[gtsussex]

So today the car (and I) went up to sunny Norfolk to have the RS suspension fitted. I've been looking forward to this as I've become increasingly frustrated with the standard dampers. I don't doubt they could work much better if reprogrammed but as it is, I just found a combination of PSS tyres and ACS spring kit just confused the hell out of them in Sport mode. It was just unpleasant as the dampers tried to cope with the compliancy in the tyres that they clearly mistook for soft springing and thus abruptly capped the damping causing a most uncomfortable juddery ride. Never found it a problem on run-flats so it must just be down the the PSS having some compliancy in them.

So how is it now? 'Different' was the first text I dictated to Tengo as I headed back. 'Incredible car control' was the next. What did somewhat concern me was whether I could live with it all the time though. Absolutely no question, when pushing on, it takes the xDrive to a whole new level. No more uncontrolled movements either vertically or laterally - the car just feels so much more planted. I remember Gordon saying that fitting Bilsteins just brought out the best in his 330d and I can now understand what he meant.

BUT there was still the ride which on some of the crappy roads was a bit more than I was prepared for.

Thankfully Lorcan gave me a printout of the settings they use. The rebound was the same the whole way through for the 335d regardless of bump setting so no worries about that. Hard dry track is one click open on front and 3 on back. Wet track (and smooth road) is 4 clicks front, 6 on back. This is what it was set to. So I stopped at a petrol station and with a fumble under the car, I opened up all round another 2 clicks.

WOW! So now the car was riding bang in between Comfort and Sport settings this morning before springs were fitted (which anyone like Terry with that setup will tell you is about bang on). BUT an enthusiastic blat to my local watering hole on its bumpy crap road showed that I hadn't lost that much control by opening up the dampers and it was just joyous. The biggest compliment I can pay it is I've only bettered that kind of control in an Evora (and it now runs it close).

I've still got to play around as I might see whether tightening up one click is an ideal compromise and I also need to play with tyre pressures but I am one very happy chappy.

Okay so let's get onto looks. Whilst I'm not that bothered, I know it matters to some. It looks purposeful without looking slammed (which I most definitely didn't want).

So I'm a hugely happy bunny. Tengo - it's time to meet up! My huge thanks to Lorcan for the continuous supply of coffee and tea and for the ride in the Mini.

For those that are reading this wondering what the hell is actually wrong with the standard dampers but with ACS springs, don't worry - if you're happy then that's great - let's be honest, it is a HUGE improvement over the standard springs. But there is more to be unlocked for those that want it

[NISFAN]

It's a great feeling when a mod goes well......glad you are liking the improvement. You get to enjoy a whole new level of the same old car.

[Tengocity]

That's good to hear! I now understand why the messages went quiet... you were too busy having fun!

Yes indeed it will be interesting to meet and compare, though likely not very good for my wallet!

Myself and Cootie are planning a little meet in the Scottish Border tomorrow afternoon so hopefully someone else will be able to provide another opinion on how my car feels with it's various changes too.

[teaston]

Glad to hear you're happy with the new addition!

You say a setting inbetween comfort and sport is perfect, which is what standard non adaptive suspension is?

[Tengocity]

Ps. Is that Lorcan pulling off the tie and jeans look in the background?

Pps. How adjustable is the ride height from where it is now, and are you worried about the front splitter any more than before?

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by teaston

Glad to hear you're happy with the new addition!

You say a setting inbetween comfort and sport is perfect, which is what standard non adaptive suspension is?

For ride comfort I think Guy meant. I think it's in a different league for handling!

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

For ride comfort I think Guy meant. I think it's in a different league for handling!

Ah good point!

[....,,,,..,,..]

Excellent pleased it went well.

Could have done with that setup this week in Scotland, some fun back road driving.

Great looking setup.

[gtsussex]

Originally Posted by teaston

Ah good point!

Yes, what he said

[gtsussex]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Ps. Is that Lorcan pulling off the tie and jeans look in the background?

Pps. How adjustable is the ride height from where it is now, and are you worried about the front splitter any more than before?

Funnily enough the only time I've scraped the front splitter is on rebound from old suspension and hitting rise in road.

Done speed bumps on way back and was fine.

