[DavyNM]

my two cars are the X1 with m sport suspension with 18 inch all season tires and the 330i with standard suspension and 19 inch all season tires. They were both built within the same calendar year.

while I've always realized that they were very different cars with different suspension setup, I had no quantifiable way of making a subjective comparison, until recently. I'm fortunate enough not to encounter speed bumps anywhere in my town. However, my local Home Depot just put up a few of them in front of the entrance. They allowed me present my case. The speed bumps are the same as the ones in the photo below.

If I drive my 330i, I can easily drive over those speed bumps at around 30mph without feeling any discomfort. Even my coffee mug in the cupholder does not spill a single drop. The suspension sounded like it was driving over a big sponge cake. Parking lot was empty because the Home Depot was already closed when I tested this last night.

Unfortunately, I also tried driving over those same speed bumps in my X1 with m sport suspension. Even if I drive over them at 5mph or less, the whole car felt like I just hit a concrete parking curb or someone is hitting the front end with a sledge hammer. I basically have to slow down to walking speed and slowly crawl over those speed bumps. It also sounded like the car crashed into something hard at 50mph.(like hitting a pothole on the highway)

yes, the tire pressure in both cars were at the recommended psi level. The weather was in the 70s.

is there any chance that the suspension parts in my X1 were installed incorrectly at the factory or have some sort of defect to cause such harshness? my guess is probably not because I literally just had the alignment done for the X1 at the BMW dealer last month and the tech said nothing.

[Rayneman]

This doesn't help, but I had a 330i with the M Sport Package and thought the ride was especially harsh, and add the RFTs and it was a jarring experience. I feel like the "comfort" mode on my x1 M35i is quite a bit softer than what I remember from my 330.

Also, why would you think you should/could drive over speed bumps at 30MPH? Obviously this is not the point of your post, but I'd think any normal vehicle would become a little unsettled trying to get over those at that speed.

[richiro]

Originally Posted by DavyNM

my two cars are the X1 with m sport suspension with 18 inch all season tires and the 330i with standard suspension and 19 inch all season tires. They were both built within the same calendar year.

while I've always realized that they were very different cars with different suspension setup, I had no quantifiable way of making a subjective comparison, until recently. I'm fortunate enough not to encounter speed bumps anywhere in my town. However, my local Home Depot just put up a few of them in front of the entrance. They allowed me present my case. The speed bumps are the same as the ones in the photo below.

If I drive my 330i, I can easily drive over those speed bumps at around 30mph without feeling any discomfort. Even my coffee mug in the cupholder does not spill a single drop. The suspension sounded like it was driving over a big sponge cake. Parking lot was empty because the Home Depot was already closed when I tested this last night.

Unfortunately, I also tried driving over those same speed bumps in my X1 with m sport suspension. Even if I drive over them at 5mph or less, the whole car felt like I just hit a concrete parking curb or someone is hitting the front end with a sledge hammer. I basically have to slow down to walking speed and slowly crawl over those speed bumps. It also sounded like the car crashed into something hard at 50mph.(like hitting a pothole on the highway)

yes, the tire pressure in both cars were at the recommended psi level. The weather was in the 70s.

is there any chance that the suspension parts [...]

Though I agree with the suspension being a little more on the stiffer side compared to most other compact SUV’s in the category, I also agree with the above post about the need to go beyond 5-10mph over a speed bump in a residential area anyway? That’s the entire point of the bump, to slow people down.

Also says the speed limits 15mph in that photo so, still not sure why you’re in such a hurry to get in/out of the area.

[fueledbycaffeine]

Why in the hell do you think it’s a good idea to drive over speed bumps at 30 mph in any vehicle?

It’s no effing wonder that BMW drivers have such a bad reputation for being assholes.

My 2025 X2 M35i has a stiffer suspension than my previous 2 small SUVs (non-BMW), but it isn’t what I would consider to be remotely uncomfortable.

I don’t think there is a reasonable expectation that the cars would ride at all in the same way. BTW, my other car is a 2025 M340i, so yeah, I actually have an idea of what I’m talking about.

[KingSize.Hamster]

RFTs and reasons for driving through speed bumps at that kinda speed aside ...

