[BMW5151]

Originally Posted by pharding

Does that mean that you cannot get the M-Sport Suspension with what is called the Dynamic Handling Package in the US?

From what I understand from BMW NA, a sport suspension (M or not) is not planned for the F10 in the US at this time. Perhaps with enough demand we could get them to change their minds?

I drove an F10 550i with the sport package/dynamic handling package on Friday, and while I couldn't go driving any twisting canyon roads, it does not seem have the edge as my current 550i M Sport. Certainly more comfortable in daily L.A. traffic with our increasingly rutted and broken roadways!

[pharding]

Originally Posted by BMW5151

From what I understand from BMW NA, a sport suspension (M or not) is not planned for the F10 in the US at this time. Perhaps with enough demand we could get them to change their minds?

I drove an F10 550i with the sport package/dynamic handling package on Friday, and while I couldn't go driving any twisting canyon roads, it does not seem have the edge as my current 550i M Sport. Certainly more comfortable in daily L.A. traffic with our increasingly rutted and broken roadways!

That is my thoughts exactly. The 550 that I drove did not have the edge that my current 550 with M-Sport Package has. The F10 has morphed into a hybrid of the 5er and 7er. It is losing some of its "Sportiness". BMW NA made some bone head decisions on the F10. No M-Sport Suspension. No Oyster/Oyster interior color scheme. The hideous combination of the Oyster Gray headliner with beige leather instead of the the beautiful beige headliner with beige leather that you in BMW promotional materials in print and on-line. A Sport Package that is really a Sport Aesthetic Package. With the US being an important market, I do not understand why we are given poor choices because of Nanny BMW NA making decisions for us. Just let us decide what is best for each of us like they do in Germany.

[delvek]

I think its important to look at the location of the poster when the conversation is M-sport.

With that said, from what I am reading, the M-sport in UK traditionally has its own suspension whereas in the States it does not. So the handling/performance upgrades are probably required to select the M-sport package in the States. In the UK they are not required because like I said above its has its own tuned suspension. (Please correct me if I am wrong)

I think going forward we may see that change which is why I am interested in seeing the stated package contents on the UK M-sport.

[carl_d]

The UK (and Europe) gets M-Sport suspension included in the M-Sport package/model (this has been the way for many many years/models and normally 6 month after the initial car launch). The exception is the 7 Series - the M-Sport model have VDC instead. M-Sport is not tuned solely for the UK but likely to be the same globally! Option 704, the standalone M-Sport suspension (without any cosmetic additions) is already available in many European counties (but not the UK or US) and drivers have posted on this board, scan this thread (for posters from Sweden and The Netherlands) ...
http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368952

M-Sport is different to Sport suspension. Sport suspension has lowered springs and nothing else! M-Sport suspension has lowered springs, specific dampers/shocks and different rubber bushing. Seems for the F10, BMW is no longer offering the simpler Sport suspension option - I think VDC replaces this without any lowering. In the UK (and it seems the US) option 704 will only be available when combined with the full M-Sport Package/model (all the cosmetics). Also see this post http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=379338

I think this should be good news for you US chaps, it means you will get M-Sport suspension sooner instead of years later as on the E60 (did Scott26 say some where, December for US and September for UK). In short the UK and US marketing bods are holding option 704 back until BMW launch the full M-Sport package (cosmetics).

In summary there are three suspension options, normal (soft), VDC (adjustable ride) and M-Sport (lowered and optimised sport). Only M-Sport is lowered, has better dampers and bushing to suit a sportier drive. I for one do not want VDC and other trick chassis add-ons give me M-Sport.

Finally, you cannot mix VDC or Adpative Drive (roll bars) with M-Sport suspension - why mess with perfection!

[delvek]

you must have streets of gold in UK, as for most of Europe the streets resemble the bronx queens expressway (BQE for you fellow native NY'ers) and the M-sport suspension feels like a jack hammer to the arse. I for one enjoy that BMW has enabled me to adjust the ride as I see fit from typical roads (softer) to high speed autobahn (sport).

That my friend is BMW engineering genius finally delivered!

In the end its all relative, perfection is an individual concept. With a boot full to the brim and a wife and 3 kids in the back seat what the hell is perfect about an M-sport? Conversely, someone such as yourself who spends probably lots of time on a track or at very high speeds, the M-sport is a no brainer, you should get it!

The perfection is that BMW can allow both of us to get what we will use.

[carl_d]

Originally Posted by delvek

you must have streets of gold in UK, as for most of Europe the streets resemble the bronx queens expressway (BQE for you fellow native NY'ers) and the M-sport suspension feels like a jack hammer to the arse. I for one enjoy that BMW has enabled me to adjust the ride as I see fit from typical roads (softer) to high speed autobahn (sport).

That my friend is BMW engineering genius finally delivered!

In the end its all relative, perfection is an individual concept. With a boot full to the brim and a wife and 3 kids in the back seat what the hell is perfect about an M-sport? Conversely, someone such as yourself who spends probably lots of time on a track or at very high speeds, the M-sport is a no brainer, you should get it!

