[Pex5]

Hello,

Leaning towards a new X3 to replace our current E70 X5. Too big, too thirsty.

Love the M sport package. But I'm concerned about the ride. Lately BMW have softened thing up, so I'm hopeful the M sport 35i isn't jarring.

My question simply is...does the M sport have the same suspension as the sport?

Our X5 has sport pack (came with adaptive drive) and 20 inchers. Even after I replaced the funflats, the ride can still be rather uncomfortable at times. By comparison, a friend has an X5 5.0 with the 20s but he has sport activity package (looks only - no sport suspension) and the ride is significantly better than our 4.8 sport.

I'm wondering where the X3 M sport fits in. I have heard that the electronic suspension settings really do make a difference (small difference in the X5 with sport button on or off).

Thanks for any replies.

Regards,
DRP

[lhsa]

only you can decide if it's comfortable enough for you.

i have M sport without DHP and it rides reasonably comfortable in normal mode. sport feels a little stiffer, but nothing uncomfortable. i wonder if DHP comfort is more plush than non-DHP normal.

[clivem2]

A US spec X3 with the standard suspension should be comfortable (I'm in the UK so I don't really know....). The reason for my answering is that I have a UK MSport which has sport suspension. US MSport cars get standard suspension which is softer than the UK standard suspension and the UK MSport is firmer still. I'm really happy with my UK MSport setup, I wouldn't want it any softer but that's my taste.

[tuco44]

I have MSport with DHC (DCC in Canada). I have no problem with the ride in "normal" settings, and the sport and sport+ settings are appropriately firmer.

Overall, very pleased with the way the new X3 feels.

[LEDZEP]

M Sport with the stock 19" wheels is decent. Overall, it feels very similar to my E90 with 17" wheels, but at times I do feel rough road spots more. I also overinflate my tires by a few lbs, so that amplifies it.

Also have an X5 M Sport with 19" and it is noticably softer.... so I'd say the X3 M Sport is probably in the middle of your X5 with 20" setup and mine with 19" - if that makes any sense.

[xDrive35i]

Originally Posted by lhsa

only you can decide if it's comfortable enough for you.

i have M sport without DHP and it rides reasonably comfortable in normal mode. sport feels a little stiffer, but nothing uncomfortable. i wonder if DHP comfort is more plush than non-DHP normal.

There is no DHP comfort mode. That is reserved for BMW's sedan platforms as the X3 (like other SUVs) already has enough suspension travel. If there was a comfort mode, the car would wallow about over bumps, which is far less engaging despite being a bit less jarring.

[soj]

Originally Posted by lhsa

only you can decide if it's comfortable enough for you.

i have M sport without DHP and it rides reasonably comfortable in normal mode. sport feels a little stiffer, but nothing uncomfortable. i wonder if DHP comfort is more plush than non-DHP normal.

m-sport w/o dhp does nothing to the suspension.

m-sport w/0 dhp is the same suspension as the base x3. all x3's w/o dhp have the same suspension regardless of sports package or m-sports package.

The x3 suspension w/o DHP feels the same as a 3 series w/o sports package.

Of course, this is for the US only.

[lhsa]

i feel the suspension is firmer in sport mode. others have similar impressions. have you actually spent time behind the wheel with an m-sport or sap non-dhp X3?

[clivem2]

I have a UK MSport which certainly does not tune the suspension when I switch to sport mode but the responses of the car are vastly different such that it's almost a different car to drive. You're so much more connected to what its doing due to the faster throttle response and sportier shift points. I think this connection to the car is what makes some think the suspension gets tweaked even though there's no hardware to do this.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by clivem2

I have a UK MSport which certainly does not tune the suspension when I switch to sport mode but the responses of the car are vastly different such that it's almost a different car to drive. You're so much more connected to what its doing due to the faster throttle response and sportier shift points. I think this connection to the car is what makes some think the suspension gets tweaked even though there's no hardware to do this.