Firmer suspension setups just require slower speeds to get through imperfections. That's just how it is. As an example, on a 1.5km-length overpass I drive through everyday where speed limit is 70km/h:

• GLC : Very plush suspension, though the damping is only so so in terms of quality. Can go through it at 80km/h fairly comfortably (not suggesting people should speed)
  
• iX1 (M sport suspension by default) : 70km/h easily before ride feels rough. The damping is very well setup for a family car.
  
• Toy car #1 with stiff active suspension : 60km/h without too much trouble. Anything beyond that I feel the road is just wearing down the car's chassis excessively
  
• Toy car #2 with even firmer active suspension : barely get through that same road at 50-55km/h, and then it would feel like my car's getting tortured

I would classify the M suspension on U11 cars as firm, but far from harsh. The damping quality is pretty decent for its price

All that said. I slow WAY down over speed bumps so that it's safer for pedestrians and better for the cars, regardless of whether I'm taking the Minivan out or one of the toy cars. Always have both wheels on the same axle go up and down the bump at the same time. Driving over speed bumps with one wheel at a time is also bad news. Some people with low ground clearance cars do that. But most of the time it makes no sense other than just putting extra stress to the chassis.

[MontyB1]

If you wanted a softer ride don’t get the sports suspension. Drove an Xline before we got the MSport and it was far more relaxed but BMW won’t allow anything other than the firmer suspension and we preferred the spec and looks on the MSport.

As for someone mentions above an X1 having a comfort mode for their suspension NO X1 has variable electronic or adaptive suspension in any way. Many threads about it, it’s BMW borderline fraudulent marketing but they are normal standard dampers. You need an X1 or 3 series to get variable electronic dampers that change firmness.

[Rayneman]

Originally Posted by MontyB1

As for someone mentions above an X1 having a comfort mode for their suspension NO X1 has variable electronic or adaptive suspension in any way. Many threads about it, it’s BMW borderline fraudulent marketing but they are normal standard dampers. You need an X1 or 3 series to get variable electronic dampers that change firmness.

So this is inaccurate? It may be, I don't know, it just seems like things change when I engage Sport Mode. Could be some placebo type thing...

AI Overview
Learn more
Yes, the BMW X1 M35i has a different suspension than the X1 28i, featuring Adaptive M Suspension as standard, while the 28i has a standard suspension system.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
X1 M35i:
Features Adaptive M Suspension as standard.
This suspension system allows for adjustable damping, enhancing both ride comfort and handling performance.
Also includes M Sport Brakes and an M Sport Differential.

[Douggie]

OP should keep driving your x1 at 30mph over the bumps. It will eventually soften. Just needs time to break in.

Try 40 to speed up the process.

[SilverGrey]

Have you checked that the suspension transport blocks were removed? I’ve read stories where people have described a similar issue to yours only to find their dealer ‘forgot’ to remove them.

I have an iX1 on 18’s which replaced a G20 330i on 18’s (both on M sport suspension) and the iX1 is much more compliant and comfortable.

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by Rayneman

So this is inaccurate? It may be, I don't know, it just seems like things change when I engage Sport Mode. Could be some placebo type thing...

AI Overview
Learn more
Yes, the BMW X1 M35i has a different suspension than the X1 28i, featuring Adaptive M Suspension as standard, while the 28i has a standard suspension system.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
X1 M35i:
Features Adaptive M Suspension as standard.
This suspension system allows for adjustable damping, enhancing both ride comfort and handling performance.
Also includes M Sport Brakes and an M Sport Differential.

You are imagining it. They absolutely do not have user selectable damping adjustment, and they are purely mechanical dampers with no electronic components. If you search back in previous threads, this has been discussed many times. BMW's terms are confusing, and their upgraded suspension in any model seems to be called Adaptive M Suspension, however, the electronically controlled ones are specifically referred to as Dynamic Damper Control.

[markronnie]

Originally Posted by Rayneman

So this is inaccurate? It may be, I don't know, it just seems like things change when I engage Sport Mode. Could be some placebo type thing...

