[paulcurtis]

Hi,

My first post, so please be gentle

My last car was a 120d SE and we're going to get a used 320d (but newer than 55 so new shape). We have a choice between an SE trim or MSport trim.

I much prefer the look of the MSport and the seats and extras are better. But i've heard conflicting reports that say the ride is a *lot* firmer than the SE but i've also heard the opposite - that the suspension in the MSport handles UK potholes better.

Im unable to drive these side by side (to get the msport i will have to travel a long way) and all i have to go on is my 120d SE which was firm but fine and also an older model 330d MSport which i didn't get too much chance with.

So please can anyone that's had the chance to drive both chime in with their opinion - over long distances or short runs?

many, many thanks
paul

[dxb335d]

Paul i have the sport suspension on my 335d and i find with the stock runflats the ride is harsh on bad roads.

On smooth surfaces its superb.

[jjbirch]

i dont think its that bad, what alloys have you got on the m sport, the 17's ment to be better, i have 18's and its fine

[NFS]

Originally Posted by paulcurtis

Hi,

My first post, so please be gentle

My last car was a 120d SE and we're going to get a used 320d (but newer than 55 so new shape). We have a choice between an SE trim or MSport trim.

I much prefer the look of the MSport and the seats and extras are better. But i've heard conflicting reports that say the ride is a *lot* firmer than the SE but i've also heard the opposite - that the suspension in the MSport handles UK potholes better.

Im unable to drive these side by side (to get the msport i will have to travel a long way) and all i have to go on is my 120d SE which was firm but fine and also an older model 330d MSport which i didn't get too much chance with.

So please can anyone that's had the chance to drive both chime in with their opinion - over long distances or short runs?

many, many thanks
paul

I recommend you test drive an msport.

Some people have been very unhappy with the ride. I think it's great.

Seems to be a personal thing. There must be a load of msports for sale at your local dealer. Just have a quick go in one.

[rsyed]

i have 19" non runflat with sports suspension. I dont find it hard - it feels solid. Whatever you do, ditch the runflats - that gives you another level of comfort (regardless of the suspension)...

[MEGA]

M-sport with a nice set of Falken 452s and your laughing mate. Its so planted to the road, and yet, as soon as you ditch the runflats you'll realise very smooth as well. Joy to drive.

Good luck with the shopping!

[TMP]

18"s with runflats - I would say you have to want a car that's on the firm side...

Gererally though It a good balance, except over really poor potholes / manhole covers, than it can get a bit crashy. Much better damped than Audi on 17"s as well.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by TMP

18"s with runflats - I would say you have to want a car that's on the firm side...

Gererally though It a good balance, except over really poor potholes / manhole covers, than it can get a bit crashy. Much better damped than Audi on 17"s as well.

EXACTLY what he said.

Its bad over drains etc.

[paulcurtis]

thank you everyone for being so quick!

the model would have stock 17" runflats, vs 16" runflats on the SE.

I found the run flats on my 120d SE perfectly acceptable and it's true i prefer a firmer ride anyway (but the other half would rather a balance!).

I'm hoping to try a 318 MSport vs a 320 SE on saturday but i won't be running down motorways so it's perhaps not an indication of 'touring' in the car.

I find everyones input very valuable although is there anyone that's been in a position to try both for any length of time?

How easy is it to switch tyres to non run flats? Isn't there a legal issue with having a spare in those circumstances?

thanks again!
paul

[FieldingMellish]

All above correct. I have M SPort, 18"s with runflats, and love it. Yeah, having recently tried driving an M SPort with non-runlfats I am itching to get rid of them, but even if that was not possible I would never want an SE. Go for the M Sport!

[RagingKileak]

I think the ride in my M Sport 335D is unacceptably harsh on anything but a perfect road.

But people in Audi's think my car goes unacceptably fast round corners, and accelerates out with a poise that is certainly unheard of in their flobbery FWD barges... so its horses for courses really!

