F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > Maybe I should have got the Adaptive Sport Suspension... :(
Studio RSR
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-29-2013, 06:01 PM   #1
stom_m3
Private First Class
16
Rep
101
Posts

Drives: Sequoia
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Maybe I should have got the Adaptive Sport Suspension... :(

So it ends up being that the standard sport suspension on the MSport is grossly undersprung and underdamped. I don't know how much better the Adaptive Sport Suspension is and I'm left wondering how much better it would have been... Of course, people on this board were telling me to get the adaptive but I was too damn cheap to shell out the additional $1k.

If I had to quantify it, I would say that the standard sport suspension needs to have a 15-20% stiffer spring rate and 50% more dampening ability. The high speed dampening (quick stutter bumps) is ok but the low speed dampening (big undualtions or turns) could use quite a bit of help. The car wallows and takes too long to settle in fast sweepers.

I guess I can use this as an excuse to get full blown aftermarket coil overs.
Appreciate 0
      01-29-2013, 06:02 PM   #2
bizzyqu
Captain
148
Rep
604
Posts

Drives: 2019 M240i xDrive
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Nothing beats a good excuse
__________________
07 E83 X3 BSM Sport-->10 E90 335i xDrive BSM M-Sport-->13 F30 335i xDrive EB M-Sport-->16 MKVII LB Golf R --> 19 F22 M240i xDrive MG
Appreciate 0
      01-29-2013, 08:48 PM   #3
Seagull
Major
Seagull's Avatar
Canada
288
Rep
1,075
Posts

Drives: F87 M2, E84 X1
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stom_m3 View Post
So it ends up being that the standard sport suspension on the MSport is grossly undersprung and underdamped. I don't know how much better the Adaptive Sport Suspension is and I'm left wondering how much better it would have been... Of course, people on this board were telling me to get the adaptive but I was too damn cheap to shell out the additional $1k.

If I had to quantify it, I would say that the standard sport suspension needs to have a 15-20% stiffer spring rate and 50% more dampening ability. The high speed dampening (quick stutter bumps) is ok but the low speed dampening (big undualtions or turns) could use quite a bit of help. The car wallows and takes too long to settle in fast sweepers.

I guess I can use this as an excuse to get full blown aftermarket coil overs.
No, it just gives you the ability to go softer so when you're downtown or going through construction, its more forgiving.
__________________
Current: F87 M2 MT MPE, E84 PP SP LP
Previous: F30 - 335i AT, E90 - 335xi MT, E90 - 330i MT, E46 - 330i MT
Appreciate 0
      01-29-2013, 10:29 PM   #4
FlyByNite
Private First Class
34
Rep
105
Posts

Drives: 2019 M4 Comp.
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Miami, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2019 M4  [0.00]
2016 BMW M3  [0.00]
2011 BMW 528i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Seagull View Post
No, it just gives you the ability to go softer so when you're downtown or going through construction, its more forgiving.
^^This....
Appreciate 0
      01-29-2013, 11:16 PM   #5
pkimM3r
Banned
pkimM3r's Avatar
205
Rep
7,298
Posts

Drives: m3 saloon in granny mode.
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: lost angeles

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stom_m3
So it ends up being that the standard sport suspension on the MSport is grossly undersprung and underdamped. I don't know how much better the Adaptive Sport Suspension is and I'm left wondering how much better it would have been... Of course, people on this board were telling me to get the adaptive but I was too damn cheap to shell out the additional $1k.

If I had to quantify it, I would say that the standard sport suspension needs to have a 15-20% stiffer spring rate and 50% more dampening ability. The high speed dampening (quick stutter bumps) is ok but the low speed dampening (big undualtions or turns) could use quite a bit of help. The car wallows and takes too long to settle in fast sweepers.

I guess I can use this as an excuse to get full blown aftermarket coil overs.
You driving this to the limit? As in no one else can drive this car faster than you.
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 12:11 AM   #6
Tsuvoi
Banned
22
Rep
272
Posts

Drives: 2013 F30 328i
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Seagull View Post
No, it just gives you the ability to go softer so when you're downtown or going through construction, its more forgiving.
False, adaptive sport is stiffer in spot mode than standard sport.
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 12:23 AM   #7
stom_m3
Private First Class
16
Rep
101
Posts

Drives: Sequoia
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by pkim1079 View Post
You driving this to the limit? As in no one else can drive this car faster than you.
I don't know how you got that from my post. If you've ever done any amount of track time whether auto-x to road course, you would know that reaching limits of adhesion is not that difficult. Assessing what it would take to make the suspension perform better is half the fun. Just as is people trying to make the engine perform better, there are others trying to find an optimal suspension setup. What's wrong with that?

