Coby Wheel
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Go Back   BMW M3 and BMW M4 Forum > BMW F80 M3 / F82 M4 Technical Topics > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-24-2014, 12:16 PM   #1
JoeFromPA
Colonel
1791
Rep
2,995
Posts

Drives: '15 AW M3 6MT Stripper
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SE PA

iTrader: (0)

A question on ride comfort

Hi all,

As I've waited....and waited....and waited for the F80 m3 to come out, I've begun to consider my options.

My vehicle is going to be used for daily driving and MOSTLY highway. 15k-20k a year. I've also got a second child on the way.

I'm not super concerned with fuel economy, and I prefer a subtle yet present exhaust and engine note, but I do care about ride comfort nowadays.

I've read alot of owners of e9x m3's - who had come from an e90 335i - comment that the e9x m3 actually had a noticably nicer ride.

I was just looking for feedback on that to anticipate a bit about how BMW might tune their f80 m3. Was is because of the suspension? The run-flats/lack thereof? Etc.

Thanks in advance....

Joe
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 12:46 PM   #2
karussell
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
351
Rep
1,749
Posts

Drives: 4 wheels
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (1)

the runflat tires sure make a difference. they pass every single imperfection in the road directly to the suspension. the tires are a key part of a cars suspension.

The m3 was developed on the nurburging which is a rough road. its not a smooth track by any means. so i think it will be certainly smoother ride than a car with runflats on it. actually if you switch out runflats to a regular tire on a 335i it sorts it out quite nicely.
__________________
"It gave you amazing satisfaction, but anyone who says he loved it is either a liar or he wasn't going fast enough." - Jackie Stewart on racing at the Nurburgring
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 01:02 PM   #3
solstice
Major General
5457
Rep
7,037
Posts

Drives: 2015 M3 6MT
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (0)

My guess is that they'll keep it close to the E9X M3 in ride quality. It's likely they have updated adaptive dampers though with a wider range where I suspect the comfort mode is significantly softer than in the E9X if other F-series cars are any indication. So if your concern is too stiff/communicative I'd opt for the adaptive and I would be surprised if it's not compliant and smooth enough for most.
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 01:35 PM   #4
19x
Banned
19x's Avatar
United_States
460
Rep
471
Posts

Drives: 2021 M2C
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

iTrader: (1)

I can tell you from experience that every new generation of M3 was significantly more comfortable than the one it replaced.

Yes, the upgrades to suspension were definitely a contributing factor, but that's not all.

Chassis/frame refinements also contribute to more comfort, which is often overlooked.

No matter what suspension you opt for on the e36 M3, you will NEVER achieve the comfort of the e46 M3 with the same system and settings. Ask me how I know.

Same goes for e46 M3 to e92 M3. Except I think the jump in civility and comfort from e36 to e46 M3 was more pronounced.

Moreover, as someone already pointed out, tires make a huge difference. Michelin PSS is my tire of choice. Oh, and you'd have to point a gun to my head for me to ever buy runflats again.
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 01:44 PM   #5
JoeFromPA
Colonel
1791
Rep
2,995
Posts

Drives: '15 AW M3 6MT Stripper
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SE PA

iTrader: (0)

Thanks gents. I have seen the ride comfort from the e36 to e46 and I think it was a combination of a much better chassis, better interior materials (I think the e36 just increased NVH due to poor interior materials/build quality), and a longer wheelbase. I say this because I think the e46 m3 suspension was actually STIFFER than the e36.

That being said, it's interesting the notes on the comfort adaptive suspension setting and tires alone. Good points.
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 02:19 PM   #6
Dasm3nd
Private First Class
Dasm3nd's Avatar
29
Rep
124
Posts

Drives: 2015 YMB F80
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: North Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeFromPA
Hi all,

As I've waited....and waited....and waited for the F80 m3 to come out, I've begun to consider my options.

My vehicle is going to be used for daily driving and MOSTLY highway. 15k-20k a year. I've also got a second child on the way.

I'm not super concerned with fuel economy, and I prefer a subtle yet present exhaust and engine note, but I do care about ride comfort nowadays.

I've read alot of owners of e9x m3's - who had come from an e90 335i - comment that the e9x m3 actually had a noticably nicer ride.

I was just looking for feedback on that to anticipate a bit about how BMW might tune their f80 m3. Was is because of the suspension? The run-flats/lack thereof? Etc.

Thanks in advance....

