[Ryan335]

So I've never driven a 335xi with sport package. I recently spent time with a 328xi non sport and was pretty disappointed with the handling. Lots of body roll and nose dive under breaking.

How different if at all will the handling be between these two cars? Thanks

[TofuTurkey]

I think the XI's sport suspension is the same as the non-sport version, only the seats, oil cooler, wheels and speed limiter are different (I could be wrong for 09).

I've been thinking more and more about the body roll recently, it feels to me that going around corners it feels less planted onto the road compared to my '99 crappy Forester. This sounds totally crazy, I know...

My next BMW (if I continue with them) will likely not be an XI. Unless the suspension improves. I'm not very willing to invest in coilovers and have my warranty voided

[Kevin G]

There are no factory suspension enhancements for sport XI models. That said, there are cheaper aftermarket options than coilovers (i.e. H&R sport springs for $250). And I reckon (hope?) that BMW is making a Performance suspension upgrade. Bilstein is set to come out soon with shocks for us as well. Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Also - your warranty isn't voided unless that particular non-OEM component specifically caused the claimed problem.

[Lassaxi]

Originally Posted by Ryan335

So I've never driven a 335xi with sport package. I recently spent time with a 328xi non sport and was pretty disappointed with the handling. Lots of body roll and nose dive under breaking.

How different if at all will the handling be between these two cars? Thanks

There should be virtually no difference in body roll and nose dive between the two models. As others have said, ZSP does not provide a sport suspension to XI models.

[Lassaxi]

Originally Posted by TofuTurkey

I've been thinking more and more about the body roll recently, it feels to me that going around corners it feels less planted onto the road compared to my '99 crappy Forester. This sounds totally crazy, I know...

Yes, that does sound crazy. I've driven a '99 Forester. It's a fine car, but there are only a few reasons I can think of why a 3er, even an XI, would exhibit more body roll than a '99 Forester:

1) your Forester had significant suspension mods,
2) someone stole your BMW's swaybars, or
3) you're on crack.

Now, if you were talking about a WRX, that would be another story.

[TofuTurkey]

Originally Posted by Lassaxi

Yes, that does sound crazy. I've driven a '99 Forester. It's a fine car, but there are only a few reasons I can think of why a 3er, even an XI, would exhibit more body roll than a '99 Forester:

1) your Forester had significant suspension mods,
2) someone stole your BMW's swaybars, or
3) you're on crack.

Yeah I know Hmm, I think maybe my brain needs calibrating

I just think it's not that hard for BMW to improve on the XI suspension, rather than us going the mod route... but, maybe there's some really good engineering reasons why it's the way it is...

[Kevin G]

I think besides any mechanical reasons, BMW may have assumed that AWD owners had less of a desire for sporty handling (and a need for more ground clearance in inclement weather). Hopefully we've proved them wrong; at least on this forum!

[Lassaxi]

Originally Posted by TofuTurkey

I just think it's not that hard for BMW to improve on the XI suspension, rather than us going the mod route...

Fair point. Many people have offered a wide variety of reasons why the sport suspension wouldn't work in the XI models. But, when you cut through all the crap, the fact of the matter is that if BMW really wanted to engineer a sport suspension that worked with XI models, they could do it.

[ruxp]

The XI coupes have sport suspension w/ ZSP.. the E90 xis don't

[Kevin G]

No; the XI coupes do not have sport suspension - even with ZSP.

Originally Posted by ruxp

The XI coupes have sport suspension w/ ZSP.. the E90 xis don't

[jgalaxy]

There is no sport suspension option period on XI coupes.

The XI suspension is rubbish and darn right dangerous if pushed even close to the cars limits and worse with the E92 335XI's power. Exercise caution if conducting any high speed cornering especially on any uneven road surface.

[AllydNYC]

Originally Posted by jgalaxy

There is no sport suspension option period on XI coupes.

The XI suspension is rubbish and darn right dangerous if pushed even close to the cars limits and worse with the E92 335XI's power. Exercise caution if conducting any high speed cornering especially on any uneven road surface.

I find the suspension on my 08' 328xi to be great! It's a little to stiff so I do understand about bumpy corners but other that that no complaints.

[offthewall]

Originally Posted by AllydNYC

I find the suspension on my 08' 328xi to be great! It's a little to stiff so I do understand about bumpy corners but other that that no complaints.

I also have an 08 328xi and I agree. I like the stiffness and it's part of the reason I bought the car.

[AllydNYC]

Whoa wait a second here the 08' 328xi models have a speed limit of what 130mph? Is there anyway to take off the governor?

[lul77]

Originally Posted by AllydNYC

I find the suspension on my 08' 328xi to be great! It's a little to stiff so I do understand about bumpy corners but other that that no complaints.

seriously? my 97 a4 quattro on its stock suspension used to rock the twisties. but in my 328xi i almost shit a brick when i actually lost traction for a split second before the awd compensated and gripped pavement. and thats after i put in the h&r sport springs (the only suspension mod available other than v3's)