Last edited by stom_m3; 01-30-2013 at 12:30 AM..
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 12:34 AM   #8
jamesems
First Lieutenant
24
Rep
398
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i msport f30
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Cali

iTrader: (0)

I didn't find the standard msport suspension that bad on my 335i. It was somewhat sporty but with a comfort tilt. I have since replaced it with the m performance and am thoroughly pleased. Maybe you should consider it. I'm in San Diego as well.
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 03:00 AM   #9
MarkW83
Lieutenant
United Kingdom
24
Rep
472
Posts

Drives: F30 330d M Sport
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ft1337 View Post
False, adaptive sport is stiffer in spot mode than standard sport.
This is correct. Adaptive is both stiffer in sport mode, and softer in comfort mode, than the standard passive sport/non-sport suspensions, while also having more body control in BOTH modes, and constantly measuring the road to give the best result in both modes.
__________________
F30 330d M Sport Mineral Grey / Coral Red
Pro Nav/Visibility Pack/Comfort Pack/Harman Kardon/Head-Up Display/Electric Seats/Comfort Access/Adaptive Suspension...
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 05:29 AM   #10
roadcarver
Lieutenant
41
Rep
402
Posts

Drives: 13 e82 135i /13 F30 335i
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Tellico, TN

iTrader: (0)

I could definately percieve a difference between the regular sport suspension and the adaptive m suspension in sport mode. I felt the regular sport had a little bounce and float around corners especially if there were any undulations in the pavement through the curve. It seemed to get a little unsettled and sloppy in certain situaitions for a BMW. The sport mode in the adaptive suspension mostly eliminated this. This is why I ordered my wife's car with adaptive m.
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 05:53 AM   #11
ridin135
Colonel
131
Rep
2,408
Posts

Drives: Depends on the day
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Greenville

iTrader: (7)

Just placed an order for an m sport 335i and wondering if I should have gotten the DH package. Is the steering any tighter with the adaptive suspension? I have it on my z for but wasn't sure if it was worth it or not on the new car. I could care less about comfort mode but if there is a big difference between sport mode and the m sport suspension I might have to change my order
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 06:22 AM   #12
Vitoco
Infidel
Vitoco's Avatar
122
Rep
1,102
Posts

Drives: iX3 LCI M Pro Carbon B
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Sweden

iTrader: (0)

When in sport, you get heavier steering regardless of what other option you got. Variable Sport Steering, which is the other part of the adaptive package, doesnt affect the weight of the steering, only ratio.

But you should absolutely, most definetely, without a single doubt, get Adaptive M Supension.
__________________
Dec. 2022: Fully loaded Carbon Black G08 iX3 LCI M Sport Pro

Former: Glacier Ag. F31 328iA RWD M Sport oct. 2012, sold July 2022
| Sport Automatic | Adap. M Susp. | Pano. Moonroof | 20" ATS Racelight Grey w. Michelin PSS| M Sport brakes | Harman Kardon | Elec. Seats | PDC F&R | ACC Stop&Go | 335i MPE | Perf. Parts |
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 06:58 AM   #13
Seagull
Major
Seagull's Avatar
Canada
288
Rep
1,075
Posts

Drives: F87 M2, E84 X1
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkW83 View Post
This is correct. Adaptive is both stiffer in sport mode, and softer in comfort mode, than the standard passive sport/non-sport suspensions, while also having more body control in BOTH modes, and constantly measuring the road to give the best result in both modes.
Really? Can someone show/confirm this? Maybe through part numbers etc?

Don't get me wrong at all, I'd love for the M-Adaptive to be stiffer than the normal sports suspension, but all I have is word of mouth to go on. And all that does is cause endless debates on no real facts.

For example, my source was a BMW race engineer at a BMW drive event. Admittedly, the Adaptive was just coming out at the time. I specifically asked him while in Sports mode if the suspension would be stiffer than the normal sport suspension. He said no. But then again, it was new at the time and he may not have had a chance to look at it.

