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      11-06-2017, 07:58 AM   #1
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Ride quality

Thinking about buying a 2018 x3 for my wife. Will the X3 M40i with adaptive suspension ride smoothly enough in the comfort setting or should I get her the X3 xDrive30i?

I own a 2015 F80 M3 without the adaptive suspension and heard that it is set up as kind of a compromise between comfort and sport+. How soft is comfort is the underlying question here.
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      11-06-2017, 07:38 PM   #2
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From the reviews, the M40i is more plush than the F25 msport and the 30i is even more comfortable....depends on the trade off you are looking.

Also want to hear actual owners views.
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      11-06-2017, 08:03 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by X4guy View Post
From the reviews, the M40i is more plush than the F25 msport and the 30i is even more comfortable....depends on the trade off you are looking.

Also want to hear actual owners views.
I don't think the interior specs are that different between the 30i and M40i, with biggest difference being the 6 cyl vs 4 cyl engine and more cosmetic stuff.

Only spent an hour in my M40i so far on the drive home from the dealer and my focus was spread across many of the features. I, too, was worried about comfort, coming from a Lexus, so spec'ed out the M40i with Adaptive suspension and kept the 19 inch wheels. I'll comment further as I get more drive time, but initial impression was that there was little, if any, comfort difference with my Lexus.

I'll try to do some more detailed evals on how noticeable the different settings are.
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      11-07-2017, 01:09 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bwcooper View Post
I don't think the interior specs are that different between the 30i and M40i, with biggest difference being the 6 cyl vs 4 cyl engine and more cosmetic stuff.

Only spent an hour in my M40i so far on the drive home from the dealer and my focus was spread across many of the features. I, too, was worried about comfort, coming from a Lexus, so spec'ed out the M40i with Adaptive suspension and kept the 19 inch wheels. I'll comment further as I get more drive time, but initial impression was that there was little, if any, comfort difference with my Lexus.

I'll try to do some more detailed evals on how noticeable the different settings are.
the M40i with adaptive dampers are as cushy as the Lexus, wow! Happy to hear that, i have decided i don't want another firm suspension like the sport suspension in my car.
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      11-07-2017, 08:37 AM   #5
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I own a 2016 F82 M4 with M Adaptive suspension and a 2017 F15 X5 with standard suspension. I got to drive the M40i and 30i at Steamboat Springs a few weeks ago; here is the link to my post on that experience:
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1432572

I found the ride quality in both to be much better than the previous X3 generation. We bought the X5 because of the ride and overall nicer interior available. Good chance we would have went with this generation of X3 over our current X5 had it been available.

Off road, the 30i rolled nicely over the rocks and ruts in the muddy trail we were on. It definitely took the sharpness out of the bumps, I would not say it floated, but only because it felt firm and planted. I guess the best way to describe the feel was that it averaged or clipped the suspension movements so that you did not feel the extremes.

As far as the M40i Adaptive suspension, we only drove these on the street and I would say that even in Sport+, it was as compliant as the X5. I think you would have to spend much more time in the M40i and 30i on a variety of surfaces to really get a feel for the differences. In my M4, I can really tell the difference between Comfort and Sport+, but those just riding with me swear its just as firm in either setting. Its subtle, but at higher speeds and more aggressive driving, a major difference. I would expect the same would be true for the G01 Adaptive M suspension.
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      11-07-2017, 09:30 AM   #6
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Every automaker has its own views on noise vibration and hardness. In my experience (15 BMW's in my family over the years), BMW strives to provide feedback through the suspension and steering, good contact with the road and harmonious sound.

I was concerned that my E39 540 would be too hard compared to my E39 328. I was assured that it would be stiffer but that I would not feel that my fillings were coming loose.

Even my E92 M3 with EDC is not jarring in comfort mode. I would even say that with the dampers at the stiffest setting it is still more comfortable than a Mustang GT.

These are luxury cars not race cars. Some (like my 335 GT are a bit too soft for my liking). Others like my old E70 X5 4.8 with adaptive suspension are mind blowing - comfortable on the highway, yet flat on curves to the point where I felt that it performed almost as well as my Z4.

