[BMWbiker]

Originally Posted by hrf

I do not understand one thing, if you want to get small performance sport sedan why complaining on stiff suspension? If you are seeking for soft ride, there are BMW 5 series, Lexus, Mercedes, Cadillac with softer plush rides. I think BMW and Porsche suspensions are the best on the market with sport stiffness and compliant ride.

There is stiff, and then there is harsh.

I really liked my F31 328xi Touring with M-sport suspension—except for how harsh the suspension was. I wish it had had adaptive, but that’s how it was equipped. Oh well.

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by hrf

I do not understand one thing, if you want to get small performance sport sedan why complaining on stiff suspension?

Looks, size, price, utility, there are many factors why we choose 3/4 over 5, other brands, etc.

There is no complaining if you have the Adaptive M Suspension. Which is the point. It’s the best of both worlds. Stiff when wanted, comfortable when necessary, at the press of a button.

[jg4c]

Has anyone made a direct comparison between
the Adaptive M in a pre 2025 m340i vs a Grand Coupe?

Seems like more GC folks report the Adaptive is way
more comfortable in comfort.

Wonder if there is an actual difference, in how it
performs, and feels between the 2 models.

Is there a hardware difference, perhaps it’s
tuned differently and has a wider range between
comfort and sport?

[Lightngsvt]

Originally Posted by Giggler

This subject has been discussed ad nauseam if you use the search function. I have the passive suspension on my M340i (test drove both before buying), never once thought it was too harsh. It’s essentially a halfway compromise between the adaptive suspension’s softest and firmest setting. It’s obviously a stiffer ride, but the amount of hyperbole being used in this thread to make it seem as if the difference is night and day and that BMW must jack up the MSRP by $1000 and make it standard equipment is laughable. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and road conditions where you drive.

I have a 22 M340 (soon to be replaced) with standard suspension. When I test drove the car I found it on the hars end of comfortable for a daily. I replaced the runflat tires with non-runflats before taking delivery and it made a huge difference. The car is firm, but rides well. Im seriously considering adaptive suspension for my next car since Ive never had it, but I do not think it is necessary. And I live in MI.

[SLGrassoPA]

Non-run flats definitely help! Combine those tires with the Adaptive M -- and the M340 is almost as comfortable over rough roads as many larger - luxury cars. But the Adaptive can also be set to make it extremely sporty and aggressive.

Given the relatively low cost for such a drastically better suspension, it's a no-brainer in my opinion if you live anywhere that has some rough roads

[CGSNJ59]

FYI --

BMW NA has told dealerships (according to my sales person) that the Adaptive M Suspension will be factory - standard across the board in all M variants, including M340, starting in 2026.

It is already standard equipment in most BMW electric vehicles.

[koopa]

Crazy that this debate is still going on. I feel like anyone that has driven both can tell a difference and that only becomes more apparent if you live with either one. The M Sport Suspension (at least before 25) isn't just stiff. It's busy, it's a constant jostle, it's never at ease, and it crashes over every road imperfection. The adaptive suspension is still stiff but much more comfortable and composed. Standard tires can improve the base suspension but it doesn't do enough (maybe 18" wheels would help more). And this idea that the car should be stiff because it's a sports sedan kind of makes me wonder what people think a sports sedan is actually supposed to be. It's a compromise between a sports car and something more usable and comfort would be included in that. And even if that wasn't the case, my C7 Corvette with its standard suspension (not the magride) was miles ahead of the M340i's standard suspension. This is even more true in a C8

When I still had my M340i with the base suspension and got to drive a G80 M3 Competition for the first time, I was shocked by how much more comfortable that car was. It really made me question why BMW put the M Sport Suspension as standard in the M340i.

At the end of the day, suspension comfort is very subjective and every person has a different tolerance for ride quality. I would say though that the fact they made changes to the standard suspension in 25 (likely due to feedback from customers) and are allegedly making adaptive standard in 26 models says a lot.

[Lightngsvt]

I have zero complaints about my 22 w/standard suspension and non-runflat performance all seasons. But I was also very surprised when I test drive an M2, with the suspension in comfort I feel it rode better than my M340i. I think its good that BMW is making adaptive standard next year, a sports sedan should be a jack of all trades. With all that said, I am ordering adaptive on my 25, for $500 it sounds like a no-brainer.

[jackaleyess]

Thank god our 330i in local market are fitted with adaptive suspension as standard. Previously only standard on M340i. But M340i M sport Pro cost around USD 90k where I am from. Its really hard thinking before pulling the trigger.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by jg4c

Has anyone made a direct comparison between
the Adaptive M in a pre 2025 m340i vs a Grand Coupe?

Seems like more GC folks report the Adaptive is way
more comfortable in comfort.

Wonder if there is an actual difference, in how it
performs, and feels between the 2 models.

Is there a hardware difference, perhaps it’s
tuned differently and has a wider range between
comfort and sport?

Good question. The dimensions of the 3 and the 4 GC are different. My car (M440xi GC) in comfort feels akin to a 5 series. Very comfortable. I’ve had a ton of various generations of 3s and this car is way more comfortable and composed. But, also buttons up nicely in the sportier settings.

[MM70]

Originally Posted by Lightngsvt

I have zero complaints about my 22 w/standard suspension and non-runflat performance all seasons. But I was also very surprised when I test drive an M2, with the suspension in comfort I feel it rode better than my M340i. I think its good that BMW is making adaptive standard next year, a sports sedan should be a jack of all trades. With all that said, I am ordering adaptive on my 25, for $500 it sounds like a no-brainer.

Great decision. First time I've had it (2025 M440 GC) and not sure how I lived without it!

[Atomic_]

Comfort+ is the best