[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by teaston

It definitely is a must have on the M40’s imo, even in comfort mode with my non run flat 19” winter tyres the ride is pretty hard. If you have run flats, especially 21’s then it would be absolutely essential imo.

I do not have the adaptive suspension and have the 21" wheels with RFTs and think the ride is just fine. I think this is of course totally dependent upon road conditions where you are. I know I wouldn't want to drive the same setup in Chicago or NYC or really any Midwest or east coast cities that have to deal with the harsh winter conditions. Here in AZ the roads are fairly well maintained so I have no complaints.

[tastes jigga]

Originally Posted by sinbad4

The static M40i drives firm, like "Sport Mode" with the active suspension, but not as harsh as Sport Plus (agree to disagree with @tastes jigga on this).

If the car has a third mode 'Sport Plus' for the suspension, why doesn't BMW offer its selection in Sport Individual mode? Both the engine and transmission have the third 'Sport Plus' mode available for selection.

All documentation from BMW and common sense suggests there are two modes for the DDC suspension on the G01 - comfort and sport. What you're likely experiencing is a combination of all the sportiest modes available for steering, engine, transmission and suspension, and it feels like the shocks are stiffer in Sport Plus but they are actually not.

[drawz]

Thanks all for the input. Roads here (Boston) are terrible so I'll probably try to get it and have the adjustability at the press of a button. Not sure yet if I'll buy new or CPO, but obviously this makes the CPO search a little more challenging.

[Fenders]

Originally Posted by sinbad4

I've driven all 3 these models (M40i Adaptive, M40i Static and 30i Static) for more than a week. The static M40i drives firm, like "Sport Mode" with the active suspension, but not as harsh as Sport Plus (agree to disagree with @tastes jigga on this). The 30i is entirely different. Very soft with lots of body roll in the corners - entirely different than either M40i option. If you want a firmer ride in the 30i, you need the M Sports package with or without the Adaptive M suspension. I have not driven that model, but expect it to be very similar to the M40i experience.

You don't need full M Sport package in 30i to get a firmer ride. My car has DHP and in Comfort is firmer and handles better than the non-DHP demo I drove.

[johnnj]

And in the category of Least Understood Option available on an X3, the Oscar goes to... Dynamic Damper Control.

[tastes jigga]

Originally Posted by johnnj

And in the category of Least Understood Option available on an X3, the Oscar goes to... Dynamic Damper Control.

I would argue either the Adaptive mode or Traffic Jam Assistant is the least understood option. 'DDC' is just electronically adjustable shock absorbers that the driver can control by selecting between, in this case, two maps.

[johnnj]

Originally Posted by tastes jigga

I would argue either the Adaptive mode or Traffic Jam Assistant is the least understood option. 'DDC' is just electronically adjustable shock absorbers that the driver can control by selecting between, in this case, two maps.

Unless it's 3 or a continuous gradient or the salesguy thinks it makes the suspension more stiff than standard or....

[JCLBoston]

Originally Posted by drawz

Thanks all for the input. Roads here (Boston) are terrible so I'll probably try to get it and have the adjustability at the press of a button. Not sure yet if I'll buy new or CPO, but obviously this makes the CPO search a little more challenging.

For whatever it's worth, I have the M adaptive suspension and 19" wheels, and I drive on the broken roads of Boston regularly. To me, this set up is very comfortable.

[MechX3M40i]

I guess some of the confusion here maybe due to differences in people's definition of what softer or stiffer suspension mean... Here's my understanding and I welcome inputs if you think it's not accurate:

The active dampers will help the suspension to reduce impact of potholes or broken pavement. Hence, the impression of 'softer' suspension even though all the other passive portions of the suspension are unchanged.

On the other hand, the same active dampers will help reduce body roll during cornering when the car is driven fast. Hence, the impression that the suspension is 'Sportier' even though once again, the passive portions are unchanged.

The active dampers can do both via computer control to adapts to either dampening high frequency vertical movement (portholes) or low frequency (body roll).

[Brucecris]

Originally Posted by drawz

Great! Thank you! So seems the adaptive may not be a "must have."

Originally Posted by drawz

Great! Thank you! So seems the adaptive may not be a "must have."

I do not have adaptive on my M40i and it is tight but definitely not harsh. I am seeking ways to soften it though because of kidneys.

[BMWGuySweden]

I have adaptive and to be honest I don't think there is that big of a difference between the different modes. Sport a little bit firmer but hardly noticeable in every day driving.

[drawz]

Originally Posted by JCLBoston

For whatever it's worth, I have the M adaptive suspension and 19" wheels, and I drive on the broken roads of Boston regularly. To me, this set up is very comfortable.

Any comparison to your E92? I find our xdrive e90 (shorter shock travel on the xdrive) to bottom out over some of the bad potholes, but otherwise rides ok. Our E61 (also xdrive) rides better in general and bottoms out less often.

Edit: forgot to mention, both our cars are on run flats still. 18" for the summer and 17" winter.

[strike4A]

Just noticed there are two "Adaptive" suspension options from BMW:

- Adaptive M suspension (2VF) for M40i/M40d
- Adaptive suspension (223) for 20i/30i/20d/30d

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by drawz

Any comparison to your E92? I find our xdrive e90 (shorter shock travel on the xdrive) to bottom out over some of the bad potholes, but otherwise rides ok. Our E61 (also xdrive) rides better in general and bottoms out less often.

Edit: forgot to mention, both our cars are on run flats still. 18" for the summer and 17" winter.

Almost anything would have to be better than the E9x generation. When I had my E92 I remember very long threads regarding the "pothole explosions".

[drawz]

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

Almost anything would have to be better than the E9x generation. When I had my E92 I remember very long threads regarding the "pothole explosions".

I'm very familiar with "pothole explosions" unfortunately. Going to try some Koni FSD shocks/struts this spring to see if they help the ol' e90. I have had various loaners(F30, F25, and F39) that all seemed to handle the roads ok on RFTs, so I'm not too worried. Thanks for the input.

[JCLBoston]

Originally Posted by drawz

Any comparison to your E92? I find our xdrive e90 (shorter shock travel on the xdrive) to bottom out over some of the bad potholes, but otherwise rides ok. Our E61 (also xdrive) rides better in general and bottoms out less often.

Edit: forgot to mention, both our cars are on run flats still. 18" for the summer and 17" winter.

It's like night and day! I don't even think I am exaggerating on this. The e92 is rough. Not quite M3 rough.. but in my particular case, the e92 is also 12yrs old at this point, is still on mostly original parts, and also has those 18" runflats.

[drawz]

Originally Posted by JCLBoston

It's like night and day! I don't even think I am exaggerating on this. The e92 is rough. Not quite M3 rough.. but in my particular case, the e92 is also 12yrs old at this point, is still on mostly original parts, and also has those 18" runflats.

Good news! Thanks!

[FreeMarcal]

Originally Posted by JCLBoston

For whatever it's worth, I have the M adaptive suspension and 19" wheels, and I drive on the broken roads of Boston regularly. To me, this set up is very comfortable.

That's good to hear! I will be joining you on the MA roads very soon