Matt

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

I think the ride in my M Sport 335D is unacceptably harsh on anything but a perfect road.

But people in Audi's think my car goes unacceptably fast round corners, and accelerates out with a poise that is certainly unheard of in their flobbery FWD barges... so its horses for courses really!

Matt

+1

[MEGA]

Basically its personal preference. Try both, then decide.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by MEGA

Basically its personal preference. Try both, then decide.

DAVE is right, its like whether you prefer Blondes or brunettes. Or mega ginges.

[tinka]

ive got a 320d m-sport, with 19" wheels and falken 452's, and its better than it was with 18" rft's.

where abouts in kent are you, i dont mind meeting up and taking you out in it to give you a feel.

im in medway,(what a dump)

[willhollin]

Originally Posted by tinka

where abouts in kent are you, i dont mind meeting up and taking you out in it to give you a feel.

Now there's an offer you don't get every day.

[tinka]

Originally Posted by willhollin

Now there's an offer you don't get every day.

Erm, a feel of the suspension that is.

[Carrera RSR]

Originally Posted by paulcurtis

thank you everyone for being so quick!

the model would have stock 17" runflats, vs 16" runflats on the SE.

I found the run flats on my 120d SE perfectly acceptable and it's true i prefer a firmer ride anyway (but the other half would rather a balance!).

I'm hoping to try a 318 MSport vs a 320 SE on saturday but i won't be running down motorways so it's perhaps not an indication of 'touring' in the car.

I find everyones input very valuable although is there anyone that's been in a position to try both for any length of time?

How easy is it to switch tyres to non run flats? Isn't there a legal issue with having a spare in those circumstances?

thanks again!
paul

On the motorway you will not feel too much difference between SE and M. Its on a nice twisty A road the Sport suspension comes into its own. Even going a bit quick around roundabouts its noticeable. More body roll and less feel through the steering wheel in the SE. Drive the SE first, then the M. Guarantee the M will be out in front.....until you hit bad road surface, then its firm verging on harsh.

If you switch to non RFT's there is no legal requirement to carry a spare. Just keep a can of puncture foam and a tyre compressor in the car.

[mgarvey]

I've gone from an E91 (tourer) 320d SE with 17" wheels to an E93 (convertible) M-Sport with 19" wheels - both runflats.

Personally I prefer the M-Sport. Yes the SE has a softer ride, but it just doesn't seem to 'right itself' as quickly afterwards so on a bumpy B-road the car can feel a bit unsettled.

Whilst the M-Sport will crash into the bumps fairly violently the car has better damping/body control so recovers faster - so to me it is actually more comfortable on long journeys (helped by sports seats on the M, which are much better).

On A-roads and motorways there isn't a great deal of difference.

[beemerbird]

Originally Posted by mgarvey

Personally I prefer the M-Sport. Yes the SE has a softer ride, but it just doesn't seem to 'right itself' as quickly afterwards so on a bumpy B-road the car can feel a bit unsettled.

Whilst the M-Sport will crash into the bumps fairly violently the car has better damping/body control so recovers faster - so to me it is actually more comfortable on long journeys (helped by sports seats on the M, which are much better).

On A-roads and motorways there isn't a great deal of difference.

Can I just say that your description of the differences between the M Sport & SE variants is well explained. Exactly my thoughts and experiences between the two E9x's I've owned.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by beemerbird

Can I just say that your description of the differences between the M Sport & SE variants is well explained. Exactly my thoughts and experiences between the two E9x's I've owned.

Hold up a minute, you had an E90 M sport with sport suspension,

but also had a SE 335 WITH SPORT SUSPENSION.


So how do you really know the difference.

[willhollin]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Hold up a minute, you had an E90 M sport with sport suspension,

but also had a SE 335 WITH SPORT SUSPENSION.


So how do you really know the difference.

Well spotted Inspector Fandango, explain yourself Beemerbird????

Although she is a woman Carlos, and they do know everything.