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      02-26-2021, 01:03 PM   #1
sportsedan89
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Ride Quality

Hi everyone,

I have agreed on a price with my dealership for a 2021 manual transmission M3 and am currently waiting on an allocation. I have a question about ride quality for anyone who has driven the 2021 M3.
I asked this question in another thread, but I think it slipped through the cracks!.

Background
I test drove an M340i xDrive with M sport suspension (and 19" wheels) a couple days ago, and I was disappointed by how rough the ride quality was on pretty average roads (i.e. roads that are neither especially smooth nor especially bumpy).

My question
How does the ride quality of the M3 (when its adaptive suspension is in Comfort mode) compare to the following vehicles:
1. M340i xDrive with M sport suspension
2. M340i xDrive with adaptive suspension in Comfort mode

I would appreciate it if you please include wheel diameter in your answer!

Thanks,

sportsedan89
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      02-26-2021, 01:49 PM   #2
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it will be more firm than any M340i, M cars always have a firmer ride so keep that in mind
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      02-26-2021, 02:39 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sportsedan89 View Post
Hi everyone,

I have agreed on a price with my dealership for a 2021 manual transmission M3 and am currently waiting on an allocation. I have a question about ride quality for anyone who has driven the 2021 M3.
I asked this question in another thread, but I think it slipped through the cracks!.

Background
I test drove an M340i xDrive with M sport suspension (and 19" wheels) a couple days ago, and I was disappointed by how rough the ride quality was on pretty average roads (i.e. roads that are neither especially smooth nor especially bumpy).

My question
How does the ride quality of the M3 (when its adaptive suspension is in Comfort mode) compare to the following vehicles:
1. M340i xDrive with M sport suspension
2. M340i xDrive with adaptive suspension in Comfort mode

I would appreciate it if you please include wheel diameter in your answer!

Thanks,

sportsedan89
If you're overly concerned about ride quality you may be making a mistake buying an M. These are deliberately harsh cars to drive compared to the cars you're asking us to compare. Comfort or not, you feel the bumps.
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      02-26-2021, 02:42 PM   #4
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In some other threads the camera guy who sat in it (during driving) said the suspension is nice enough you can daily it no problem.
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      02-26-2021, 04:52 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frankiebones View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by sportsedan89 View Post
Hi everyone,

I have agreed on a price with my dealership for a 2021 manual transmission M3 and am currently waiting on an allocation. I have a question about ride quality for anyone who has driven the 2021 M3.
I asked this question in another thread, but I think it slipped through the cracks!.

Background
I test drove an M340i xDrive with M sport suspension (and 19" wheels) a couple days ago, and I was disappointed by how rough the ride quality was on pretty average roads (i.e. roads that are neither especially smooth nor especially bumpy).

My question
How does the ride quality of the M3 (when its adaptive suspension is in Comfort mode) compare to the following vehicles:
1. M340i xDrive with M sport suspension
2. M340i xDrive with adaptive suspension in Comfort mode

I would appreciate it if you please include wheel diameter in your answer!

Thanks,

sportsedan89
If you're overly concerned about ride quality you may be making a mistake buying an M. These are deliberately harsh cars to drive compared to the cars you're asking us to compare. Comfort or not, you feel the bumps.
Agree, I think if you buy an M3, ride quality should basically be no question in terms of how comfortable it is...

@sportsedan89
But hard to tell what you personally see as acceptable, in your case I would test drive first before making any decision...
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      02-26-2021, 05:25 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pcai View Post
In some other threads the camera guy who sat in it (during driving) said the suspension is nice enough you can daily it no problem.
Nice enough is one thing. This guy is asking for very specific comparisons to M sport cars and wants to us to specify wheel sizes in our responses...He's in for a rude awakening.
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      02-26-2021, 06:24 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sportsedan89 View Post
Hi everyone,

I have agreed on a price with my dealership for a 2021 manual transmission M3 and am currently waiting on an allocation. I have a question about ride quality for anyone who has driven the 2021 M3.
I asked this question in another thread, but I think it slipped through the cracks!.

Background
I test drove an M340i xDrive with M sport suspension (and 19" wheels) a couple days ago, and I was disappointed by how rough the ride quality was on pretty average roads (i.e. roads that are neither especially smooth nor especially bumpy).

My question
How does the ride quality of the M3 (when its adaptive suspension is in Comfort mode) compare to the following vehicles:
1. M340i xDrive with M sport suspension
2. M340i xDrive with adaptive suspension in Comfort mode

I would appreciate it if you please include wheel diameter in your answer!

Thanks,

sportsedan89
Are you somehow hoping that the M3 would ride better than an M340i? Not sure what you're getting at.

