with it.) |
Appreciate
0
|
12-28-2011, 01:44 PM | #29 |
Lieutenant Colonel
104
Rep 1,511
Posts |
I was just going through the configuration tool on the BMW Canada site and interestingly the Variable Damper Control (VDC) which is included in the Dynamic Comfort Package is not available as an option when the M Sport Package is selected.
The Performance Control feature is included in either the Dynamic Comfort Package or the M Sport Package. I can only assume the variable damper control is not included or available on the M Sport Package. |
Appreciate
0
|
12-28-2011, 08:06 PM | #31 | |
Banned
17
Rep 412
Posts |
To be precise
Quote:
SAP (no DHP/DDC) no rocker switch M-Sport (no DHP/DDC) no rocker switch SAP (no DHP/DDC) with rocker switch M-Sport (no DHP/DDC) with rocker switch SAP (DHP/DDC) no rocker switch M-Sport (DHP/DDC) no rocker switch SAP (DHP/DDC) with rocker switch M-Sport (DHP/DDC) with rocker switch None of the above (specify) |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-28-2011, 10:02 PM | #32 | |
user
4
Rep 229
Posts |
Quote:
BMW clearly lists the dampers in all marketing and, more importantly, parts manuals, as "gas-pressure" shock absorbers. The only mention of adjustability is in reference to the DHP pkg (US). I'm not sure where all the confusion comes from around here. They may not do everything right, but these guys are kings of marketing and you can bet there is no way they'd forget to mention adjustable suspension. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-28-2011, 11:03 PM | #33 |
Lieutenant
52
Rep 400
Posts |
Once again:
X3 35i's with SAP get the rocker switch with or without the DHP in the USA. Without DHP, the dampers (shocks) are not adjustable. The different modes on these cars (sans DHP) control transmission shift points, throttle response and steering. That's it. I have this on authority from the marketing director of the new X3 at BMW NA (Joe Wierda- you can google him). At this point in the model year, anyone saying different is mistaken. All of us 2011 owners were equally confused. You can search the forum for all the back and forth. |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|