Discussion
The M Sport has different, stiffer suspension and it is noticable, although not by a massive amount. A lot is also dependent on tyre size as runflats have very stiff sidewalls so smaller wheels with higher profile tyres tend to have a softer, more compliant ride than ones on larger rims/lower profile tyres.
Also dont get M Sport and Sport mixed up, they're two (actually three) different models. The old 2005-2006 era Sport was the original sporty flagship but with fairly crude suspension which apparently was the standard suspension with shorter springs, alongside the SE which was the slightly softer, more luxurious option. Then in late 2005 the M Sport spec arrived as the new flagship, with better suspension, the bodykit and a few extras inside, and after several months the old Sport was removed from the range. Then in about 2008 the Sport model designation was used again but from what I understand it was simply a base ES model with a few extras added but I dont think there was any mechanical changes such as suspension.
Also dont get M Sport and Sport mixed up, they're two (actually three) different models. The old 2005-2006 era Sport was the original sporty flagship but with fairly crude suspension which apparently was the standard suspension with shorter springs, alongside the SE which was the slightly softer, more luxurious option. Then in late 2005 the M Sport spec arrived as the new flagship, with better suspension, the bodykit and a few extras inside, and after several months the old Sport was removed from the range. Then in about 2008 the Sport model designation was used again but from what I understand it was simply a base ES model with a few extras added but I dont think there was any mechanical changes such as suspension.
Edited by LocoBlade on Wednesday 21st December 12:42
LocoBlade said:
The M Sport has different, stiffer suspension and it is noticable, although not by a massive amount. A lot is also dependent on tyre size as runflats have very stiff sidewalls so smaller wheels with higher profile tyres tend to have a softer, more compliant ride than ones on larger rims/lower profile tyres.
Also dont get M Sport and Sport mixed up, they're two (actually three) different models. The old 2005-2006 era Sport was the original sporty flagship but with fairly crude suspension which apparently was the standard suspension with shorter springs, alongside the SE which was the slightly softer, more luxurious option. Then in late 2005 the M Sport spec arrived as the new flagship, with better suspension, the bodykit and a few extras inside, and after several months the old Sport was removed from the range. Then in about 2008 the Sport model designatiobn was used again but from what I understand it was simply a base S model with a few extras added but I dont think there was any mechanical changes such as suspension.
Thanks for that.Also dont get M Sport and Sport mixed up, they're two (actually three) different models. The old 2005-2006 era Sport was the original sporty flagship but with fairly crude suspension which apparently was the standard suspension with shorter springs, alongside the SE which was the slightly softer, more luxurious option. Then in late 2005 the M Sport spec arrived as the new flagship, with better suspension, the bodykit and a few extras inside, and after several months the old Sport was removed from the range. Then in about 2008 the Sport model designatiobn was used again but from what I understand it was simply a base S model with a few extras added but I dont think there was any mechanical changes such as suspension.
The reason I'm asking is because I had a 120D ES as a courtesy car, obviously there weren't too many options on it but I couldn't really get used to the ride. I always try changing gear as smoothly as possible but no matter what I tried, it always felt a little jerky...
Also I didn't feel as confident chucking the car into bends, there wasn't as much feel as what I have in my own car. From what you say though and from what I already thought, the M-Sport suspension may help with that...
I like the styling of the 1 Series M-Sport but I just wasn't convinced by the drive. I've recently started considering getting one again though and wonder if I passed judgement on the whole range a little too quickly.
I think if I was to get one, it would be a 120D M-Sport or 123D M-Sport Hatchback.
Ive got a 123d M Sport and it handles really well, I got rid of the runflats not long after I got it which does loose you a bit of turn-in sharpness, but theres more grip, more compliance and a much nicer ride without them, whilst still retaining the 18" alloys. If you've read Evo this month then you'll have read what they thought of it as it was my car they used in the article.
BTW the newer Sport is based on the ES like you drove, not S as I originally said (which doesnt exist I dont think!)
BTW the newer Sport is based on the ES like you drove, not S as I originally said (which doesnt exist I dont think!)
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