[bimmer535guy]

Hi guys,

I bought a 2014 535i xdrive a few weeks ago and I'm loving the car so far. The car has m-sport package and premium seats. However, it has the standard m-sport suspension system and since here in Chicago the roads are not in a good shape, the ride doesn't feel that comfortable.

Is there anything I can do to change/upgrade to a smoother suspension?
I want the ride to be more comfortable, I don't care much about performance. I've heard some other cars have the adjustable suspension system or DHP. I called a dealer here and they told me it's impossible to upgrade to a different suspension. Is that true?

Any advice?

[krautmeister]

If you're looking to go softer, I don't think you have many options. I am unsure if 18" wheels fit over the brakes, but go smaller wheels with thicker tires that are non run flats and you will get a after ride. All of this is totally opposite of most guys' ethos here though.

Retrofitting DHP may be possible but with all the hardware you would need, probably better to sell and buy a car with DHP. Also, i would drive one to be sure... or buy a E Class

[bimmer535guy]

Thanks krautmeister. I have 19'' wheels and I'd rather keep them.

For some reason I feel like when the car starts the suspension feels smooth in the first 20-30 seconds and then it starts to feel more like less soft, not sure if that's a software-related issue or if I could upgrade the software to control how the transmission operates?

Another thing I'm thinking is that since the car is used for 2 years, maybe the springs (shock absorbers) are not in good shape any more? How would I know?

Something else I noticed is that when I drive over an uneven road or over a bump, it feels like the car is going to break. It feels uncomfortable for my back as well. Not what I was expecting from a nice BMW car.. The car has around 35k miles.

[silo24]

Best option is to ditch the run flat tyres. With run flats the sidewalls are like granite and have no give at all.

I actually run 20's with standard non RFT on mine and the ride comfort is better than the 19's with RFT.

[remmib]

There's no sport suspension with xDrive. You either have standard suspension or adaptive dampers.

[bimmer535guy]

Originally Posted by remmib

There's no sport suspension with xDrive. You either have standard suspension or adaptive dampers.

That's good to know. I guess I have the standard suspension then.

I'm thinking of examining if the shock absorbers are in a good shape or not and potentially getting new ones from Bilstein if needed. Do you think that makes sense to do?

[bimmer535guy]

Originally Posted by silo24

Best option is to ditch the run flat tyres. With run flats the sidewalls are like granite and have no give at all.

I actually run 20's with standard non RFT on mine and the ride comfort is better than the 19's with RFT.

I see. I've been told that replacing the tires is pretty expensive in the US though. How much would it cost to get 20's tires? Any pointers on where to buy them?

[silo24]

Originally Posted by bimmer535guy

I see. I've been told that replacing the tires is pretty expensive in the US though. How much would it cost to get 20's tires? Any pointers on where to buy them?

When I say 20's, I mean I run 20" wheels with non run flat tires. I'm using Vredestein tires but any non run flat will increase your ride comfort.

If you want comfort, I'd suggest keeping your 19" wheels and swapping for Non Run flat tires.

This will give you the best ride comfort.

As for cost, by the time you've paid for springs and labor, cost will likely be similar to cost of 4x tires.

The other thing to do is wait until your tires need changing anyway.

[remmib]

I find the standard suspension pretty soft, so if you want more comfort you might need smaller wheels with so you get more tire side wall.

[mini151]

ditto on ditching the run-flats, they are hard as rocks

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by mini151

ditto on ditching the run-flats, they are hard as rocks

DriveGuard's aren't....

[bimmer535guy]

Thanks for all the responses. As a first step, I'll try to replace the tires. I read online reviews that the original runflat tires in this car are crap.

I decided to order the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus Radial Tires - 245/40R19 98V. They have great reviews, especially when it comes to comfort. Hopefully, this will improve things a bit. I'll post an update in a few weeks to see how the new tires feel.

[bimmer535guy]

Hi guys,

I put the Pirelli tires on and the ride truly feels much better now. I drove over the same streets and I can tell the difference for sure.

Thank you all who replied. Please send me your bitcoin address so I can send you tips!

Thanks so much!