[LiKiiiiiD]

There's a 2018 340xi 2018 with m sport and well optioned for like 59.5k but it doesn't have adaptive m suspension.
I'm coming from a 2009 328xi. Of course it will be an obvious upgrade overall but I've been reading that the lack of adaptive suspension will make it subpar. I don't think my 328's suspension is "that" bad but then again I don't want to feel like I'm missing out by getting another x drive car with a "floaty" suspension. I've only noticed the float at significant speeds on the express way. Is it really a deal breaker? It's tough to find nice 340xi's without ordering. Thoughts, opinions? 1 out of the 7 340 xi's i have seen have adaptive specced but it had a sensatek interior and I'm not too fond of the smell.

[Climb Mode]

In my opinion - absolutely yes. If my car was ‘stuck’ in comfort mode all the time I’d be livid. Adaptive makes a HUGE difference.

[LiKiiiiiD]

Originally Posted by Climb Mode

In my opinion - absolutely yes. If my car was ‘stuck’ in comfort mode all the time I’d be livid. Adaptive makes a HUGE difference.

That sucks, looks like I'll have to order one then

[youngdoc1]

I disagree. I chose not to get adaptive suspension, no regrets. Difference is there for sure, but for my needs I find the regular suspension a good balance between comfort and sportiness. Also one less level of complication for the future if you intend on keeping it long term.

[TylerMcCraw]

Ive had 2 F30's One with Adaptive and one Without... GET THE ADAPTIVE, It makes such a HUGE difference.

[LiKiiiiiD]

Originally Posted by youngdoc1

I disagree. I chose not to get adaptive suspension, no regrets. Difference is there for sure, but for my needs I find the regular suspension a good balance between comfort and sportiness. Also one less level of complication for the future if you intend on keeping it long term.

I plan on leasing it. I just don't know what to expect. I'm glad you have a different perspective. Is there much body roll?

[Dirk Diggler]

I have adaptive suspension and it's nice to have. Not a deal breaker though. Less stuff to break without it, and you can always put aftermarket suspension if you really hate it. I'd find one without xdrive if it was me. Driving dynamics of RWD is better, not to mention better on gas and less moving parts. Put some snows on it and you're good.

[LiKiiiiiD]

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

I have adaptive suspension and it's nice to have. Not a deal breaker though. Less stuff to break without it, and you can always put aftermarket suspension if you really hate it. I'd find one without xdrive if it was me. Driving dynamics of RWD is better, not to mention better on gas and less moving parts. Put some snows on it and you're good.

Unfortunately I think all dealers order their cars with xdrive in new york. I wonder if putting a new suspension would void warranty or get me in trouble

[anotheran]

xdrive suspension, garbage.
No adaptive suspension, just pick up some PSS10 coilovers. Issue solved.

[anotheran]

Originally Posted by LiKiiiiiD

Unfortunately I think all dealers order their cars with xdrive in new york. I wonder if putting a new suspension would void warranty or get me in trouble

if they check, yes. but dealers can be lazy. someone here picked up a CPO with dinan springs so it's obvious many ppl missed it or couldn't be bothered

[Fuller]

With an xdrive f30, the adaptive suspension is a must if you want a car that feels like a sport sedan. When I had an xdrive f30 with base suspension I thought it was very floaty, and experienced a lot of body roll and lean on any sort of turn or windy road. An f30 xdrive will likely feel much sloppier than your 2009 328xi was.

The 340i (LCI) supposedly has an improved suspension though, so it's worth taking it on a test drive if the car isn't very far from you. I've only driven the 335xi so I can't comment on the 340.

Also you might mess up your warranty, in part, if you modify the suspension. The dealer might never notice, but do you really want to bank on that?

[2000Z3M]

Originally Posted by Climb Mode

In my opinion - absolutely yes. If my car was 'stuck' in comfort mode all the time I'd be livid. Adaptive makes a HUGE difference.

i have adaptive and i wish i didnt, getting upgraded suspension is a pain

[MWMF33]

I have the adaptive suspension and like it. My previous BMW did not have adaptive and I do notice a positive difference.

[CJ421]

You'll wait 6-8 weeks if you order the car, but it will be exactly what you want. Worth the wait.

The adaptive suspension is really nice on these cars IMO, comfort mode soaks up the bumps well. With the track package you also get the M brakes and the steering upgrade. So I think it's worthwhile.

If you get RWD, get some stock wheels from someone here in the forum, mount up some winter tires. It should still be cheaper than adding xDrive and you'll have the benefit of a better suspension (more travel) and a sportier drive.

Charles

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Deal breaker for me. Last two were ordered with adaptive suspension.

[chiefneil]

I’m going to list my own completely biased, uninformed, possibly totally wrong guesses for 3-series suspensions from firmest to softest. xDrive comes with taller springs so it’s always going to be a bit softer than the equivalent RWD.

So going off my list, the question for the OP is, do you want to be permanently at position 8, or have the ability to jump down to position 5 when you feel like?

1. M-performance or other aftermarket
2. Static sport suspension
3. Adaptive in sport
5. xDrive w/Adaptive in sport
6. Standard RWD
7. Adaptive in comfort
8. Standard xDrive
9. xDrive w/Adaptive in comfort

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by Climb Mode

If my car was ‘stuck’ in comfort mode all the time I’d be livid.

The lack of it doesn't bother me. I like being comfortable all the time.

[jgoens]

Another perspective...I just put the Dinan Shockware on mine which is only available with adaptive and it makes a difference. If you do not have the adaptive you do not have that option.

[LiKiiiiiD]

Originally Posted by CJ421

You'll wait 6-8 weeks if you order the car, but it will be exactly what you want. Worth the wait.

The adaptive suspension is really nice on these cars IMO, comfort mode soaks up the bumps well. With the track package you also get the M brakes and the steering upgrade. So I think it's worthwhile.

If you get RWD, get some stock wheels from someone here in the forum, mount up some winter tires. It should still be cheaper than adding xDrive and you'll have the benefit of a better suspension (more travel) and a sportier drive.

Charles

Online it won't show me the track handling package unless I'm specifying a 440gc. I feel like I apparently don't know what a bmw is supposed to drive like after being in a e90 328xi =[ I'm getting a sick deal on a tanzanite blue 340xi right now, I'll see after test driving if the dealership will honor the same deal if I order one.

[SBM1206]

Originally Posted by LiKiiiiiD

There's a 2018 340xi 2018 with m sport and well optioned for like 59.5k but it doesn't have adaptive m suspension.
I'm coming from a 2009 328xi. Of course it will be an obvious upgrade overall but I've been reading that the lack of adaptive suspension will make it subpar. I don't think my 328's suspension is "that" bad but then again I don't want to feel like I'm missing out by getting another x drive car with a "floaty" suspension. I've only noticed the float at significant speeds on the express way. Is it really a deal breaker? It's tough to find nice 340xi's without ordering. Thoughts, opinions? 1 out of the 7 340 xi's i have seen have adaptive specced but it had a sensatek interior and I'm not too fond of the smell.

Paul Miller in NJ usually orders all 340 xDrive with the adaptive suspension.
Check this one for example.
https://www.paulmillerbmw.com/invent...8b7g52jnv10987
Their prices are also reasonable but they will insist on $400 doc fee.
I believe NYS limits the doc fee to $75.

[alohasurftoad]

since you don't sound like the type to lower or do suspension modifications, you should get adaptive.

[ishowerinjager]

Total deal breaker for me.

I'm not one to change the suspension on a new car with warranty so thats why non adaptive wouldn't work for me. But I understand how it proabbaly better to go without if your lowering with aftermarket.

Comfort mode is way too soggy