[Prissy]

So I am trying to build a F30 335I with Msport pkg. I know the pkg already have the Adaptive M Suspension included. But the "Variable sport steering" will be left out from the Dynamic Handling Package. How important is the "Variable sport steering"? What does it do exactly? Do I need it?

Edit: Also I heard the F30 have 2 different types of steering columns, and the newer one is suppose to be better at handling. Is this true? And what year does the F30 have the newer steering column?

Thanks.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by Prissy

So I am trying to build a F30 335I with Msport pkg. I know the pkg already have the Adaptive M Suspension included. But the "Variable sport steering" will be left out from the Dynamic Handling Package. How important is the "Variable sport steering"? What does it do exactly? Do I need it?

Edit: Also I heard the F30 have 2 different types of steering columns, and the newer one is suppose to be better at handling. Is this true? And what year does the F30 have the newer steering column?

Thanks.

Incorrect.

The MSport Xdrive has no sport suspension, and the RWD comes standard with the 704 mechanical sport suspension.

The Dynamic Handling package is an option, not standard in any F30 and is bundled with VSS

[martyl]

The F30 M Sport does not include the adaptive suspension as standard equipment if that's what you're saying. It does include the sport suspension as standard. Variable steering is part of the adaptive suspension package. I have never heard of the F30 having a new improved steering column. Maybe you've heard of some software updates that improve steering feel which have occurred since the F30's inception.

[Sedan_Clan]

Get DHP!

[JPinky]

M Sport package does not come with Adaptive M suspension, it comes with M Sport suspension which is passive, not adaptive. You need to get the dynamic handling package to get the Adaptive M suspension and variable sport steering. VSS alters the steering ratio and force, depending on current driving conditions. You will find many threads on here recommending the dynamic handling package. I have it on mine and also highly recommend it.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by JPinky

M Sport package does not come with Adaptive M suspension, it comes with M Sport suspension which is passive, not adaptive. You need to get the dynamic handling package to get the Adaptive M suspension and variable sport steering. VSS alters the steering ratio and force, depending on current driving conditions. You will find many threads on here recommending the dynamic handling package. I have it on mine and also highly recommend it.

Remember, this is the north east. Most of these cars are going to be Xdrive which deletes any sport suspension found on RWD leaving DHP as your only upgrade.

[300hp]

If you are going rwd I would recommend DHP for reduction in body roll and VSS.

If you are going xdrive, then DHP becomes your only "sport" suspension and you also get VSS.

If OP is in Europe then VSS is a standalone option over there, probably in other parts of the world too

There are a lot of threads dealing with VSS here. Look them up and decide for yourself

[Prissy]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

Incorrect.

The MSport Xdrive has no sport suspension, and the RWD comes standard with the 704 mechanical sport suspension.

The Dynamic Handling package is an option, not standard in any F30 and is bundled with VSS

Originally Posted by martyl

The F30 M Sport does not include the adaptive suspension as standard equipment if that's what you're saying. It does include the sport suspension as standard. Variable steering is part of the adaptive suspension package. I have never heard of the F30 having a new improved steering column. Maybe you've heard of some software updates that improve steering feel which have occurred since the F30's inception.

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Get DHP!

Originally Posted by JPinky

M Sport package does not come with Adaptive M suspension, it comes with M Sport suspension which is passive, not adaptive. You need to get the dynamic handling package to get the Adaptive M suspension and variable sport steering. VSS alters the steering ratio and force, depending on current driving conditions. You will find many threads on here recommending the dynamic handling package. I have it on mine and also highly recommend it.

Ahhh I see... So I've mistaken that Msport pkg would include the Adaptive M suspension.

So to clarify about "VSS", VSS will give me more driving feel options, but can you guys tell me what are the driving feel options that are offered by VSS (with Msport pkg)? And also what driving options are offered with the Msport pkg (w/o VSS)?

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by Prissy

Ahhh I see... So I've mistaken that Msport pkg would include the Adaptive M suspension.

So to clarify about "VSS", VSS will give me more driving feel options, but can you guys tell me what are the driving feel options that are offered by VSS (with Msport pkg)? And also what driving options are offered with the Msport pkg (w/o VSS)?

Without VSS, the steering feel can be adjusted by changing from Comfort Mode to Sport Mode. IIRC VSS does the same thing but adjusts the steering ratio depending on speed.

[btbossman]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Get DHP!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pokerloot]

Good question OP. Is there a place to view a more detailed analysis of each options package besides the BMW website? Would be nice to read some reviews of each one from people in the know!

[Jackson743]

I have it and love it. Get it.

[snowghost]

I did not have it on my first 335i which I owned for 10 months. Got it on my new one and notice a positive difference.

Get it--you won't regret it.

[Prissy]

I mean what are the differences? Can you guys describe it more? In my situation... I am not looking for a comfort drive mode. So do I still need it?

