Autotalent
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Go Back   BMW M3 and BMW M4 Forum > BMW F80 M3 / F82 M4 Technical Topics > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-30-2014, 10:45 AM   #1
jskrilla
Second Lieutenant
jskrilla's Avatar
Albania
71
Rep
266
Posts

Drives: M235i Xdrive
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Adaptive M Suspension..Is it needed?

Honest question, do we really need the Adaptive M Suspension added on to the "M" model? You woulda thought the M Suspension would be automatically included but its an extra 1k just. Basically i want to know what the difference is between the Adaptive M Suspension and the stock suspension that comes with the car.
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 10:48 AM   #2
Sir Loin
M3AT LOVER
Sir Loin's Avatar
United_States
322
Rep
1,853
Posts

Drives: Silverstone F80 M3
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (0)

do a search, or read the FAQ sticky thread at the top of the forum.
__________________
2015 F80 M3 | SSII ext SO int | M-DCT | 19" Black Wheels
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 10:49 AM   #3
SteveSpy
BMW Fanatic
SteveSpy's Avatar
United_States
374
Rep
1,413
Posts

Drives: 2020 X3 M
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 X3 M40i  [0.00]
For those that don't care about these things it's just a gadget. If you really don't track the car and intend only to use it as a DD then don't get it, but in the grand scheme of things, what's a grand out of eighty??
__________________
SteveSpy
Current Ride: 2020 X3 M
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 10:53 AM   #4
ss134
Brigadier General
ss134's Avatar
United Kingdom
229
Rep
3,899
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Germany/UK

iTrader: (1)

Standard in the UK- could I live without it, probably but I could also live without the HUD, upgraded stereo, 19 inch wheels............the list goes on.

If you like being able to make the suspension softer and more comfortable than the standard suspension and also firmer than the standard suspension then you need it. I believe the standard suspension is set between sport and sport +.
__________________
2014 AW F80 M3 DCT
2011 AW E90 M3 DCT - Sold
2010 JZB E90 M3 DCT - Sold
2009 6MT E90 LCI 335i M -Sport - Sold
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 10:58 AM   #5
m4pewpew
Second Lieutenant
m4pewpew's Avatar
United_States
64
Rep
256
Posts

Drives: M4
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: ATX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jskrilla View Post
Honest question, do we really need the Adaptive M Suspension added on to the "M" model? You woulda thought the M Suspension would be automatically included but its an extra 1k just. Basically i want to know what the difference is between the Adaptive M Suspension and the stock suspension that comes with the car.
You might wanna read this if not already:
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...light=adaptive

Racer20's review basically made me order the adaptive m suspension.
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 11:00 AM   #6
Mr T
Private
No_Country
2
Rep
64
Posts

Drives: .
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: .

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jskrilla View Post
Honest question, do we really need the Adaptive M Suspension added on to the "M" model? You woulda thought the M Suspension would be automatically included but its an extra 1k just. Basically i want to know what the difference is between the Adaptive M Suspension and the stock suspension that comes with the car.
Comfort mode is perfect for round town trips.....I believe it makes a big difference to the overall flexibility of the car. Free to me since I am in the UK but it is an option I would tick.

My wife's Golf GTI also has adaptive suspension, and again, it comes highly recommended.
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 11:03 AM   #7
tcpsoft
Private First Class
94
Rep
158
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Greensboro, NC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2015 BMW  [0.00]
If you want the car to automatically adapt to varying conditions and driving styles, Adaptive M is the way to go. If you like consistency, for better or worse, the "standard" suspension is quite capable.

There's a nice interview on m-power with one of the chassis engineers talking about the suspension and he goes into the Adaptive M vs Stock. Quick excerpt below:

Quote:
Which of the modes COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT PLUS of the Adaptive M suspension can the standard suspension best be compared to?

That's a relatively difficult question to answer. Due to the elaborate regulation logic and sensor system, the Adaptive M suspension is able to achieve superstructure cohesion and increased comfort at the same time. This is usually the conflict you always have with the suspension set-up: achieving the best possible cohesion so as to be able to run on demanding tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife as fast as possible, for example - but also retaining the required amount of comfort for everyday driving. The car mustn't demonstrate any after-response or pumping, let alone take off over hollows and crests. In terms of superstructure cohesion, the standard suspension is somewhere between SPORT and SPORT PLUS, in terms of comfort it is more equivalent to SPORT PLUS.

