M-Sport or non-M-Sport?

jr795 · Post by **jr795** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 12:21 pm

Hi, I'm looking at getting an E89 within the next couple of months. I've settled on a 30i as the N52 seems like a really solid engine, and I fancy a straight-6. Is it worth paying the extra for an M-Sport over a standard car?

The main thing concerning me about an M-Sport is the adaptive suspension, obviously the 30i is at least 11/12 years old now so they are getting on in age, is the adaptive suspension known to fail? Is it expensive to replace? (compared to the non-adaptive).

Is the adaptive suspension noticeably better than the standard car? I've seen some reviews that say the standard car feels a bit wallowy at speed but that could always be rectified with some aftermarket shocks if needs be.

Any other general advice on the E89 would be appreciated, thanks

mcbutler · Post by **mcbutler** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 12:42 pm

Adaptive suspension can fail and yes its hugely expensive to replace the shocks, you can though have them refurbed by a specialist. Are you sure the 30i has adaptive? i thought it was 35i as an option or 35is cars...

I replaced mine with an Eibach after market system, a LOT better than adaptive and a LOT cheaper....

Nictrix · Post by **Nictrix** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 12:45 pm

Msport models do not necessarily mean they have adaptive suspension. This was a costly extra that is not fitted to many cars other than 35i or 35is.
The main differences between se and msport models are seats, steering wheel, gear stick, bumpers, and trim.
The suspension on msport models is slightly lower than se models.

jr795 · Post by **jr795** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 12:53 pm

Ah right my bad, I should have researched more thoroughly. So the M-Sport is mainly just visual upgrades? Are the se's optional upgraded seats the same as those found in the M-Sport?

Zed Baron · Post by **Zed Baron** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 12:58 pm

As nictrix says MSport is really just a trim level. Everything is interchangeable, my SE has Msport wheels / seats / steering wheel. Couldn't find a msport in the spec/colour that I wanted at the time

jr795 · Post by **jr795** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 1:06 pm

Zed Baron wrote: ↑Fri Feb 03, 2023 12:58 pm Couldn't find a msport in the spec/colour that I wanted at the time

That's the problem I'm finding at the moment. There are a few SEs within reasonable distance but only 1 M-Sport. Looking like an SE is the best bet, hopefully more will be coming up for sale as the weather improves

t90ark · Post by **t90ark** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 1:31 pm

I had the same chat same chat with myself - and come across the same market availability issue.
Being an older driver, I go for the SE because of its softer ride. No doubting the Msport is more pretty, however.

The main thing I really dislike about the SE, particularly as I drive an Msport X5 daily - the skinny steering wheel.

matsmith749 · Post by **matsmith749** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 2:04 pm

e89 was in production right up to 2016 (maybe even early 2017).

Budget depending - lots are out there that are less than 11-12 years old.

jr795 · Post by **jr795** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 2:23 pm

A lot of those made after 2011 use the N20, I've heard some horror stories about timing chain guides on those built before 2015 (although probably overblown as usual). The N52 has a good track record (and I'd rather have a 6 than a 4) so it's my preference, but they stopped using it when they replaced the 23i/30i after 2011

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 2:59 pm

The SE has much more 'compliant' suspension. The M-sport has lower (and stiffer) springs; that allied to a lot of them having 19" wheels makes for a.......rather harsh ride TBH (aka terrible). This is made worse with run flat tyres.

M-sport spec look a bit prettier, admittedly. Your dentist will love them!

Zed Baron · Post by **Zed Baron** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:03 pm

t90ark wrote: ↑Fri Feb 03, 2023 1:31 pm The main thing I really dislike about the SE, particularly as I drive an Msport X5 daily - the skinny steering wheel.

Totally agree on the steering wheel, I swapped mine out for a Msport one with the newer paddleshift (mines an auto) and had it refurbished by Royal Steering wheels, they thickened it also, far more comfortable

t90ark · Post by **t90ark** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:10 pm

Zed Baron wrote: ↑Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:03 pm
t90ark wrote: ↑Fri Feb 03, 2023 1:31 pm The main thing I really dislike about the SE, particularly as I drive an Msport X5 daily - the skinny steering wheel.
Totally agree on the steering wheel, I swapped mine out for a Msport one with the newer paddleshift (mines an auto) and had it refurbished by Royal Steering wheels, they thickened it also, far more comfortable

I had the wheel in my last z done by Royal. Thickened and in Alcantara - was nice!

t90ark · Post by **t90ark** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:12 pm

t90ark wrote: ↑Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:10 pm Msport one with the newer paddleshift (mines an auto)

What's the difference? I've gone auto, too.

matsmith749 · Post by **matsmith749** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:39 pm

single function - on left / + on right (new paddles)
This is the way it works on just about all flappy paddle gearboxes ever (except ealy BMWs)

push pull (up & down) on both sides (old paddles)
Confusing - abandoned after a couple of years by BMW, and they reverted to the paddle style understood by everyone else.

t90ark · Post by **t90ark** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:44 pm

matsmith749 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:39 pm single function - on left / + on right (new paddles)
This is the way it works on just about all flappy paddle gearboxes ever (except ealy BMWs)

push pull (up & down) on both sides (old paddles)
Confusing - abandoned after a couple of years by BMW, and they reverted to the paddle style understood by everyone else.

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com