Joe
Given the miles you are driving, are you leasing or purchasing? Finance or cash? I have same mileage dilemma and will likely purchase. Not sure which is best option.
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 02:50 PM   #7
stressdoc
Moderator
stressdoc's Avatar
Dominica
616
Rep
10,854
Posts

Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Waco TX

iTrader: (0)

Adaptive suspension = flexibility.
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 03:10 PM   #8
JoeFromPA
Colonel
1791
Rep
2,995
Posts

Drives: '15 AW M3 6MT Stripper
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SE PA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dasm3nd View Post
Given the miles you are driving, are you leasing or purchasing? Finance or cash? I have same mileage dilemma and will likely purchase. Not sure which is best option.
Seems like leasing these cars is pretty foolish given the lease terms and pricing near or at MSRP (compared to, say, an invoice priced 335i + incentives). $1000/month lease including tax in PA (9%) vs. say $1,085 or $1,100/month for traditional 60 month financing at attractive PenFed rates.

I plan on purchasing.
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 06:48 PM   #9
paddy335
Major
66
Rep
1,131
Posts

Drives: M140i;X5 40d
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New Zealand

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by camber View Post
Oh, and you'd have to point a gun to my head for me to ever buy runflats again.
Soft.
I would rather take the bullet.
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 08:13 PM   #10
dhoggm3
Major
dhoggm3's Avatar
United_States
269
Rep
1,281
Posts

Drives: 850i C, Gated R8 5.2, E63
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Central PA

iTrader: (1)

The early 335i Sport Package was way too stiff and rode like a buckboard. The runflats contributed to the rough experience, but the suspension was also oversprung. I think BMW received quite a few complaints about it. The E9XM3 does indeed ride a lot better.
__________________
M850i Vert with RaceChip
E46 M3, Euro Headers, Rasp Pipe, Kassel Tune
Alpina B8, zero performance mods
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 09:32 PM   #11
Money2536
Colonel
Money2536's Avatar
1584
Rep
2,148
Posts

Drives: '13 E92 M3 | 992 GT3 Touring
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: The Villages, FL

iTrader: (1)

I'm guessing the Adaptive Suspension option will be perfect for launching your car over those speed bump sized cracks on 202. Even lowered, my E92 was very comfortable except in Sport mode.
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 09:38 PM   #12
stressdoc
Moderator
stressdoc's Avatar
Dominica
616
Rep
10,854
Posts

Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Waco TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhoggm3 View Post
The early 335i Sport Package was way too stiff and rode like a buckboard. The runflats contributed to the rough experience, but the suspension was also oversprung. I think BMW received quite a few complaints about it. The E9XM3 does indeed ride a lot better.
Hmmm... Having a 335 week one build with ZSP, my fix was to dump the runflats and stiffen everything up further. I never thought the original ride was "buckboard" but the runflats seemed wooden. Regardless I expect a superb enthusiast suspension on the F8x. I don't want a Lexus.
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 09:51 PM   #13
M4TW
///M Uber Alles
M4TW's Avatar
Canada
329
Rep
1,601
Posts

Drives: '15 MW M4
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: GSA

iTrader: (1)

I found the seats to be comfortable for the short time I got to sit in them at the auto show if that helps. More to my liking, my elbows rested comfortably on the door sill and arm rest and there was a leather knee rest on the extended leather. It was a comfortable command cockpit all in all and one that I would like to try on a long haul.
__________________
die Welt ist meine Auster
2015 M4, MW, Black Full Merino, DCT, CCB, Adaptive M Suspension, Premium, Executive. Technology, ConnectedDrive, CF Trim, Convenience Telephony, European Delivery
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 09:52 PM   #14
stressdoc
Moderator
stressdoc's Avatar
Dominica
616
Rep
10,854
Posts

Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Waco TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by M4TW View Post
I found the seats to be comfortable for the short time I got to sit in them at the auto show if that helps. More to my liking, my elbows rested comfortably on the door sill and arm rest and there was a leather knee rest on the extended leather. It was a comfortable command cockpit all in all and one that I would like to try on a long haul.
How tall are you?
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 09:58 PM   #15
M4TW
///M Uber Alles
M4TW's Avatar
Canada
329
Rep
1,601
Posts

Drives: '15 MW M4
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: GSA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stressdoc View Post
How tall are you?
6' 2"
__________________
die Welt ist meine Auster
2015 M4, MW, Black Full Merino, DCT, CCB, Adaptive M Suspension, Premium, Executive. Technology, ConnectedDrive, CF Trim, Convenience Telephony, European Delivery
Appreciate 0
      03-25-2014, 08:22 AM   #16
JoeFromPA
Colonel
1791
Rep
2,995
Posts

Drives: '15 AW M3 6MT Stripper
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SE PA

iTrader: (0)

The last time I rode in a brand new e90 335i sport package, I found the ride very nice. But I've become a bit more of an old man since then too

My main observation is that many, many e90 owners who went from the 335i to the M3 commented about how the "sportier" m3 rode better. Now that may have been a comment about the adaptive suspension, the tires, or just the overall suspension being better dialed in.