You must have VDC to adjust the suspension I have this on my 550i M sport and have it on order for the X3 35D M Sport, it does alter suspension and shift patterns.

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

You must have VDC to adjust the suspension I have this on my 550i M sport and have it on order for the X3 35D M Sport, it does alter suspension and shift patterns.

Yes VDC does but some say suspension feels different in sport when they don't have VDC. I think this is to do with a better driver connection with the car, clearly the suspension setup does change without VDC.

[Le Chef]

We're back on the old DHP/non DHP topic again! One simple question for those without DHP but with the sport switch is - what physical or electronic proof do you have that suspension changes occur when you move from normal to sport or sport+?

[h0mersimps0n]

For those of us US customers without dhp but got msport with sport suspension delete- anyone know if sport (oem or not) springs/struts are available anywhere? I'm hoping Dynan eventually has a nice chip/engine/suspension package soon

[greg2step]

i wish it was possible to separate sport mode into steering, suspension and transmission... not just chassis (which should be steering+suspension) or transmission.

[chillychan]

Originally Posted by h0mersimps0n

For those of us US customers without dhp but got msport with sport suspension delete- anyone know if sport (oem or not) springs/struts are available anywhere? I'm hoping Dynan eventually has a nice chip/engine/suspension package soon

Yes sent an email to Dinan a few weeks ago asking they are developing anything for the x3, and got no response.

[lhsa]

none at all. just what i feel and it has nothing to do with more aggressive shift points because the change can be felt even at lazy throttle inputs.

it's not difficult to feel when traveling the same twisty road multiple and consecutive times at different settings.

Originally Posted by Le Chef

We're back on the old DHP/non DHP topic again! One simple question for those without DHP but with the sport switch is - what physical or electronic proof do you have that suspension changes occur when you move from normal to sport or sport+?

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by lhsa

none at all. just what i feel and it has nothing to do with more aggressive shift points because the change can be felt even at lazy throttle inputs.

it's not difficult to feel when traveling the same twisty road multiple and consecutive times at different settings.

I agree with you 100% The I-drive does show the chassis changing to sport mode as well which to me, says something!

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Want the thrill

I agree with you 100% The I-drive does show the chassis changing to sport mode as well which to me, says something!

Yep. We will never convince the disbelievers, but I keep going back to the question - why would you have a configuration option for chassis if there was no effect on the chassis?

[Le Chef]

Chassis does not equal suspension. In Sport with or without DHP the diff settings change, the steering weight changes, the gear shift points and speed change. But there's no change on the suspension without DHP.

Can anyone prove that something changes to the suspension without DHP when the sport setting is made?

[greg2step]

I have DHP and I definately feel change in steering and suspension right away by turning on sport mode.

my question about this whole dispute over what DHP adds is what happens if you have DHP but not SAP or Msport? The sport mode button comes with the sport mode transmission from either package. If there is no button, is it then always on sport mode?

I also think the only way to resolve this is get 5 or 6 X3's w/ the same engine together

1 - no SAP, no msport no DHP
2 - SAP only no DHP
3 - Msport only no DHP
4 - SAP + DHP (this is what I have)
5 - Msport + DHP (which should in theory handle identical to #4)
6 - no SAP No Sport but has DHP (this is the mystery config we may never find - but it is valid on the build configurator)

and spend a day on the track comparing. could be lots of fun - will never happen though.

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

Chassis does not equal suspension. In Sport with or without DHP the diff settings change, the steering weight changes, the gear shift points and speed change. But there's no change on the suspension without DHP.

Can anyone prove that something changes to the suspension without DHP when the sport setting is made?

If you don't work for BMW and you don't own a 35i with SAP and no DHP, HOW DO YOU KNOW NOTHING CHANGES???!!! I don't tell you how your X drives with DHP because I DO NOT HAVE DHP! You continue to say there is no change but you have NO CLUE!

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Yep. We will never convince the disbelievers, but I keep going back to the question - why would you have a configuration option for chassis if there was no effect on the chassis?

+1