[DTM]

Now I'm not talking about off-roading and rock crawling and stuff, but I'm curious how an E90 holds up in rough terrain. I'm talking about gravel roads, dirt roads, mud, etc.

I occasionally go skiing, camping and visit national parks (yellowstone etc.)

Will the E90 be sufficient for this type of stuff, every once in a while?

[tctic]

Do you have the Sports Package? If yes, do be careful with rough terrains as the rims/wheels are easily damaged by the thin sidewall. Not that the non-sport tires have a tall sidewall, so care should still be taken to avoid severe pot holes.

[rebelfocus]

A lot will depend on your wheels & tyres as well.
I have 158 alloys (+ 17" runflat Bridgestone) tyres. I do NOT have a sports suspension and....

The ride can be jarring and occassionally terrifying on any bad road. I hit a small pot hole/ridge last week and I just heard a hard bang in the car. The car seems to have very little protection from roughness in the road in general. Although, you never lose control, it can be an altogether unpleasant experience. I find myself swerving to avoid the worst of the visible holes and ridges more and more. However, going fast on a good road, cruising or through the twisties, the E90 is wonderful, really wonderful.

My last car, an Audi A4 Quattro was well able to absorb rough roads and although it could be a bit bouncy at times and certainly not as tight through bends, it was a more more pleasant drive over any gravelled or potholed surface. However the Audi had 16" non-runflat Continentials which probably helped a lot.

Although BMW engineer a more sporty and harder ride into the 3 series, I am curious how much of the ride quality has to do with wheels & tyres?

I wouldn't risk taking an E90 over the roads you describe on 17" or 18" wheels. Change down to 16" if you can. Won't look as nice but there you go.

[DTM]

So the E90 won't handle the same stuff as an Accord?

[rebelfocus]

I doubt it (at least on 17" or 18" no). 16" might be okay but still a bit harder than the Accord I would say as even the non-sport suspension on BMW is a bit stiff compared to a non-sports sedan like an Accord.

[JonMad]

It might be a bit stiff but you should have no trouble actually getting down those types of roads. Take it easy and steer round the potholes. Use the traction control in the mud. Job done.

[DTM]

So as long as I don't race the X5 next to me I'm good?

[db17k]

Originally Posted by DTM

So the E90 won't handle the same stuff as an Accord?

Not with 18" rims it won't!