AI Overview
Learn more
Yes, the BMW X1 M35i has a different suspension than the X1 28i, featuring Adaptive M Suspension as standard, while the 28i has a standard suspension system.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
X1 M35i:
Features Adaptive M Suspension as standard.
This suspension system allows for adjustable damping, enhancing both ride comfort and handling performance.
Also includes M Sport Brakes and an M Sport Differential.

Everything I’ve read about BMWs so called
“Adaptive M Suspension” is that it can not change the ride quality or dynamic at all. I agree with the statement that the way BMW markets (or names some of its features) are borderline fraudulent.
I have an Acura RDX & it has a TRUE ELECTRONIC ADAPTIVE SUSPENSION that views the road & automatically adjusts ride characteristics many times a second. One of the things it does when it sees pot holes coming up or rough road ahead, it firms up the suspension. It does this regardless of the Mode selected.

I wish the X1 worked that way but it can’t. I imagine BMW doesn’t enable such a feature is it cost a lot more & wants buyers to trade up to X3. Same idea I suppose for not offering Ventilated seats.

[paulockenden]

Some BMWs have proper adaptive dampers - my last one did. But no variant of the U10/U11 has controllable dampers. The clue is that there’s no way to control the stiffness in the individual settings of the idrive. Many reviews mention that the damping changes in sports mode but this tells you more about the reviewer than the vehicle!

The adaptive damping *does* adjust, but it’s purely mechanical. On a bumpy road it softens up, whilst on a flat road it firms up. It actually does a pretty good job.

[MontyB1]

Originally Posted by paulockenden

Some BMWs have proper adaptive dampers - my last one did. But no variant of the U10/U11 has controllable dampers. The clue is that there’s no way to control the stiffness in the individual settings of the idrive. Many reviews mention that the damping changes in sports mode but this tells you more about the reviewer than the vehicle!

The adaptive damping *does* adjust, but it’s purely mechanical. On a bumpy road it softens up, whilst on a flat road it firms up. It actually does a pretty good job.

This ^, I can change the suspension in the X3 can’t in my wife’s X1 it’s just the default. If someone wants a softer ride, go for the X-line the M-Sport for some will be too firm, others it’s fine.

BMW in Germany used to allow you to chose which suspension you get but I think even in that market the option has been removed, you get the default for the model, M-Sport or X-Line.

[Rayneman]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

You are imagining it. They absolutely do not have user selectable damping adjustment, and they are purely mechanical dampers with no electronic components. If you search back in previous threads, this has been discussed many times. BMW's terms are confusing, and their upgraded suspension in any model seems to be called Adaptive M Suspension, however, the electronically controlled ones are specifically referred to as Dynamic Damper Control.

Well that's a bit disappointing.

But when I put the car in "S" via the shift knob, it seems to call up the more aggressive gearing/shifting (and the often humorous "iconic" sounds) and everything else seems to be as normal. When I put the car Sport Mode via "my modes" it certainly seems to drive differently in ways beyond the transmission. Its possible that I am just creating things in my head, but then what is the difference and/or point of having the "my modes" when you just get at them via the shift knob?

Anyway, none of this really matters much to me, as I do like how the car behaves suspension-wise, and after the years of getting beat up in my 330i I am happy to be in my M35i.

Back to the speed bumps. In and around my area, "speed tables" have been installed on certain residential streets. I would LOVE to see the OP take one of these monstrosities at 30+ MPH. They are not "bumps" but rather like a slight ramp. The idea is that if you hit it at anything other than VERY SLOW your car will bottom out once over. I get the point, but they are pretty severe. Maybe these are everywhere, but seem new around this area.

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by Rayneman

Well that's a bit disappointing.

But when I put the car in "S" via the shift knob, it seems to call up the more aggressive gearing/shifting (and the often humorous "iconic" sounds) and everything else seems to be as normal. When I put the car Sport Mode via "my modes" it certainly seems to drive differently in ways beyond the transmission. Its possible that I am just creating things in my head, but then what is the difference and/or point of having the "my modes" when you just get at them via the shift knob?

Anyway, none of this really matters much to me, as I do like how the car behaves suspension-wise, and after the years of getting beat up in my 330i I am happy to be in my M35i.