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by Prissy

I mean what are the differences? Can you guys describe it more? In my situation... I am not looking for a comfort drive mode. So do I still need it?

I drive 99.9% in Sport+ Mode. The damping is definitely more pronounced on say speed bumps, and it feels flatter in hard corners.

For shits and giggles I'll put it in Comfort every now and then, but even if you're going to be 100% in Sport or Sport+ it's worth the money. The suspension is a bit stiffer than Passive.

[M3AWD]

Originally Posted by Prissy

I mean what are the differences? Can you guys describe it more? In my situation... I am not looking for a comfort drive mode. So do I still need it?

If you don't care about the comfort mode, and not really interested in variable steering, spend the $1k elsewhere.

I did not have the chance to test drive an F30 with DHP but then decided to order this $1k option by downgrading from tech package to the nav option (just lost HUD).. I wanted the option of comfortable ride as we're expecting a baby soon.

Each of us has his own preferences. Did you test drive an M Sport?

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by snowghost

I drive 99.9% in Sport+ Mode. The damping is definitely more pronounced on say speed bumps, and it feels flatter in hard corners.

For shits and giggles I'll put it in Comfort every now and then, but even if you're going to be 100% in Sport or Sport+ it's worth the money. The suspension is a bit stiffer than Passive.

I wish my car had DHP.

[F32]

Originally Posted by Prissy

I mean what are the differences? Can you guys describe it more? In my situation... I am not looking for a comfort drive mode. So do I still need it?

All it does is stiffen damping compression to make it "feel sporty." It does nothing for the dynamics of the handling like the name implies. If you are easily fooled into thinking stiffer suspension = better handling, then by all means...go for it.

The less gimmicky suspension/steering electronics, the better. A set of Koni/Bilstein dampers and H&R springs or proper coil-overs is money better spent.

Variable steering is another joke...

[F32]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I wish my car had DHP.

You're really not missing much, although many here rave about it.

I cared nothing for it on the hour or so of seat time I've had in a 335i M-Sport. VSS is also annoying...I don't see why anyone would want variable ratio steering, although it was less intrusive than an early X6M I flogged around for a while which had it.

[ArthurKing1220]

Originally Posted by F32

All it does is stiffen damping compression to make it "feel sporty." It does nothing for the dynamics of the handling like the name implies. If you are easily fooled into thinking stiffer suspension = better handling, then by all means...go for it.

The less gimmicky suspension/steering electronics, the better. A set of Koni/Bilstein dampers and H&R springs or proper coil-overs is money better spent.

Variable steering is another joke...

Just to be clear, you are saying that the Dynamic Handling Package for the F30 / F32 platforms in no way improves actual vehicle handling versus a similar model without DHP optioned? Meaning, in other words, a 335i with DHP in Sport+ mode on the track vs. a 335i with DHP in Comfort mode on the track vs. a 335i with no DHP at all on the track should all be able to perform the same, all else being equal? Just want to make sure I am understanding correctly.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by F32

You're really not missing much, although many here rave about it.

I cared nothing for it on the hour or so of seat time I've had in a 335i M-Sport. VSS is also annoying...I don't see why anyone would want variable ratio steering, although it was less intrusive than an early X6M I flogged around for a while which had it.

I think when I comes down to the core, I just want more suspension stiffness (..hence why I'm upgrading to Bilstein B8 shocks/struts). The car I rode in had DHP and it was noticeably stiffer than my sport suspension on H&R's, so when compared to what I'm currently driving on, the DHP's suspension is more to my liking. Now, I could install my Bilstein's and change my tune, but stock sport vs stock DHP, DHP is better.

[F32]

Originally Posted by ArthurKing1220

Just to be clear, you are saying that the Dynamic Handling Package for the F30 / F32 platforms in no way improves actual vehicle handling versus a similar model without DHP optioned? Meaning, in other words, a 335i with DHP in Sport+ mode on the track vs. a 335i with DHP in Comfort mode on the track vs. a 335i with no DHP at all on the track should all be able to perform the same, all else being equal? Just want to make sure I am understanding correctly.

I haven't driven one on a track nor do I know anyone personally who has, so I can't speak to that first-hand. However, my track experience and intuition says DHP won't do squat. In fact, it might be counter-intuitive, as discussed here...

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=876821

Now of course a stock commuter car on stock tires has no business on a track, but for the sake of argument, there is more evidence which suggests cars will perform better with a standard or at least slightly softer suspension setting. Like I've implied before...simply stiffening the damping compression only impresses those who don't know any better. We're not talking about an advanced ultra high-performance system ala Corvette or Ferrari, here. It's merely suspension stiffening to make the nerd and his wife in a 3-Series driving in a "spirited" manner en route to refill his Viagra prescription believe it's sportier because it's less comfortable.