[Vmeleco]

Just traded my 2014 528 msport xdrive for a 2015 435 xdrive gran coupe.

When I got the 5 series I was coming from and Audi s3, and wanted something that rode nicer. The Audi was quite harsh, especially on lowering springs. I overshot the comfort mark with the 5 series, which looked and drove beautifully, but was just not sporty enough.

I didn’t even know there was 4series gran coupe variant until I saw one at my dealer over the summer. I’ve been doing research on it since. Really liked it low, wide stance, and more “bmw” like then my 5. Also liked the hatchback, but sedan look.

Well test drove a used 2015 435 xdrive gran sport with 27,000 miles. I loved the way it drove and sounded. So pulled the trigger.

Carbon black metallic
Ivory interior with walnut / aluminum
HUD
Nav
Msport
Blind spot
Hk stereo
Heated seats/ wheel
Adaptive suspension
Adaptive led lights

Getting lots of information and ideas here. Thank you.

Ordered Acs springs (which I had on the 5) to get rid of the xdrive wheel gap.

-Vince

[stein_325i]

congrats, sounds like you found the perfect in-betweener of the S3 and the 5

[movietub]

Lovely car! Must feel very different coming from a big car with a small engine, back to small car with a bigger one!

By the way, you haven't actually 'driven' that engine until you put it in manual shift and sport+, give it a go and keep your foot in til it screams

Also, really nice spec - especially the adaptive suspension.

[Vmeleco]

I’m really thrilled with the car. Just drives so nice. Enough feedback from the chassis, but not too harsh. I’m looking forward to getting the Acs springs installed next week. If this experience with Acs is as good as my last install, I will be thrillled.

[Gbtr6]

Very nice spec. I did like the 428 GC, and wanted that one as first choice. I like the look better than the 328 GT. None came up in a spec I wanted, so I got a nice 328. With the adaptive suspension, I assume you have the best of comfort and sporty. I don't have that, but I like the way mine rides stock. Curious how aftermarket springs works with the adaptive dampers.

Perry

[movietub]

Originally Posted by Gbtr6

...Curious how aftermarket springs works with the adaptive dampers.

Perry

Given the amount of time manufacturers spend testing and tuning the damping programs to compliment the stock springs, it would seem unlikely an overall 'better' result could come from changing the springs.

If you just want a firmer spring then of course it will work, and achieve the desired result dynamically. It's just the damping won't add as much to the overall setup as it would if the spring was the one they were setup to compliment.

[Vmeleco]

I’m actually happy with the current ride. I’m installing Acs springs to address the ride height of the xdrive. I used Acs on my 5 series xdrive and it eliminated the xdrive wheel gap, but did not sacrifice ride quality. I have tried to read every post about Acs springs, and am fairly confident they will do want I want. I’ll report after they are installed next week.

[cfm56d7b]

Congratulations - you will undoubtedly like your car even more as the time progresses. Adaptive suspension presents unique tuning challenges. ACS springs will reduce the gap but the lifespan of adaptive shocks may be reduced. When considering to replace adaptive shocks with OEM or aftermarket options, there are many choices to consider. I personally hope that Bilstein will finally deliver B16 PnP coilovers for F3x vehicles. These coilovers have been delayed already 2 years.

Another option to consider is Dinan Shockware to improve EDC ECU logic. With Shockware, Comfort mode will feel more like Sport mode. Sport mode will be even more performance oriented.

[Vmeleco]

Yes I’m definitely interested in shockware. I called Dinan yesterday, but they were closed. Does anyone know how their flash is applied? Do I need to find an installer, or do they send you a program/ license that you flash yourself?