[amoeba]

For those that have M performance suspension, how's the ride? Is it too rough to bear or is it just the right amount of firmness?

I'm coming from an E46 ZHP where the suspension felt "just right". Firm but not punishing. Would really like to get back to that feel as much as possible.

[focal]

took a few weeks to settle but it's very good for a performance suspension. I actually think it's quite good and the improved handling is very welcome.

I got a ride in the back seat recently (usually the driver) and it is definitely firmer feeling for passengers. As a driver you don't notice it much.

for context: non run flat 18" tires

east coast the roads are pretty rutted so take my opinion in context. You will have a smoother ride in CA.

[OC40]

My wife and I will be driving through your area next week. I'll let you know how it is on your roads.

It is great down in Orange County. It's the best mod that I did. My wife loves it as a passenger.

[nicknaz]

You'll never get an accurate answer without riding in it yourself....

[newoldbeemer]

In my opinion it feels "just right" but it also kinda depends what wheels and tires you have. With 19"s and RFTs it feels very very firm, on bad roads you really have to slow down.

Should be softer on 18"s and tires with a bit more sidewall. Before I got the 19s, I had 17"s with 225/50 tires, it felt much softer. I think 18"s are probably the right balance with MPS. Maybe I will swap out the RFTs for some non-RFT summer tires after some time to get a touch of softness back. The 19s with low sidewall are a tad "too stiff" even on good roads, its almost like not having suspension.

But I can't imagine going back to stock suspension. For me, the MPS makes the car. If I need "softer", I'll get it from tires, I'll gain grip by doing that so its win-win.

[amoeba]

Great perspective. My car will also be 19s on OEM RFT. How was the ride comparison before on 19s before MPS?

What do you mean you really have to "slow down" on bad roads? Here in Cali the roads are not great either even on freeway.

[OC40]

Originally Posted by amoeba

Great perspective. My car will also be 19s on OEM RFT. How was the ride comparison before on 19s before MPS?

What do you mean you really have to "slow down" on bad roads? Here in Cali the roads are not great either even on freeway.

I'm on 19's and OEM RF's. I love the MPS.

[newoldbeemer]

Originally Posted by amoeba

Great perspective. My car will also be 19s on OEM RFT. How was the ride comparison before on 19s before MPS?

What do you mean you really have to "slow down" on bad roads? Here in Cali the roads are not great either even on freeway.

I didn't have 19s before getting MPS. I got the MPS like a couple of months after getting the car last year, then drove with the MPS and stock 17s for 8 months and got the 19s just a couple of weeks back.

Personally I like the stiff handling but after getting the 19s my wife and several friends commented about the harsh ride, one of my friends asked if they forgot to put shock absorbers in this car .

But I don't care. I'm taking this baby out to Hwy 128 when I get a free weekend, one of the best driving-roads I've been on.

Just want to give you both sides of the coin.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by amoeba

For those that have M performance suspension, how's the ride? Is it too rough to bear or is it just the right amount of firmness?

I'm coming from an E46 ZHP where the suspension felt "just right". Firm but not punishing. Would really like to get back to that feel as much as possible.

This is just a guess, but coming from a ZHP my prediction is you will not find the M Performance suspension too firm. Have you driven an F3x with the 704 M Sport suspension? By all accounts, even from those who think the F3x has gone too soft, the overall ride quality is improved from the E9x. I went from a ZHP to an E90 sport package and I find those suspensions very similar.

[OC40]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

I didn't have 19s before getting MPS. I got the MPS like a couple of months after getting the car last year, then drove with the MPS and stock 17s for 8 months and got the 19s just a couple of weeks back.

Personally I like the stiff handling but after getting the 19s my wife and several friends commented about the harsh ride, one of my friends asked if they forgot to put shock absorbers in this car .

But I don't care. I'm taking this baby out to Hwy 128 when I get a free weekend, one of the best driving-roads I've been on.

Just want to give you both sides of the coin.