So I would not be concerned about how smooth the ride will be in the X3 M40i.
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      11-10-2017, 07:21 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by X4guy View Post
the M40i with adaptive dampers are as cushy as the Lexus, wow! Happy to hear that, i have decided i don't want another firm suspension like the sport suspension in my car.
So, after a bit more wheel time and on some poorer roads around here, I'll have to admit that I do indeed find the BMW X3 ride a bit more firm than the one in my Lexus RX350. I can definitely feel the bumps in the roads more than I did before. However, the car is so much more responsive, especially in Sport mode.

Biggest problem is balancing between desire to take advantage of its energy and my nervousness re driving a brand new car in some of the traffic around here. Kind of like watching your 4 year old play his first soccer match. Go!, Go!, Go!, but don't get hurt!!!
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      11-10-2017, 07:42 PM   #8
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Thanks for all the inputs everyone. We drove an M40i today and even with the low profile 20" runflats it was acceptable to the wife. We placed our order but will be sticking with the 19's.
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      11-10-2017, 09:20 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bwcooper View Post
So, after a bit more wheel time and on some poorer roads around here, I'll have to admit that I do indeed find the BMW X3 ride a bit more firm than the one in my Lexus RX350. I can definitely feel the bumps in the roads more than I did before. However, the car is so much more responsive, especially in Sport mode.

Biggest problem is balancing between desire to take advantage of its energy and my nervousness re driving a brand new car in some of the traffic around here. Kind of like watching your 4 year old play his first soccer match. Go!, Go!, Go!, but don't get hurt!!!
Am sure if you removed the rft, it will be smoother.
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      11-11-2017, 07:39 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by X4guy View Post
Am sure if you removed the rft, it will be smoother.
I might do that when I have to buy new tires in a couple years. That's one of the main reasons I went with the compact spare option.
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      12-16-2017, 11:25 PM   #11
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5 percent front 8percent rear stiffer on M40 version

Quote:
Originally Posted by bwcooper View Post
I don't think the interior specs are that different between the 30i and M40i, with biggest difference being the 6 cyl vs 4 cyl engine and more cosmetic stuff.

Only spent an hour in my M40i so far on the drive home from the dealer and my focus was spread across many of the features. I, too, was worried about comfort, coming from a Lexus, so spec'ed out the M40i with Adaptive suspension and kept the 19 inch wheels. I'll comment further as I get more drive time, but initial impression was that there was little, if any, comfort difference with my Lexus.

I'll try to do some more detailed evals on how noticeable the different settings are.
Here is what Motor Trend article says about stiffer suspension.....”The M40is we drove in Portugal all rolled on the same top-end wheel and tire combination fitted to our xDrive 30d tester. With spring rates that are effectively 5 percent stiffer up front, 8 percent stiffer at the rear, and that have stiffer stabilizer bars, the ride proved noticeably busier, with a lot more vertical motion transmitted through the cabin. Even so, the M40i felt nowhere near as brittle as the previous-generation X3 did on big wheels and tires.”
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      12-17-2017, 05:19 AM   #12
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I drove an X3 20d with non adaptive and it was very very compliant in Ride. If anything a little less sporty than I was thinking it might be, however it was on the stock 19s.

OP I'd suggest zero ride problems for your wife on adaptive. Press that trigger
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      01-04-2018, 04:53 PM   #13
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Hi Guys,

Any recent updates on the ride qualities of your M40i s?

I posted the following earlier before I found this thread.

Apologies to "BobBass".

Hello All,

I'm in a quandary ??

Presently own a 2016 base coupe RWD 6MT with Park Assist and heated seats, 36,000 miles up here in cold snowy NH

I absolutely have loved the car but after 2 years and all the spontaneous grand kid pick ups I really need a 4 door vehicle.

