[ny325]

I would definitely pay extra for hydraulic steering. I would skip the navigation, and all those bullshit electronic options. Keep it simple, Ppkg, Msport, Xeon, and Heated seats.

[newoldbeemer]

The 428i I saw in the showroom had the same 225/50/R17 as the base 328i. Didn't have a chance to test drive yet.

Yes, I would pay extra for hydraulic too. Heck, I'd pay for hydraulic retrofit if BMW offered it OEM.

EDIT: Come to think of it, a hydraulic steering retrofit / package would be a brilliant offering from the M division and would win many fans back. I'd try to do that if I were heading the M division at BMW. I think Infiniti still offers hydraulic as an option on the Q50.

[IM2C]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

Some people have inflated sense of the benefit of DHP in comparison to the 704 mechanical sport suspension.

DHPs greatest benefit is adjust-ability, but many argue if SPORT on DHP is any better than the abilities of 704. Same for the steering(VSS).

Both things are just another layer of electronics on an already complicated car.

The highest performing, most sporting suspension is mechanical for the F30, and that is the MP offering.

DHP though is a MUST on an Xdrive car as you have almost no other options.

That's what I thought. DHP only benefits X-drive. I can live with the apparent body roll. Steering, not so much. It's been 7 months and it still bothers me.

[Vitoco]

Originally Posted by e90im

That's what I thought. DHP only benefits X-drive. I can live with the apparent body roll. Steering, not so much. It's been 7 months and it still bothers me.

That´s not what he said, DHP does NOT ONLY benefit X-drive.
If you are not going all in with the M Performance Susp. or aftermarket then you should definetely choose the Adaptive M over the non-adaptive M. You get two cars in one plus you can adjust sport mode to only affect either engine or chassis only, or both. My own perception (based on test drives of non-adaptive M Sports) is that DHP IS in fact a little stiffer in sport.

VSS doesn´t add any sportiness (heaviness) to the steering, it only affects how much u have to turn the wheel depending on your speed... well, some might consider that sporty

[btbossman]

Originally Posted by e90im

What is DHP going to do about road feedback and steering feel?

Everything, the car feels completely different, and is adjustable to your liking...if you were willing to spend an extra K, you forgot the most import option on the f30

[IM2C]

Originally Posted by btbossman

Everything, the car feels completely different, and is adjustable to your liking...if you were willing to spend an extra K, you forgot the most import option on the f30

I don't have X drive, so it doesn't matter. When in sport mode, steering gets stiffer, still feels artificial.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by e90im

I don't have X drive, so it doesn't matter. When in sport mode, steering gets stiffer, still feels artificial.

XDrive+DHP is a must.

I am very weary of people who play up the benefit of DHP on a RWD 704 Sport equipped car other than allowing for softer and more specific settings. The idea that DHP trumps the 704 in terms of sporting driving/feel/feedback is not accurate and not what BMW intended. BMWs most sporting variant is mechanical, it is not adjustable-does not allow for "softer" driving-that is the MPS.

[jmsent]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

The 428i I saw in the showroom had the same 225/50/R17 as the base 328i. Didn't have a chance to test drive yet.

Yes, I would pay extra for hydraulic too. Heck, I'd pay for hydraulic retrofit if BMW offered it OEM.

EDIT: Come to think of it, a hydraulic steering retrofit / package would be a brilliant offering from the M division and would win many fans back. I'd try to do that if I were heading the M division at BMW. I think Infiniti still offers hydraulic as an option on the Q50.

I don't see the point of discussing a hydraulic steering retrofit on the F30. It will never happen. As for the Infiniti, my guess is that the only reason the hydraulic steering remains is because they've pretty much carried over the entire G37 drivetrain with "refinements".

[btbossman]

Originally Posted by e90im

I don't have X drive, so it doesn't matter. When in sport mode, steering gets stiffer, still feels artificial.

I think you are mistaking the point...It is the only upgrade option for xdrive, therefore a MUST...It still makes rwd better, but it is not as necessary as you can get sport or msport suspension, or for that matter MPS.

[IM2C]

Originally Posted by btbossman

I think you are mistaking the point...It is the only upgrade option for xdrive, therefore a MUST...It still makes rwd better, but it is not as necessary as you can get sport or msport suspension, or for that matter MPS.

I have sportline. Steering feel sucks compared to previous 3 BMWs I owned. No package will change that unless they bring back hyd steering.

[btbossman]

Originally Posted by e90im

I have sportline. Steering feel sucks compared to previous 3 BMWs I owned. No package will change that unless they bring back hyd steering.

Have you driven a dhp rwd? I have, seems much better to me than regular m sport...you can tell in the body roll, so you gotta get it hauling.

[Tuce]

I find the steering on my '13 ActiveHybrid3 very sloppy on-center and generally imprecise. Car died on my in the middle of I-95 and wouldn't restart. (They think it's an issue with the HPFP.) I have a 2013 base 328i xDrive loaner and I find the steering much more precise and involving. It's a later build than the AH, so it may be due to tweaks. The car is also a lot lighter than the AH. But the steering is definitely tuned slightly heavier in Comfort mode, more accurate, and much less sloppy on-center than my AH. I imagine a Sport/M-Sport/DHP would be even better.

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by btbossman

I think you are mistaking the point...It is the only upgrade option for xdrive, therefore a MUST...It still makes rwd better, but it is not as necessary as you can get sport or msport suspension, or for that matter MPS.

I don't follow. Just because its the only upgrade why do we NEED to order it? Curious. I've had adjustable suspension setting ....I play with it once then never touch it again.

[btbossman]

Originally Posted by 335BOY

I don't follow. Just because its the only upgrade why do we NEED to order it? Curious. I've had adjustable suspension setting ....I play with it once then never touch it again.

Well unless you dont want a no line suspension(which is higher by 10mm) than you have to get dhp.