[k44ENT]

I know this question has been asked a thousand times but I’d appreciate any opinions on whether adaptive dampers are essential on a F31 335i. I’ve currently got a F31 328i touring with 19” runflats on passive m-sport suspension and find the ride ok. Maybe a bit harsh on some surfaces but still compliant enough to be comfortable. If adaptive dampers weren’t an option I wouldn’t be looking to add them to my car. High speed handling is also good although it is affected quite a bit by side winds on motorways. As I have ordered a new F31 335i I have the option to add adaptive dampers over the next few days. All the road tests say I need them but do I really need them and will I regret not having them. My concern is that the ride may be overly soft in comfort and overly hard in sport mode. I am not interested in out and out handling although I do like to press on a bit down A roads. Any thoughts or advice appreciated.

[Tengocity]

The harshness you describe would likely be better dealt with by having non runflats fitted.

I like the adaptive though, I spend most time in sport mode and just use comfort for really crappy roads.

My view is that adaptive is ideal for those of us who like to punt a car quite fast down an A road but not so committed that they'd go for a full aftermarket suspension kit.

[simon.]

I'm with Terry on this. Comfort for lazy days to & from work & flick into sport when the road becomes fun

I'd tick the box again for sure

OP. Can't you get a hour or 2 in an adaptive spec car to see for yourself?

[Tameautumn]

I am a convert to adaptive, really changes the car

[k44ENT]

Thanks for the coments so far, I can't get hold of one to try. I don't mind paying the extra for it as long as it doesn't make it worse!!

[Daftasabrush]

The only reason I didn't tick it was the cost of replacing a damper if needed. Seeing as they probably need changing after 60k, it could get very expensive very quickly.

[Alkidrew]

Originally Posted by k44ENT

Thanks for the coments so far, I can't get hold of one to try. I don't mind paying the extra for it as long as it doesn't make it worse!!

wont make it worse. General view is that comfort is more comfortable than passive and sport is firmer than passive. Like the others, i use comfort when i'm just cruising and then change to sport when a road opens up.

[Rich9600]

I've got them on my 330d sDrive. If the road surface is good, I'm on my own and I have the chance to make 'good progress' I'm in sports mode. Otherwise, I'm in comfort enjoying a relaxed and comfortable drive for my passengers and myself.

Body control seem good in both modes, though better in sports.

The adaptive dampers seem more common on xDrives, due to the softer suspension. However, I'm really glad that I have added them to my sDrive.

Part of a Jekyll and Hyde car...

[Occean]

I have active on my F30 and personally would not tick the box again, personally I prefer the passive msport on previous cars.

But they do work a treat no doubt! Exactly as stated on the label.

[Dave_3]

The adaptive dampers don't just do comfort and sport, they continually adapt all the time. Depending on inputs.

That's the part I like. So, even in comfort mode they will become more taught when you start leaning into corners.

Think of it a bit like speed sensitive power steering (which most people don't notice either).

D.

[k44ENT]

Originally Posted by Occean

I have active on my F30 and personally would not tick the box again, personally I prefer the passive msport on previous cars.

But they do work a treat no doubt! Exactly as stated on the label.

Thats interesting, in what way do you not like them? I like the way my passive m-sport rides but feel i'm missing out by not having the adaptive damping for a small(ish) outlay.

[Rich9600]

Originally Posted by Dave_3

The adaptive dampers don't just do comfort and sport, they continually adapt all the time. Depending on inputs.

That's the part I like. So, even in comfort mode they will become more taught when you start leaning into corners.

Think of it a bit like speed sensitive power steering (which most people don't notice either).

D.

They certainly do.

The two modes are just the starting points.

It also seems to me that the car nose dives less, under harsh braking, than any other car I've had before. Impressive, as this is also the heaviest car I've ever owned. I think this may also be the adaptive dampers at work.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by Occean

I have active on my F30 and personally would not tick the box again, personally I prefer the passive msport on previous cars.

But they do work a treat no doubt! Exactly as stated on the label.

What previous cars? If it's an E90 then I think you'll find it just doesn't handle quite as sportily as that model didz

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Dave_3

The adaptive dampers don't just do comfort and sport, they continually adapt all the time. Depending on inputs.

