[Mtl128_25]

Hi all!

I just got into a new lease for a 430xi 2024 from my 330xi 2020. I didn’t real’y test drive the car since I assumed its the same spec enginewise and M sport suspensions. However, the drive is totally different and unstable on the 430xi. I dont feel connected to the ground and the steering feels loose even though I have sport mode on. It goes right left really loosely and steering goes easily to any side depending of road imperfections. My steering on the 330xi was much more precise and heavy. The only difference is my 330xi had rft tires made by Bridgestone Turanza and the 430xi non rft by Michelin Pilot 4 sport. It really feels like a corolla drive on the 430xi. Am I dreaming or its really the case? Is it the Rfts? Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

[AlexC2er]

Originally Posted by Mtl128_25

Hi all!

I just got into a new lease for a 430xi 2024 from my 330xi 2020. I didn’t real’y test drive the car since I assumed its the same spec enginewise and M sport suspensions. However, the drive is totally different and unstable on the 430xi. I dont feel connected to the ground and the steering feels loose even though I have sport mode on. It goes right left really loosely and steering goes easily to any side depending of road imperfections. My steering on the 330xi was much more precise and heavy. The only difference is my 330xi had rft tires made by Bridgestone Turanza and the 430xi non rft by Michelin Pilot 4 sport. It really feels like a corolla drive on the 430xi. Am I dreaming or its really the case? Is it the Rfts? Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

It’s most likely the tires. First time I’ve heard someone prefer run flats. They’re harsher and do not provide more performance/grip. I think this is probably in your head. But ig you never know until you try it with the run flats on the 430

[Shaneartistry]

I have a 2024 M340i and know what you mean. It feels like the vehicle is floating a bit on the interstate. There’s another thread with someone else who feels the same way. I came from a G80 prior and chalked it up to the difference in tires and suspension. Interesting that other folks feel the same way though.

[Dan B]

When you say it feels like it is floating, are you referring to steering effort or more like you turn the wheel and it it is slow to respond?

I have a M440i xDrive PS4S' and the response is pretty much immediate at any speed. At highway speeds the car feels planted.

Also keep in mind, run flats have much stiffer sidewalls. There will be a difference in feel between the 2 tires. Maybe you are lucky enough to have a Niki Lauda ass that can feel these differences.

[brianeck]

Originally Posted by Shaneartistry

I have a 2024 M340i and know what you mean. It feels like the vehicle is floating a bit on the interstate. There’s another thread with someone else who feels the same way. I came from a G80 prior and chalked it up to the difference in tires and suspension. Interesting that other folks feel the same way though.

Coming from an m3 I would expect a 340 to feel a little floatier, it's a whole other platform entirely. From a 30 -> 30 there really has to be another factor as there aren't major spec differences across these years.

Tires are a HUGE component in steering feel, float, and responsiveness.

[blue_seather]

I recently took ownership of an M440iX Gran Coupe and coming from a Skoda(VW) which wasn't so driver-oriented, the first thing I noticed was how well and heavy did the car sit on the road. I would never, in a thousand years, describe the Skoda as being floaty before I sat in that BMW, so context makes a huge difference. Now, when I compare the BMW to any car I've driven before, it feels like the other cars are floating above ground and the tires are barely touching to asphalt.

I'm on 245/40/19 (front) and 255/40/19 (rear) Pirelli P Zero Sport tires by the way. My previous car was on 235/40/19 Bridgestone Potenza S001 sport tires all around. But I'm pretty sure this feeling comes more from the suspension difference and not the tires but who knows, maybe the tire width attributes to that as well.

[madpistol]

Originally Posted by Mtl128_25

Hi all!

I just got into a new lease for a 430xi 2024 from my 330xi 2020. I didn’t real’y test drive the car since I assumed its the same spec enginewise and M sport suspensions. However, the drive is totally different and unstable on the 430xi. I dont feel connected to the ground and the steering feels loose even though I have sport mode on. It goes right left really loosely and steering goes easily to any side depending of road imperfections. My steering on the 330xi was much more precise and heavy. The only difference is my 330xi had rft tires made by Bridgestone Turanza and the 430xi non rft by Michelin Pilot 4 sport. It really feels like a corolla drive on the 430xi. Am I dreaming or its really the case? Is it the Rfts? Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

I noticed that my old 2021 M340i steering felt heavy, and the suspension was very firm. My current 2022 M440i GC has much lighter steering, and the suspension is softer. However, I do not feel that my M440i GC is floaty. Quite the opposite, actually. I find that the car still feels very planted to the road but still very comfortable. I will say that I thought the steering in the M340i was better, but the comfort trade-off is more than worth it IMO.

Now, if you want floaty, the Lexus IS 500 that I had a brief stint with was definitely floaty. You could feel it on long stretches of highway and interstate. That thing literally felt like it was slightly bouncy. My M440i GC feels super composed and planted by comparison.

Originally Posted by blue_seather

I recently took ownership of an M440iX Gran Coupe and coming from a Skoda(VW) which wasn't so driver-oriented, the first thing I noticed was how well and heavy did the car sit on the road. I would never, in a thousand years, describe the Skoda as being floaty before I sat in that BMW, so context makes a huge difference. Now, when I compare the BMW to any car I've driven before, it feels like the other cars are floating above ground and the tires are barely touching to asphalt.

I'm on 245/40/19 (front) and 255/40/19 (rear) Pirelli P Zero Sport tires by the way. My previous car was on 235/40/19 Bridgestone Potenza S001 sport tires all around. But I'm pretty sure this feeling comes more from the suspension difference and not the tires but who knows, maybe the tire width attributes to that as well.

Precisely this. All previous cars I've had (except the 2015 Mazda 3 hatch) felt floaty compared to both BMWs I've had. The suspension setup my the M440i GC is literally perfection IMO.

[Shaneartistry]

I’d imagine tires are the biggest factor for me. The 225 square all seasons aren’t doing me any favors in that regard. I’d imagine the adaptive suspension would help as well.

[Mtl128_25]

Originally Posted by madpistol

Precisely this. All previous cars I've had (except the 2015 Mazda 3 hatch) felt floaty compared to both BMWs I've had. The suspension setup my the M440i GC is literally perfection IMO.

I assumed that the option numbers like S704 M sport suspension relates to the same for both cars. I really prefer the more stiffer and tight ride rather than floaty.

Honestly, i would’ve kept my 330xi rather than the 430xi coupe lol!