[motuman]

Does anyone know if the factory shock damping get softer in 2011?

I test drove a 2011 w/ M sport package and it seemed a lot more compliant than my wife's 2008 w/ sport package (which has a lot of impact over expansion joints and rough pavement)

I read a comment in one thread that mentioned a change to softer dampers in 2011, but I haven't been able to find any additional info.

(Perhaps the second gen run flats helped a bit, but that wouldn't explain all of it...plus my wife's car runs on 17's and the '11 test drive was on 18's with lower profile tires)

thx....

[CombatNinja]

Yes, they revised the suspension for the 2011s. What EXACTLY they did I couldn't tell you.

[only1harry]

Were you driving an xDrive with the M Sport Pack? xDrive E90/92 do not have the sports suspension. It's not available. M Sport pack is only cosmetic and aesthetic mods on xDrive models. The Sport Pack on xDrive models is steering wheel, 18" wheels and a couple of other things but NO sport suspension.

I could not tell you if 2011 has a softer suspension though. I have only test driven 2011 E90/92 models, and did notice right away that the AWD models had a softer ride than RWD with Sports Pack (due to NO sport suspension offering on xDrive).

Harry

[motuman]

Originally Posted by only1harry

Were you driving an xDrive with the M Sport Pack? xDrive E90/92 do not have the sports suspension. It's not available. M Sport pack is only cosmetic and aesthetic mods on xDrive models. The Sport Pack on xDrive models is steering wheel, 18" wheels and a couple of other things but NO sport suspension.

I could not tell you if 2011 has a softer suspension though. I have only test driven 2011 E90/92 models, and did notice right away that the AWD models had a softer ride than RWD with Sports Pack (due to NO sport suspension offering on xDrive).

Harry

Wasn't an x Drive.....thanks for the info

[pocoyo_3]

I have a 2011 M-Sport rwd and the damping feels noticeably softer than my 2006 sport felt. Perhaps my dampers are shot (I just switched from the 2006 to the 2011 last summer), but I have to believe that it is softer too.

[only1harry]

How do the 2011's handle as compared to earlier E90/92's, all options being equal (xDrive excluded)?

[Roleez]

My 06 330i sport had less forgiving rebound over bumps and undulations vs. my 11 335i M-sport. However, impact harshness (potholes) is an obvious eye opener with the M-sport 19s. Overall, the ride quality of the 11 is slightly softer on smooth roads and carries much more understeer when pushed hard into turns. Despite the more bumpier ride of the 06, I still prefer its overall ride characteristics and more neutral handling in the corners.

[only1harry]

Thanks. It makes sense. Softer suspension = reduced handling capabilities. Better handling comes with comprimises.

But maybe the 19" wheels are heavier and are creating much unwanted unsprung weight which is not good for handling and tight cornering. 17" are better for low speed cornering and faster off the line acceleration. I won't get into all that now though.

Harry

[ctuna]

Runflats got softer sidewalls.
And BMW reacted to all the complaints about pothole explosions maybe?

[pocoyo_3]

I'm convinced that the steering got slightly lighter too. Had an 2006 325i and a 2011 335i at the same time and the steering on the 325i felt heavier.