Adaptive vs. Passive Suspension

[solstice]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Couldnt you just ride around in Sport Plus ?

Unfortunately it's not the same. Adaptive does more than stiffen the ride, it changes damping constantly and it generates added stiffness with the dampers not the springs. Totally different suspension concept and as a result very different feel, to me.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by solstice

Unfortunately it's not the same. Adaptive does more than stiffen the ride, it changes damping constantly and it generates added stiffness with the dampers not the springs. Totally different suspension concept and as a result very different feel, to me.

Ahh cool. I have never driven any m3 without adaptive except for my cars with V3. How would you compare non-adaptive ride to V3 if you have experience?

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by solstice

Unfortunately it's not the same. Adaptive does more than stiffen the ride, it changes damping constantly and it generates added stiffness with the dampers not the springs. Totally different suspension concept and as a result very different feel, to me.

Do note that on the E9X, EDC set in Sport+ was a passive setting on the non-ZCP cars. BWW actually made Sport+ an active setting on the ZCP. BMW must believe there is a performance advantage in dynamic dampers, no?

[solstice]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Do note that on the E9X, EDC set in Sport+ was a passive setting on the non-ZCP cars. BWW actually made Sport+ an active setting on the ZCP. BMW must believe there is a performance advantage in dynamic dampers, no?

Correct on both accounts.

1. While damping did not change constantly in Sport+ the added stiffness was still achieved by hardening the dampers and not the springs. It results in a different feel.

2. Adaptive suspension ( dampers, roll bars etc. ) is pretty much proven to be able to increase performance when tuned for that purpose. I still don't like the feel

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by solstice

I still don't like the feel

[TheRealOrosie]

Originally Posted by shortseller

Unless you track your car, better off putting the $1000 elsewhere, my guess, as every review seems to hint at.

Disagree. Comfort mode is where its at for daily driving...then dialing up to sport or sport plus on the twisties on the weekends. Love my adaptive suspension.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by P-TownM3

Disagree. Comfort mode is where its at for daily driving...then dialing up to sport or sport plus on the twisties on the weekends. Love my adaptive suspension.

Then it was money well spent for you.

[TheRealOrosie]

Originally Posted by shortseller

Then it was money well spent for you.