[chillychan]

I ordered the M-Sport assuming sport suspension was available. By the time I learned of DHP it was too late. I am coming from a e92 335xi dropped on coilovers. I am worried that the stock suspension will be too floaty. I am hoping that someone who drives their X3 spiritedly can provide input on how the stock suspension handles on the curves.

Thanks!

[Ant Man]

Originally Posted by chillychan

I ordered the M-Sport assuming sport suspension was available. By the time I learned of DHP it was too late. I am coming from a e92 335xi dropped on coilovers. I am worried that the stock suspension will be too floaty. I am hoping that someone who drives their X3 spiritedly can provide input on how the stock suspension handles on the curves.

Thanks!

Did you not test drive the model you ordered before buying?

[chillychan]

Originally Posted by Ant Man

Did you not test drive the model you ordered before buying?

There were was no M-Sport model available to test. I did not get a chance to push the 28i through the corners during the test drive. I "assumed" I would not need to since the M-Sport would have firmer suspension.

Do you have the standard suspension?

[Dukat]

I thought the stock suspension was stiffer than my IS250 so I think it's plenty hard.

If your not used to driving a sports tuned sedan I think you'll find it hard enough.

[Beyu]

Doesn't the m-sport have the suspension delete? Meaning it's softer than the stock X3.

And from what I've heard on forums the normal/comfort setting when using DHP is softer than a stock X3.

[chillychan]

Thanks Dukat. I am not planning to take the X3 to the track, but I do enjoy the occasional on and off ramp blast.

[chillychan]

Originally Posted by Beyu

Doesn't the m-sport have the suspension delete? Meaning it's softer than the stock X3.

And from what I've heard on forums the normal/comfort setting when using DHP is softer than a stock X3.

Hey Beyu. Thanks of the info. What suspension do you have?

[Beyu]

I have a stock X3 w/ SAP. I don't have any experience with M-sport nor DHP cars other than the stuff that I read on here. However I think M-sport should be quite fine since it's not like you're going to track it, not that you should with an suv anyways lol.

I came from a MB C300 and even though it was a smaller car and had the lowered sport suspension the X3 handles corners much better yet absorbs bumps and road imperfections way better than the C300 ever did.

[Dukat]

Originally Posted by Beyu

Doesn't the m-sport have the suspension delete? Meaning it's softer than the stock X3.

And from what I've heard on forums the normal/comfort setting when using DHP is softer than a stock X3.

I didn't know that, but it sounds great. Soft and cushy when you want, or crank it up to sports+ for tight handling. Can't wait to try it!

[Penso di no]

I think this post from Judd Holland is generally considered the definitive answer to the questions raised in the current thread.

[Penso di no]

This table also might or might not help clarify...http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/att...4&d=1304371793

[Vintage]

the stock X3 suspension is way too floaty on the 18" wheels, which is why I ordered the 19" staggered with summer performance tires, and that helps considerably - probably just right for a grocery getter/kid hauler

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by Penso di no

I think this post from Judd Holland is generally considered the definitive answer to the questions raised in the current thread.

+1 and also your attached table is correct. Seems ppl just cannot get this entire system into their heads (and some ask questions without doing any research!).

[chillychan]

Originally Posted by tuco44

+1 and also your attached table is correct. Seems ppl just cannot get this entire system into their heads (and some ask questions without doing any research!).

tuco44 I am aware of this post. I understand the options, I was wondering what spirited driving would be like with the stock suspension. There is a lot of info on how awesome DHP is. I was hoping this thread would shed light on the stock suspension.

[chillychan]

Originally Posted by Beyu

I have a stock X3 w/ SAP. I don't have any experience with M-sport nor DHP cars other than the stuff that I read on here. However I think M-sport should be quite fine since it's not like you're going to track it, not that you should with an suv anyways lol.

I came from a MB C300 and even though it was a smaller car and had the lowered sport suspension the X3 handles corners much better yet absorbs bumps and road imperfections way better than the C300 ever did.

Hi Beyu thanks for the insight. Based on the input so far, the F25 X3 is not as mushy as MB C300 sport and Lexus IS250. This are great comparisons to work with.

[chillychan]

...and thanks Penso di no and VintageBMW for taking the time to post that info.

