[Jim320d]

Hey Guys,
I'm looking to buy a new (used) 435d GC and thought it would be a good idea to jump on here and ask the experts for any tips/advice that would be good to bear in mind...
Any pointers appreciated

[Vroombimmer]

Get one registered before April 2017. So you don't get stung by the higher road tax rates

[Jim320d]

Originally Posted by Vroombimmer

Get one registered before April 2017. So you don't get stung by the higher road tax rates

Yep going with a 2015 most likely as that is what the budget will allow

I've read the adaptive suspension is a must on the 435d as it doesn't come with M Sport Suspension, any others I should look out for?

[dopper99]

Yes as xdrives come fitted with SE suspension, they sit comically high - for a BMW. And the handling is not the best. Adaptive will improve it, but its still not as good as an sdrive car with proper M Sport suspension.

What most on here have done is fit aftermarket springs such as ACS springs. This makes it the car it should have been when it left the factory - without really compromising the comfort/ride, handling is vastly improved. Note they are replacement springs as opposed to "sports springs".

https://shop.rossiters.co.uk/suspens...rom-3472-p.asp

[NotGotABimmer23]

M sport plus is the main option you want.

[teaston]

Any xdrive needs lowering springs, whether it has adaptive or not. Unless you're not in any way bothered about how it handles.

[JD6]

Originally Posted by teaston

Any xdrive needs lowering springs, whether it has adaptive or not. Unless you're not in any way bothered about how it handles.

I have a feeling that the X3 might be xDrive

[teaston]

Originally Posted by JD6

I have a feeling that the X3 might be xDrive

I'm going to see how it is, but there is a possibility I might lower the X3!

[Techno 9000]

No particular pearls of wisdom apart from base your buying on the condition of the car. Independents can offer great condition cars at sensible prices.

I'm enjoying the adaptive suspension on the varied roads of the South-East, but am looking to lower on AC Schnitzer springs.
I'm slightly missing the various pockets 'extended storage' would give, but on the other hand it keeps the interior looking uncluttered.

[thescouselander]

Originally Posted by dopper99

Yes as xdrives come fitted with SE suspension, they sit comically high - for a BMW. And the handling is not the best. Adaptive will improve it, but its still not as good as an sdrive car with proper M Sport suspension.

What most on here have done is fit aftermarket springs such as ACS springs. This makes it the car it should have been when it left the factory - without really compromising the comfort/ride, handling is vastly improved. Note they are replacement springs as opposed to "sports springs".

https://shop.rossiters.co.uk/suspens...rom-3472-p.asp

I actually measured this myself - the standard suspension and M Sport suspension sit at the same height. xdrive must have its own setup.

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by thescouselander

I actually measured this myself - the standard suspension and M Sport suspension sit at the same height. xdrive must have its own setup.

I dont know what height they measure, but xdrive's seriously need lowering.
This looks daft on a coupe.

[JD6]

Originally Posted by dopper99

I dont know what height they measure, but xdrive's seriously need lowering.
This looks daft on a coupe.

Not so different to this M4 CP





(Can’t seem to get the images to work)

https://www.petervardy.com/item/91700/BMW/M4-COUPE.html

[Broncho]

I test drove a 335d before I ordered a 330d, the performance deficit was nowhere near as wide as the handling deficit between the 2, I genuinely could not get on with the 335d M Sport suspension compared to the 330d M Sport suspension at all, the 335d felt like a blancmange on castors.

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by JD6

Not so different to this M4 CP





(Can’t seem to get the images to work)

https://www.petervardy.com/item/91700/BMW/M4-COUPE.html

Thats not right at all. Looks like the transport blocks have been left in! No way you should be able to see the suspension components.

[dopper99]

M3 rears should look like this.....

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by dopper99

I dont know what height they measure, but xdrive's seriously need lowering.
This looks daft on a coupe.

Agree

[aquazi]

Originally Posted by Broncho

I test drove a 335d before I ordered a 330d, the performance deficit was nowhere near as wide as the handling deficit between the 2, I genuinely could not get on with the 335d M Sport suspension compared to the 330d M Sport suspension at all, the 335d felt like a blancmange on castors.

I’d have to agree on this.... once going the 30d vs 35d is negligable. The biggest difference is the standing start.... and most of that is down to the xdrive not the power difference.

I dont think the my 435d (with adaptives) actually handles bad at all. Coming from a TTS before its not as chuckable... but hugs corners really well.... thw ride height looks stupid - especially the front arch gap... but gives the clearance advantage on speed bumps esp with the m performance splitter.

[SkyJawa]

I love the adaptive on mine, lovely and comfy which was exactly what I wanted. Yes it’s high but tbh it’s not something I notice or care about.

I would not want it any lower at all, I already scrape the splitter on some speed bumps, in multi-storey car parks and even normal ones where the curb is a tiny bit too high!!!!

[Jim320d]

Thanks for the replies guys, good food for thought on the suspension.
Interesting on the 430d vs 435d, although I'm personally leaning towards the 435d as I am happy going with the x drive model.

[M3anLantern]

Originally Posted by Jim320d

Thanks for the replies guys, good food for thought on the suspension.
Interesting on the 430d vs 435d, although I'm personally leaning towards the 435d as I am happy going with the x drive model.

Smaller options that aren't gonna be priority but are annoying to not have and super convenient to have:

Extended storage pack - gets you the cubby near steering wheel, seat back nets for random things and the hooks/cargo net for the boot to stop smaller things flying around.

Sliding armrest - it's just more adjustable so better

Bigger options not including the MS+, adaptive and sunroof are preference and have been covered by other so no point mentioning.

Good luck!

[Jim320d]

Thanks dk1894.
I actually didn't realise sliding armrest was an option, would have thought that should just be the standard armrest config.
Extended storage sounds good, but I'm not seeing too many with that option, same for sunroof which I would definitely like.

[aquazi]

I thought the sliding armrwst was standard too... mine has it and dont remember any packs that i added inc it.