[ProfessorPatPending]

Just hit 1200 miles on my 2021 X3M non-Comp w/21" stock Continentals.

I've spent much time on rough urban roads as well as smooth highway, and feel zero difference between the Suspension's Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus modes. It's always the same firm feel. Note: I have the 3/21 Imprint software installed.

I'll mention this when I bring it in for the break-in service, but am looking for your feedback before I do... Thanks!

[RoWoX3M]

Yup sounds about right. One of the big criticisms of this vehicle.

[2kaccordocoupe]

Must be a non comp thing. On a comp the difference is night and day between the 3 settings. I feel and so do my passengers.

[BulkBen]

Originally Posted by 2kaccordocoupe

Must be a non comp thing. On a comp the difference is night and day between the 3 settings. I feel and so do my passengers.

I’ve got a comp and my feelings match the original posters.

Very used to firm cars as I’ve had lowered rides most of my life.

[2kaccordocoupe]

What pressure are your tires running at and which tire brand?

I'm on MPS4S 33F / 38R

[new2the3]

I can feel the difference on my comp. I prefer the ride in sport mode as the best daily feel. I had the conti stock, I now have the Michelin tires and the ride is a night and day difference, it's perfect with the Michelin's.

[Michael19887]

My X3MC's ride improved after replacing the stock Contis at 6,000 miles with the Michelin Pilot Sport All Seasons. I wasn't sure if I was going to keep the car, but now I'm a couple thousand miles into the new tires and I absolutely love it. Should have done it 5,999 miles sooner.

[ProfessorPatPending]

Does anyone with Continentals feel a difference between suspension modes?

I'll try lowering pressure to 33/38. Maybe narrow sidewall tires are more sensitive to small differences?

That and I'm still experiencing a howling/droning noise from the exhaust.

[heavyD^2]

I feel a noticeable difference between comfort and sport+ on my 2020 Competition. All three rides are firm under all circumstances but Sport+ is more planted and IMO handles road imperfections better than comfort where it can be a little bouncy.

[ProfessorPatPending]

Everyone's feedback is appreciated, Thanks!

It doesn't help that the owner's manual (44/49 psi) doesn't match the door sill sticker (33/38 psi). The tire sidewall says 50 psi maximum.

[Bestle]

I run 33F / 36R on PS4S and the ride is certainly tolerable, but I wouldn't describe it as comfortable.

[ProfessorPatPending]

Originally Posted by Bestle

I run 33F / 36R on PS4S and the ride is certainly tolerable, but I wouldn't describe it as comfortable.

Bestle, does the suspension button make any difference in your car? Or feels the same in all modes?

[Bestle]

Originally Posted by ProfessorPatPending

Bestle, does the suspension button make any difference in your car? Or feels the same in all modes?

It definitely makes some difference yes, but I really wish it made a whole lot more and comfort was actually comfortable.

[new2the3]

Originally Posted by ProfessorPatPending

Everyone's feedback is appreciated, Thanks!

It doesn't help that the owner's manual (44/49 psi) doesn't match the door sill sticker (33/38 psi). The tire sidewall says 50 psi maximum.

That's the spec for 100+ mph and for cars with the m drivers package. The manual is consistent with the door for under 100

[r33_RGSport]

I think BMW de-tuned the 2021 because a lot of complaints in 2020MY.

[Koni108]

It is indeed quite subtle, but there is definitely a 'rock hardness' to the firmest setting which comes through.

I think the bigger criticism is perhaps that 'Comfort' (especially with big wheels such as the 21s) isn't notably 'soft'...

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Like a few others have said, replace the harsh riding, loud & low tread rare rating Conti's with some premium PS4S. The report back after only a few hundred miles on them. Confident 98% of the issues you think you have will go away.

The 265/40 front & 295/35 rear is a killer combo you have to see & feel to believe!

[richard in NC]

I've got a '20 non-Comp with the 20" wheels and Pirelli P Zero tires.
I believe I got the SW update and that improved the ride.

I feel a very subtle difference between the modes. I have to be on a rough surface to feel a slightly stiffer response in Sport or SPort+.

Prior to the SW update, comfort had a bouncy reponse to any rough surface that was more unpleasant than the stiffer Sport mode. That's mostly gone.

[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

I've got a '20 non-Comp with the 20" wheels and Pirelli P Zero tires.
I believe I got the SW update and that improved the ride.

I feel a very subtle difference between the modes. I have to be on a rough surface to feel a slightly stiffer response in Sport or SPort+.

Prior to the SW update, comfort had a bouncy reponse to any rough surface that was more unpleasant than the stiffer Sport mode. That's mostly gone.

Hmm. Maybe I should get that update as I drive in sports+ on some roads specifically because I don't like the bouncy response in comfort.

[allinon72]

This has been a complaint about many M models in recent years, but is exacerbated in the f97 due to the overly stiff rear springs. Also BMW has slipped in their shock tuning - comfort mode simply means more body roll, which isn't ideal.

This is why adding a HAS kit or some other lowering springs often make the suspension modes actually do something.

[harperium]

On my '21 X3MC with PS4S*, running usually at 33/38 cold, there is a noticeable difference in Comfort/Sport/Sport+ but it is subtle. It's not night and day. With Sport and into Sport+ I can feel more "small bumps" and road textures, and in general it feels ever so slightly firmer.

I usually run Comfort on crappy Chicago roads, but Sport is tolerable... Sport+ is not as fun except on smoother roads.

The suspension behavior is so different than the X3 M40i non-adaptive, which was firm all around. The M40i was bouncier over bumpy/choppy roads; the X3MC is harsher over big road seams.

[spucktacular]

My car is butter smooth on 21” since doing the 03/21 software update. Like drastically more comfortable to boot in every mode, and personally do feel a noticeable difference between the three suspension modes.