I was initially considering moving up to a 2018 340i 6MT...+- $55,000...but took one for a spin with xdrive. Nice car, a bit faster, louder and smoother than the N20 228 coupe...but for the money..... the 3 series is kinda "old technology" and the car really isn't that much bigger "people wise" than the 2 door. And..being 5'8" I have to have the seat forward quite a bit to work the clutch...makes swinging out of the 228 or the 340 a bit of work..........I "might" consider a 330i 6MT RWD as a compromise $$ wise.


so I'm back to the drawing board of deciding to make a "switch" to the 2018 X3 line and giving up the "6MT stick". This vehicle is/will be my daily driver.

I have a new ML 350 GLE as a 2nd vehicle so the thoughts of "buying another SUV" is not making me feel warm and fuzzy.

Without test driving the M40i "has gotten my attebtion". Big enough, not too small, fast and has most all my important "options" to me as standard. I'm just afraid I'd get bored with the ZF8speed auto and the M40i will ride harsh even in eco or comfort mode.

I' really like the new x3s. Have not test driven one yet. Plenty of X3 30is to test drive but no M40i's yet at my dealership. They have four in the build process that could be configured any way but won't arrive for four more weeks or so. No big rush.

I priced out a X3 30i with most of the bells and whistles of the M40i...I figure $49,900 with dealer discount.....the M40i would be $58,300 net with discount.

The 30i is configured with ZDH Dynamic handling package. The M40 would have Adaptive M Suspension and the "standard M suspension" whatever the hell that means in terms of ride quality.

Both vehicles are configured with "non runflat option" and spare tire and trailer hitch.

My concern is the X3 M40i "riding like a buckboard" compared to the X3 30i and of course compared to a 3 series sedans and compared to my 228i

My little 228i coupe has factory Pirelli P7 runflats....hard as rocks in the cold and now really hard with 36,000 miles on them... That being said....I like the ride of my 228i base coupe. No complaints.

What are your thoughts on the "harshness" of the M40i ride with 19" non runflats ????

I've watched every 2018 X3 video, 30i and M40i

Cant find a test drive local to me with the M40i

Opinions ????

I "really love my 6MT stick and clutch.....dam the compromises.
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      01-04-2018, 05:23 PM   #14
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We ended up ordering the M40i with adaptive suspension and 19-in wheels. The wife is very happy with the ride quality The extra sidewall of the tire eats up the potholes, even with the runflats. We did the Performance Center Delivery and the M40i was a blast to drive on the race track. It was very flat through the slaloms with the suspension on Sport mode and I was able to catch a customer driving a 440i Coupe. With 0-60 and quarter mile specs almost identical to my 2006 Corvette this is an amazing vehicle.
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      01-04-2018, 05:28 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by schmitzna View Post
Thinking about buying a 2018 x3 for my wife. Will the X3 M40i with adaptive suspension ride smoothly enough in the comfort setting or should I get her the X3 xDrive30i?

I own a 2015 F80 M3 without the adaptive suspension and heard that it is set up as kind of a compromise between comfort and sport+. How soft is comfort is the underlying question here.
I too have a M3 with passive suspension plus 19s and I think the 30i is well controlled but a bit soft. I'm sure others may have tested both the 30i and M40i and will be able to comment but my guess is a M40i with adaptive dampers and 19s will be controlled and softer than a passive M3.
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      01-04-2018, 05:30 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by schmitzna View Post
We ended up ordering the M40i with adaptive suspension and 19-in wheels. The wife is very happy with the ride quality The extra sidewall of the tire eats up the potholes, even with the runflats. We did the Performance Center Delivery and the M40i was a blast to drive on the race track. It was very flat through the slaloms with the suspension on Sport mode and I was able to catch a customer driving a 440i Coupe. With 0-60 and quarter mile specs almost identical to my 2006 Corvette this is an amazing vehicle.
That sounds awesome. Share some delivery pics with us and hopefully you will get a full factory tour.
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      01-04-2018, 05:52 PM   #17
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Quote:
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That sounds awesome. Share some delivery pics with us and hopefully you will get a full factory tour.
Factory tours were running.

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