[ironysatire]

We'll be ordering our second BMW fairly soon, and don't want to make a mistake on this:


Which delivers the most comfortable ride on an XDrive, the standard suspension? Or the adaptive suspension/DHP package set on the "COMFORT" setting?


I know this is a subjective area, but I'd really, really appreciate any thoughts you may have on this.

I've test driven a 328xi with the base/standard passive set-up. I thought it was great, especially compared to our 2011 E90 328xi. But . . . if the adaptive COMFORT setting is even better riding (our dealer has no DHP-equipped cars to try), I'd spring for that. I'd use the SPORT setting, too, but would primarily be interested in optimizing comfort with the adaptive's adaptiveness.

[MarkW83]

The Adaptive M Sport Suspension gives you both a softer/more compliant ride in Comfort mode (while still being by no means 'boat-like'); and it also gives you a firmer/sharper ride and handling when in Sport or Sport+ mode, so it improves on both ends

[S-Dot]

I didn't get the adaptive, but in test drives I thought it did kick the standard settings in either direction - more plush in comfort and firmer in sport. So if you're looking for a more plush ride, the adaptive does deliver that in comfort mode. For my tastes, the more plush setting was not really necessary - I find the stock suspension quite comfortable already, and the plush setting was too marshmallowy for me.

The firmer "sport" setting seemed more to my liking when I wanted to really drive.

I bought my vehicle off the lot, but if I was ordering I'd be thinking hard about adding the adaptive.

[Accelerometer]

Coming from a 2010 e90 328i xdrive I can say without a doubt you need to go with the m adaptive suspension. There is a tremendous improvement in handling/comfort over the standard suspension. Drive them back to back and you will see. Even in comfort the ride feels way more controlled.

[ironysatire]

As an aside, it wasn't an XDrive, but Motor Trend, on page 61 of its January issue, says that on COMFORT setting the 3 Series has more "gut jiggle" than the equiv Cadillac set on TOURING.

Gut jiggle? On COMFORT??

[BMWFanatic2008]

Dynamic Handling Package is a must have, esp. on AWD car.