[Vintage]

Originally Posted by chillychan

...and thanks Penso di no and VintageBMW for taking the time to post that info.

no problem. my answer is based off of the fact that my dad has a 2011 X3 35i with 18" all seasons and I have the X3 35i with 19" staggered summer performance, with lots of spirited driving in both. My X3 grips the road, is firm, but not at all harsh - buy the 19s with the summer tires and you will be happy (my dad's X3 is for old people or ladies - just kidding and not meant to offend anyone). plus, I own a X5 35d with sport package, Z435i with sport package and 19s, and have owned 4 other BMWs, including a 2001 M Coupe that I should have never sold (I am an idiot).

[Le Chef]

The standard suspension is soft - it rides like a kindergarten kid's birthday bouncy castle. The other issue is the effect of soft suspension allied to the unsprung weight of larger wheels and run-flat tires: it means you feel road surface ridges and crossings more than you should. DHP helps to some degree but regardless of suspension settings it's not as good as it should be.

[chillychan]

Originally Posted by VintageBMW

no problem. my answer is based off of the fact that my dad has a 2011 X3 35i with 18" all seasons and I have the X3 35i with 19" staggered summer performance, with lots of spirited driving in both. My X3 grips the road, is firm, but not at all harsh - buy the 19s with the summer tires and you will be happy (my dad's X3 is for old people or ladies - just kidding and not meant to offend anyone). plus, I own a X5 35d with sport package, Z435i with sport package and 19s, and have owned 4 other BMWs, including a 2001 M Coupe that I should have never sold (I am an idiot).

That M Coupe is a gorgeous car. It's one of my favorite BMWs aside from the E21 323i, E34 M5 3.8, E24 M6, and E92 335is. I'm sure there are more LOL! Unfortunately, my car is already on its way with M Sport 19's all season. I am thinking of getting AC Shcnitzer springs or TSW wheels/non-runflat, or maybe both.

[chillychan]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

The standard suspension is soft - it rides like a kindergarten kid's birthday bouncy castle. The other issue is the effect of soft suspension allied to the unsprung weight of larger wheels and run-flat tires: it means you feel road surface ridges and crossings more than you should. DHP helps to some degree but regardless of suspension settings it's not as good as it should be.

WOW that sounds pretty soft

I will maybe get springs or wheels/tires depending on how mushy it feels. Based on a couple of other peoples comparisons I am hoping it is bearable.

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

The standard suspension is soft - it rides like a kindergarten kid's birthday bouncy castle. The other issue is the effect of soft suspension allied to the unsprung weight of larger wheels and run-flat tires: it means you feel road surface ridges and crossings more than you should. DHP helps to some degree but regardless of suspension settings it's not as good as it should be.

Well, these comments are opinions, obviously, but I sure don't know what you ppl expect when you bought an X3? Compared to other premium compact SUV/SAVs in it's class, the X3 is better than the rest, including the Q5. I came from an E90 M3 and I don't find the new X3 to be THAT soft. Of course, I have MSport plus DHC so can tighten things up a bit. I think it's the best of this catagory, it's NOT an M3 or M5, nor is it meant to be. I think BMW did a good job on the new X3 as a mix of fun to drive with practicality.

Of course, maybe all you ppl hold valid full race licenses.......

[Harplayr]

Originally Posted by chillychan

WOW that sounds pretty soft

I will maybe get springs or wheels/tires depending on how mushy it feels. Based on a couple of other peoples comparisons I am hoping it is bearable.

Yes, from Le Chef’s description I think either he’s pulling your leg, or hasn’t driven one. I find the standard suspension a bit on the soft side FOR A BMW, but much better than just about any other suv. It sucks up the bumps quite well, corners well and generally is very well behaved. If you want to run cones in competition, then it’s probably not your cup of tea. Just about every review complements BMW on the vast improvement in ride quality over the previous generation.

The posts are going to be quite subjective and will vary from bouncy house to Flintstone mobile on rails jarring your teeth going over every expansion joint.

I owned 2 first generation X3's, now own a 2011 F25 and think the standard suspension is a VAST improvement over the prior generation.

My suggestion is to drive one and find out for yourself.