Back to the speed bumps. In and around my area, "speed tables" have been installed on certain residential streets. I would LOVE to see the OP take one of these monstrosities at 30+ MPH. They are not "bumps" but rather like a slight ramp. The idea is that if you hit it at anything other than VERY SLOW your car will bottom out once over. I get the point, but they are pretty severe. Maybe these are everywhere, but seem new around this area.

I’m not positive, but I do believe the steering feel changes a bit when selecting sport mode. As the rack is electric, it’s probably “mapped” differently in Sport mode. As for the speed bumps, they’ve installed elevated crosswalks in areas of high traffic where incidents have occurred in the past, rated at 30mph. Going over them at 40 in the X1 is a bit uncomfortable, in my e46 it’s asking to rip the subframe off.

[BabyX6]

Rayneman I'm not adding much to the conversation, but I don't think anyone in this thread has yet to qualify that our suspension does adapt... but it only does so passively, reactively, mechanically. And as FlashMonkey929 said, the electronic gear box tightens in Sport mode. Otherwise, it's all (?) transmission. That said, I've observed that the transmission shifts more aggressively in "Sport" mode than if you just shift it into "S".

Now what I'm unsure of and explains my earlier question mark, is if Sport mode forces a greater allocation of power to be sent to the rear? I feel like I have noticed less torque steer in Sport.

[fueledbycaffeine]

Originally Posted by BabyX6

Rayneman I'm not adding much to the conversation, but I don't think anyone in this thread has yet to qualify that our suspension does adapt... but it only does so passively, reactively, mechanically. And as FlashMonkey929 said, the electronic gear box tightens in Sport mode. Otherwise, it's all (?) transmission. That said, I've observed that the transmission shifts more aggressively in "Sport" mode than if you just shift it into "S".

Now what I'm unsure of and explains my earlier question mark, is if Sport mode forces a greater allocation of power to be sent to the rear? I feel like I have noticed less torque steer in Sport.

Have you looked at Terrain Mode in Live Vehicle? It shows how the power sent to front and rear on the fly.

[Douggie]

https://www.bmw-m.com/en/topics/maga...-fahrwerk.html

[MontyB1]

Originally Posted by Douggie

https://www.bmw-m.com/en/topics/maga...-fahrwerk.html

Not sure why the link is there, this isn’t fitted to any X1 unfortunately.

As for others noticing a difference,

- gearbox changes in sport for more aggressive and faster shifts and holds onto the revs higher or kicks down earlier.
- throttle map gets more aggressive , less movement causes more power to be deployed.
- the steering gets less assistance for a firmer feel and some other tweaks in sport.

For suspension no change unfortunately and the M-Sport in the X1 is pretty firm it’s certainly harsher and less forgiving than the X3 as a comparison. My wife’s X1 on 19” rides firmer than my X3 on 21” wheels and full adaptive suspension, hers always feels more jittery as well. It still rides nicely but back to back you can certainly feel it, I think most people the X-Line would be better we found it a better compromise on the day we had it, but specs and looks we preferred the M-Spoet.

[paulockenden]

Originally Posted by Douggie

https://www.bmw-m.com/en/topics/maga...-fahrwerk.html

That’s “Adaptive M Suspension”. The U11/U10 has “M Adaptive Suspension”. Spot the difference. Confusing? Yes! Deliberately so? I suspect so.

The simple way to know that our cars don’t have electrically adjustable dampers (apart from reading what it actually says on the configuration) is to look at a parts diagram. There’s no wires going anywhere near our suspension components.

[Douggie]

Originally Posted by paulockenden

That’s “Adaptive M Suspension”. The U11/U10 has “M Adaptive Suspension”. Spot the difference. Confusing? Yes! Deliberately so? I suspect so.

The simple way to know that our cars don’t have electrically adjustable dampers (apart from reading what it actually says on the configuration) is to look at a parts diagram. There’s no wires going anywhere near our suspension components.

I see. Thanks for the clarification.

Yes. A deliberate play in words to confuse the consumer!

However, the weird thing is that my wife always complains that the ride is very bumpy whenever I switch to sports mode. The wife is always right, right?

[paulockenden]

Originally Posted by Douggie

The wife is always right, right?

If she’s a passenger in the front of a LHD car, certainly.