Very few people have driven the new M3, but I would be shocked if the ride quality wasn't considerably worse.
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      02-26-2021, 08:08 PM   #8
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I wouldn’t mind if it’s considerably stiffer I just want lower tire roar. It’s what reduces the daily comfort far more than ride quality. The F8X is a noisy bugger.
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      02-26-2021, 10:32 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frankiebones View Post
Nice enough is one thing. This guy is asking for very specific comparisons to M sport cars and wants to us to specify wheel sizes in our responses...He's in for a rude awakening.
"Speaking of the M5, this M3 rides like one. An extended run on cold, snow-covered roads proved just how comfortable an M3 can be. There is no exhaust drone, road noise is subdued, and even big expansion joints in the road never unsettled the car’s suspension. Putting the car in SPORT+ mode made it more firm, but never uncomfortable. It’s much improved over the F80, and it was better than even my F30 335i. Keep in mind, this was the Competition model M3 with 20-inch rear summer tires and rear-wheel drive. The car gets an A+ here. The E92 was able to head to the track for a day, then take you home and pick up your date that night. This G80 continues that tradition. Don’t store this car, or save it. Make it your daily. It’s that good."

https://machineswithsouls.com/2021/0...g80-m3-review/

It's also worth mentioning that apparently the M2 CS rides a lot more comfortable than the M2 Comp. So BMW seems to have the ride even more figured out than before.
I agree you really shouldn't care about how uncomfortable the ride is gonna be if you're considering buying an M car. These cars ride firm, but none of them have suspension so hard it's going to rattle your bones. It's an M3, it ain't no garage queen, it ain't no extreme track toy, you can daily it no problem.
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      02-26-2021, 11:48 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sportsedan89 View Post
Hi everyone,

I have agreed on a price with my dealership for a 2021 manual transmission M3 and am currently waiting on an allocation. I have a question about ride quality for anyone who has driven the 2021 M3.
I asked this question in another thread, but I think it slipped through the cracks!.

Background
I test drove an M340i xDrive with M sport suspension (and 19" wheels) a couple days ago, and I was disappointed by how rough the ride quality was on pretty average roads (i.e. roads that are neither especially smooth nor especially bumpy).

My question
How does the ride quality of the M3 (when its adaptive suspension is in Comfort mode) compare to the following vehicles:
1. M340i xDrive with M sport suspension
2. M340i xDrive with adaptive suspension in Comfort mode

I would appreciate it if you please include wheel diameter in your answer!

Thanks,

sportsedan89
I have an m340 with adaptive and 19s I find the ride to be comfortable even in sport... I test drove a static car with 19s too and it's roughly between sport and comfort....

That said if you think an m340 is uncomfortable an M3 is probably not the right car for you. You should expect even in comfort it will be firmer than the static m340 or at least similar
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      02-27-2021, 05:44 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pcai View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by frankiebones View Post
Nice enough is one thing. This guy is asking for very specific comparisons to M sport cars and wants to us to specify wheel sizes in our responses...He's in for a rude awakening.
"Speaking of the M5, this M3 rides like one. An extended run on cold, snow-covered roads proved just how comfortable an M3 can be. There is no exhaust drone, road noise is subdued, and even big expansion joints in the road never unsettled the car’s suspension. Putting the car in SPORT+ mode made it more firm, but never uncomfortable. It’s much improved over the F80, and it was better than even my F30 335i. Keep in mind, this was the Competition model M3 with 20-inch rear summer tires and rear-wheel drive. The car gets an A+ here. The E92 was able to head to the track for a day, then take you home and pick up your date that night. This G80 continues that tradition. Don’t store this car, or save it. Make it your daily. It’s that good."

https://machineswithsouls.com/2021/0...g80-m3-review/

It's also worth mentioning that apparently the M2 CS rides a lot more comfortable than the M2 Comp. So BMW seems to have the ride even more figured out than before.
I agree you really shouldn't care about how uncomfortable the ride is gonna be if you're considering buying an M car. These cars ride firm, but none of them have suspension so hard it's going to rattle your bones. It's an M3, it ain't no garage queen, it ain't no extreme track toy, you can daily it no problem.
You're making a really well thought out argument that I happen to agree with. However, the m340i is at essence a luxury car and drives smooth, I've had them as loaners a couple times. If this gentleman was bothered by the way it drove he's gotta test drive the M3 prior to buying one.