Interesting. My wife loves the handling of the MPS. I have asked colleagues if the feel the ride is too harsh and all of them have said no.

[focal]

Originally Posted by OC40

Interesting. My wife loves the handling of the MPS. I have asked colleagues if the feel the ride is too harsh and all of them have said no.

run flats and non run flats are noticeable differences. When you switch to non run flats it'll feel like a luxury ride again.

I have 16" winters and never got to try it with the MPS so this winter, I'm sure it'll be still ultra cushiony.

[newoldbeemer]

Originally Posted by OC40

Interesting. My wife loves the handling of the MPS. I have asked colleagues if the feel the ride is too harsh and all of them have said no.

What tires are you on, do you have the runflats too?

[OC40]

Originally Posted by focal

run flats and non run flats are noticeable differences. When you switch to non run flats it'll feel like a luxury ride again.

I have 16" winters and never got to try it with the MPS so this winter, I'm sure it'll be still ultra cushiony.

I'm on RF's

[OC40]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

What tires are you on, do you have the runflats too?

OEM RF 19's. I do not have a desire to switch to non-RF's. Again, the roads in Irvine and Newport are pristine, so I have that benefit.

[bavarianride]

Does anyone have back-to-back experience with MPSK vs. sport-line/M-sport+DHP combo? Is the sport setting of DHP stiffer than MPSK?

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Get flats for a better ride if stock is too firm. Big difference

[amoeba]

newoldbeemer has graciously offered me a ride in his 19 RFT MPS. Will report back.

Did you guys have the MPS installed at the dealer? How much?

[RPM90]

It's the suspension that ALL M-sports should have come with stock.
But then how else would BMW make extra profit?

[BlauWeiss]

My 335i has MPS with 19" Bridgestone s001 RFT and my wife complains of getting neck pain when we drive in the city with worn/patched roads. I really regret not getting the adjustable suspension. Will swap for non RFT when they need replacing.
MPS is amazing on perfectly smooth roads though.

[newoldbeemer]

Originally Posted by BlauWeiss

My 335i has MPS with 19" Bridgestone s001 RFT and my wife complains of getting neck pain when we drive in the city with worn/patched roads. I really regret not getting the adjustable suspension. Will swap for non RFT when they need replacing.
MPS is amazing on perfectly smooth roads though.

Yeah its not the suspension - the MPS is perfect. Its the runflats.

Otherwise why would BMW themselves put Michelin PSS on cars like the M235i and the M3, if they were so convinced with the run flats?

[amoeba]

Took a ride in newoldbeemer's MPS. Best way to describe it would definitely be 'firm', but not stiff or rough. It handled bumps and dips with poise and the recovery was very quick. Only small drawback is on longer undulating roads it's harder for the suspension to settle. I suspect a non-rft would absorb the series of bumps better.

Make no mistake the car is significantly different than a MSport suspension. It is very much geared more toward enthusiasts and I can see why BMW didn't include as part of MSport package. It's not for everyone and face it lots of ppl buy MSport just for looks and would not like the M Performance suspension.

All in all I think it's a great ride and felt even firmer than my ZHP. There were no body roll and I think with non-RFTs it would be the perfect suspension.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by amoeba

Took a ride in newoldbeemer's MPS. Best way to describe it would definitely be 'firm', but not stiff or rough. It handled bumps and dips with poise and the recovery was very quick. Only small drawback is on longer undulating roads it's harder for the suspension to settle. I suspect a non-rft would absorb the series of bumps better.

Make no mistake the car is significantly different than a MSport suspension. It is very much geared more toward enthusiasts and I can see why BMW didn't include as part of MSport package. It's not for everyone and face it lots of ppl buy MSport just for looks and would not like the M Performance suspension.

All in all I think it's a great ride and felt even firmer than my ZHP. There were no body roll and I think with non-RFTs it would be the perfect suspension.

Thanks for sharing the experience. BMW should still be able to offer MPSK as an option for M-sport line, and customers can select that at their discretions.