[cfabluenose]

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I'm planning on getting an F30 to replace my 2009 328i. I'm a bit puzzled by the 3 "lines". Does the sport line offer more than just cosmetics? I want the suspension and steering to be as taut and controlled as my 2009. Does the sport line provide that or do I need to add the sport suspension and/or m sport package? The roads here are awful though and I don't want to move to a teeth rattling stiff suspension. Thanks for your comments.

[BMWgasm]

First off, with the F30's electric steering it is going to feel much different than the E90's. Not bad, just different and it will grow on you. That said, you should opt for the M-Adaptive suspension and VSS to assist you in the transition. It also lowers the car an additional 10mm so long as you don't get the X-drive. With the different modes (Eco-Pro, Comfort, Sport, Sport+) you can make the ride as soft or hard as you want. Sport allows you to set just the drivetrain for a sportier feel while maintaining a softer ride. Bottom line- take a test drive. A nice long one.

[CoolDude196]

Originally Posted by BMWgasm

First off, with the F30's electric steering it is going to feel much different than the E90's. Not bad, just different and it will grow on you. That said, you should opt for the M-Adaptive suspension and VSS to assist you in the transition. It also lowers the car an additional 10mm so long as you don't get the X-drive. With the different modes (Eco-Pro, Comfort, Sport, Sport+) you can make the ride as soft or hard as you want. Sport allows you to set just the drivetrain for a sportier feel while maintaining a softer ride. Bottom line- take a test drive. A nice long one.

+1

[danmeyers99]

Originally Posted by BMWgasm

First off, with the F30's electric steering it is going to feel much different than the E90's. Not bad, just different and it will grow on you. That said, you should opt for the M-Adaptive suspension and VSS to assist you in the transition. It also lowers the car an additional 10mm so long as you don't get the X-drive. With the different modes (Eco-Pro, Comfort, Sport, Sport+) you can make the ride as soft or hard as you want. Sport allows you to set just the drivetrain for a sportier feel while maintaining a softer ride. Bottom line- take a test drive. A nice long one.

+1 - I would also add if you prefer the cosmetics of the Sport vs. the MSport, add DHP to the Sport line. You get the tight (today's version of tight that is) feeling and adjust ability without the teeth rattling of the MSport Suspension: plus the Sport + DHP is still cheaper than the M.

[YeaF30]

The msport suspension is not bad but with the RFTs the suspension can be harsh at times. The DHP will help take some of that "teeth rattling" stiffness away.

Unrelated to the suspension, but you should get the sport auto if you are getting automatic over manual. My only regret after getting my 2012.

[bimmermeupscoty]

I have the Sports Line with the M Sport suspension (i.e., no DHP or VSS), and I love the ride. I want a taught suspension and to feel the road when I drive. However, I do not find the suspension jarring at all.

[danmeyers99]

Originally Posted by bimmermeupscoty

I have the Sports Line with the M Sport suspension (i.e., no DHP or VSS), and I love the ride. I want a taught suspension and to feel the road when I drive. However, I do not fine the suspension jarring at all.

Truth be told, my only reference point was my E46 (01' 330 CIC with MPackage and every option offered - including the hardtop). I LOVED that car and nothing like taking an exit ramp at 70mph and smiling as it stuck to the road like a bad reputation! Of course, every little freekin' bump felt like a prostate exam.... just sayin'. Then again, some people might like that.... not that there is anything wrong with that lol...

[billiebob]

My 2013 msport non dhp suspension with 18 inch wheels has a much much softer suspension than my 2011 328i non sport suspension with 16 inch wheels.

Like night and day.

[Un3v3nSkill]

First time BWM owner here, I have an 335i M Sport with DHP and all the other goodies, including the 19 wheels with summer rubber, and honestly I would not have it any other way, and trust me I think I drove my CA nuts with all the test drives I took with various configs, but I am very happy with my ride.

Go M-Sport if you can.

[martyl]

Originally Posted by billiebob

My 2013 msport non dhp suspension with 18 inch wheels has a much much softer suspension than my 2011 328i non sport suspension with 16 inch wheels.

Like night and day.

Very interesting statement. Since I'm planning on getting this same configuration in October, I'm curious to know how many other Sportline owners who don't have DHP have experienced this. After briefly test driving this car I had a similar experience but it was not an extensive drive. Thanks.

[smohr33]

Originally Posted by martyl

Very interesting statement. Since I'm planning on getting this same configuration in October, I'm curious to know how many other Sportline owners who don't have DHP have experienced this. After briefly test driving this car I had a similar experience but it was not an extensive drive. Thanks.

I have a sport line (m-sport non-dhp suspension), and its very comfortable. Anyone that thinks this is stiff has never been in a stiff car. My wifes R56 Mini Cooper S is WAY firmer than my f30.

[bimmermeupscoty]

Originally Posted by smohr33

I have a sport line (m-sport non-dhp suspension), and its very comfortable. Anyone that thinks this is stiff has never been in a stiff car. My wifes R56 Mini Cooper S is WAY firmer than my f30.

As I indicated above, I have this configuration and I find the sports suspension's ride to be just right. It is not harsh at all, but does give me a feel for the road. While I want a luxury sports sedan, I don't want it to feel like my father's Buick (i.e., no feel for the road at all).

