Ride Difference Between 530i vs 540i

ShiftTab · 09-27-2020, 10:20 PM

I plan to test drive the 530i and 540i next weekend. I'm looking for a smooth/comfortable ride and would prefer a drive that is not so bumpy on the road (wife easily gets car sick).

Should I try a 340i as well? Or stick with the 530i and 540i?

Any other model recommendations?

AP · 09-27-2020, 11:49 PM

I guess in general terms you need to select one of the following

SE model
Msport that has msport suspension deleted and replaced with SE (not sure if that option was available in all markets and is probably a rare one anyway)
VDC which by default will be a softer ride (unless you configure accordingly)

VDC arguably gives you the most options

Haven't driven a 3 so don't know how it compare with a 5

540imlf · 10-06-2020, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShiftTab

I plan to test drive the 530i and 540i next weekend. I'm looking for a smooth/comfortable ride and would prefer a drive that is not so bumpy on the road (wife easily gets car sick).

Should I try a 340i as well? Or stick with the 530i and 540i?

Any other model recommendations?

I bought the 540i specifically for the ride, smoothest I have found in Comfort Mode. I have a bad back and this ride did it for me and in Sport Plus remains tolerable. I have never been in a 530i. FWIW.

Norris83 · 10-07-2020, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShiftTab

I plan to test drive the 530i and 540i next weekend. I'm looking for a smooth/comfortable ride and would prefer a drive that is not so bumpy on the road (wife easily gets car sick).

Should I try a 340i as well? Or stick with the 530i and 540i?

Any other model recommendations?

530i or 540i with Adaptive suspension will be the most comfortable.

Superjackson · 10-07-2020, 11:32 AM

I rented a 330i for a few weeks and it was actually very comfortable for my standards. Doesn't hurt to try the 340 since it is cheaper and does have its advantages of a more engaging drive when your wife isn't in the car.

tomppa · 10-30-2020, 02:42 PM

Been there, we had to abandon a deal with a SUV because of the car sickness.

I had a loaner 520D, non-M and it was nice and smooooth

Drove also several times G20 330e M-sport, which has very nice suspension, very precise and good, but not as comfortable as G30. Seems like the principal hasn't changed since previous generations: The smaller the car, the bumpier the ride.
Note, too soft ride can also cause car sickness! At the end of the day, it's how your wife feels it, you'll just need to go together to drive them and the 5 is a good starting point.

09-27-2020, 10:20 PM	#1
ShiftTab New Member 5 Rep 13 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Ride Difference Between 530i vs 540i I plan to test drive the 530i and 540i next weekend. I'm looking for a smooth/comfortable ride and would prefer a drive that is not so bumpy on the road (wife easily gets car sick). Should I try a 340i as well? Or stick with the 530i and 540i? Any other model recommendations?
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09-27-2020, 11:49 PM	#2
AP Major General 3375 Rep 5,654 Posts Drives: G30 M550 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I guess in general terms you need to select one of the following SE model Msport that has msport suspension deleted and replaced with SE (not sure if that option was available in all markets and is probably a rare one anyway) VDC which by default will be a softer ride (unless you configure accordingly) VDC arguably gives you the most options Haven't driven a 3 so don't know how it compare with a 5
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10-07-2020, 11:32 AM	#5
Superjackson Second Lieutenant 124 Rep 290 Posts Drives: M550i Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I rented a 330i for a few weeks and it was actually very comfortable for my standards. Doesn't hurt to try the 340 since it is cheaper and does have its advantages of a more engaging drive when your wife isn't in the car.
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10-30-2020, 02:42 PM	#6
tomppa Private First Class 16 Rep 113 Posts Drives: 6 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Belgium, Bxl iTrader: (1)	Been there, we had to abandon a deal with a SUV because of the car sickness. I had a loaner 520D, non-M and it was nice and smooooth Drove also several times G20 330e M-sport, which has very nice suspension, very precise and good, but not as comfortable as G30. Seems like the principal hasn't changed since previous generations: The smaller the car, the bumpier the ride. Note, too soft ride can also cause car sickness! At the end of the day, it's how your wife feels it, you'll just need to go together to drive them and the 5 is a good starting point.
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