I daily drive an e39 m5 lowered on dinan springs and probably semi-worn koni struts. For a 4000 pound sedan, handling is exceptional - but ride quality on long highway drives down 202 (like Money2536 intimated) and along the PA turnpike are a bit more tiring. I will say that this suspension setup may be a bit more track oriented than PA-road oriented though, and I may have been better off staying with BMW's superb stock suspension on this vehicle.
Appreciate 0
      03-25-2014, 10:49 AM   #17
JoeFromPA
Colonel
1791
Rep
2,995
Posts

Drives: '15 AW M3 6MT Stripper
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SE PA

iTrader: (0)

We have an e60 535xit for family hauling, but I expect to occasionally need to shepherd 1-2 kids. The f80 is the same size as my e39 m5 for all intents and purposes, so changing from my current ride to an f80 would basically be swapping for a 13 year newer model with all it's bells and whistles (albeit with a less plush interior).

My main concern is 2 hour drives and ride comfort, but it's not like I'm coming from some soft suspension'd system. I also simultaneously want tight and responsive steering, superb brakes, and instantaneous acceleration
Appreciate 0
      03-25-2014, 11:13 AM   #18
mkoesel
Moderator
United_States
7506
Rep
19,370
Posts

Drives: No BMW for now
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Canton, MI

iTrader: (1)

With admittedly no evidence or experience to back it up, I have a pretty strong feeling that an F80 M3 will provide a more comfortable ride than an E39 M5. A lot of progress has been made in suspension design and technology over the past fifteen years.
Appreciate 0
      03-25-2014, 11:42 AM   #19
Mr. Grumpy
BMW Enthusiast
Mr. Grumpy's Avatar
United_States
25
Rep
303
Posts

Drives: 2022 X5
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Home of the brave.

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by secretariat View Post
Below speed limit, if your wife drives an F150 pickup truck and you have two kids I guess your OK. i thought most consumers purchased an M3 to drive solo, not for a family hauler.
+1. I'm contemplating in buying the M4 and the wife already said the she will only seat in the car on date night. My wife drives the family car, which is an SUV.
__________________
2022 X5 sDrive 40i Carbon Black | Ivory White Vernasca Leather | Aluminum Tetragon Trim | ZMP | ZPP | ZLS | ZPK | 337 | 4NB | 3M2 | 4HB | 7M9 | Black Kidney Grills |
Appreciate 0
      03-25-2014, 11:50 AM   #20
JoeFromPA
Colonel
1791
Rep
2,995
Posts

Drives: '15 AW M3 6MT Stripper
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SE PA

iTrader: (0)

Heheh, my wife can't stand driving SUVs/disconnected cars/light steering. She wants a spacious wagon with sports car like acceleration/handling. The e60 was a big compromise for her - it's not manual transmission (she misses it) and it's a bit boatish, but compared to most SUVs it's quite good.
Appreciate 0
      03-25-2014, 01:06 PM   #21
Drift Master
First Lieutenant
Drift Master's Avatar
United_States
376
Rep
346
Posts

Drives: BMW M3
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: chicago

iTrader: (0)

I think you should get the adaptive suspension for sure. The tires are a big factor in the ride quality. There are many websites that will review tires and some do an excellent job at road noise and ride comfort so you can always get one of those and you should be set. Now it will never be a lexus or cadilac ride but should be pretty good. As regards to it being a family car i dont think this should be an issue. Just get one of those easily folded small strollers and you should be set. This is YOUR car and YOUR daily driver so it should do a great job at that task and do OK for other tasks. I am getting an M4 and i have a 3 years old that will ride in the back no issues forseen. Granted its a bit of a pain to strap her in the car seat but a sacrifice i am glad to make to be in an M4 as my Daily driver. I do have another family car so we can take it when we are traveling with a bunch of stuff.
Appreciate 0
      03-26-2014, 12:12 PM   #22
lux
First Lieutenant
66
Rep
390
Posts

Drives: 2023 G87 M2, 2011 E90 M3 Comp
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

I guess the m3 must be comfortable and safe for kids/families.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:52 PM.




f80post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST