06-12-2012, 05:57 AM | #1 |
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M-Sport: standard or sport suspension?
My current 5 serries (e60) has quite a harsh ride. In my new X3 I will be going for M-Sport package/styling, but not sure what to tick next to this box: 'sport suspension delete' ...
I was not sure about VDC, but now when I read so many positive reviews and feedback about it, I may stretch to VDC also - is VDC compatible with a sport suspension? |
06-12-2012, 08:20 AM | #2 |
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This discussion was extremely helpful to me in deciding to get DHP (VDC). I don't have the car yet, but based on this feedback and review comments, it seemed like the best option to get. I've driven both DHP and non-DHP X3s and the DHP car feels more lively and connected.
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=698812 Also, this topic has been widely discussed on this board. A quick search will produce ample results. Good luck! |
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06-12-2012, 08:31 AM | #3 |
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If memory serves me right, you cannot have both "Sports suspension deletion" (or even "sports suspension") AND VDC on the X3. So if you go for VDC (which I did): you get VDC and all that entails. Does that make sense?
QT (I ordered VDC and there wasn't a suspension option - tried to delete sports suspension) |
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06-12-2012, 09:00 AM | #4 | |
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06-12-2012, 11:54 AM | #5 |
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I have standard on mine and it's very smooth but can get floaty if you really press on.
If you drive lots on bendy B roads at high speed (seems to be soft at the rear and you can feel the inside front wheel lifting, traction light flashing in the dry) then go VDC otherwise go standard and enjoy the ride. I've done over 2000 miles now and only wished it was stiffer for about 30. |
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06-12-2012, 12:09 PM | #6 |
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I have the 30D M Sport with its standard sport Suspension. I intended to order Sports Suspension Delete, but as I eventually bought an ex demo car, it came with Sport Sus.
Occasionaly I feel it is a little firm when there a a lot of potholes (we are 2 geriatric caravanners - sorry). It never feels floaty nor lifts a wheel. I like the feel of the suspension. In hindsight I am glad I wasn't able to delete the Sports Suspension. I have the 309 19 inch wheels. If I could I wouuld have changed them to 18 inch wheels. Hope that helps. O |
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06-12-2012, 05:50 PM | #8 |
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I had the same problem with the E60 and my wife's E81 M-Sport and that is why i went for the standard suspension with 17" non RFT tires. Much better on our famous Belgian roads. Off course VDC is the most flexible solution.
I am sure BMW Belgium have cars available with and without sport/VDC. Ask your dealer for a test drive in Bornem. |
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06-12-2012, 08:58 PM | #9 |
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There s no "M-sport suspension" on the F25.
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06-13-2012, 05:09 AM | #10 |
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True for the US. Not the the case for many other countries. I believe also that the standard suspension in the US is softer than the rest of the world gets.
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08-01-2012, 04:21 AM | #12 |
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I bought a stock model which had all of my specs except EDC or Sport suspension...it has the standard one and I can confirm there is a significant decrease in handling and control vs. the test drive model which had EDC.
If it were up to me and EDC was out of the question due to its higher price, i would at the very least select sport suspension. The one set back is that it lowers the car by a few mm. |
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08-01-2012, 05:23 AM | #13 |
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I'm not sure about this. Usually it is the case with BMW sport suspension but I don't believe it is with the X3. Certainly looking at standard and sport side by side I can't detect any height difference.
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08-01-2012, 07:42 AM | #14 |
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I selected M sport with standard suspension (i suspect that is something similar to sport suspension delete) and this was based on advice from my dealer since i opted EDC out. I have done 3000KM with it on a variety of highways and backroads and I am perfectly happy with it. BMWs std suspension is rather firm compared with other brands (at least in my geography) and in my opinion it is a good match for my 20D. If I had 151 000 EUR for a 35i (yes, that's the insane price for a reasonably equipped X3 sixbanger in Norway) with a bit more kick I would have thrown in the EDC while I was at it but I really don't regret sticking with standard suspension - it's a SUV (well, SAV) and I chicken out before my suspension does when driving fast on curvy roads.
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08-02-2012, 02:17 AM | #15 |
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The car I traded in was a 335d with sports suspension. It was great but perhaps a bit too hard on bad roads and would dislodge your teeth when going over the smallest pot holes.
When I test drove X3 30d M sport it had the normal suspension. It was a very good ride yet had good control, though if pushed hard it had a tendency to float a bit, but nothing bad. When I ordered my 35d M sport I was advised to simply go with the normal suspension as the roads here in Switzerland are quite good. True but I also often go to Germany. Anyway after reading a lot of post I decided to go with the VDC. I HIGHLY recommend it! It is not cheap but if plan on keeping the car awhile and like to drive a bit hard it's truly worth it. In order of preference I would recommend the following: 1. VDC - gives you: a. normal b. sport, with option of sport chassis/drivetrain, or chassis only (good on autobahns), or drivetrain only (pointless IMHO). c. sport + 2. Sport - good control but not overly hard (like my 335d). 3. Normal - great comfort but maybe a bit unstable at high speeds. It all depends on your driving style, but then again it matters not what your driving style or mood is if you chose the VDC. VDC = |
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08-02-2012, 02:59 AM | #16 |
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This is an intensely personal decision. I can only relate my personal thoughts which may or may not chime with yours.
BTW, my last car was a 335i. The suspension was way too hard for comfort and fast driving on anything but good roads. I like firm setups but this was way too hard. For the X3 my personal preference is: 1) Sport suspension 2) VDC 3) Standard (European) suspension The standard suspension was not controlled enough if I enter a roundabout or corner fast. Sport suspension is fine in this respect and in reality only a little firmer (not remotely like my 335i). BTW I have 18 inch wheels. VDC is great in sport but I would very, very rarely use in in normal. The cost of VDC for me is therefore totally unjustifiable, hence it's my 2nd choice. Standard suspension is my 3rd choice because I couldn't live with it. I've moved from a sports car to the X3 so my perspective is different from someone else who may be moving from a dull handling 4x4 to the X3.
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08-02-2012, 03:21 AM | #17 | |
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08-02-2012, 01:16 PM | #18 |
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I opted for the delete option and added VDC, very glad I did, especially for the country roads that I drive to work. If it wasn't for the state of the roads in the UK I would have kept it, but now I can select SPORTS or SPORTS+ if I want the sports suspension back on when I have good roads.
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08-02-2012, 01:37 PM | #19 | |
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Suspension is very individual, I've got bad roads around here and I don't find sport sus a problem but I had a 335i before so the difference in suppleness is HUGE.
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08-02-2012, 02:22 PM | #21 | |
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08-02-2012, 02:27 PM | #22 |
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I've experienced varying levels of BMW suspension. When I had the CSL it was far too hard for a comfortable drive anywhere, even when it did sound nice.
The E92 M3 was hard, but passable, but on the days when you just want to be comfortable, you couldnt have it. All the reviews before ordering my X3 seemed to be with the full bunch toys, and nothing with only the SS. I saw a few posts around the net suggesting sports mode with the suspension was a bit too hard, and I have to agree that if I had to live with that mode (and I am told when its enabled it very similar to the M sport) all the time, those days where you are hungover, feeling crap and driving on bad roads, you really might not enjoy the trip. On times I stay in comfort mode, and while it bounces and wallows on corners, its comfortable and especially good when carrying passengers who do not like speed. I only in the last few weeks decided to start driving in S+ mode, and I have to say I love that mode for a spirited drive on a good day. So I like having the join at least in the summer. |
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