Leaving the aspect of comfort aside, which is important in everyday driving, and just looking at the car's driving dynamics qualities: is the Adaptive M suspension superior from this one-sided point of view as well?

In the standard suspension we tried to achieve the best possible compromise over all possible race track profiles. In the case of the regulated Adaptive M suspension, even more individual adaptation is possible here. On the Nürburgring Nordschleife I personally use SPORT mode. On a fairly level race track, however, SPORT PLUS would be the best choice.
In any case: with extreme grip potential, the new BMW M3 and BMW M4 still remain very driveable at all times.
The data measured by the sensors impacts dynamically on the suspension set-up.

You might say that the standard suspension is set up once, while the Adaptive M suspension is set up every 2.5 milliseconds?

(laughs). Correct.

Can this result in an overlap of the setting ranges? In other words, even the COMFORT setting could lead to the suspension being tightened significantly if required by the relevant manoeuvres?

There are manoeuvres where the COMFORT setting is just as sporty as in SPORT and SPORT PLUS. Maximum damping power potential is used here, regardless of the setting
All this being said, I've had the standard suspension on track three days so far and haven't felt the need to change yet.
__________________

2015 M3 DCT (sold)
2008 Lotus Exige S240 - too many mods to list (sold)
2007 Lotus Exige S (RIP)
2006 MINI Cooper S (sold)
Appreciate 1
thurston214.00
      07-30-2014, 11:07 AM   #8
jskrilla
Second Lieutenant
jskrilla's Avatar
Albania
71
Rep
266
Posts

Drives: M235i Xdrive
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tcpsoft View Post
If you want the car to automatically adapt to varying conditions and driving styles, Adaptive M is the way to go. If you like consistency, for better or worse, the "standard" suspension is quite capable.

There's a nice interview on m-power with one of the chassis engineers talking about the suspension and he goes into the Adaptive M vs Stock. Quick excerpt below:



All this being said, I've had the standard suspension on track three days so far and haven't felt the need to change yet.
Appreciate that
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 11:09 AM   #9
jskrilla
Second Lieutenant
jskrilla's Avatar
Albania
71
Rep
266
Posts

Drives: M235i Xdrive
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ss134 View Post
Standard in the UK- could I live without it, probably but I could also live without the HUD, upgraded stereo, 19 inch wheels............the list goes on.

If you like being able to make the suspension softer and more comfortable than the standard suspension and also firmer than the standard suspension then you need it. I believe the standard suspension is set between sport and sport +.
Yes completely agree with you on that, but sport and sport + isnt too bad if you like driving with your foot on the floor!
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 11:21 AM   #10
Brosef
Brigadier General
Brosef's Avatar
United_States
872
Rep
3,446
Posts

Drives: F90 M5
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (4)

get it
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 11:27 AM   #11
1stm3f80
First Lieutenant
1stm3f80's Avatar
United_States
48
Rep
380
Posts

Drives: F80 ///M3
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

I passed on it. I am buying a sports car. I would have had it in sport + all the time anyways. After putting around in a land yacht aka 535i I can't wait to feel the bumps. I'll spend my 1k in Cabo San Lucas.
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 11:31 AM   #12
Black Gold
Major General
590
Rep
5,396
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Texas

iTrader: (15)

Quote:
Originally Posted by m4pewpew View Post
You might wanna read this if not already:
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...light=adaptive

Racer20's review basically made me order the adaptive m suspension.
this

I think its pretty clear that most people do not fully undertand what adaptive suspension is

it is not simply a switch between modes, its an active suspension system a la PASM from Porsche.

I ordered it as it is incredible technology, and makes a big difference on p cars, hopefully the same on the m3.
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 11:37 AM   #13
SOM3
Banned
43
Rep
1,147
Posts

Drives: SO F80
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Euro

iTrader: (0)

YES
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 11:38 AM   #14
SOM3
Banned
43
Rep
1,147
Posts

Drives: SO F80
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Euro

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1stm3f80 View Post
I passed on it. I am buying a sports car. I would have had it in sport + all the time anyways. After putting around in a land yacht aka 535i I can't wait to feel the bumps. I'll spend my 1k in Cabo San Lucas.
Which sports car is that?
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 11:44 AM   #15
1stm3f80
First Lieutenant
1stm3f80's Avatar
United_States
48
Rep
380
Posts