For me, I never have a problem with the ride of my CS....until I have a 540 loaner while getting my car serviced lol. Then by comparison I realize how harsh the CS rides.
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      02-27-2021, 06:43 AM   #12
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Thanks, everyone — your responses so far have been helpful!
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      02-27-2021, 08:36 PM   #13
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I drove the M340i at the BMW AX event, and I would have to say if you think the M340i is uncomfortable and stiff, the M car is just going to make that worse for you. I find the M340i not as sharp as my M4 in terms of handling but the M340i was definitely softer than my M4 in comfort mode.
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      03-02-2021, 08:16 PM   #14
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I sold my Fully loaded F80 M# cause I thought it was too harsh as a daily driver in NJ. I have the M340 now and I'm happy with it. The M3 is DEFINITELY MORE harsh..no questions about it.
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      03-03-2021, 07:05 AM   #15
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I have a G82 M4 6MT. The suspension is very stiff. You won't get a good ride quality.
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      03-03-2021, 07:49 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xlover View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by sportsedan89 View Post
Hi everyone,

I have agreed on a price with my dealership for a 2021 manual transmission M3 and am currently waiting on an allocation. I have a question about ride quality for anyone who has driven the 2021 M3.
I asked this question in another thread, but I think it slipped through the cracks!.

Background
I test drove an M340i xDrive with M sport suspension (and 19" wheels) a couple days ago, and I was disappointed by how rough the ride quality was on pretty average roads (i.e. roads that are neither especially smooth nor especially bumpy).

My question
How does the ride quality of the M3 (when its adaptive suspension is in Comfort mode) compare to the following vehicles:
1. M340i xDrive with M sport suspension
2. M340i xDrive with adaptive suspension in Comfort mode

I would appreciate it if you please include wheel diameter in your answer!

Thanks,

sportsedan89
I have an m340 with adaptive and 19s I find the ride to be comfortable even in sport... I test drove a static car with 19s too and it's roughly between sport and comfort....

That said if you think an m340 is uncomfortable an M3 is probably not the right car for you. You should expect even in comfort it will be firmer than the static m340 or at least similar
I also have M340i with adaptive and have driven static M sport suspension, and I agree with this statement.
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      03-03-2021, 08:17 AM   #17
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Ride quality is subjective. If you are coming from a mainstream vehicle all M cars will feel very firm in comparison. Lots of people think the X3M Comp ride is too firm but I think it's nearly perfect after accumulating miles on it. I also came from an M2 which is on the firmer side to it's what I'm used to and what feels normal to me.
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      03-03-2021, 08:45 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by solstice View Post
I wouldn’t mind if it’s considerably stiffer I just want lower tire roar. It’s what reduces the daily comfort far more than ride quality. The F8X is a noisy bugger.
I agree. I wonder if going to 19s on the front end will help with both the harshness and noise. I've thought about trying the 19/20 setup (like on the F80 M3CS) on my F80 M3C to see if it helps.

One recent G80 reviewer said that the noise was greatly reduced versus the F80 in his review.
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      03-03-2021, 08:49 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sportsedan89 View Post
Hi everyone,

I have agreed on a price with my dealership for a 2021 manual transmission M3 and am currently waiting on an allocation. I have a question about ride quality for anyone who has driven the 2021 M3.
I asked this question in another thread, but I think it slipped through the cracks!.

Background
I test drove an M340i xDrive with M sport suspension (and 19" wheels) a couple days ago, and I was disappointed by how rough the ride quality was on pretty average roads (i.e. roads that are neither especially smooth nor especially bumpy).

My question
How does the ride quality of the M3 (when its adaptive suspension is in Comfort mode) compare to the following vehicles:
1. M340i xDrive with M sport suspension
2. M340i xDrive with adaptive suspension in Comfort mode

I would appreciate it if you please include wheel diameter in your answer!

Thanks,

sportsedan89
Never buy a car you have not test driven. If the X3M comp is anything to go by it will be HARD.
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      03-03-2021, 03:25 PM   #20
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How is anyone really going to answer this question? OP go drive one and you will know.
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      03-07-2021, 09:20 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pcai View Post
In some other threads the camera guy who sat in it (during driving) said the suspension is nice enough you can daily it no problem.
I sure hope so because that’s what I’ll be doing for the next 6+ years.
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      03-07-2021, 01:26 PM   #22
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When I went from my 335 M-Sport to my first M3 in 2015, I found the M3 ride to actually be better than the 335... the 335 had run flats. Those are the worst! I stayed away from the run flats on both the M3's and even with 19's x 4 it was fine. I'll be curious how this new one rides with the 20's in the rear... not much rubber there. If you are really concerned about ride you might want to roll with the 18/19 setup to get a bit more rubber to dampen things a bit. I remember on the 2015 there was one road that always had a jarring part where the two sections met. When I put the winter tires and wheels on, (18's), it was much better rolling over that section of road than it was with the summer 19's. The 2018 was better in that same section even with the 19's (never put winters on that one). So it will be interesting to see how the 2021 does. So many variables. But the bottom line, as many said above, the M3/4 isn't going to be a "soft" ride in any configuration.
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