E89 suspension

[A-minor]

Having had my E89 for a couple of months now I have to admit the ride is not quite as forgiving as I was hoping for. It seemed a little firm on the test drive before buying, and on good quality roads I have no issues with it. However, there seem to be plenty of 'bumpy' roads in this part of the country and on longer drives it does become a bit tiresome. I've already removed the runflats, and whilst that has taken the harsh crashy edge off the bumps, it didn't make the overall difference I was hoping for.

Now perhaps I'm just getting too old for this sports car malarky, but before arriving at that conclusion I'm considering whether at 113k miles some of the suspension parts are worn and need renewing. Could worn shocks could be give a harsh ride? It's seems counter intuitive but I wonder if an underdamped car results in a 'bouncier' ride, i.e. bumps are felt due to shocks allowing more vertical movement.

Another thought is that I noticed the rear springs were changed at an indie around 18 months ago. The cost was £95 per side including fitting; at that price I'm wondering if they were cheap non-original springs that have affected the ride. The car does look slightly lower at the back, perhaps they were cheap lowering springs? If anyone could help rule this out I'd be grateful, I've measured a vertical distance of 352mm from wheel centre to underside of arch, if anyone can give me a comparison measurement on their car it would be appreciated.

[Lazza]

I suspect you are also still running the same pressures as the run flats. Try dropping to F36 R38 psi and see how you like it.

[A-minor]

Fair point. Just checked them today, the rears were 40psi so dropped them a couple, the fronts were down to 32psi so brought them up to 36psi, will see how I get on.

In the meantime it would be useful to get a couple of comparison measurements for the vertical distance measured from the wheel centre to the underside of the rear arch. Mine measure 352mm and looks just a tad low compared to other online E89 pics.

[Smartbear]

Fair point. Just checked them today, the rears were 40psi so dropped them a couple, the fronts were down to 32psi so brought them up to 36psi, will see how I get on.

In the meantime it would be useful to get a couple of comparison measurements for the vertical distance measured from the wheel centre to the underside of the rear arch. Mine measure 352mm and looks just a tad low compared to other online E89 pics.

Hi, just nipped out & measured mine (M-sport suspension)

6E8C03E0-4330-4C68-A134-05CB04738B6C.jpeg (227.04 KiB) Viewed 672 times

Rob

[JimsZ]

Just measured mine, I have 19 inch rims on and Goodyear Non run flats and the measurement is approx 350mm...

Not sure if mines standard but I'm thinking so. Also its M-sport suspension

Watching this topic with interest. Hope this is of help.

[A-minor]

I appreciate the responses, so both me and JimsZ are sitting at least 15mm lower than Rob's.

I have a copy of the original 2009 price list, and the only mention of a suspension option is the 'Adaptive M-Sport' which was an optional extra (code 2VF) for all three models at that time (23i, 30i and 35i). It states this has a 10mm lower ride height.

Mine does not have this option so will just be the standard type suspension. When you guys refer to M Sport, are you saying you have the adaptive setup or were there more options available for the later models?

[JimsZ]

I appreciate the responses, so both me and JimsZ are sitting at least 15mm lower than Rob's.

I have a copy of the original 2009 price list, and the only mention of a suspension option is the 'Adaptive M-Sport' which was an optional extra (code 2VF) for all three models at that time (23i, 30i and 35i). It states this has a 10mm lower ride height.

Mine does not have this option so will just be the standard type suspension. When you guys refer to M Sport, are you saying you have the adaptive setup or were there more options available for the later models?

Good question... one I cant answer with out a bit of digging about the cars options list.

In the mean time here is a recent picture of the car so you can see visually how it compares.

2012 plate 28i btw





Different angle different day

[Smartbear]

I appreciate the responses, so both me and JimsZ are sitting at least 15mm lower than Rob's.

I have a copy of the original 2009 price list, and the only mention of a suspension option is the 'Adaptive M-Sport' which was an optional extra (code 2VF) for all three models at that time (23i, 30i and 35i). It states this has a 10mm lower ride height.

Mine does not have this option so will just be the standard type suspension. When you guys refer to M Sport, are you saying you have the adaptive setup or were there more options available for the later models?

My car doesn’t have the adaptive suspension, just the M-sport set up.
Rob

[ProfCJJ]

So M-sport suspension and adaptive are two separate things? (I have M-sport adaptive and assumed that you got both or “nothing”)

Cheers

[JimsZ]

Mine lowers 10mm when in sport mode I believe so would have adaptive?

[Smartbear]

Mine lowers 10mm when in sport mode I believe so would have adaptive?

Adaptive doesn’t lower the suspension, it’s 10mm lower regardless of any mode
Rob

[Smartbear]

So M-sport suspension and adaptive are two separate things? (I have M-sport adaptive and assumed that you got both or “nothing”)

Cheers

Yep, they’re 2 different options
Rob

[JimsZ]

Mine lowers 10mm when in sport mode I believe so would have adaptive?

Adaptive doesn’t lower the suspension, it’s 10mm lower regardless of any mode
Rob

It does s something to the suspension in sport mode as it feels a lot firmer ride v comfort mode.


I’m learning something new about this car all the time. Love it in the dry, roof down most days

[Smartbear]

Mine lowers 10mm when in sport mode I believe so would have adaptive?

Adaptive doesn’t lower the suspension, it’s 10mm lower regardless of any mode
Rob

It does s something to the suspension in sport mode as it feels a lot firmer ride v comfort mode.


I’m learning something new about this car all the time. Love it in the dry, roof down most days

It alters the damping, making it feel firmer
Rob

[Deepseaskateboard]

My 20i Msport has a sports suspension delete, as a factory option.

Ride is pretty nice, though not been in a car with the other suspension options to compare.