The perfection is that BMW can allow both of us to get what we will use.

As you say it all a matter of preference.

UK roads can be very rough in places and yes M-Sport becomes too hard. However other posts here suggest the F10 M-Sport is better riding than the E60 M-Sport. Once off UK motorways we have fast twisty roads with frequent camber changes and this is where M-Sport is better - the car is more tied down. I also like the slightly lowered look. I could not live with the VDC ride height. I also prefer one setting and no fiddling.

BTW - If you want the M-Sport cosmetics, it may be possible to delete option 704 form the full M-Sport package/model and add VDC but it will sit higher (as per standard cars)

[pharding]

IMO the F10 will the two normal suspensions sits too high. It is even higher than the E60.

[carl_d]

Originally Posted by pharding

Has anyone here driven an F10 with the M-Sport Suspension and one with the Dynamic Handling Option that can compare the two? Thanks.

Can someone answer this question please (from The Netherlands or Sweden or Germany)?

Brits and Americans cannot order the M-Sport suspension so we cannot compare!

[HighlandPete]

I understand the VDC equipped cars run 10mm lower than the standard car. As I see it, won't be far off any standard M-sport setting.

HighlandPete

[carl_d]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

I understand the VDC equipped cars run 10mm lower than the standard car. As I see it, won't be far off any standard M-sport setting.

HighlandPete

Wow thats big news to me, Pete are you sure? Surely its the Springs that determine ride height not the Dampers?

[Robin_NL]

Originally Posted by carl_d

Can someone answer this question please (from The Netherlands or Sweden or Germany)?

Brits and Americans cannot order the M-Sport suspension so we cannot compare!

I've driven the VDC/electronic shocks equipped 530dA (19"RFT's dunno what brand, GoodYear I guess) and found it ok, but a bit too much of a boat in the softest setting, but great for cruising. For taking bends BMW-like it's way too soft imo. The normal setting is the preferable setting for the average BMW 5 series driver(imo) The sports setting is (for me) the way to go...but even then it's stll rather(too?) comfy to my taste.

I've driven my 535i with 19" GoodYear Excellence RFT's and 704 Sportssuspension for a week now with bad roadconditions as well and as I recall it feels like the sportsetting on the aforementioned 530d. So more or less to my likings and still comfy imo. Very good tyre/wheel/chassis combo.

Cheers
Robin

[Robin_NL]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

I understand the VDC equipped cars run 10mm lower than the standard car. As I see it, won't be far off any standard M-sport setting.

HighlandPete

My 535i on 704 sportssuspension stands noticable a bit(1cm?) lower than the dealer's VDC equipped 530d demo...

So I don't think so....

Cheers
Robin

[bm323]

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

I've driven the VDC/electronic shocks equipped 530dA (19"RFT's dunno what brand, GoodYear I guess) and found it ok, but a bit too much of a boat in the softest setting, but great for cruising. For taking bends BMW-like it's way too soft imo. The normal setting is the preferable setting for the average BMW 5 series driver(imo) The sports setting is (for me) the way to go...but even then it's stll rather(too?) comfy to my taste.

I've driven my 535i with 19" GoodYear Excellence RFT's and 704 Sportssuspension for a week now with bad roadconditions as well and as I recall it feels like the sportsetting on the aforementioned 530d. So more or less to my likings and still comfy imo. Very good tyre/wheel/chassis combo.

Cheers
Robin

Hi, would you say the f10 feel the same in VDC sport mode and M Sport suspension?

[Robin_NL]

Originally Posted by bm323

Hi, would you say the f10 feel the same in VDC sport mode and M Sport suspension?

more or less imo.

[mlai]

I am glad I ordered my 550i with lots of options except the Active Drive.....

So now I can add M-Sport suspension aftermarket!!!

[bm323]

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

more or less imo.

Thanks would you say the VDC option is more set up for 18 inch wheels, or is it a matter of the usual pros and cons between 18 and 19 inch wheels?

[d-rive]

@bm323 "Hi, would you say the f10 feel the same in VDC sport mode and M Sport suspension?"

With VDC is more reactive.

[bm323]

Originally Posted by d-rive

@bm323 "Hi, would you say the f10 feel the same in VDC sport mode and M Sport suspension?"

With VDC is more reactive.

hi, if you don't kind my asking, can you pls let me know whether you've tested two f10s with the same engine, one with VDC (sport mode) and one with M sport suspension and you find the one with VDC more reactive/more responsive?

[carl_d]

New F11 and old F10 M-Sport pics at this link

http://www.motorauthority.com/pictur...ry-1#100314473

BTW - There will be an F11 M-Sport at the UK Goodwood car show this month!

[vladberca]

^Same 20" rims from 7 M Pack?

[Robin_NL]

Originally Posted by vladberca

^Same 20" rims from 7 M Pack?

Are you talking about those rims in the pic below?
If so, imo they're not 20", but 19" I guess(or even 18")

[Bluesummer]

the front looks somewhat like the obnoxious 7er M-sport.