Drives: F80 ///M3
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SOM3
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1stm3f80 View Post
I passed on it. I am buying a sports car. I would have had it in sport + all the time anyways. After putting around in a land yacht aka 535i I can't wait to feel the bumps. I'll spend my 1k in Cabo San Lucas.
Which sports car is that?
The M3 ordered pick up in September!!
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 11:53 AM   #16
ss134
Brigadier General
ss134's Avatar
United Kingdom
229
Rep
3,899
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Germany/UK

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jskrilla View Post
Yes completely agree with you on that, but sport and sport + isnt too bad if you like driving with your foot on the floor!
Not nice when you're on a bumpy undulating road with poor surface trying to drive fast though- in these conditions the car will be faster and more controllable with suspension in comfort. Don't assume sport + is the fastest suspension setting - depends on the road.
__________________
2014 AW F80 M3 DCT
2011 AW E90 M3 DCT - Sold
2010 JZB E90 M3 DCT - Sold
2009 6MT E90 LCI 335i M -Sport - Sold
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 11:59 AM   #17
ss134
Brigadier General
ss134's Avatar
United Kingdom
229
Rep
3,899
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Germany/UK

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1stm3f80 View Post
I passed on it. I am buying a sports car. I would have had it in sport + all the time anyways. After putting around in a land yacht aka 535i I can't wait to feel the bumps. I'll spend my 1k in Cabo San Lucas.
There are roads here that I cannot have the car in sport + on and drive fast. The car gets thrown off line and skips from bump to bump- Sport or Comfort and it can actually drive faster on these roads while retaining control.

Remember- you will not have the stiffer Sport + on your car without the adaptive suspension so if you really want it to feel stiff and feel the bumps like you said yould be wise to order it!
__________________
2014 AW F80 M3 DCT
2011 AW E90 M3 DCT - Sold
2010 JZB E90 M3 DCT - Sold
2009 6MT E90 LCI 335i M -Sport - Sold
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 12:02 PM   #18
1stm3f80
First Lieutenant
1stm3f80's Avatar
United_States
48
Rep
380
Posts

Drives: F80 ///M3
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ss134
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1stm3f80 View Post
I passed on it. I am buying a sports car. I would have had it in sport + all the time anyways. After putting around in a land yacht aka 535i I can't wait to feel the bumps. I'll spend my 1k in Cabo San Lucas.
There are roads here that I cannot have the car in sport + on and drive fast. The car gets thrown off line and skips from bump to bump- Sport or Comfort and it can actually drive faster on these roads while retaining control.

Remember- you will not have the stiffer Sport + on your car without the adaptive suspension so if you really want it to feel stiff and feel the bumps like you said yould be wise to order it!
Maybe I'll see if I can still add it.only 1k
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 12:09 PM   #19
Zeroblade
Explodes on impact
Zeroblade's Avatar
United_States
209
Rep
552
Posts

Drives: 2006 Mazda3
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Behind the wheel

iTrader: (0)

So...

Standard Suspension = no button next to shifter on center console
Adaptive M = button next to shifter that lets you pick Comfort, Sport, Sport+

?
__________________
Yea... yea I got an M(azda)3.... <.<

*work in progress*
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 12:23 PM   #20
boogie1
Private First Class
16
Rep
123
Posts

Drives: m3
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: dallas

iTrader: (0)

If the adaptive suspension will feed you or provide shelter it's def needed. If not its just an option ull prob want.
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 12:37 PM   #21
imserious
Major
412
Rep
1,049
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3 MR
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (4)

Like it or not the M3/4 aims to be the best all around car, not pure sports car. The adjustability of the suspension along with steering, throttle, etc work together towards this end. I would get the M adaptive. It allows you to go from cush to stiff and you do feel the difference.
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2014, 01:22 PM   #22
ss134
Brigadier General
ss134's Avatar
United Kingdom
229
Rep
3,899
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Germany/UK

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeroblade View Post
So...

Standard Suspension = no button next to shifter on center console
Adaptive M = button next to shifter that lets you pick Comfort, Sport, Sport+

?
Correct!
__________________
2014 AW F80 M3 DCT
2011 AW E90 M3 DCT - Sold
2010 JZB E90 M3 DCT - Sold
2009 6MT E90 LCI 335i M -Sport - Sold
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:40 AM.




f80post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST