[littlehuman]

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Hi,

I currently have a lease F15 X5 and I'm thinking about changing it to X3M.

X5 has been totally fine for me so far. I've made 10 hours road trip (one way..yes it's long) a few times and it was fine.

I'm hearing so many stories from people that they get tired after an hour of driving X3M.

Is it that bad?

How is X3M for the daily drive and a long road trip (probably 2~3 times per year)?

[pluckydks]

It's all subjective. I found the stock suspension just fine. There are others on here that will bitch and moan about it. With that said, I, as have many others, changed out the suspension and say its even more comfortable now.

[onfireX5]

Only person that can answer that question is you. Take one for a long test drive before you buy. Some love it. Some hate it.

Personally, it’s fine for me and my wife. Multiple 7 hour trips in it per year. If someone stole it we would buy another one ASAP.

You might hate it.

Drive it.

[DAC17]

I found it somewhat harsh over the first 2,000 or so miles, but then it seemed to "settle in" to a more comfortable mode. Maybe just me?? I also changed out the tires to Michelin PS4 AS, and found that made things even better. It's a sports SUV...

[littlehuman]

pluckydks Thank you! I did not think about changing the suspension that might be an option..but..um..have to think about it.
onfireX5 Thank you. Nice. Ins't test drive just for..10~20 mins or so? I'm totally fine with any vehicle for the first 20~30 or so...
DAC17 That's interesting. Thank you!

[mojojojo231]

I've driven to Scottsdale straight from sf which is roughly 800miles,10-11 hours and didn't find it uncomfortable.

I felt the car soften up a bit after 2-3k miles

[Young04]

Originally Posted by littlehuman

Hi,

I currently have a lease F15 X5 and I'm thinking about changing it to X3M.

X5 has been totally fine for me so far. I've made 10 hours road trip (one way..yes it's long) a few times and it was fine.

I'm hearing so many stories from people that they get tired after an hour of driving X3M.

Is it that bad?

How is X3M for the daily drive and a long road trip (probably 2~3 times per year)?

It is much stiffer than your X5. That isn't to say you will find it too objectionable but as others said do as long as a test drive as they will let you. This is definitely a try before you buy situation.

[forza1976]

How hard is it?

[larsmin]

Definitely harder than X5, but it is fine for most people I know.
Longer testdrive might be the answer.
If you do like the engine and power during the testdrive but feel stiff, I do recommend MSS. I know you don't consider it, but it will solve everything.

[e90Luis]

Originally Posted by littlehuman

Hi,

I currently have a lease F15 X5 and I'm thinking about changing it to X3M.

X5 has been totally fine for me so far. I've made 10 hours road trip (one way..yes it's long) a few times and it was fine.

I'm hearing so many stories from people that they get tired after an hour of driving X3M.

Is it that bad?

How is X3M for the daily drive and a long road trip (probably 2~3 times per year)?

I drove 9 hours from Shreveport to Atlanta after I bought mines and actually thought the drive was comfortable. At first I was worried after reading all of the people on the forum complaining. I'm not bothered by it at all

[calbear550]

The problem with having to add MSS or any other springs/coilovers to adjust the ride is that you pretty much throw out any sort of warranty coverage in terms of suspension. Which for a car like this, would be a nightmare. Which is another reason I got out of my X4MC. As a daily driver there are stretches of freeway/roads that the car rides perfectly. Then you hit what 90% of the roads are in LA and it was too much for me. The stiff chassis also is very jarring as you’ll definitely feel uneven roads atypical for most SUV/SAVs. Had some noise issues with a loose rear sway bar. Tightened it up and the noise and creaking went away. But when I took it into the dealership they blamed it on the fact that I had springs on it at some point, even though they were removed before taking it in. I just couldn’t imagine 1-2 years from now if there are some bushing wear or rattling or creaking or something not related that they’ll blame the “suspension work” on. Cause ultimately they can make a case lowering the car can cause all sorts of issues. After dealing with my SA, I brought up the “it’s not related so would it void my warranty question”. I asked well what if I had my car lowered and the idrive went out? His response, weeeelllll if the car was modified and the spring rates are tighter or looser, and your cause unnecessary travel, causing the car bounce or be too tight in could damage the height sensors and large drops could cause mechanical wiring damage etc. I rolled my eyes and told myself I would never bring my car into this place again.

