[BlockyZed]

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[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by ViperRad

Can you still adjust ride comfort without standard M Sports suspension (passive)?

I've specced Adaptive suspension currently on my F32/420D quote (with 19" wheels), based on the assumption that this will allow me to select comfort mode when I'm on a long/tiring journey to even out the bumps, and select a sportier harsher ride when I feel like it.

Is that logic correct?

I'm assuming with standard M Sport suspension, it's firmer ride without the ability to change?

Thanks

Yes you do need the adaptive suspension to get a comfort ride mode. The M-sport suspension (704) is simply a one setting 'passive' suspension as you rightly say.

HighlandPete

[bovino]

I have the same question because I've heard that the M-sport suspension is a sportier single-mode. We test drove a car that supposedly had the default M-sport and the driving dynamics mode selector indicated that it was changing suspension settings. I questioned the dealer asking if that car had adaptive and he said no. For whatever it is worth, the BMW website description states both versions utilize electronically controlled dampers.

I'm left with either my dealer didn't know what option was in the car (while the website is wrong) or,something changed in 2016 about this option. F36 in my case.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by bovino

I have the same question because I've heard that the M-sport suspension is a sportier single-mode. We test drove a car that supposedly had the default M-sport and the driving dynamics mode selector indicated that it was changing suspension settings. I questioned the dealer asking if that car had adaptive and he said no. For whatever it is worth, the BMW website description states both versions utilize electronically controlled dampers.

I'm left with either my dealer didn't know what option was in the car (while the website is wrong) or, something changed in 2016 about this option. F36 in my case.

M-sport suspension (option 704) has no active/configurable parts. If a car with 704 has the option to configure the chassis and/or drivetrain, the steering is the only function changing status on toggling the 'chassis' modes.

It is the option package which typically gives the configurable modes via iDrive. The SAT gearbox option (2TB) can in some models give the added configuration menu for chassis and/or drivetrain. Still only the steering which changes on the mode switch.

Here in the UK, Adaptive M-sport suspension (option 2VF) is the only option to get active damping. In other markets (like the US) there is the DHP package which combines Adaptive M-sport suspension (2VF) with VSS (2VL) giving the active suspension.

As to the actual suspension feel, remember the active suspension works on the principle of "soft where possible, firm when necessary", even within the different modes. So will feel different even to a similar passive suspension setting. Therefore there will be different user views on whether the active sport setting is softer or firmer than the passive sport suspension.

HighlandPete

[BlockyZed]

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[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by ViperRad

Thanks, really useful info.
Does that mean the suspension is reacting the road surface when in a selected mode. I.e in sport mode, what will happen if I go over a pot hole?

Thanks!

It works on the basis there is a damper characteristic curve map for each mode (Comfort & Sport). Continuously active, therefore there is not an uncontrolled 'passive' setting for each mode, both 'maps' are under Vertical Dynamics Control (VDC).

Take your pothole example, in theory the damping would be at the softer end of the damping curve as you drive a steady smooth road, you hit the pothole with the front wheel and therefore the impact should be less than a firmer passive setting. Also before the rear wheel hits the same hole the damping can be adjusted, softened even more if the sensors/software programming interpret that as the appropriate reaction.

As another example, a quick tug on the steering (like in an evasive manoeuvre) will firm up the appropriate dampers in milliseconds to assist in slowing load transfer, or under heavy braking the damping will firm up to assist with controlling brake dive.

HighlandPete

[bovino]

Thanks for the information. What is adding to the confusion is that this the description when you build a vehicle with M-Sport suspension online at BMWUSA.com:


"Technically advanced suspension system incporates electronically controlled dampers that adapt to the style of the drive and driving conditions. Slightly lowers the vehicle without sacrificing ride comfort."

[BlockyZed]

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[LMK5]

Originally Posted by bovino

Thanks for the information. What is adding to the confusion is that this the description when you build a vehicle with M-Sport suspension online at BMWUSA.com:


"Technically advanced suspension system incporates electronically controlled dampers that adapt to the style of the drive and driving conditions. Slightly lowers the vehicle without sacrificing ride comfort."

I have the base model and the following false information is direct from my manual (I underlined the relevant info.). Nowhere does it say "if so equipped" like all my other cars' manuals:

SPORT
Consistently sporty tuning of the suspension
and engine control for greater driving agility
with maximum driving stabilization.
The program can be configured to individual
specifications. The configuration is stored for
the remote control currently in use.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by LMK5

I have the base model and the following false information is direct from my manual (I underlined the relevant info.). Nowhere does it say "if so equipped" like all my other cars' manuals:

SPORT
Consistently sporty tuning of the suspension
and engine control for greater driving agility
with maximum driving stabilization.
The program can be configured to individual
specifications. The configuration is stored for
the remote control currently in use.

Are you sure?

US User Manual I'm looking at has the comment "depending on the equipment"... Makes all the difference.

HighlandPete

[LMK5]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Are you sure?

US User Manual I'm looking at has the comment "depending on the equipment"... Makes all the difference.

HighlandPete

Fair enough. I guess that was good enough for the lawyers, but it seems that most would assume by reading the manual that you don't need anything special in order for the suspension to be affected by the "SPORT" selection. As a matter of fact, there is nothing in the entire manual that mentions an adaptive suspension, or a sport suspension for that matter.

