520 M Sport v 520d SE

[JohnRS4]

Am looking at getting a 2010 520d and just wanted some opinions from existing owners. Really like the looks of the M Sport but bit worried about the ride as to how well it can cope with bad road surfaces. Have read that Variable Damper Control (VDC) really helps but can't find any available with this option. Not really impressed with SE looks but wondered how much different the suspesion is to the M Sport. Unfortunately local BMW dealer doesnt have M Sport demo available at the moment so may have to look further afield.

[Neil.D]

The ride is firm - very firm owing to the run flats. The SE model takes the edge off it but as you are looking at a LCI (2007 onwards) the previous - almost unbearable - ride quailty issues were improved.

However, if youve got any idea about handling and car control - lose the run flats - they are awful. All the ride issues will be sorted.

[Pentoman]

On a similar but not identical note, don't BMW now offer the option of M sport spec with normal suspension on the new 5? Makes sense - at the end of the day the biggest appeal of M sport is the looks.

[JohnRS4]

Obviously I couldnt afford to ditch the run flats until they needed changing but assume you then need to carry a space saver wheel as a spare. What is BMWs attitude to this? Is there room in the boot for one? Like the idea of the M Sport without the sports suspension but guess that will be hard to find on a used car. Assume VDC will offer a similar ride in comfort mode even on an M Sport.