F31 335d XDrive Handling

[JNW1]

ds666 said:

However bmw chose to offer the car with adaptive suspension to offer people a choice and it is likely that bmw expect enthusiasts to give that that option due consideration prior to purchase, isn't it ? And tick the box?

Only thing I'd say on that is when I ordered mine neither the salesman nor the dealership "Product Genius" were aware that M-Sport X-Drives didn't come with Sport suspension and it was only when I drew their attention to the small print in the brochure that they realised that was the case. However, I only knew M-Sport X-Drives came with SE suspension because of what I'd read on the internet and, as has been pointed out, only a minority of purchasers frequent forums like Pistonheads or F30Post. I'm therefore not sure the average buyer was necessarily in a position to make an informed decision so probably just as well people like ACS and Birds offer a solution for those that weren't aware of the situation and failed to tick the adaptive suspension box!

[Osinjak]

JNW1 said:

I therefore understand completely why you and others are happy with LCI/Adaptive cars, the only point I'm making is they're not standard (adaptive is an option) and are a long way removed from a standard (passive) pre-LCI.

Fair point. Ironically, I ensured that I ticked Adaptive given the horror stories I'd read on the internet..!

[ratty6464]

Had the ACS springs fitted. Made more difference than I was expecting - the car stays a lot flatter, doesn't dive under braking and holds the line well under fast sweepers.

Before I was always putting the suspension in sport to firm things up, but now it's fine in comfort with the floating sensation gone.
Would thoroughly recommend the springs and Rossiters that are a pleasure to deal with.

[JNW1]

ratty6464 said:

Had the ACS springs fitted. Made more difference than I was expecting - the car stays a lot flatter, doesn't dive under braking and holds the line well under fast sweepers.

Before I was always putting the suspension in sport to firm things up, but now it's fine in comfort with the floating sensation gone.
Would thoroughly recommend the springs and Rossiters that are a pleasure to deal with.

I was certainly one of those that said adaptive was a must have option on the F3x 335d but on reflection I wonder if I was right? I've never driven one but from what I've heard and read I can't help but think that a passive car with ACS springs may actually be better than an adaptive car without; perhaps adaptive with the springs is better still but faced with a choice of one or the other I think I'd be inclined to go for the ACS springs in preference to the adaptive suspension....

[335d]

JNW1 said:

I was certainly one of those that said adaptive was a must have option on the F3x 335d but on reflection I wonder if I was right? I've never driven one but from what I've heard and read I can't help but think that a passive car with ACS springs may actually be better than an adaptive car without; perhaps adaptive with the springs is better still but faced with a choice of one or the other I think I'd be inclined to go for the ACS springs in preference to the adaptive suspension....

I am very impressed by my current car (with adaptive dampers and ACS springs) but if I was ordering a new 335d today, I would probably go for passive suspension, and get both springs and dampers replaced by ACS. In fact I would do the same for an F30 with M Sport suspension such as a 340i, and probably most other BMWs.

My current set up is significantly better than the factory M Sport suspension, and I imagine that better dampers would improve it further. I do find it very disappointing that for the sake of probably just a few pounds, BMW could have sold F30 owners a far more enjoyable car to drive, and saved us the trouble and expense of modifying the car. Perhaps this was intentional to keep sufficient distance between the F30 and M3?

[DocSteve]

JNW1 said:

I was certainly one of those that said adaptive was a must have option on the F3x 335d but on reflection I wonder if I was right? I've never driven one but from what I've heard and read I can't help but think that a passive car with ACS springs may actually be better than an adaptive car without; perhaps adaptive with the springs is better still but faced with a choice of one or the other I think I'd be inclined to go for the ACS springs in preference to the adaptive suspension....

I have a LCI touring without adaptive suspension but have installed the ACS springs and have test driven a LCI car with adaptive suspension. I didn't really have enough time to fully evaluate the car on the test drive but I would still be inclined to say that the standard suspension with ACS springs is the better option (and cheaper).

