M-adaptive suspension

[PsyCLown]

Hey all,

So been pondering what the best compromise is with regards to a comfortable, luxurious drive (standard or luxury line) or a sportier and far sexier car (m-sport).

The m-adaptive suspension, from what I understand it's meant to try offer the best of both worlds or at least a bit of a compromise.
Sporty suspension which can be comfortable to, when required.

Is this correct?

Secondly, how do you know whether it's part of the spec on an F30 320D?

Thirdly, is it possible to retrofit? I assume more than just the suspension is required as there seem to be some electronics involved?
Would trying to pull the system out of a written off vehicle (or vehicles, depending on damage) be worth while?

Basically wondering whether it's worth considering the m-adaptive suspension and if so, would one need to find a car with it or could one make a plan to add it to the one (needs to be worth while financially).

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[MR_Y]

Hi,

My feedback:

"The m-adaptive suspension, from what I understand it's meant to try offer the best of both worlds or at least a bit of a compromise.
Sporty suspension which can be comfortable to, when required.
Is this correct?"

Yes - it is the best solution, according to all the motoring press who tested the F30 in M-Sport trim. The latest being Tom Watson on CarWow in 2016, who strongly advised ticking this option.

"Secondly, how do you know whether it's part of the spec on an F30 320D?"

A quick check of the VIN with BMW would show the spec list on the car. The option code is "SA2VF".
However, I know that the vast majority of F30 320d (any 4-cylinder actually) M-Sports were pre-specced by dealers and they did not tick this Adaptive Suspension option. It cost R15,300 on the 2018 pricelist. Dealers were happier to rather spec their 4-cylinder M-Sport cars with front and rear PDC and sunroofs, instead of adaptive suspension. However, your 330d/335i/340i cars may have had this option already ticked.


"Thirdly, is it possible to retrofit? I assume more than just the suspension is required as there seem to be some electronics involved?
Would trying to pull the system out of a written off vehicle (or vehicles, depending on damage) be worth while?"

I would assume that the cost alone would be horrendous.

A cheaper alternative would be to:
- switch to 18s or 17s instead of 19s
- plonk a space saver spare wheel in the boot and switch all the tyres to non-RFT
- Get a non-M-Sport car (forgo the M sport suspension which is lowered by 10mm and stiffened).

A Sport Line (not M sport) car with 18 inch wheels, on non-RFTs, would be the ideal compromise.

 

[PsyCLown]

Thanks Mr Y!

R15k is not terrible if it works well. I guess asking BMW to install it in the car once purchased will be a lot more than R15k though mgwaiting:

I really like the M-sport body kit and the sportier stance with the lowered suspension. It is not uncomfortable, but... yeah.
Maybe I am being a bit pedantic now. :dunnoanymore:

 

[MR_Y]

Non RFT tyres would be your best bet.
My mate says that his non RFT 19s ride better than RFT 18s