Forgive me, still need help with Adaptive M Suspension

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by consolidated

I'll join you in the 'say no to blank buttons!' club. Seeing that tiny shock icon is worth 1K, I think.

Indeed! LOL! "Oooooooo! Wook at the pwetty bwuttons!"


....in my well executed Elmer Fudd voice.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Indeed! LOL! "Oooooooo! Wook at the pwetty bwuttons!"


....in my well executed Elmer Fudd voice.

[KevinM]

I'm also wondering this. I've been driving BMWs since 1999 and have not had one with an adaptive suspension. Certainly haven't missed it yet...the M coupe is a hard car to be sure, but I wouldn't change it at all; and I think my M5's suspension is perfect. As is the case for most of you, it's not about the cost, but rather the need, added complexity, etc. I tend to keep my cars for a long time...

[jondoc72]

I have it currently in my 535i ( by the way this beast is an outstanding cruiser ), and I have it 95% of the time in the "normal" setting ( not too bouncy or stiff , just right )

did not feel much difference in the suspension between normal and sport setting because my driving is mostly highway commute ( 80 miles/day ) , no traking time and some days enjoy driving backcountry curvy roads.
Also where where I live (orlando) most of the streets are nice and smooth

My budget for the F80 is almost max out so I may skip it this time and get some thing else like the HK radio

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Indeed! LOL! "Oooooooo! Wook at the pwetty bwuttons!"


....in my well executed Elmer Fudd voice.

I think that would be better in a Bugs Bunny female falsetto voice. You know, like when he does the hairdresser role.

[Needsdecaf]

In all seriousness, I'll likely wait to order the car and I'm happy about that for several reasons. One is to drive the car with the adaptive suspension before driving it. I have to say that the M5's adaptive suspension on 20's, even in comfort, is pretty stiff. Well, it is here anyway. Texas concrete roads bring out the worst in a car so it's unfair to say it'd be stiff in, say, the midwest or something like that.

I didn't order PASM or air on my Cayenne and I regret it. As soon as I take the car on smooth roads it's fine, but on these concrete roads it's very busy. My 535 with DHP made that go away, but it was very artificial feeling. The M5 feels way more natural and planted. Hence my happiness at getting to drive the car.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by KevinM

I'm also wondering this. I've been driving BMWs since 1999 and have not had one with an adaptive suspension. Certainly haven't missed it yet...the M coupe is a hard car to be sure, but I wouldn't change it at all; and I think my M5's suspension is perfect. As is the case for most of you, it's not about the cost, but rather the need, added complexity, etc. I tend to keep my cars for a long time...

The isn't that much added mechanical/electronic complexity, this is why it is only a $900 option. The overall concept is atually quite simple. The real complexity lies in the tuning and programation of the system which fundamentally cannot really wear or fail.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by jondoc72

I have it currently in my 535i ( by the way this beast is an outstanding cruiser ), and I have it 95% of the time in the "normal" setting ( not too bouncy or stiff , just right )

did not feel much difference in the suspension between normal and sport setting because my driving is mostly highway commute ( 80 miles/day ) , no traking time and some days enjoy driving backcountry curvy roads.
Also where where I live (orlando) most of the streets are nice and smooth

My budget for the F80 is almost max out so I may skip it this time and get some thing else like the HK radio

Don't forget about the adaptaptive aspect of the suspension, it is not only about the 3 modes. Even when left in normal, the dampers are constantly adjusted based on driving conditions. You will not have this with the standard suspension.

[varsity]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

I didn't order PASM or air on my Cayenne and I regret it. As soon as I take the car on smooth roads it's fine, but on these concrete roads it's very busy.

Really? I have regular suspension on my '14 Cayenne, and I find it rides nicer, corners flatter, has more mechanical grip, and handles bumps much better than my '06 with PASM. Obviously steering and chassis have something to do with this as well, but I was pleasantly surprised at the performance of standard suspension in the new one.

I agree with you that it's going to take a test drive in M4 to determine whether it'll be a must-have option.

[bob330i]

Interesting. Seems to be a bit mixed opinions. I think like others have mentioned, I won't be buying until 2016 so I can try it out before I decide. I have the H&R cup kit on my E46 sport and it is rough when the road is rough and smooth when the road is smooth. Might be nice to dial it per the road conditions.

[Drift Master]

I think the standard suspension will be ok for people that live in areas with nice perfect roads and rarely track their car. If you drive on bad roads and want the optional 19" than the adaptive suspension will be worth the 1000$ for sure. On 18" with good roads you will be waisting your money with it. If you are a track kinda guy and want to drive your M3/4 to the limit than its worth the 1000$ fo sure also. I want the 19" and dont have great roads where i live and will be at the track with my M4 so that option is a no brainer especially when i sell my car ill be able to get half of my money back and would have enjoyed a better driving experience for the 6 years i am planning to own the car. Its less than a 100$ per year for me assuming ill get 500$ back when i sell it.

[russellsdad]

I like to use the analogy of buying a good laptop computer. There are certain things on a laptop that are easy to replace/upgrade such as HDD, DRAM, etc. Then there are things that are too difficult or not worth the cost of upgrading like the CPU, screen, etc. It makes sense to spend a little more to get a better screen and save by not getting more memory. Same thing goes for a car. Things like DHP are not easily or necessarily worth upgrading. Some things like wheels or car audio is relatively easy and worth upgrading. So it will depend on whether you think the extra $$ is worth it to get DHP and also if you feel you might regret it of you don't get it.