In all my other manuals, when a function is described that isn't standard, it says "if so equipped" or words to that effect next to it .

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by bovino

Thanks for the information. What is adding to the confusion is that this the description when you build a vehicle with M-Sport suspension online at BMWUSA.com:


"Technically advanced suspension system incporates electronically controlled dampers that adapt to the style of the drive and driving conditions. Slightly lowers the vehicle without sacrificing ride comfort."

The website is wrong. It's irritating, because it's been that way for a long time.

The naming of the suspensions doesn't help. The static 704 sport suspension is called the M Sport suspension and the adaptive suspension is called the Adaptive M suspension. The use of the "M" moniker mostly serves to make things confusing.

[bovino]

Given that the selector even says it makes a change...even more confusion. Could 2016 be different?

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by bovino

Given that the selector even says it makes a change...even more confusion. Could 2016 be different?

The only way you'll get the adaptive suspension is if the hardware is there. Best to check the actual specification using the VIN.

HighlandPete

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

The only way you'll get the adaptive suspension is if the hardware is there. Best to check the actual specification using the VIN.

HighlandPete

Or better yet, could look for pics on these forums of the damper, controller and wires and turn front wheel of the car to just look at the parts installed...

[BDWonder]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Or better yet, could look for pics on these forums of the damper, controller and wires and turn front wheel of the car to just look at the parts installed...

Yes!!! Where can i find these pics?

[N0Chill 335i]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

M-sport suspension (option 704) has no active/configurable parts. If a car with 704 has the option to configure the chassis and/or drivetrain, the steering is the only function changing status on toggling the 'chassis' modes.

It is the option package which typically gives the configurable modes via iDrive. The SAT gearbox option (2TB) can in some models give the added configuration menu for chassis and/or drivetrain. Still only the steering which changes on the mode switch.

Here in the UK, Adaptive M-sport suspension (option 2VF) is the only option to get active damping. In other markets (like the US) there is the DHP package which combines Adaptive M-sport suspension (2VF) with VSS (2VL) giving the active suspension.

As to the actual suspension feel, remember the active suspension works on the principle of "soft where possible, firm when necessary", even within the different modes. So will feel different even to a similar passive suspension setting. Therefore there will be different user views on whether the active sport setting is softer or firmer than the passive sport suspension.

HighlandPete

I'm looking to get out of my e92 and into an F3X model in the coming months. I definitely have to have the M Sport model, but I've heard you cannot put coilovers on with the Dynamic Handling Package. Is this correct? If so I will want to avoid ordering that extra feature being that I want to install coilovers, correct? Thanks.

[goj]

Originally Posted by Forever Fly

I'm looking to get out of my e92 and into an F3X model in the coming months. I definitely have to have the M Sport model, but I've heard you cannot put coilovers on with the Dynamic Handling Package. Is this correct? If so I will want to avoid ordering that extra feature being that I want to install coilovers, correct? Thanks.

Don't order the Track package or the stand alone adaptive suspension and you'll be fine.

[LastFrontierBimmer]

Originally Posted by LMK5

I have the base model and the following false information is direct from my manual (I underlined the relevant info.). Nowhere does it say "if so equipped" like all my other cars' manuals:

SPORT
Consistently sporty tuning of the suspension
and engine control for greater driving agility
with maximum driving stabilization.
The program can be configured to individual
specifications. The configuration is stored for
the remote control currently in use.

Originally Posted by LMK5

Fair enough. I guess that was good enough for the lawyers, but it seems that most would assume by reading the manual that you don't need anything special in order for the suspension to be affected by the "SPORT" selection. As a matter of fact, there is nothing in the entire manual that mentions an adaptive suspension, or a sport suspension for that matter.

In all my other manuals, when a function is described that isn't standard, it says "if so equipped" or words to that effect next to it .

Their language is indeed frustrating, in that it's almost meaningless given the wide array of configurations available. I interpret "Consistently sporty tuning of the suspension..." to mean it's static, i.e., it does not have Dynamic Damper Control, Electronic Damper Control or Adaptive M suspension. "Sporty" is merely fluff here, as in, "Trust us, it's a sporty ride."

The follow-on language, "...and engine control..." goes on to describe the fact that by pushing the "sport" button, you get different engine mapping and transmission shift points (presuming it's an automatic).

[N0Chill 335i]

Originally Posted by goj

Don't order the Track package or the stand alone adaptive suspension and you'll be fine.

But... I want those damn Brembros.

This is no good.

[goj]

Originally Posted by Forever Fly

But... I want those damn Brembros.

This is no good.

I know. It hurts. I ordered my 2016 without the blue m sport brakes to avoid the VSS and save a 1k (to get 19s and adaptive suspension w/o track pack) Fortunately even though the stock unpainted brembos don't look as good they still are beefy enough to fill the space inside/behind the 403m 19s I ordered

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by Forever Fly

I'm looking to get out of my e92 and into an F3X model in the coming months. I definitely have to have the M Sport model, but I've heard you cannot put coilovers on with the Dynamic Handling Package. Is this correct? If so I will want to avoid ordering that extra feature being that I want to install coilovers, correct? Thanks.

If you're doing coil-overs, then you'll be removing the OEM parts.
The worst that can happen is a warning light regarding the adaptive suspension of the car is equipped with DHP.