That's it. I'm ditching MB. Help me decide and understand which F30 to get - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

Teixido · 04-28-2012, 06:20 PM

Hi guys. I'll admit it. I always wanted a BMW but where I live MB where easier to get (we just got an AUTHORIZED BMW DEALER a few years ago) but I'm freacking done with them.

Now, I'm about to order a new 320d (the only configuration F30 available here) and I need to understand the difference in terms of shocks and suspension between the SPORT and MODERN/LUXURY line.

Is it the same? Is the ground clearance different between th SPORT and th MODERN/LUXURY?

By the way, in the only combos available down here, ALL of them would come with 17 inches rims, in case you were wondering.

The reason I'm asking is because the roads down here -as with any other 3rd world country- are filled with potholes. Ideally I would want a smooth ride and the possibility to mess with it when/if I want (SPORT MODE?)

Also, it would be fun if you could vote on which color I should get. I only get four options: white, black, red, light grey. What would you get?

So, let's hear it and thanks for your time!

bimmerjph · 04-28-2012, 06:22 PM

The Sport is lowered slightly, and it is a little stiffer.

gianlifts · 04-28-2012, 07:21 PM

can't go wrong with AW

Number · 04-28-2012, 07:59 PM

Not sure how it's going to be configured in Paraguay. Best thing to do is go to the dealer to check them out yourself.

In the US, the suspension that comes standard in Sport Line is stiffer and lower (10mm). The Luxury and Modern are the same. However, some folks in Canada are saying that the Sport Line does not include the lowered height. So you might wanna check your region.

To me, the vast differences between the Sport/Modern/Luxury Lines aren't so much in the suspension... but more so in the packaging and is available to configure in each Line. For example, in the US, only Sport Line gets the Sport seats. In Europe, you can order the Sports Seats in any Line (I believe).

Most of the people here will probably tell you the answers that are correct for US spec'd cars. It might be different for you in SA.

PrinceBarin · 04-29-2012, 03:01 AM

My Spanish lessons at school are a distant memory but a quick glance at the 3 series brochure for Paraguay (http://www.bmw.com.py/showroom_latin..._catalogue.pdf) suggests that all 3 lines come with standard suspension.

In addition to standard suspension, you appear to have the choice of either M Sports Suspension (which is stiffer than standard and 10mm lower), or Adaptive Suspension (also 10mm lower but features adaptive dampers which allow you to choose between a comfort setting and a sports setting).

It is worth noting that, in Sport mode, the Adaptive Suspension is slightly stiffer than than the 'fixed' Sport suspension. The reason for this is that owners of 'fixed' M Sport suspension have to live with the setting all the time (so it's ever so slightly softer), whereas those with Adaptive Suspension can choose their ride settings.

Most reviews seem to think that the fixed Sport Suspension is still sufficiently forgiving for daily use but you should test drive both if you can. Alternatively, Adaptive Suspension should give you the best of both worlds but it's a more expensive option.

Talk to your dealer and try to test all the different options if you can. Best of luck!

Teixido · 05-01-2012, 08:10 PM

Dudes thank you so much for chiming in. YOU. GUYS. ROCK.

View Poll Results: What color should my 320d be?
Alpine white	19	38.78%
Melbourne red	7	14.29%
Glacier silver	11	22.45%
Black	12	24.49%
Voters: 49. You may not vote on this poll

04-28-2012, 06:20 PM	#1
Teixido New Member Drives: 320d Black Saphire Sport (ord) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Paraguay Posts: 12 iTrader: (0)	That's it. I'm ditching MB. Help me decide and understand which F30 to get Hi guys. I'll admit it. I always wanted a BMW but where I live MB where easier to get (we just got an AUTHORIZED BMW DEALER a few years ago) but I'm freacking done with them. Now, I'm about to order a new 320d (the only configuration F30 available here) and I need to understand the difference in terms of shocks and suspension between the SPORT and MODERN/LUXURY line. Is it the same? Is the ground clearance different between th SPORT and th MODERN/LUXURY? By the way, in the only combos available down here, ALL of them would come with 17 inches rims, in case you were wondering. The reason I'm asking is because the roads down here -as with any other 3rd world country- are filled with potholes. Ideally I would want a smooth ride and the possibility to mess with it when/if I want (SPORT MODE?) Also, it would be fun if you could vote on which color I should get. I only get four options: white, black, red, light grey. What would you get? So, let's hear it and thanks for your time!
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04-29-2012, 03:01 AM	#5
PrinceBarin Lieutenant Drives: F30 320d Mineral Grey Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Birmingham, UK Posts: 569 iTrader: (0)	My Spanish lessons at school are a distant memory but a quick glance at the 3 series brochure for Paraguay (http://www.bmw.com.py/showroom_latin..._catalogue.pdf) suggests that all 3 lines come with standard suspension. In addition to standard suspension, you appear to have the choice of either M Sports Suspension (which is stiffer than standard and 10mm lower), or Adaptive Suspension (also 10mm lower but features adaptive dampers which allow you to choose between a comfort setting and a sports setting). It is worth noting that, in Sport mode, the Adaptive Suspension is slightly stiffer than than the 'fixed' Sport suspension. The reason for this is that owners of 'fixed' M Sport suspension have to live with the setting all the time (so it's ever so slightly softer), whereas those with Adaptive Suspension can choose their ride settings. Most reviews seem to think that the fixed Sport Suspension is still sufficiently forgiving for daily use but you should test drive both if you can. Alternatively, Adaptive Suspension should give you the best of both worlds but it's a more expensive option. Talk to your dealer and try to test all the different options if you can. Best of luck! __________________ F30 320d luxury auto, mineral grey. Black leather, sports seats + electric memory + lumbar + heated, xenons + headlight wash, premium sound (Harmon Kardon), pdc f+r, folding mirrors, auto dim rear mirror etc, sliding armrest, rear blinds, anthracite headlining.

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04-28-2012, 06:22 PM	#2
bimmerjph Major Drives: 2002 BMW 325i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,392 iTrader: (0)	The Sport is lowered slightly, and it is a little stiffer.

04-28-2012, 07:21 PM	#3
gianlifts Private First Class Drives: AW F30 328i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: South Florida Posts: 100 iTrader: (0)	can't go wrong with AW

04-28-2012, 07:59 PM	#4
Number ✚ Drives: ✚ Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: ✚ ✚ Posts: 988 iTrader: (1)	Not sure how it's going to be configured in Paraguay. Best thing to do is go to the dealer to check them out yourself. In the US, the suspension that comes standard in Sport Line is stiffer and lower (10mm). The Luxury and Modern are the same. However, some folks in Canada are saying that the Sport Line does not include the lowered height. So you might wanna check your region. To me, the vast differences between the Sport/Modern/Luxury Lines aren't so much in the suspension... but more so in the packaging and is available to configure in each Line. For example, in the US, only Sport Line gets the Sport seats. In Europe, you can order the Sports Seats in any Line (I believe). Most of the people here will probably tell you the answers that are correct for US spec'd cars. It might be different for you in SA.

05-01-2012, 08:10 PM	#6
Teixido New Member Drives: 320d Black Saphire Sport (ord) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Paraguay Posts: 12 iTrader: (0)	Dudes thank you so much for chiming in. YOU. GUYS. ROCK.