[Vector Pilot]

Originally Posted by bimmermeupscoty

As I indicated above, I have this configuration and I find the sports suspension's ride to be just right. It is not harsh at all, but does give me a feel for the road. While I want a luxury sports sedan, I don't want it to feel like my father's Buick (i.e., no feel for the road at all).

Buick is no longer your dad's cushy-car. However with that being said, if you like the way your current BMW drives, I recommend selecting DHP.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by danmeyers99

+1 - I would also add if you prefer the cosmetics of the Sport vs. the MSport, add DHP to the Sport line. You get the tight (today's version of tight that is) feeling and adjust ability without the teeth rattling of the MSport Suspension: plus the Sport + DHP is still cheaper than the M.

Sport and MSport have the same suspension.

OP, the Sport or MSport line will most likely keep the E90 people happy as non sport F30s are far too soft compared to what they were used to.

I would drive a car with DHP, it will add another dimension of adjustability, but also complicate things if you were to do any modifications.

Another option is the MPerformance suspension which is lower and stiffer than the Sport and MSport suspension.

[TheObviousChild]

Doesn't the M-Sport come with more robust cooling and larger brake rotors as well?

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by TheObviousChild

Doesn't the M-Sport come with more robust cooling and larger brake rotors as well?

In the US, it gets the improved cooling, no brake upgrades aside from the Euro pads.

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by smohr33

I have a sport line (m-sport non-dhp suspension), and its very comfortable. Anyone that thinks this is stiff has never been in a stiff car. My wifes R56 Mini Cooper S is WAY firmer than my f30.

I have the same. Coming from an E46 M3 it is noticeably softer but still gives you excellent handling when you push it hard in corners.

If you really have crappy roads, maybe the DHP would be a good thing though. For me I knew I'd always be in Sports Mode so I opted for passive suspension.

[schnell13]

I have driven a plethora (oh yes, Señor Guapo, a plethora..) of E90's over the years, such as the 325i, 328xi, 328i (M-Sport coupe and sedan), 330i, and 335i convertible. All had different suspensions, all felt different on the road. That being said, I feel that the F30 is far more forgiving and far more comfortable than any of the previous generation cars. You won't be disappointed in the least. However, the base suspension is far softer than any of these cars as others have said, so you need to be careful in what you order to get the most out of the F30. I ordered the M-Sport with DHP (a package that you can order with the Sport Line, if you prefer that look), which gives you the M-Adaptive suspension and variable sport steering. It is absolutely fantastic!! Fully adjustable between the different driving modes as other members have said, and the sport steering adjusts to any driving situation, from the parking lot to the interstate. The combination is great; firm when you want, softer when you want. Comfortable in any situation. Would suggest the M-Performance suspension option if you want to further modify the car, as you lose the adjustability if you replace the (very expensive) M-Adaptive shock dampers.

I would highly suggest going on a few longer test drives to see what suits you best. I ordered mine sight unseen (I was deployed with the Marines) so didn't have that option, and am very pleased with the aforementioned setup. Good luck, my friend!

[kevlartoronto]

Originally Posted by cfabluenose

I'm planning on getting an F30 to replace my 2009 328i. I'm a bit puzzled by the 3 "lines". Does the sport line offer more than just cosmetics? I want the suspension and steering to be as taut and controlled as my 2009. Does the sport line provide that or do I need to add the sport suspension and/or m sport package? The roads here are awful though and I don't want to move to a teeth rattling stiff suspension. Thanks for your comments.

news flash to all our american friends. bmw canada blows chunks. they don't offer m sport or sport suspension on a 328i up here. they would rather force you into buying 335i. to recap, 328i sport line in canada does not have sport suspension. sportline gives you 19 inch wheels, sport seats and sport steering wheel. it's as though being a sport sedan has taken a back seat at bmw canada. (i was just at the dealer inquiring about this last week here in toronto.) surprisingly the up and coming 328d will be offered with m sport as a 2014.

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by kevlartoronto

news flash to all our american friends. bmw canada blows chunks. they don't offer m sport or sport suspension on a 328i up here. they would rather force you into buying 335i. to recap, 328i sport line in canada does not have sport suspension. sportline gives you 19 inch wheels, sport seats and sport steering wheel. it's as though being a sport sedan has taken a back seat at bmw canada. (i was just at the dealer inquiring about this last week here in toronto.) surprisingly the up and coming 328d will be offered with m sport as a 2014.

So is DHP offered on the 328i, and if so does it have the regular suspension as well?

[DesertSmokeBBQ]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

In the US, it gets the improved cooling, no brake upgrades aside from the Euro pads.

Actually, US Spec M-Sport gets larger calipers AND euro spec pads. (There's a thread that shows caliper size, it's about an inch or do larger front/back)

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by DesertSmokeBBQ

Actually, US Spec M-Sport gets larger calipers AND euro spec pads. (There's a thread that shows caliper size, it's about an inch or do larger front/back)

You are incorrect and the thread you are referencing was already noted that it needs to have the incorrect information updated. With all these countries havg different equipment it can be confusing.

But fact is, the US is simple. Just the pads are different.