Adaptive M Suspension a Must-have?

[henryw]

I am going to test drive a 2011 CPO z4 35i 6MT with 22k miles this coming Saturday. This one has all the options I want but doesn't come with the Adaptive M Suspension. So I just want to know if this will become a deal breaker or it's fine without it.

Also, any other things that I need to pay extra attention to?

Any advices will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[ManiacGT]

Adaptive is not a must have. My car has it and I rarely use it because it makes the ride harsh over all but perfect roads. I drove a standard m sport with out it and did not notice a perceptible difference. If anything stock suspension was more compliant. Adaptive over manhole covers etc is very hard.

[jparnes1]

I think what Maniac is saying is that he leaves the suspension in comfort mode rather than sport or sport plus. Each level up from sport will adjust the dampers for more stiffness. With RFT's I found sport or sport plus too harsh. but now with non-RFT's I'm in sport all the time and I find it a better driving experience. The car is tighter in the turns. My understanding is that this feature, in addition to lowering the chassis 10mm, uses accellerometers to adjust the dampers to your driving conditions. So, if the car recognizes that you are cornering hard, it will react in thousandths of a second to stiffen the suspension on the side of the car that needs it.
With a 6MT, the comfort-sport-sport plus control has no effect on throttle response, but cars with DCT get an enhanced response in sport and sport plus. My throttle response is dictated by my lead foot.

[Frank Costanza]

Definitely not a must have. I have it and agree that it just makes the car ride like a shopping cart when engaged.

[nicknaz]

I think it is a must have if you will keep the suspension stock. comfort setting on adaptive suspension is about the same as non sport suspension (I didn't like that) and it has the 10mm lowering.

Another factor is check if it has sports seats or not. in the US adaptive suspension and sports seats are packaged together.

[army_men]

not a must have. although if you care very much about having a good suspension you wont be disappointed with fitting a kw v3.

[HerrK]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

With a 6MT, the comfort-sport-sport plus control has no effect on throttle response, but cars with DCT get an enhanced response in sport and sport plus. My throttle response is dictated by my lead foot.

Throttle response is quickened in Sport for MT. Comfort and Sport+ are equal - not as sensitive as Sport mode.

[Mick70]

If you intend to install a KW3, adaptive suspension is not recommended. You will then need an additional 300€ kit to disable the adaptive suspension.

For my 35i, I also never intended to buy a KW3 but did opt for M supsension nonetheless: The M suspension is quite good for all conditions but as I want to install H&R sway bars and Ebach springs later with a special calibration, the M suspension is the better base.

Best regards

Mick

[nicknaz]

Mick, are you referring to the non adaptive sport suspension? That isn't available in the US (it is either the adaptive sport suspension or non sport suspension).

Sorry if that is stating the obvious. I did not want op to get confused.

[fl_cyclist]

I am always in sport and the RFTs are not an issue either. But S. Fl has pretty decent roads and almost no pot holes. If the roads were tougher I would trade out the RFTs but for me the steering throttle response is much better in Sport than Comfort

[Mick70]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Mick, are you referring to the non adaptive sport suspension? That isn't available in the US (it is either the adaptive sport suspension or non sport suspension).

Sorry, didn't want to confuse anybody. I know of three suspensions that are sold here in Germany:

• Standard suspension
• M suspension (1cm lower and way better handling than standard suspension but still not adaptive)
• Adaptive (sport) suspension

So I think that (1) and (3) are sold in the US and (2) is indeed the "non adaptive sport suspension" you are referring to that is not sold in the US.

Anyway, my opinion:

• If TE intends to upgrade to KW3, he should better stay away from adaptive suspension.
• If TE intends to upgrade to H&R sway bars + Eibach springs, the standard (non sport) suspension still appears to be a better basis than the adaptive suspension (I can't tell for sure but I believe I have read that in a German forum - Nuebbes, I have seen you here, can you confirm this?).
• If TE intends to stick to factory equipment, adaptive suspension is the most flexible choice.

Best regards

Mick

[nicknaz]

Yes that's exactly what I meant and I agree with your post!

[henryw]

Thanks guys. I think I will probably keep it stock until the warranty is over. Will need to test drive it to see if the suspension is too soft.

[rking117]

i didnt have this on my last Z but love that i have it on this one. I use it all the time. I love the race car feel that it gives. It can be harsh if you use it but if you want soft cushy suspension then buy a 650

[aznoo1]

how do you know if your car has this option?

[Asbjorn]

Also be aware that the adaptive suspension defaults back to comfort mode with DSC=off.

Originally Posted by aznoo1

how do you know if your car has this option?

Just search google for BMW VIN lookup and follow the links.

[Vintage]

I wish that our Z did not have adaptive suspension so that I could have gone with some awesome set up that some on this forum have, like flpnout!

[ManiacGT]

It takes nothing to remove it... just replace the dampers.

[Vintage]

will that throw any codes?

[ManiacGT]

I'm sure you could have it coded out, or just remove the module.

[henryw]

The suspension is really on the soft side but I bought it anyway. Will need to save up a little bit now to upgrade the suspension and wheels.

Overall really satisfied. First roadster in my life. Hope I will love it.

Thanks everyone again. Here's a pic.

[nicknaz]

congrats OP. awesome car to have in California