[Negtvions]

My family has expanded and I need more space. I love my M4 competition and find it both sporty and very comfortable.

Some of the cons I hear about the X3M is that the suspension is very stiff. “Harsh” even.

Do most people here find that to be the case?

Anyone coming from an M3/4 find the X3M to be stiffer than those cars?

Or is this a case of people being surprised that an SUV isn’t as soft riding as they are accustomed to in such vehicles?

Any info is much appreciated.

[Oldgixxer]

So many threads on this topic,a quick search will reveal all....

[Negtvions]

There are a ton of threads on this.
Sorry for the repeat question all.

[Gfit]

As above, so many threads. I had a 22 M3 along with 23 X3M. The M3 (& my current 24 X5M) handle minor road imperfections nicely without passing much along to the occupants. My X3M surprises me every time a small bump lifts me out of the seat just a bit. I don’t mind but it’s something that bothers others and after several years I’m still not used to it.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

I know you're new to the F97 X3 M forum, so this isn't directed at you personally. But, if I had a dollar for every time this subject was brought up I would have two nice X3 MC's by now. I had an F87 OG M2 & that was pretty rough on most roads. The X3 M with the right tires is not stiff (like many wimps say it is). It's taught & form but not harsh & crashy like some BMW coupes out there. Trying riding in a E46 M3. This awesome SAV is the M3 of the SUV world after all. People that want a buttery smooth Cadillac with a floaty ride & want to feel like they're on a cushion of air all the time should look elsewhere. Rent one (X3 M) for a few days if you can find on on Turo -or- see if a friend in the SD area can take you for a spin. There's no way a X3 M would be stiffer than an F80 M3.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Originally Posted by Gfit

As above, so many threads. I had a 22 M3 along with 23 X3M. The M3 (& my current 24 X5M) handle minor road imperfections nicely without passing much along to the occupants. My X3M surprises me every time a small bump lifts me out of the seat just a bit. I don’t mind but it’s something that bothers others and after several years I’m still not used to it.

A proper set of lowering spring dramatically decreases the amount of suspension travel & overall articulation that you're speaking of. In fact, even people in other countries that travel on bricks roads have said that a tire + spring upgrade was all this chassis ever needed.

[Gfit]

Makes sense. It’s not enough of a bother for me to make the switch plus I usually keep a car 2 years, sometimes less, so I don’t mod it much.

The only time it bothered me and I mean really bothered me was last Thursday when my wife picked me up from the hospital after a 2 level lumbar fusion and 3 level laminectamy. She was weaving over the lines to avoid any bumps because that time it did hurt.

[ajbM4cab]

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

A proper set of lowering spring dramatically decreases the amount of suspension travel & overall articulation that you're speaking of. In fact, even people in other countries that travel on bricks roads have said that a tire + spring upgrade was all this chassis ever needed.

Agreed. Michelin PS4s and Eibach pro springs greatly improved my X4M. Ride comfort never bothers me since.

I have a F83 M4 cab and that is smoother than X4M in comfort setting.
Not the true comparison the OP asked for though, as I believe the F83 has a slightly less stiffer stock setup than F80 & F82.

[Jnat]

Like many state above, so overblown, my gosh what do we expect an SUV M vehicle suspension to feel like? It has to be stiff to some degree, there are other SUV'S if the X3M's not comfortable enough. But again, WOW man, it's an M SUV built with the design intent to handle like a performance vehicle /// SMH.

[65fastback]

Anyone coming from an M3/4 find the X3M to be stiffer than those cars?

YES I came directly from a stock suspension 2017 F80 zcp same car as yours ( basically ) . to a stock suspension 2020 X3m non comp.

easy answer ... NO

X3m has much less road noise and less harsh over most if not all roads . love it.

the end.