This thread appears to have become a bit OTT at points. The car, out of the box albeit LCI, with RFTs and standard suspension was not exactly terrible in the handling stakes but for a keen driver merited some aftermarket improvements, which are not that expensive for those that wish to do it - cheaper than a few silly options that many will tick which won't add anything to the resale value, to put it into perspective. In my view, the most ridiculous thing BMW do to spoil most of their range is to supply the cars with runflats.

[JNW1]

DocSteve said:

I have a LCI touring without adaptive suspension but have installed the ACS springs and have test driven a LCI car with adaptive suspension. I didn't really have enough time to fully evaluate the car on the test drive but I would still be inclined to say that the standard suspension with ACS springs is the better option (and cheaper).

This thread appears to have become a bit OTT at points. The car, out of the box albeit LCI, with RFTs and standard suspension was not exactly terrible in the handling stakes but for a keen driver merited some aftermarket improvements, which are not that expensive for those that wish to do it - cheaper than a few silly options that many will tick which won't add anything to the resale value, to put it into perspective. In my view, the most ridiculous thing BMW do to spoil most of their range is to supply the cars with runflats.

Agree with much of that although from what I understand you're doing well to get ACS springs fitted for less than the cost of adaptive suspension; one or two places will do it for around £500 all-in but most seem to be quoting rather more than that! However, your point is absolutely right when you say the springs aren't expensive compared to a number of the options which contribute nothing to dynamics (or resale value!) but which many of us are happy to choose (memory seats, panoramic roof, etc). I suppose my disappointment on the suspension front is that BMW could easily fit the equivalent of ACS springs as standard without increased cost to them and, given the ride quality is apparently no worse, that would keep all customers happy rather than pushing some to fit after-market mods...

[ratty6464]

JNW1 said:

I was certainly one of those that said adaptive was a must have option on the F3x 335d but on reflection I wonder if I was right? I've never driven one but from what I've heard and read I can't help but think that a passive car with ACS springs may actually be better than an adaptive car without; perhaps adaptive with the springs is better still but faced with a choice of one or the other I think I'd be inclined to go for the ACS springs in preference to the adaptive suspension....

I've not driven a car with standard dampers on ACS springs so can't comment on that. But I don't find the adaptive particularly impressive - comfort is too soft and sport is slightly too stiff - no idea what sport plus does but it doesn't seem tochange much if at all. What would be better would be a "right" setting.
On the e92 it had "normal" in between comfort and sport on the constantly variable adaptive and that was great and it just stayed in that.

I think choosing the cheapest option then swapping it for the ACS RS kit is probably the best bet.

[JNW1]

ratty6464 said:

I've not driven a car with standard dampers on ACS springs so can't comment on that. But I don't find the adaptive particularly impressive - comfort is too soft and sport is slightly too stiff - no idea what sport plus does but it doesn't seem tochange much if at all. What would be better would be a "right" setting.
On the e92 it had "normal" in between comfort and sport on the constantly variable adaptive and that was great and it just stayed in that.

I think choosing the cheapest option then swapping it for the ACS RS kit is probably the best bet.

I certainly wouldn't describe adaptive in Sport mode as too stiff on my pre-LCI car! I'd actually say it's still a bit soft when you're really pushing on but as I don't drive like that very often I've thus far resisted the temptation to fit any after-market mods; however, knowing what I know now, if I was ordering again I think I wouldn't bother with adaptive and would instead spend the money on a set of ACS springs.

[ratty6464]

JNW1 said:

ratty6464 said:

I've not driven a car with standard dampers on ACS springs so can't comment on that. But I don't find the adaptive particularly impressive - comfort is too soft and sport is slightly too stiff - no idea what sport plus does but it doesn't seem tochange much if at all. What would be better would be a "right" setting.
On the e92 it had "normal" in between comfort and sport on the constantly variable adaptive and that was great and it just stayed in that.

I think choosing the cheapest option then swapping it for the ACS RS kit is probably the best bet.

I certainly wouldn't describe adaptive in Sport mode as too stiff on my pre-LCI car! I'd actually say it's still a bit soft when you're really pushing on but as I don't drive like that very often I've thus far resisted the temptation to fit any after-market mods; however, knowing what I know now, if I was ordering again I think I wouldn't bother with adaptive and would instead spend the money on a set of ACS springs.