Still, I find the M-Adaptive "feels" less stiff than my old e90's ( although I am on winter non-RFT's right now, but I am trying to compare winter apples to winter apples ).
__________________
Current: F87 M2 MT MPE, E84 PP SP LP
Previous: F30 - 335i AT, E90 - 335xi MT, E90 - 330i MT, E46 - 330i MT
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 07:55 AM   #14
SamS
Banned
United_States
866
Rep
6,248
Posts

Drives: Tesla M3 Perf + '18 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Dallas, TX

iTrader: (0)

M Adaptive in Sport feels stiffer to me than a normal Sport Line car in Sport mode.

Dunno if part numbers will clarify anything, because some of this is going to be software related.

All I know is M Adaptive is the best $1K option I ever got on a car.
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 09:38 AM   #15
Tsuvoi
Banned
22
Rep
272
Posts

Drives: 2013 F30 328i
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

I think the only reason for not getting the adaptive would be if you're planning on installing aftermarket suspensions, then you save $1000, and I've heard that it was easier to install the aftermarkets if you don't have to undo all the adaptive hardware and software.

But no aftermarket is going to give you that variable suspension setup... Just a stiff setup, assuming you're going for sport suspensions.
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 09:45 AM   #16
SamS
Banned
United_States
866
Rep
6,248
Posts

Drives: Tesla M3 Perf + '18 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Dallas, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ft1337 View Post
But no aftermarket is going to give you that variable suspension setup... Just a stiff setup, assuming you're going for sport suspensions.
Exactly! Coming from an M3, I can tell you that a very stiff suspension 100% of the time is not very fun.

If I'm just cruising along on the very straight roads we have here in TX, then Comfort with M Adaptive is perfect. When I get to some curves or on-ramps, it only takes me one second to flip over to Sport.
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 10:09 AM   #17
stom_m3
Private First Class
16
Rep
101
Posts

Drives: Sequoia
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesems View Post
I didn't find the standard msport suspension that bad on my 335i. It was somewhat sporty but with a comfort tilt. I have since replaced it with the m performance and am thoroughly pleased. Maybe you should consider it. I'm in San Diego as well.
Very cool! Can you PM me with the specifics. Maybe you can take me for a spin sometime. I would love to assess the difference between cars with M Sport and M Performance suspension.

I'm getting the front splitter on today if you haven't seen that. I'm hoping it looks good on a stock height car. I'll have to take pics and post them.
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 02:16 PM   #18
jamesems
First Lieutenant
24
Rep
398
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i msport f30
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Cali

iTrader: (0)

my car

yes i have seen the splitter. here's a couple images of my car with suspension
Attached Images
   

Last edited by jamesems; 01-30-2013 at 02:22 PM..
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 02:20 PM   #19
bananachipz
Captain
44
Rep
821
Posts

Drives: F30 Mineral Gray 335i
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

buy the //M Performance Suspension kit....

you're welcome
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 03:47 PM   #20
stom_m3
Private First Class
16
Rep
101
Posts

Drives: Sequoia
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesems View Post
yes i have seen the splitter. here's a couple images of my car with suspension
Seen it? You seem to have it!! I just picked mine back up 10 minutes ago. Love it! Looks like you got the whole kit. I'd like to check out that rear diffuser.

Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 04:19 PM   #21
RyanC
Enlisted Member
RyanC's Avatar
0
Rep
42
Posts

Drives: 2012 M3 DCT
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Houston

iTrader: (1)

Is it possible to put in the M performance suspension if you have the adaptive suspension? Would that eliminate the adjustability?
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2013, 04:56 PM   #22
jamesems
First Lieutenant
24
Rep
398
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i msport f30
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Cali

iTrader: (0)

as far as i know BMW has not released an adaptive version of their performance suspension. However, i have read that there will be a version available sometime. It's hearsay, nothing definitive but i think you'll see it eventually

Looks like you went with BMW Encinitas too..Work with service advisor Sean Puno and their Tech Ian. Mention James.

What part of town are you in? Im in Del Sur/Santaluz

Last edited by jamesems; 01-30-2013 at 06:30 PM..
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:10 PM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST