E46 SE Suspension

[JLJ]

The suspension on my recently acquired 02 320 touring feels a little stiff over bumps. I checked with BMW to see if it had been spec'd with sports suspension, but it hasn't. There are no untoward noises, it just doesn't take the bumps as well as I'd have thought.

I've had a 911 (996) with and without sports suspension and to be honest, the BM rides about the same as a 911 on standard suspension.

I've owned a couple of E36's many years ago (coupe & cab) and they were similar in ride to my E46, surely an E46 SE should be quite good on the bumpy stuff?? And better than the E36 coup & cab? Is there a known fault with E46 ride quality?

One of my last cars was an old C class merc and the ride quality in the BM is no where near as good (though most other things in the BM are better)

I will getting back into a 911 (997) in the new year and want my family car to offer a contrast to my sports car, especially in terms of comfort.

In all I'm getting a little fed up with the little niggles on this car and am thinking of selling in favour of a similar year Merc estate.

[jonny996]

what size of rims are fitted, I came from 996 to E46 sport with 18" & ride was about the same

Edited by jonny996 on Monday 22 December 21:48

[JLJ]

standard 16inch rims fitted. Perhaps the suspension is just buggered?

[itiejim]

I'd have a look underneath it - 6 years have passed in which someone might have wanted to "upgrade" the suspension to something aftermarket.

I've got a 330D with sports supension and the 18" rims and the ride is quite reasonable - similar in many ways to my old 968 CS.

[JLJ]

It's on the original suspension and was owned from new by a lady with fbmwsh. It's probably just me.

I drove a 51 plate Passat SE this morning and the ride was better in the Passat

[E30M3SE]

JLJ said:

I drove a 51 plate Passat SE this morning and the ride was better in the Passat

That is perfectly plausible.