[sayemthree]

Its not hard its easy. I don’t get tired driving, i rest up and can then drive 6 hours straight. If you are concerned about having a stiff suspension don’t pay for those little m badges.

[kzg1969]

In the UK, the suspension (really the whole car) is actually quite good Motorway journeys (your interstates).

It is when you get onto potholed streets and bumpy/poorly surfaced country roads that you will feel a big increase in stiffness from a X5.

Why don't you consider a m40i? A side by side test drive will convince you one way or the other.

[GmanJeff]

The non-comp version with 20" tires and standard seats seems quite comfortable to me, with a well-controlled, firm but not harsh ride. Versions with 21" tires and/or M Sport seats may well feel different, so consider those variables when test-driving.

[r33_RGSport]

I came from F15 X5 few years back.
F15 was a big disappointment for BMW, the suspension is way softer than E70 X5. Even the steering wheel.
Bunch of guys coming to me to stiffen/tighten it up.

I was on the fence with G05 X5, since it is better than F15, but still too soft.
I got dizzy just test driving the car around the block. It felt like a boat on a water.
So, I test drove X3MC 4-5 different time.
Initial thought, suspension is softer than my street/track coilover on my Porsche 997 C4S.

I think for 8 hours stretch, I should be ok with it.
But I won't be ok with the space when the whole family on the road with me for 8 hours.

IMO, the suspension on X3MC is close to perfect. I drove back from SEMA for 4 hours straight with no issue. That's when the car was only couple weeks old.
So sit and shocks are not broken in yet.
The only issue I've found after about a month owning it, is the rear spring is way too stiff for spirited driving.
On a turn at aggressive speed, the rear will hop when it hit a bump, dip, hump, or road imperfections.

[richard in NC]

The X3M is firm but not harsh. It's not as harsh as an M2 and has more suspension travel which helps.
It can get bouncy over bad pavement but an occasional pothole or speed bump is fine. The 20's on the base model do help. If in an area with consistent bad pavement, do a long test drive. But I have done an hour plus interstate drive with no problem.

[2kaccordocoupe]

This topic has been beaten to death. Use the search button man.

[James Cole]

The correct assesment is this:

The suspension is not too harsh as in transmitting vibrations from minor stuff on the road.

What the suspension is TOO BOUNCY, MSS takes care of this.

[YakyYaky]

I too was worries about all the reviews about the harsh rides etc.

Test driving it, I found it joyous in New Zealand roads (City & Rural). I daily drive M2 Competition.
I drive the X3MC in sports suspension all day. Even on road trips.
My wife drives the X3MC in sport+ suspension all day.

We both found comfort suspension oddly weird and bouncy. Where as sports and sports+, it hunkered down. This bouncy behaviour in comfort wasn't an uncommon complaint in this forum. So do try the other modes when test driving.

[justmill]

Other cars feel you're floating and I just don't enjoy not feeling a little bit connected to the road. I drove a regular X3 and it was just like driving a Honda.

The X3M just feels far more solid and connected to the road, which translates into a rougher ride if you came from a soft suspension prior. I came from a 370Z, so it was actually a nice upgrade in comfort.

[heavyD^2]

I will say you do get used to it over time. When I first purchased it I felt it was a little on the overly firm side and thought it could use a softer setting but 10 months later I find comfort setting perfect for daily driving and I wouldn't change a thing as it feels exactly how an M vehicle should feel. If you test drive it and you find it's crazy firm for you then I can't see you ever coming around to liking the ride but if after driving you feel it's acceptable then over time you may even start liking it the way it is. Make sure when you test drive it you drive over roads akin to those on your daily drive for sure.

[Carmicro]

Brand new car it was very firm which I expected now after 9k it has loosened up and feels softer. This is bound to happen and right now the car feels right. Instead of test driving one new if you can try one that has vet 5k and it feels different.