[m2for2]

Hey all,

Not sure if there has been a discussion on this in the threads thus far, but I was wondering what the general consensus was on the comfort of the M2 vs the M3/4 in terms of daily drivability. I just recently picked up my F87 (3 months ago) as a daily driver and find that it is a bit stiff suspension wise. Is this problem resolved with the adaptive suspension of the F80/F82 or is the difference somewhat negligible? Any and all opinions appreciated.

Cheers!

[ksa]

Having had the 2016 F80 M3 - honestly I can't say it was any more comfortable than my current 18 F87 M2. Unless they did something with the M3's suspension in the more recent years, I would say that they are both equally 'not as comfortable' on crappy roads.

[m2for2]

Originally Posted by ksa

Having had the 2016 F80 M3 - honestly I can't say it was any more comfortable than my current 18 F87 M2. Unless they did something with the M3's suspension in the more recent years, I would say that they are both equally 'not as comfortable' on crappy roads.

This is kinda the feeling I had. I assume yours had the adaptable suspension? I know that it was an option on the MY15 but I believe all of the 16s came with it correct?

Also, was yours comp pack or not?

[ksa]

That's my understanding as well in regards to the adaptive suspension although I am not sure. I did not have competition pack. On a day to day basis it was at least as much (if not more) uncomfortable/stiff than the M2. The added weight and bigger dimensions of the vehicle makes the rolls (when trying to avoid potholes) and pothole wobbles were more noticeable if anything.

[fun2drv]

The adaptive suspension in the F80/82 in comfort mode was a lot more compliant than the M2 suspension. I had a '15 M4 and a '17 M2. I found the M2 suspension almost too harsh for a DD and I like a sport tuned suspension in my cars. I only used the comfort mode setting in the M4 when I was on long trips of several hours.

[m2for2]

Originally Posted by fun2drv

The adaptive suspension in the F80/82 in comfort mode was a lot more compliant than the M2 suspension. I had a '15 M4 and a '17 M2. I found the M2 suspension almost too harsh for a DD and I like a sport tuned suspension in my cars. I only used the comfort mode setting in the M4 when I was on long trips of several hours.

That is sort of what I am feeling. The suspension is just so harsh as a DD. I find myself getting anxious whenever I'm driving on crappy LA roads with potholes.

[RAM_F30_F87]

Did yours come with Michelin or Continental tires?
If you haven't replaced the initial set (I only got 10,000 miles on the Contis and replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S), your next set of tires may help a little depending on what characteristics you're looking for.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/surve...e&cameFrom=TSR

[m2for2]

Originally Posted by RAM_F30_F87

Did yours come with Michelin or Continental tires?
If you haven't replaced the initial set (I only got 10,000 miles on the Contis and replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S), your next set of tires may help a little depending on what characteristics you're looking for.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/surve...e&cameFrom=TSR

The contis. The harshness is bad enough to the point for me where I dont think a set of tires would do too much.

[particulardude]

as mentioned this also has a lot to do w/ your wheel/tire setup

I'm planning on going w/ a new 18" wheel when it comes time to replace tires

[m2for2]

Originally Posted by particulardude

as mentioned this also has a lot to do w/ your wheel/tire setup

I'm planning on going w/ a new 18" wheel when it comes time to replace tires

I feel as if a greater impact would be made by the size of the rim for sure. The 19" rims are a probably a big contributor to the harshness of the ride.

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by m2for2

I feel as if a greater impact would be made by the size of the rim for sure. The 19" rims are a probably a big contributor to the harshness of the ride.

Going down from 19 inch summer wheels to winter 18s makes a discernible different in how my vehicle absorbs NYC crater-size potholes.. Almost a night and day difference.

However, still believe adaptive suspension would help in this regard also, since it gives you option to soften the dampening rate.

[m2for2]

Originally Posted by Poochie

Going down from 19 inch summer wheels to winter 18s makes a discernible different in how my vehicle absorbs NYC crater-size potholes.. Almost a night and day difference.

However, still believe adaptive suspend would help in this regard also, since it gives you option to soften the dampening rate.

Yup. Thats good to hear. I really love the M2 in every regard except this one. I might end up picking up an f80 as a DD and keeping the M2 for some weekend activities or track days.

[trey100]

Interesting since I've heard people say the M2 is really not any worse than the F80. My F80 with adaptive isn't great in the city either so I need to dodge potholes, etc but since 95% of my driving is on country roads, it's great. Need to test drive one.

[boostm3]

I owned an '11 135i prior to my M2 and quite honestly, that ride was quite a bit harsher, due in no small part to the early runflats the car was equipped with. Considering the performance level the M2 achieves, I find the ride quite acceptable for most road conditions. Its not a Camry, but what the hey....

[hdizzle]

I find that the one downfall to this otherwise amazing car ('18 LCI) is the poor ride quality.

Granted I daily drive all year round in war-zone like roads here Massachusetts, but for me it's just too harsh, even with my 18" winters.

I'm seriously considering a second car as a comfortable daily driver to break things up. Or a CPO 991...

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by particulardude

as mentioned this also has a lot to do w/ your wheel/tire setup

Tires: brand, type, compound, size, pressure, age, wear, etc.

Complicated to generalize if we're dealing with a set of different parameters.

[trey100]

Originally Posted by hdizzle

I find that the one downfall to this otherwise amazing car ('18 LCI) is the poor ride quality.

Granted I daily drive all year round in war-zone like roads here Massachusetts, but for me it's just too harsh, even with my 18" winters.

I'm seriously considering a second car as a comfortable daily driver to break things up. Or a CPO 991...

Have you driven an M3/4 to compare? My E90 335 "Sport" was terrible with broken roads. My F80 may be stiffer but it handles potholes much better. It's definitely firm but for it's performance it's pretty good. Driving through Manhattan isn't great but that's expected in a stiff car.

[Karmic Man]

I actually found the suspension on the F87 a bit soft as a sporty car...softer than the 1M and I used to daily the 1M with no drivability issues. Think I might need to get the M performance suspension now...

[CosmosMpower]

Very similar in suspension feel, my F80 has adaptive suspension and it might be a tad softer in comfort mode vs. M2 suspension but not much difference. Your choice in tire can have a larger effect than the difference in suspension.

M3 will have a bit more interior and trunk room, that's about it.

[m2for2]

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

Very similar in suspension feel, my F80 has adaptive suspension and it might be a tad softer in comfort mode vs. M2 suspension but not much difference. Your choice in tire can have a larger effect than the difference in suspension.

M3 will have a bit more interior and trunk room, that's about it.

Good to know. May look elsewhere for my next DD. Any suggestions for performance cars with similar performance to an F87/F80 which are more comfortable? Maybe an S4?

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by m2for2

Good to know. May look elsewhere for my next DD. Any suggestions for performance cars with similar performance to an F87/F80 which are more comfortable? Maybe an S4?

Check out the Cadillac ATS-V; it has a very comfortable "magic-carpet ride" (adaptive air suspension), an abundance of power, and even a manual option.

If I wasn't such a BMW fanboy, that vehicle would be on my short list..

[trey100]

Originally Posted by Poochie

Check out the Cadillac ATS-V; it has a very comfortable "magic-carpet ride" (adaptive air suspension), an abundance of power, and even a manual option.

If I wasn't such a BMW fanboy, that vehicle would be on my short list..

It's looks are polarizing though. Also the infotainment system is pretty bad. Unfortunate that Caddy got so much right with that car and couldn't button it up.