Maybe I should have got the Adaptive Sport Suspension... :( - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

stom_m3 · 01-29-2013, 07:01 PM

So it ends up being that the standard sport suspension on the MSport is grossly undersprung and underdamped. I don't know how much better the Adaptive Sport Suspension is and I'm left wondering how much better it would have been... Of course, people on this board were telling me to get the adaptive but I was too damn cheap to shell out the additional $1k.

If I had to quantify it, I would say that the standard sport suspension needs to have a 15-20% stiffer spring rate and 50% more dampening ability. The high speed dampening (quick stutter bumps) is ok but the low speed dampening (big undualtions or turns) could use quite a bit of help. The car wallows and takes too long to settle in fast sweepers.

I guess I can use this as an excuse to get full blown aftermarket coil overs.

bizzyqu · 01-29-2013, 07:02 PM

Nothing beats a good excuse

Seagull · 01-29-2013, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stom_m3

So it ends up being that the standard sport suspension on the MSport is grossly undersprung and underdamped. I don't know how much better the Adaptive Sport Suspension is and I'm left wondering how much better it would have been... Of course, people on this board were telling me to get the adaptive but I was too damn cheap to shell out the additional $1k.

If I had to quantify it, I would say that the standard sport suspension needs to have a 15-20% stiffer spring rate and 50% more dampening ability. The high speed dampening (quick stutter bumps) is ok but the low speed dampening (big undualtions or turns) could use quite a bit of help. The car wallows and takes too long to settle in fast sweepers.

I guess I can use this as an excuse to get full blown aftermarket coil overs.

No, it just gives you the ability to go softer so when you're downtown or going through construction, its more forgiving.

FlyByNite · 01-29-2013, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seagull

No, it just gives you the ability to go softer so when you're downtown or going through construction, its more forgiving.

^^This....

pkim1079 · 01-30-2013, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stom_m3

So it ends up being that the standard sport suspension on the MSport is grossly undersprung and underdamped. I don't know how much better the Adaptive Sport Suspension is and I'm left wondering how much better it would have been... Of course, people on this board were telling me to get the adaptive but I was too damn cheap to shell out the additional $1k.

If I had to quantify it, I would say that the standard sport suspension needs to have a 15-20% stiffer spring rate and 50% more dampening ability. The high speed dampening (quick stutter bumps) is ok but the low speed dampening (big undualtions or turns) could use quite a bit of help. The car wallows and takes too long to settle in fast sweepers.

I guess I can use this as an excuse to get full blown aftermarket coil overs.

You driving this to the limit? As in no one else can drive this car faster than you.

Tsuvoi · 01-30-2013, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seagull

No, it just gives you the ability to go softer so when you're downtown or going through construction, its more forgiving.

False, adaptive sport is stiffer in spot mode than standard sport.

stom_m3 · 01-30-2013, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkim1079

You driving this to the limit? As in no one else can drive this car faster than you.

I don't know how you got that from my post. If you've ever done any amount of track time whether auto-x to road course, you would know that reaching limits of adhesion is not that difficult. Assessing what it would take to make the suspension perform better is half the fun. Just as is people trying to make the engine perform better, there are others trying to find an optimal suspension setup. What's wrong with that?

jamesems · 01-30-2013, 01:34 AM

I didn't find the standard msport suspension that bad on my 335i. It was somewhat sporty but with a comfort tilt. I have since replaced it with the m performance and am thoroughly pleased. Maybe you should consider it. I'm in San Diego as well.

MarkW83 · 01-30-2013, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ft1337

False, adaptive sport is stiffer in spot mode than standard sport.

This is correct. Adaptive is both stiffer in sport mode, and softer in comfort mode, than the standard passive sport/non-sport suspensions, while also having more body control in BOTH modes, and constantly measuring the road to give the best result in both modes.

roadcarver · 01-30-2013, 06:29 AM

I could definately percieve a difference between the regular sport suspension and the adaptive m suspension in sport mode. I felt the regular sport had a little bounce and float around corners especially if there were any undulations in the pavement through the curve. It seemed to get a little unsettled and sloppy in certain situaitions for a BMW. The sport mode in the adaptive suspension mostly eliminated this. This is why I ordered my wife's car with adaptive m.

ridin135 · 01-30-2013, 06:53 AM

Just placed an order for an m sport 335i and wondering if I should have gotten the DH package. Is the steering any tighter with the adaptive suspension? I have it on my z for but wasn't sure if it was worth it or not on the new car. I could care less about comfort mode but if there is a big difference between sport mode and the m sport suspension I might have to change my order

Vitoco · 01-30-2013, 07:22 AM

When in sport, you get heavier steering regardless of what other option you got. Variable Sport Steering, which is the other part of the adaptive package, doesnt affect the weight of the steering, only ratio.