Personally I really wanted DHP and made that a must-have when I contacted my dealer. You do feel the difference in the suspension and steering with DHP. I also like that you can change setting to have sport suspension and steering mode while retaining comfort mode throttle and transmission characteristics. If you combine DHP with Sports Automatic, then you can simply change mode from normal to sport to get both. Definitely worth the extra $1000 IMHO.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by varsity

Really? I have regular suspension on my '14 Cayenne, and I find it rides nicer, corners flatter, has more mechanical grip, and handles bumps much better than my '06 with PASM. Obviously steering and chassis have something to do with this as well, but I was pleasantly surprised at the performance of standard suspension in the new one.

I agree with you that it's going to take a test drive in M4 to determine whether it'll be a must-have option.

Like I said in my post, on NORMAL roads it's fine. But these heaved concrete slabs they pass for roads down here tend to put a different slant on things.

It's still not bad, but it would be nice to have it on a day to day basis. When I get on the rare road that is asphalt, it's an entirely different story. It's a great setup.

I wouldn't compare your 2014 with your 06. I've driven the 958 with and without PASM and air. I think that with PASM only, it's not worth it. But with PASM and air, it is.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Drift Master

If you are a track kinda guy and want to drive your M3/4 to the limit than its worth the 1000$ fo sure also.

I wish we could get a magazine to do a head to head lap times comparison between an adaptive suspension and CCB vs. base car.

Lots of speculation for and against that is best resolved with timing equipment...

[Maddict3]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Like I stated in an earlier post....


....I'm getting it for the buttons.

+2 hahahaha

[jballs16]

Can I lower the car (springs or coilovers) with the Active Suspension option? If coilovers will remove the feature of Active Suspension can I just change out the springs?

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by jballs16

Can I lower the car (springs or coilovers) with the Active Suspension option? If coilovers will remove the feature of Active Suspension can I just change out the springs?

Yes to your first question (..but there are no guarantees that you will retain adjustability unless the kit specifies it.....kinda like the kits that work with or bypass EDC). Yes to your second question as well.

[Tonymiabmw]

I like Edc in the car, I keep it on when kids are in the back, but when adults are back I have to turn it off. I rode in the back of my E90 and E60 and makes me sick with EDC on sport. It's way too bumpy So yes I think it is nice to have.

[Racer20]

Adaptive suspension is not a gimmick. It does what is advertised, and it is more capable for ride and handling than a passive suspension, even if you never switch modes. This is a fact, and is not really debatable.

That said, if the maximizing the ride/handling trade-off isn't worth it to you, don't buy it. The passive suspension will still perform very well.

Further, some people just aren't that sensitive to ride and handling, and may not be able to feel the difference. If you fall into this category, then skip the option. You'll enjoy the car either way.

If you're going to go with Coilovers, then skip the option, as you'll be replacing the adaptive part anyway. (Although the stock adaptive suspension will be MUCH better on the street than any aftermarket coilover system).

[Racer20]

Originally Posted by KevinM

I'm also wondering this. I've been driving BMWs since 1999 and have not had one with an adaptive suspension. Certainly haven't missed it yet...the M coupe is a hard car to be sure, but I wouldn't change it at all; and I think my M5's suspension is perfect. As is the case for most of you, it's not about the cost, but rather the need, added complexity, etc. I tend to keep my cars for a long time...

I had a 2007 M Coupe until last month, I've driven E39 M5's, and I have a 05 330i ZHP.

I love all three, but for all their handling and steering accolades, they can still be busy and choppy on rough roads, and all three are a bit soft in the rear and tend to oscillate a bit over heaves and dips.

Adaptive suspension raises the bar significantly . . . none of these cars can match a well tuned semi active suspension when it comes to body control. Adaptive suspension allows the optimum damping level to minimize ANY unwanted body motion: Roll, dive/squat, pitch, bounce, side to side headtoss, etc. with no penalty in impact harshness.

An E92 M3, 650i, or ATS with Magneride are the best examples of a well tuned semi-active suspension that I've driven.

[KevinM]

Yeah, I've thought about this too long already, ha ha...not worth my time anymore. I'll just order it.

My bigger dilemma is whether to let the M3 settle in (and be able to test drive, etc.) and buy a M235i as a temporary car while I decide about the the M3 - and wait for any more information about the M2...

[neverbeentoofast]

I had an audi s3 during my colledge time - and even though beeing young - the hard ride was getting on my nerves after a while.(driving some 20.000miles/30.000km a year)

Than I had a 535d with M suspension. much better than an s3 - but still - nerves after 3 years and 150.000 miles.

now 530d with adaptive and 335i with m suspension.
this 530d bimmer is just great in driving! I love the ride! You can set the suspension to "comfort" and the throttle respsonse and steering to "sport".
very nice and fast combination for allday driving. absolutely perfect for a 4 hour drive at 120mph on the autobahn at night with the kids sleeping.

One of the main reasons to get an 435i or M4 over the 335i? - finaly adaptive suspension is available. it just makes the car a better car. tired? = comfort. partytime? = sport+

get it!

may i give an advice? forget the 235. if you have "feelings" towards an M - go for the M. I made the same mistake with the 335i. Nice car - but M is different. 235i has your plate - "M" has your name on ,-)

uuupss... I have to admit - the 530d has dynamic drive - not only adaptive. I cant tell about adaptive alone - sorry. but dynamic is great ,-)