Ride Quality of M3/M4 compared to 3 series

[gdgraph]

Anyone here regularly drive an M3/M4 and a regular 3 series? I know you can get the adaptive M suspension on the M3/M4, if driving in comfort mode is there a significant difference in comfort as compared to a 330i or 340i?

[aaghajanians]

I had a 2014 F30 328i, then 2016 F80 M3 (non adaptive suspension), and now I have 2020 F82 M4 (adaptive suspension).

In terms of comfort driving on the freeway for long time I would say M4 (adaptive - comfort) > 328i > M3 (non adaptive)
In terms of cornering and spirited driving M4 (adaptive - sport +) == M3 (non adaptive ) > 328i.

Hope this helps.

[cwazy1]

I've also had a '14 F30 and then upgraded to a '17 F80 with adaptive suspension.

The F30 suspension in sport mode was softer than the F80 ZCP in comfort mode. It also has to do with what tires you're running and what the wheel setup is as well. My F30 had 17" runflats with massive sidewall and my F80 has 20" 666M with small side walls.

I don't think the F80 ZCP in comfort is at all uncomfortable. Its very livable and is my daily. Even in rough weather - rain, snow, ice - I always am in sport or sport+

[alex2364]

I had a RWD F30 335i M Sport with adaptive suspension. My M4 ZCP with adaptive suspension in comfort is harsher than 335i while in sport mode.

[sicck_m4]

Originally Posted by gdgraph

Anyone here regularly drive an M3/M4 and a regular 3 series? I know you can get the adaptive M suspension on the M3/M4, if driving in comfort mode is there a significant difference in comfort as compared to a 330i or 340i?

I own an F32 and F82. Both cars handle totally different and both comfortable at the time. The F32 suspension is not as firm and does not plant like the M4. I have the adaptive suspension on my M4 and the car feels like it's on rails. The adaptive suspension on comfort mode in the M4 really makes the rebound on the car very smooth and subtle on small to moderate pavement shifts. Where on the F32 the car has a slight bounce. In sport mode, the M4 has a very nice balance of stiffness and allowing the driver to get a more feel of the road. In sport+, the M4 is very rigid and handles like a true sports car but still comfortable. The F32 in sport mode is stiffer and the rebound is slightly reduced but does not compare with the ride quality off the M4.

[itrocks4u]

I daily drive my M4 CS. It feels heavy and you can feel the bumps more. It's not uncomfortable though. I had F36 prior to that.

So in short: No there is no significant difference but try to get the M3/M4 with adaptive suspension.

[xxHRxx]

I previously drove a 14 F30 and changed to 17 F82 zcp.

Even in comfort mode, F82 overall feels much harder than F30. My seat kicks me every time when I hit bumps on road. It is fun driving and not that comfortable compared to F30.

[superbrew]

This is totally subjective. I have an F30 328 and F80 ZCP. I find the F80 to be more comfortable. I have taken it on 10+hour trips across the Northeast US and neither myself nor my family had any issues. To me, the F30 feels too soft and requires more effort to drive. And the seats are less supportive, although it does not have the sport package.

[danniexi]

bean bag: generic F3x

plastic elementary school chair: F8x

[Humdizzle]

My F30 335 initially rode well. I had the fixed dampers with M sport and 18" wheels. But then I added 19" VMR wheels and lowered it on springs. After that it was pretty harsh. Creaked and rattled over bumps too.

My F80 has adaptive and is lowered on swift springs as well, with CS edc. Rides a lot better. Doesn't creak or rattle. Doesn't feel like its 'crashing' over small road imperfections. I'm guessing my F30 struts were on their way out though.

[N1rve]

Between the F82 and F30 that I had drove, I would have to say that the F30 is definitely softer and more compliant. The softest suspension setting of "comfort" on both M4 is still very stiff compared to an F30 with Run Flats. However, an F30 is stiffer than your normal lexus or toyota.

The F82 with adaptive in comfort is not bad, but you will definitely feel more than you normally would. Also because an F30 is full framed doors, you will get less wind noise. Also the F82 with the stiff suspension and stiffer chassis will cause more interior rattles. The F30 has more sidewall on the tires as well which relates to a more compliant ride over bumps and uneven pavement.

[redblaze]

I used to have a 2015 328i and now I am driving M4 CS daily. These two are totally different animals, the comfort setting of M4 CS is still way stiffer than 328i's sport mode. But whether feeling comfortable that is a personal thing. I don't want to drive M4 CS for more than 2 hours unless the road is perfectly smooth.

[nicknaz]

My wife had a ‘13 f30 335 with sport suspension and 19s at the same time I had a ‘15 f80 with non adaptive suspension with 18s.

I think my f80 rode great while the 335 crashed over bumps and was too soft in terms of rear damping.

The fact you are looking for a comfort mode makes me wonder if f80 is the right car for you.

My wife’s current car is an awd f31 330 with non sport suspension and stagger summer 18” RFT. It’s sporty enough to drive around town without thinking it sucks and It’s very comfortable. Maybe that is a better fit?

[jmg]

I had a 340i and a F30 328i before my two F80's. The F30 is definitely going to be "softer" but honestly I don't think the F80 is uncomfortably stiff. I daily drove my '16 M3 with out adaptive suspension and it was fine. I lowered it and it was fine. But this is subjective. My wife couldn't stand it.

[c0nrad]

no question, competition pack with 20" wheels is pretty harsh on bad roads compared to a 3 series