But you should absolutely, most definetely, without a single doubt, get Adaptive M Supension.

Seagull · 01-30-2013, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkW83

This is correct. Adaptive is both stiffer in sport mode, and softer in comfort mode, than the standard passive sport/non-sport suspensions, while also having more body control in BOTH modes, and constantly measuring the road to give the best result in both modes.

Really? Can someone show/confirm this? Maybe through part numbers etc?

Don't get me wrong at all, I'd love for the M-Adaptive to be stiffer than the normal sports suspension, but all I have is word of mouth to go on. And all that does is cause endless debates on no real facts.

For example, my source was a BMW race engineer at a BMW drive event. Admittedly, the Adaptive was just coming out at the time. I specifically asked him while in Sports mode if the suspension would be stiffer than the normal sport suspension. He said no. But then again, it was new at the time and he may not have had a chance to look at it.

Still, I find the M-Adaptive "feels" less stiff than my old e90's ( although I am on winter non-RFT's right now, but I am trying to compare winter apples to winter apples ).

SamS · 01-30-2013, 08:55 AM

M Adaptive in Sport feels stiffer to me than a normal Sport Line car in Sport mode.

Dunno if part numbers will clarify anything, because some of this is going to be software related.

All I know is M Adaptive is the best $1K option I ever got on a car.

Tsuvoi · 01-30-2013, 10:38 AM

I think the only reason for not getting the adaptive would be if you're planning on installing aftermarket suspensions, then you save $1000, and I've heard that it was easier to install the aftermarkets if you don't have to undo all the adaptive hardware and software.

But no aftermarket is going to give you that variable suspension setup... Just a stiff setup, assuming you're going for sport suspensions.

SamS · 01-30-2013, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ft1337

But no aftermarket is going to give you that variable suspension setup... Just a stiff setup, assuming you're going for sport suspensions.

Exactly! Coming from an M3, I can tell you that a very stiff suspension 100% of the time is not very fun.

If I'm just cruising along on the very straight roads we have here in TX, then Comfort with M Adaptive is perfect. When I get to some curves or on-ramps, it only takes me one second to flip over to Sport.

stom_m3 · 01-30-2013, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesems

I didn't find the standard msport suspension that bad on my 335i. It was somewhat sporty but with a comfort tilt. I have since replaced it with the m performance and am thoroughly pleased. Maybe you should consider it. I'm in San Diego as well.

Very cool! Can you PM me with the specifics. Maybe you can take me for a spin sometime. I would love to assess the difference between cars with M Sport and M Performance suspension.

I'm getting the front splitter on today if you haven't seen that. I'm hoping it looks good on a stock height car. I'll have to take pics and post them.

jamesems · 01-30-2013, 03:16 PM

yes i have seen the splitter. here's a couple images of my car with suspension

bananachipz · 01-30-2013, 03:20 PM

buy the //M Performance Suspension kit....

you're welcome

stom_m3 · 01-30-2013, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesems

yes i have seen the splitter. here's a couple images of my car with suspension

Seen it? You seem to have it!! I just picked mine back up 10 minutes ago. Love it! Looks like you got the whole kit. I'd like to check out that rear diffuser.

RyanC · 01-30-2013, 05:19 PM

Is it possible to put in the M performance suspension if you have the adaptive suspension? Would that eliminate the adjustability?

jamesems · 01-30-2013, 05:56 PM

as far as i know BMW has not released an adaptive version of their performance suspension. However, i have read that there will be a version available sometime. It's hearsay, nothing definitive but i think you'll see it eventually

Looks like you went with BMW Encinitas too..Work with service advisor Sean Puno and their Tech Ian. Mention James.

What part of town are you in? Im in Del Sur/Santaluz

01-29-2013, 07:01 PM	#1
stom_m3 Private Drives: Sequoia Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 94 iTrader: (0)	Maybe I should have got the Adaptive Sport Suspension... :( So it ends up being that the standard sport suspension on the MSport is grossly undersprung and underdamped. I don't know how much better the Adaptive Sport Suspension is and I'm left wondering how much better it would have been... Of course, people on this board were telling me to get the adaptive but I was too damn cheap to shell out the additional $1k. If I had to quantify it, I would say that the standard sport suspension needs to have a 15-20% stiffer spring rate and 50% more dampening ability. The high speed dampening (quick stutter bumps) is ok but the low speed dampening (big undualtions or turns) could use quite a bit of help. The car wallows and takes too long to settle in fast sweepers. I guess I can use this as an excuse to get full blown aftermarket coil overs.
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01-29-2013, 07:02 PM	#2
bizzyqu First Lieutenant Drives: 2013 BMW 335i xDrive M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: New York Posts: 356 iTrader: (0)	Nothing beats a good excuse __________________ 07 E83 BSM Sport-->10 E90 335i xDrive BSM M-Sport-->(current) 13 F30 335i xDrive EBII M-Sport

