[Mark Venture]

I'm looking for a softer ride, and willing to give up some sporty handling for that. The threads I've read about this compare comfort settings and combinations of suspension settings...but I'm looking for a more direct opinion on simply choosing the adaptive suspension or not. Dealer tells me the stock setup (*not* choosing the Adaptive M Suspension option) will give a more comfortable ride than choosing Adaptive. Would the forum agree with that?

[Hilly330]

Originally Posted by Mark Venture

I'm looking for a softer ride, and willing to give up some sporty handling for that. The threads I've read about this compare comfort settings and combinations of suspension settings...but I'm looking for a more direct opinion on simply choosing the adaptive suspension or not. Dealer tells me the stock setup (*not* choosing the Adaptive M Suspension option) will give a more comfortable ride than choosing Adaptive. Would the forum agree with that?

I received my 330i with adaptive suspension last week and it works excellent. It is in my view far more comfortable as the standard m suspension which I tested before. If you start driving faster it is getting more firm automatically. It is quite, comfortable and sporty at the same time. I did not know what to expect upfrony but absolutly very happy I made this choice. Worth the investment.

[achk]

In Australia, adaptive M suspension is fitted as standard in the 330i. It's firm but yet comfortable and quiet in adaptive and comfort mode. In sport mode, it's noticeable firmer but still bearable. Our roads are not in the best condition downunder too.

[x986]

Mark,
Which car are you planning to get? I have a similar question.
I want my wolf, M340 to feel like a sheep until I push a button to bare it's fangs.

[Mark Venture]

M340i on order. I won't ever track the car, and the reality is that I won't be carving up the back roads either. This will be my daily driver. I just want a car that will move when I need it to. I may be in the minority on the forum, but straight line quickness is all I really need.

[serg1282]

Adaptive suspension is a no-brainer at $700. It's been explained thoroughly in other threads and it offers a wider performance envelope than the 1-size-fits-all default Msport suspension.

[Mark Venture]

Explained thoroughly you say...the threads I read went into a confusing pile of possible combinations between the suspension, non adaptive vs adaptive and the comfort setting vs. sport setting. And there were conflicting opinions as well. Ultimately, those threads weren't very clear - hence my question.

[Hysnbrg]

If comfort is important to you, I would also recommend getting 18" wheels with non RFT along with the adaptive suspension. RFT sidewalks are stiffer and that takes away from a compliant ride.

I had similar requirements to yours for a commuter/daily driver. That's the way I ended up building my M340, and it's been everything I had hoped for.

From my research before ordering, and from test driving, here is how I would rank them, ordered by most comfortable first:
1) Adaptive with 18" non RFT
2) Adaptive with 18" RFT
3) Non-Adaptive with 18" RFT
4) Adaptive with 19" RFT
5) Non-Adaptive with 19" RFT

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Mark Venture

Explained thoroughly you say...the threads I read went into a confusing pile of possible combinations between the suspension, non adaptive vs adaptive and the comfort setting vs. sport setting. And there were conflicting opinions as well. Ultimately, those threads weren't very clear - hence my question.

You are after a softer ride and doubt adaptive will help? Passive M-sport is just that, the stiffer riding passive setup. Adaptive gives you a softer base setting, a wider working envelope as already posted. Gives you options while you drive.

Best to test drive, feel the differences, see if it works for you.

[Mark Venture]

I'm not doubting, just asking the question. And I'm glad I did, the answers have been very helpful.

[MPCZ]

Well, in the Czech Republic, the roads are not always the best, in fact mostly you drive on the surface which looks like emental. However, my new G20 on 20" M Performance wheels (with run-flats) with Adaptive suspension drives perfectly, no complaints about the ride comfort. Even on cobbles, it does not break my spine.

[WXdrivefun]

Personally, I wanted the adaptive comfort on everyday daily road driving as road surface and quality conditions vary in my area, it's not an expensive option.

BMW with adaptive suspension was no brainer to add, for me.

[mlcgd21]

If possible, always take the adaptive suspension, I have 18" RFT with adaptive and it is comfortable

[Transfer]

There is a significant difference between comfort and sport adaptive suspension and both are quite comfortable and liveable daily but sport is more busy and tight with less body lean. The non-adaptive suspension is very similar to adaptive in sport and anyone who says the non-adaptive suspension is more comfortable is a complete hack, especially if they are selling these cars.

I've driven both suspension options in mixed road conditions on 19s and have adaptive on my car. The non adaptive I drove was on RFTs so not sure how much that affects things. Unless you don't like switching settings and just want a fixed chassis, get the adaptive.

[EXE46]

I have non adaptive and even in sport plus, there's no need for adaptive when standard suspension is fine. Car is never harsh. This is a performance sedan, adaptive suspension is for the 7 series.

[tastes jigga]

I will get attacked for saying this, but here's the thing no one ever talks about - a fixed suspension (fixed dampers and fixed springs) is better tuned than having adjustable dampers and fixed springs. Yes, electronically-controlled dampers can make the ride more comfortable or sporty, but neither mode feels perfectly tuned. Unless you have adjustable springs (i.e. air suspension which is not offered on the 3 series), they tune the springs to cover both damper modes which then neither mode is perfect. If you are on a budget, go for the fixed suspension. If you are a gadget-freak like myself, get the adaptive suspension.

[Sedan_Clan]

Get it!

[secretanchitman]

Adaptive all the way, I wouldn't order another BMW without it!

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by tastes jigga

I will get attacked for saying this, but here's the thing no one ever talks about - a fixed suspension (fixed dampers and fixed springs) is better tuned than having adjustable dampers and fixed springs. Yes, electronically-controlled dampers can make the ride more comfortable or sporty, but neither mode feels perfectly tuned. Unless you have adjustable springs (i.e. air suspension which is not offered on the 3 series), they tune the springs to cover both damper modes which then neither mode is perfect. If you are on a budget, go for the fixed suspension. If you are a gadget-freak like myself, get the adaptive suspension.

I'm an adaptive user and rate it highly, but do agree the 3-series has a limited adaptive system.

Without going into all the technical issues, the 5-series has a much better system, my (F11) mid range adaptive suspension setting is optimal for the springs, something the 3-series can't have. The new Adaptive mode should improve the balance of performance. We must also remember all suspension systems are a set of compromises.

It is not just how the chassis is set up, it is the roads/pavement we run on. We have to compromise on the suspension, if we require a wider working envelope, (wider comfort range), as we can't change the surface quality we ride on. This is where adaptive scores and has its place.

The roads I drive are so varied in quality, passive systems are limited for the ride comfort/handling balance. Adaptive widens the scope of the chassis on those roads.

[Mark Venture]

Update - I got it.

[x986]

jigga,
I'll take a pass on the attack. Thanx for your opinion. This car will never see a track, and I have two toy cars when I want to go out in the country to terrify bicyclists.

[x986]

Does anyone else have any "real world knowledge"? My order is just about final.