[pittx52011]

What is DDC and is it worth it for 1k. Does it improve cornering??
Thanks.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by pittx52011

What is DDC and is it worth it for 1k. Does it improve cornering??
Thanks.

It's a system of variable dampers and front/rear roll bars with adjustable coupling elements, all of which can be adjusted to soften or stiffen the suspension.
Does it improve cornering? Yes, very impressively. It gives you everything from a plush ride over rough surfaces in comfort mode, through to high-speed cornering with hardly any body roll an sport and sport+ modes.

[MPH]

Originally Posted by Jon D

It's a system of variable dampers and front/rear roll bars with adjustable coupling elements, all of which can be adjusted to soften or stiffen the suspension.
Does it improve cornering? Yes, very impressively. It gives you everything from a plush ride over rough surfaces in comfort mode, through to high-speed cornering with hardly any body roll an sport and sport+ modes.

Does it improve cornering? I thought the Adaptive Drive stiffened the cornering and the DDC (VDC in UK?) makes the drive more comfortable? Nice if it does impove cornering as I've ordered VDC without Adaptive Drive (after much agonising about dropping it).

DDC (VDC) also adds Comfort+ to the Driving Experience Control but most comments on this say it's way too soft.

Quote from BMW: "Uneven roads, potholes, cobblestones or flawless tarmac – with Dynamic Damping Control there is now a chassis for every road and every driving style. Dynamic Driving Control mode is selected, for exceptional ride comfort even when driving hard on bumpy surfaces."

[pittx52011]

Thanks for the response. I'm asking for DDC as a stand alone option for 1k in MY 2013 which I think does not include ARS. The entire package is around $3500.

[MPH]

Originally Posted by pittx52011

Thanks for the response. I'm asking for DDC as a stand alone option for 1k in MY 2013 which I think does not include ARS. The entire package is around $3500.

A lot of UK car reviews weren't happy with the F10 ride and strongly recommended adding Variable Damper Control (VDC or DDC). If you like throwing the car around then ARS is probably also a good choice. They are expensive options but apparently bring the handling and ride back up to expected BMW standards.

There must be plenty of ARS and DDC drivers on this forum as they seem to be included in some of the standard US packages.

[Will Pwr]

Since you are asking about cornering, I'm going on the assumption that you do care about the handling and want to be able to drive spirited...with that being said, I think DDC would be worth it...unless you are open to going with aftermarket springs or coilovers, that might be a better option. It all comes down the personal expectations of how you want to handle for your usage.

I came from an M3 with KW coilovers, so the non-DDC suspension was just too soft and un-responsive to me. The Sport mode settings are an improvent, but I still installed springs as well..but that's partly due to wanting a lower ride height too.

I would have gotten coilovers right off the back, but since the DDC has the electronic control feature, I just went with springs for now.

Hope that helps...

[Stonehauler]

I have test driven a 2012 535 with M-Sport (DDC) and without, and the DDC does make a difference. It was enough of a difference that while I sprung for both that and the ARS package, the DDC was on the "must have" list. I would suggest that you try and drive a 2012 535 or a 550 with and without the DDC and see if you think it makes a difference for you. Try and get the same type of engine for both drives (and back to back if you can) so you are just comparing how it handles.

Good luck,
Stonehauler

[pittx52011]

Thanks for the input. I have ordered a 2013 550xi and I'll add DDC. It'll add 1k but I guess from the above comments that's it's a must have option.

[half man half amazin]

Originally Posted by pittx52011

Thanks for the input. I have ordered a 2013 550xi and I'll add DDC. It'll add 1k but I guess from the above comments that's it's a must have option.

great choice

[MPH]

Originally Posted by MPH

Does it improve cornering? I thought the Adaptive Drive stiffened the cornering and the DDC (VDC in UK?) makes the drive more comfortable? Nice if it does impove cornering as I've ordered VDC without Adaptive Drive (after much agonising about dropping it).

DDC (VDC) also adds Comfort+ to the Driving Experience Control but most comments on this say it's way too soft.

Quote from BMW: "Uneven roads, potholes, cobblestones or flawless tarmac – with Dynamic Damping Control there is now a chassis for every road and every driving style. Dynamic Driving Control mode is selected, for exceptional ride comfort even when driving hard on bumpy surfaces."

Got so paranoid about this I dropped my wheels down to 18" and upgraded the VDC (DDC) to Adaptive Drive (ARS)

Dealer assures me this is best combo for ride/handling

[Biogeny]

I find that the vdc does help keep the vehicle flat in corners without active dampers.

It's a zf system and the skyhook control approach uses sensors to monitor the roll axis of the car, if it detects roll it stiffens the dampers on the opposite side. I think from some back road blasts that this effect is increased in sport.

Real oem shows the dynamic drive has stiffer anti roll bars and vdc only has less stiff than standard se suspension.

Vdc is great and you can feel the effect instantly, comfort plus is too walLowy though