That's the part I like. So, even in comfort mode they will become more taught when you start leaning into corners.

Think of it a bit like speed sensitive power steering (which most people don't notice either).

D.

I sense a lot of drivers just don't get the concept of adaptive suspension. As one BMW engineer put it when discussing VDC, "The focus is on optimal customer benefit: as stiff as necessary, but as comfortable as possible". Or as often explained, "soft where possible, firm when necessary".

I can understand some users preferring controlled 'fixed' damping, rather than a damping 'map', but still feel many aren't grasping what is going on all the time, whatever mode we choose with adaptive damping.

HighlandPete

[workshybum]

I don't have adaptive and don't miss it. I can't see that it would make a huge difference to me with the type of driving that I do.

That being said, if I had the option to add it for little cost (mine was a stock car and this was the only option on my list it lacked) I probably would. I can't see it making it any worse and I think the flexibility would be good. The only drawback I can see is costs of replacement further down the line but that depends how long you plan to keep the car I guess.

[robwils]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

I sense a lot of drivers just don't get the concept of adaptive suspension. As one BMW engineer put it when discussing VDC, "The focus is on optimal customer benefit: as stiff as necessary, but as comfortable as possible". Or as often explained, "soft where possible, firm when necessary".

I can understand some users preferring controlled 'fixed' damping, rather than a damping 'map', but still feel many aren't grasping what is going on all the time, whatever mode we choose with adaptive damping.

HighlandPete

So are you saying the mode fixes the starting point of the damping and range of variance allowed within the 'map' ?

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by workshybum

I don't have adaptive and don't miss it. I can't see that it would make a huge difference to me with the type of driving that I do.

Don't know what sort of driving you do, but I agree that our type of driving can make all the difference to how we view any suspension type.

For me, I benefit from the adaptive suspension every time I'm out in the car, the roads I use are all over the place, so anything that widens the working envelope helps refine my drive.

When I'm in Wiltshire I know I could live without it, even have bigger wheels and still have reasonable refinement. Even so, I'd still prefer VDC, simply for the way we have options to choose from on the fly.

Same as the auto gearbox isn't one setting, the ability to select options, makes my driving much more enjoyable.

HighlandPete

[workshybum]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Don't know what sort of driving you do, but I agree that our type of driving can make all the difference to how we view any suspension type.

HighlandPete

Mostly A roads and motorways and I'm lucky that the ones I drive daily are all fairly smooth and well maintained. There's not a lot in the way of twisties around here and when I travel more off the beaten track I'm glad of the softer and higher ride the standard xdrive setup gives me.

[Occean]

Originally Posted by k44ENT

Thats interesting, in what way do you not like them? I like the way my passive m-sport rides but feel i'm missing out by not having the adaptive damping for a small(ish) outlay.

For me I find comfort mode a little soft and much prefer the sport setting - but really don't need to be driving with the sport engine mapping on a daily basis.

For reference my experience with passive msport was in 1 series f20.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by robwils

So are you saying the mode fixes the starting point of the damping and range of variance allowed within the 'map' ?

Yes, the modes are simply switching a 'map', not the actual damping rate. Even in the comfort map the damper valving can still firm up as specified within the map, like in a roll situation, if and when required.

VDC in the F30 doesn't have uncontrolled fixed damping. The E9x M3 with EDC-K is different, Comfort and Normal are variable (like the F3x models), controlled within the base maps. Sport is a fixed damping rate, so works as a passive suspension.

F3x M3 and M4 have full VDC, all controlled within the variations of the base maps.

HighlandPete

[Dave_3]

Originally Posted by Occean

For me I find comfort mode a little soft and much prefer the sport setting - but really don't need to be driving with the sport engine mapping on a daily basis.

I have my Sport setting configured for damping only (also includes steering feel). So one push of the button firms up the damping.

Another push of the button goes to Sport+ - transmission, engine and steering adjusted for sport, DTC turned off.

D.

[k44ENT]

Thanks again for all the views and comments. I've ammended the order to include it. Has anyone had any issues with the adaptive damped cars? I heard of a few early cars with knocking noises but nothing recently.