01-05-2016, 08:21 PM | #1 |
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Dynamic Handling Package
We're shopping an X3 to replace our Audi; one of the options is a 'dynamic handling package'. The salesman said he'd never sold one.
Anyone have any firm opinions about this option? Thanks, Moon |
01-05-2016, 09:45 PM | #2 | |
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As BMW this is a must.. unless you prefer a softer ride or possibly a firmer ride... I would if its an option,go drive one with and without. Its an adjustable suspension/dampers.. normally a range of soft/normal/sport |
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01-06-2016, 10:17 AM | #3 | |
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But in reality you are probably not going to see any cars with DHP on the dealer lot and the salesman will give you extra discount if you buy off the lot instead of ordering. |
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01-06-2016, 11:13 AM | #4 | |
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Plus, you can't tell a person to test drive a car that doesn't exist. |
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01-06-2016, 11:36 AM | #5 | |
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DHP isn't going to fix not having enough of a spring rate. |
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01-06-2016, 11:57 AM | #6 | |
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I agree however that long term, if one doesn't have warranty or maintenance plan, the replacement may be costly and should consider this factor when ordering a car from new (how long one intends to keep it vs how long of a warranty or maintenance plan to purchase). The quoted post referred to the cost to purchase, not cost to own. |
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01-06-2016, 12:13 PM | #7 | |
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Struts/shocks are wear and tear items. They will definitely need to be replaced with enough use. Ride/handling can be improved by switching from all season RFTs to excellent non-RFT summer and winter tires. |
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01-06-2016, 12:31 PM | #8 | |
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I read "buying more expensive shocks is not worth it because you can buy different tires". It's an apple and oranges comparison... |
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01-06-2016, 12:35 PM | #9 | |
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Regarding the replacement costs, I would only worry about it if I am getting a high-mileage used car or plan to keep the new car for a long long time. I am suspecting DHP may actually last longer (mechanically) as in normal driving its damping rate is very low thus much less work for the shocks from bumps/potholes. but on the electrical side who knows.... |
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01-06-2016, 02:08 PM | #10 | |
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I've driven 30,000-35,000 miles this past year. Wear and tear from mileage and replacement costs are a factor in my purchasing decision. |
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01-06-2016, 02:25 PM | #11 | |
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DHP is way more than making RFT livable though. It softens the ride (which is really the major drawback of RFT) when you are going straight. It firms up when you start cornering (when the hard sidewall of RFT actually provides better steering accuracy than regular tires). So it is really the best of both worlds. Regular tires just don't provide this kind of adaptability. DHP or not, i would still replace the damn RFTs with good regular tires... I like my Michelin MXM4s so far. |
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01-06-2016, 02:39 PM | #12 | |
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If DHP was so great, then why is there a consensus that for a F30 RWD, the M Performance Suspension > DHP from a performance perspective. |
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01-06-2016, 02:46 PM | #13 |
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I've had an X3 with MSport suspension (UK so this is firm) and my current X3 with DHP. DHP is so much better, good all the time vs MSport which is only good on smooth roads.
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01-06-2016, 03:16 PM | #14 | |
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Country Base Suspension M Sport Suspension DHP vs. non-DHP DHP may be great, until you have to replace it. If you drive minimally such as a typical US lease, then I suppose it's great. If you actually drive your vehicle (a lot), your thoughts would be difference once the replacement cost hits your wallet. |
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01-06-2016, 03:37 PM | #15 |
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I have the 13 X3 35i Msport the suspension with the runflat tires, the setup is away too stiff for Canada road condition. We regret we didn't pick that option, and I believe that was 1500 option.
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01-06-2016, 03:42 PM | #16 | |
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But performance number could be a moot point in this case (if all the roads are as smooth as testing facilities very few would be complaining about RFTs). It doesn't reflect real world subjective quality such as ride quality or steering feel either... But I think we should be happy we have the option to choose DHP or not, to fit everyones needs. Unlike the RFTs.... |
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01-06-2016, 03:46 PM | #17 | ||
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Correct me if I'm wrong, the springs on the M Sport are the same exact springs on the base X3? If anything, the X3's base suspension is too soft relative to my 335i RWD M Sport. For the US, the 335i xDrive models use the base suspension regardless of whether it is the Sport or M Sport trim. Most regard this suspension as way too soft. I doubt that this is the opposite case with the X3 being that the static suspension is way too stiff. Quote:
If the complaint is that the base suspension is too stiff, it's almost certainly not the case of the suspension. It is because of the RFT tires. If the complaint is that the suspension is not stiff enough, then it's a valid complaint that the DHP attempts to address. But because it doesn't alter the spring rate, it's only treating one side of the deficiency. Either way, performance gains and ride improvements from tire improvements are far more significant than suspension changes. Last edited by Polo08816; 01-06-2016 at 03:53 PM.. |
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01-06-2016, 04:05 PM | #18 | |
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I replaced my RFT with NON-RFT for Winter tires and felt a difference in the first days (not abismal like you guys make it sound like) and then got used to it being stiff again... Cheers |
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01-06-2016, 04:16 PM | #19 | |
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If you have a loved one that is driving the car and isn't well versed in how to change a tire on the side of the road, then yes, you make a compromise (ie. RFT) for them. I get that. I'm personally not convinced that DHP is an excellent option for me. I think most BMW suspensions are fairly well sorted out (even the base suspensions) relative to other manufacturers. I try to keep my cars as simple as possible. When I ordered my 2014 335i RWD it had the following options: - Sport Automatic Transmission - M Sport - Heated front seats - HK sound - M Sport Brake Option I'd like to keep it for 6-8 years and put around 30,000+ miles/year on it. We'll see how that works. I do most of the work myself since I have access to a garage with air tools, lifts, Hunter alignment machines, wheel mounters/balancers, etc. |
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01-06-2016, 04:51 PM | #20 |
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DHP makes the ride soft or firm in real time and individually on each wheel, I don't know any tire that could change its firmness on the fly...
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01-06-2016, 05:14 PM | #21 | ||
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How exactly do you define "real time"? I always get a chuckle when people use this term because it sounds cool but most people can't properly define it. Either BMW is completely underrating their product, or your over-marketing it. To quote the BMWUSA site: http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicle...g_control.html Quote:
This system is NOT to be confused with a system such as GM's Magnetic Ride Control which actually makes up to 1000 adjustments per second in "real time". This is the system that can make adjustments mid-bump. It is capable of this because it achieves dampening changes very differently. It actually alters the viscosity of the fluid almost instantaneously. |
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01-06-2016, 06:22 PM | #22 |
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OP, you asked for " firm" opinions. lol...You have been showered. Lots of good points shared.
I did not get DHP because repair cost per dealer is high, may be a wear tear item and not EWarranty item, keep things simple approach. My traveled roads are relatively ok and all at right angles. Initally I wanted to keep car for 7 yrs now changed to 3 yrs so repairs is no longer concern. Assuming DHP is 2VP Dynamic Adaptive Suspension, the cost is $3500 cdn on the x5/6. It is not listed in the pricing guide for x3, so if it is orderable there will be an additional $400 Special Order charge. Not cheap. Personally, I value the safety stuff like ACC, DA+ more. Generally from what I gather on the x5 forum, those that have it love it. |
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