320td compact sport and ride quality

[planman]

Hello, my mum is thinking about buying a 2004 compact sport, but she has a history of back problems and therefore ride quality is important to her. Does anyone know if the sport variant of the compact has a noticeably harsher ride than the standard suspension model?

Any help appreciated.

Regards.

[niva441]

From my experience of the 1 series the BMW sport variants have an extremely unyielding ride, particularly if its got run flat tyres as well.

[Dino D]

DO NOT BUY ANY 'SPORT SUSPENDED' BEEMER IF YOU HAVE BACK PROBLEMS.

I've not driven the 320TD (I assume you mean the fugly e46 Compact, not the less fugly 1 series?). The e46 Compact is based on the same platform as my e46 330i sport with standard 18in wheels (i think or is it actually based on the e36?). The handling is great but the ride quality is crap.

She might also find the seat lack lumbar support. You better get her to test drive the car...unless you plan on getting her to pay for the car and then you end up using it lol!

Edit to add YES, teh difference between sport and SE spec suspension is massive. Also, avoid the low profile tyres. For ride comfort you want 15inch with a fat sidewall (55-60profile)although I think allot of those cars may well have 16's with 50-55 profile tyres.

Maybe you should look at a Golf MK4 for better ride quality-the wallow around like a house boat but are comfy...

Edited by Dino D on Friday 29th September 10:47

[Dino D]

Just wanted to add that if she has back problems avoid a low car...
Actually you really should be looking a Peugot 307 for a hatch with smoth ride and relatively high seating position. Fantastically smooth riding and easy to use cars but crap performance which Iasuum is not top of the list for your mother?

(Just in case you wondering I'm not a geriatric.....I just have a few old people in my family hence the knowledge on the subject....)

[StuB]

The 320td Compact E46 is a 4 star car according to EVO and I love mine. Ride quality is pretty good for a beemer IMHO, with the 16's and 55 profile tyres, but it's still more biased towards sporting that comfort.

Handling really is very impressive and massive gains from chipping as well.

[PJR]

Compacts ride well if they don't have the 18" wheels and sport suspension. 16/17" wheels, with regular suspension, and you'll be plenty comfortable enough.
I had a 325i Compact with 18's and the lowered sports suspension. It stuck to the road extremely well, but it was quite a jarring ride. Definitely not what I would call comfortable. It tramlined a lot as well.
Cheers, P

[planman]

Thanks for the advice chaps. It looks like its a non starter. Shame as I quite like the look of the sport. Thing is, if she wants a german compact then audis have a pretty harsh ride quality in my experience as well

[niva441]

Merc C class Sport Coupe?

That's what I'm running after getting fed up with the 120d ride (and lots of other faults).