It's the springs that are soft not the dampers - ACS springs sort it right out so comfort generally works well. It's in the detail though and not obvious at first

Edited by ratty6464 on Thursday 1st September 21:13

[smashy]

ratty6464 said:

JNW1 said:

I was certainly one of those that said adaptive was a must have option on the F3x 335d but on reflection I wonder if I was right? I've never driven one but from what I've heard and read I can't help but think that a passive car with ACS springs may actually be better than an adaptive car without; perhaps adaptive with the springs is better still but faced with a choice of one or the other I think I'd be inclined to go for the ACS springs in preference to the adaptive suspension....

I've not driven a car with standard dampers on ACS springs so can't comment on that. But I don't find the adaptive particularly impressive - comfort is too soft and sport is slightly too stiff - no idea what sport plus does but it doesn't seem tochange much if at all. What would be better would be a "right" setting.
On the e92 it had "normal" in between comfort and sport on the constantly variable adaptive and that was great and it just stayed in that.

I think choosing the cheapest option then swapping it for the ACS RS kit is probably the best bet.

That is interesting ....your quote " But I don't find the adaptive particularly impressive - comfort is too soft and sport is slightly too stiff" ....saw a youtube roadtest of an Alpina D3 and the reviewer (I know he was well known cant remember who) said the sweet spot would have been between comfort and sport and just like you comfort too soft sport too stiff

[Leithen]

Thinking about taking the plunge into a new 335d xDrive Touring. Are there any concerns with warranty issues if the springs are changed?

[DocSteve]

Leithen said:

Thinking about taking the plunge into a new 335d xDrive Touring. Are there any concerns with warranty issues if the springs are changed?

Not really, no. ACS provide a warranty for the springs and BMW cannot invalidate the warranty for the rest of the car and its components simply because you have changed the springs.

[Leithen]

DocSteve said:

Leithen said:

Thinking about taking the plunge into a new 335d xDrive Touring. Are there any concerns with warranty issues if the springs are changed?

Not really, no. ACS provide a warranty for the springs and BMW cannot invalidate the warranty for the rest of the car and its components simply because you have changed the springs.

That's good to know. Now to decide whether to go adaptive or not...

[Wills2]

wakaday said:

I prefer 4wd so I don't need to slow down much in the wet.

But 4WD gives no better braking performance or cornering grip, so you must be well below the threshold meaning you won't need to slow down in RWD car.

[V10M5talbs]

I have a 2016 335d xdrive M sport LCI on 18's with factory bridgestone run flats with adaptive suspension. Anyone noticed a bit of tramlining? Nothing like my old E92 335d of course but tramlining none the less.....

Also, i was 'pressing on' on the motorway in comfort mode a few weeks ago, cought a side wind and it scared me quite a bit?? Maybe it's the fact I'm not 24 anymore and nowhere near as brave and stupid...... Maybe ACS springs would be a good idea.....

Would love some opinions from like minded F31 (or F30) LCI owners.....

Only done 6000 miles in the car, should I swap the runflats (when they're ready) for non runflats like i did on my E92? pretty much completely cured the tramlining issues.....

Love the car overall BTW.

Spec - Mineral grey, HK, Pro media plus - HUD is awesome!!, heated seats and steering wheel, adaptive, sun pro glass, high beam assistant, folding and anti dazzle mirrors.

Edited by V10M5talbs on Thursday 10th November 19:30

[Kawasicki]

Do the ACS springs lower the car?

[smashy]

Yes they do lower ,a good thread here Lorcan on here is the head honcho at Rossiters ACS dept http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=...

Edited by smashy on Thursday 10th November 22:51

Edited by smashy on Friday 18th November 14:11

[V10M5talbs]

Does anybody know of anywhere that runs a demonstrator LCI 335d with the ACS springs? Preferably touring, preferably with adaptive suspension and preferably running on 18’’ rims, I don’t want much hey lol.

[Kawasicki]

smashy said:

Yes they do lower ,a good thread here Lorcan on here is the head honcho at Rossiters ACS dept http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=...

Edited by smashy on Thursday 10th November 22:51

Edited by smashy on Friday 18th November 14:11

Is the new ride height coded to the damper ECU?