128 ride quality on base suspension

[T1T2GRE]

I have a 128i 'vert with sport suspension, but I have had the opportunity to drive a base model as a loaner. I live in Central PA, as a reference. The sport suspension with the OEM runcraps is a bit too harsh as a DD. The loaner, equipped similarly but with the base suspension, was quite tolerable. A little squishier, but I found it more reasonable. Fun car is a 1M, and even that doesn't ride as hard as a sport package.

[chris82]

I have a stock suspension non m sport right now. It's bad. With runflats it's even worse. I had 17" and 18" wheels on with runflats and both were absolutely terrible. Small bumps, big bumps, didn't even matter.

It's a little better with good, NON runflat tires. Small bumps and cracks are no problem. However, the car gets very unsettled on bigger bumps and during evasive maneuvering. Personally I have very little confidence in the stock suspension in this car and can't wait to get it completely replaced with aftermarket components.

[chris82]

Oh and if you see a bump you better stop accelerating unless you want it to feel like your entire rear end has lost contact with the road for almost a second lol.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by ajc

How do you like the base seats. Are the comfortable and
Give good back support.

I like the base seats. I've been on many 3 hr car rides and have never been uncomfortable in them. There's not a lot of support but I honestly never felt the need for it on the street.

[Isdaako]

For me the ride is harsh. I'll be dumping the RFT's this week and hope for improvement.

I've spent over 20 hours in a day of driving and find the stock seats very nice.

[Mach1er]

I find the base seats more comfortable for me than the sports seats. I really like the lumbar support adjustment that you still get on the base seats as well as the electric adjustments on power seats.

The base suspension is a lot softer than the M-Sport, but it has serious advantages over potholes and going down steep driveways etc. It is still communicative and shap, but there is more body roll. It's very comfortable for roadtrips and won't wear you out with the jitter. Don't expect a nice floaty ride of Lincoln Towncar, though.

That being said, the base stock RFTs are terrible. Loud, vague, minimal wet traction for all all-season tire (Goodyear Eagle LS2). I will be switching to either Michelin PS/2 RFT or bridgestone RE960 RFTs when these go. I'm almost hoping for a nail.

[Black Prinz]

It's OK for a luxury car ride once you get rid of the RFT's; for seats I got the premuim with cold weather package and have no complaints with my 2 hr commute.

That said I'm upgrading the suspension at some point soon.

[solohan330]

I have an '09 128i 6mt, Pirelli P-Zero RF summer tires with base suspension and seats and find it a great dd. I've also made a number of trips down to COTA and had no problems with the 11+ hour drive. In particular on one return took 281 rather than I-35 and the base suspension handled the hill country just fine. The sport seats without the sport suspension would be in my opinion the perfect combo for a dd - but I find the sports suspension a bit harsh for everyday use on most roads.

[jdml]

Car is great for DD and base suspension is fine for that purpose. Steer clear of the potholes you can to reduce fury and avoid cursing the road and all those who have traveled it. Use the run flats up and get better tires w/ a spare in the trunk, which also helps if you live somewhere with snow.

[631twentyeighteye]

The non sport suspension is amazing as DD suspension. Soaks up potholes, uneven surfaces, bumps,etc in NYC without any hesitation. The downfall is its very very soft and mushy when you wanna drive more aggressively. I went to Msport suspension and it was almost as good as a daily but much better to drive spiritedly. Then i went to Eibach springs and the ride quality is definitely much firmer and less forgiving but it's great when hooning around.

tldr; Its good as a DD suspension.