01-30-2013, 07:22 AM	#12
Vitoco Second Lieutenant Drives: F31 328i M Sport Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 254 iTrader: (0)	When in sport, you get heavier steering regardless of what other option you got. Variable Sport Steering, which is the other part of the adaptive package, doesnt affect the weight of the steering, only ratio. But you should absolutely, most definetely, without a single doubt, get Adaptive M Supension. __________________ Glacier Ag. F31 328iA M Sport oct. 2012 \| Sport Automatic \| Adap. M Susp. \| Pano. Moonroof \| 19" 403 M \| M Sport brakes \| Harman Kardon \| Elec. Seats \| PDC F&R \| Park Assist \| ACC Stop&Go \| Perf. Parts \|

01-30-2013, 08:55 AM	#14
SamS Brigadier General Drives: 2013 ActiveHybrid 3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 4,063 iTrader: (0)	M Adaptive in Sport feels stiffer to me than a normal Sport Line car in Sport mode. Dunno if part numbers will clarify anything, because some of this is going to be software related. All I know is M Adaptive is the best $1K option I ever got on a car. __________________

01-30-2013, 03:16 PM	#18
jamesems Second Lieutenant Drives: 2013 335i msport f30 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 210 iTrader: (0)	my car yes i have seen the splitter. here's a couple images of my car with suspension Attached Images Last edited by jamesems; 01-30-2013 at 03:22 PM.

01-30-2013, 01:34 AM	#8
jamesems Second Lieutenant Drives: 2013 335i msport f30 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 210 iTrader: (0)	I didn't find the standard msport suspension that bad on my 335i. It was somewhat sporty but with a comfort tilt. I have since replaced it with the m performance and am thoroughly pleased. Maybe you should consider it. I'm in San Diego as well.

01-30-2013, 06:29 AM	#10
roadcarver First Lieutenant Drives: 08 e92 coupe/13 F30 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Tellico, TN Posts: 338 iTrader: (0)	I could definately percieve a difference between the regular sport suspension and the adaptive m suspension in sport mode. I felt the regular sport had a little bounce and float around corners especially if there were any undulations in the pavement through the curve. It seemed to get a little unsettled and sloppy in certain situaitions for a BMW. The sport mode in the adaptive suspension mostly eliminated this. This is why I ordered my wife's car with adaptive m.

01-30-2013, 06:53 AM	#11
ridin135 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2013 AW M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Greenville Posts: 1,763 iTrader: (7)	Just placed an order for an m sport 335i and wondering if I should have gotten the DH package. Is the steering any tighter with the adaptive suspension? I have it on my z for but wasn't sure if it was worth it or not on the new car. I could care less about comfort mode but if there is a big difference between sport mode and the m sport suspension I might have to change my order

01-30-2013, 10:38 AM	#15
Tsuvoi Banned Drives: 2013 F30 328i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: New York Posts: 272 iTrader: (0)	I think the only reason for not getting the adaptive would be if you're planning on installing aftermarket suspensions, then you save $1000, and I've heard that it was easier to install the aftermarkets if you don't have to undo all the adaptive hardware and software. But no aftermarket is going to give you that variable suspension setup... Just a stiff setup, assuming you're going for sport suspensions.

01-30-2013, 03:20 PM	#19
bananachipz Captain Drives: F30 Mineral Gray 335i Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 739 iTrader: (0)	buy the //M Performance Suspension kit.... you're welcome

01-30-2013, 05:19 PM	#21
RyanC New Member Drives: '13 E92 335is on order Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Houston Posts: 24 iTrader: (0)	Is it possible to put in the M performance suspension if you have the adaptive suspension? Would that eliminate the adjustability?

01-30-2013, 05:56 PM	#22
jamesems Second Lieutenant Drives: 2013 335i msport f30 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 210 iTrader: (0)	as far as i know BMW has not released an adaptive version of their performance suspension. However, i have read that there will be a version available sometime. It's hearsay, nothing definitive but i think you'll see it eventually Looks like you went with BMW Encinitas too..Work with service advisor Sean Puno and their Tech Ian. Mention James. What part of town are you in? Im in Del Sur/Santaluz Last edited by jamesems; 01-30-2013 at 07:30 PM.

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