[bimmer340]

What exactly is the difference between the M Adaptive Suspension and the M Sport Differential option?

It appears on the 2022 x4M40i that Adaptive M Suspension is now standard (US). I used to have a 2016 340i with the track handling package. I think it included the adaptive M suspension and variable steering(?).
With the adaptive M suspension coming standard now, could I expect similar handling and performance to the 340i with just that? Or do I need to tack on the M differential option to really be on par with that 340i.
(All this aside from the fact that a sedan and SUV will have their obvious differences in handling regardless)

[Flippco]

Two totally different items both affect how the vehicle feels and handles.

The adaptive suspension is where the “feel” of the ride is adjusted by the vehicle.

The m sport differential adjust the power sent to the wheels.

[abbike18]

Adaptive M suspension gives you electronic dampers, so the car can change the damper setting of your shocks electronically. This makes them softer is comfort and former is sport.

Without the differential you have an open rear diff that utilizes the individual brakes to manage wheel to wheel traction. With the differential it will electronically and variably lock the rear diff. We had a discussion on it here:

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1855021

TLDR - if you wanna drift in the snow only, m diff not worth it. If you wanna kick the back end out on wet or dry, m sport worth it.

[bimmer340]

Awesome. Seems like I won’t be missing out much if I don’t do it. Thank you!

[CurryPuff]

Having had the m diff in my M2 and seeing how well it would hook up the rears, I got my '22 m40i with it. It's just come out of the break in miles, so haven't pushed it much, but I've definitely felt the m diff lock up during some turns over a spirited drive or two.