[Lorcan]

Thanks for the speedy review Guy. Always a pleasure to see you

[SkyJawa]

Sounds, and looks, great

[dopper99]

Glad it all went well Guy. Sounds a well sorted car now.

But for the icing on the cake, how about ARBs and a strut brace? Probably won't be a lot different to an M3 then.

[MarkWoods]

Sounds like the next step for me, Lorcan, I have the ACS springs, do I need the springs that come with the RS kit?

[Lorcan]

Yes the RS springs are different.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by Lorcan

Yes the RS springs are different.

Lorcan, can you find out what the difference in spring rates are between your normal springs and the RS ones?

[gtsussex]

I would say they are a fair amount stiffer.

So this morning I've had the chance to drive a bit more. Having dialed down dampers last night for my final trip, I felt the ride was more akin with old setup. Getting in the car fresh this morning, my brain expecting comfort mode - it's not there. Had to take my mum to the train station. Asked her and reply was it wasn't uncomfortable but it felt firm.

And I suppose that is the best way of describing the ride - it's firm but comfortable. It wouldn't be for everyone, especially those that embrace the comfort mode on their adaptive. But then I've also been on PSS for long enough now I've kind of forgotten how awful standard car is on runflats so perhaps it's not that bad! I'm hoping to do back to back with Chandlers 330d xDrive demo next week.

Anyway, on way back from station to office, I decided to do a detour. Two things come to mind. Firstly, sometimes I want to crack on but just am not in the mood for the steering stiffening up as it does in Sport mode. It's an absolute pleasure to just leave in Comfort and just press on.

I deliberately chose the worst lanes I could and there's no more clenching the wheel anticipating the next wince as the car runs out of ideas - it just flows in a way it never has. You could never call it a carpet ride but for the first time since having the car, it has a rhythm it's never had before.

I want to adjust things more over the next week and I'll then come back with my thoughts. It's definitely a large step further on from the ACS springs in many ways - for some it will be worth it - for others not. I suspect Terry's set up may well be the best 'in the middle' solution just building on the normal ACS setup and the ARB's hide more of the standard dampers misgivings.

Way I see it, there is plenty of choice now out there, dependant on your priorities.

[Tengocity]

It's just really great that folk are trying different things. After a while and a few swaps then hopefully we will have a collective forum consensus on what to do with your suspension depending on what your needs are as a driver and what your prepared to spend on it.

[Lorcan]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Lorcan, can you find out what the difference in spring rates are between your normal springs and the RS ones?

No, they don't publish everything. You can glean some information from the TUV certificates but not spring rates.

[Cootie]

Originally Posted by Lorcan

No, they don't publish everything. You can glean some information from the TUV certificates but not spring rates.

I suspect that will be a conscious decision - don't want to share the outputs of your R&D to allow a competitor to simply replicate your springs without having put in the same upfront investment...

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

It's just really great that folk are trying different things. After a while and a few swaps then hopefully we will have a collective forum consensus on what to do with your suspension depending on what your needs are as a driver and what your prepared to spend on it.

I sense from the way users are reporting the different changes, it is simply a case of moving the "compromises" to suit ride/handling taste.

Anyone thought of importing the Dinan springs and Shockware to keep and upgrade the adaptive function? Our friends in the US rate the Dinan package, including fitted to xDrive. Plus it keeps the ability to widen the working envelope on the fly with the suspension modes.

Some users in the US are saying it gives 3 modes, facts appear lacking and Dinan's description is too vague.

HighlandPete

[NISFAN]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

It's just really great that folk are trying different things. After a while and a few swaps then hopefully we will have a collective forum consensus on what to do with your suspension depending on what your needs are as a driver and what your prepared to spend on it.

Yes, it is good to see.....unfortunately each individual will have a different perspective as to what is the ultimate set up. To some standard is fine, others standard with ACS springs, others the whole hog.

I even have a problem with which settings on my Bilsteins, they are still on setting 10 after the How fast event....very stiff for general street driving, but so addictive on how they make the car feel. I will be turning them down to around 3-4 soon as that is the ultimate street comprise.
I should have bought the Bilstein PSS10 Ridecontrol, then I 'd be able to flick between a sporty comfort and hard core modes......next time!!!

Perhaps stiffer ARB's will allow me to set the damper rates down but still give that 'ultra taught' feel?????