Hard Ride : 325

BimmerMan7 · 11-29-2005, 05:27 AM

I just received my 325i two weeks ago and I'm not impressed :mad: with the overall ride comfort. I checked the tire pressures and all is according to spec. The ride is very firm and I feel every crack and bump in the road. Is this just my car or is this a general feeling from more of you guys ? Will it settle in ? Mileage currently on 380 on odo. To me it seems the run-flat tyres with the thick sidewall play a major role here. Please share ideas on how to better the ride comfort, other ideas etc. ?

natalia · 11-29-2005, 06:05 AM

Just wondering...do you have sports?

davinet78 · 11-29-2005, 06:17 AM

what wheels do you have?

ShinyRedCar · 11-29-2005, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerMan7

I just received my 325i two weeks ago and I'm not impressed :mad: with the overall ride comfort. ... ?

Hazards of not test driving first

dlk001 · 11-29-2005, 06:29 AM

I also received my 325i last Friday. I have 17” tires, normal suspension. The ride is definitely firmer than I expected. I do feel uneven surfaces but it’s 10 times better than my colleagues Mini Cooper S on 16” runflats. Hopefully, this will not develop into rattles in the car!!!

LEDZEP · 11-29-2005, 07:14 AM

BMWs, especially the 3 series, will have a firmer ride and you will "feel" much more of the road than in another sedan. That is largely the nature of a sports oriented car. If you have the sports package it will be even more noticable due to the stiffer suspension and "thinner" tires.

I find that with my stock 16", keeping the tire pressure about +2 gives me a decent feeling ride. But you're never going to have a Mercedes or Cadillac ride - that's just not how these cars are built. The 7 series on the other hand is like floating on air.

fredtoo · 11-29-2005, 07:18 AM

The ride on my 325 with sport is on the stiff side, but has softened up a little over the few months that I have been driving it ( Or I am getting uesd to it)

It is no where near as plush as the ride in my wife's Acura. And I suspect it will never be.

BimmerMan7 · 11-29-2005, 07:28 AM

Thanks to all you guys for the comments so far. I have 17" 225/45/17 tyres, no sports suspension - stock standard model. The comment on not test driving is also 100% correct. I just wonder if I woudl still have purchased the E90 if I knew the hard ride was a problem. On my next tire change, I will put bigger tyres on, perhaps lifting the profile slighlty to 50 ?

IDENTITY_MOTORSPORTS · 11-29-2005, 08:26 AM

the 3 series, all though a nice ride compared to driving say, a cavalier. is still nota "comfortable ride". from the sounds of it, you sound like you are looking for the comfort of a 5 or 7 series.

LEDZEP · 11-29-2005, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by identity

the 3 series, all though a nice ride compared to driving say, a cavalier. is still nota "comfortable ride". from the sounds of it, you sound like you are looking for the comfort of a 5 or 7 series.

Or a Mercedes C class, decent handling but softer ride... or any Japanese car.

ward · 11-29-2005, 09:09 AM

the "ride" on anything is completely subjective

me E90 with sports pack rides great to me

what car did you come from that you think the ride's rough??

markh · 11-29-2005, 11:46 AM

Well, I started with 18" wheels with no test drive, and didn't last long until I changed to 17". Although the ride is still harder than my previous 3 series (which did not have runflats), it is now acceptable. I just think the firmness of the ride is the weakest part of what is an exceptional car. Not as good as the last car for ride, so so much better in other ways. You do get used to the ride, and the feeling of extra safety is good. I think runflats still need more development, however. Seriously consider getting 16" tyres if you are not happy. While some people thought I should just live with the 18" tyres, I'm glad I changed.

ksfrogman · 11-29-2005, 11:51 AM

Yes, i'm curious to know what you're comparing the stiff ride to. What car are you used to driving?

I can't wait for my 330i (in production). I currently drive a '96 Ford Explorer that I have had for near 10 years, and with its modified suspension, larger wheels and Light Truck tires, no car can be as bumpy as that little monster.

I'll be getting the Sports package with my 330i.

noflash · 11-29-2005, 11:57 AM

Switch to non-runflat Ultra-High Performance All-Seasons.

I have 18" Pirelli PZero Nero M+S and the ride is Lexus-like.

Sho · 11-29-2005, 03:23 PM

I think it is all about the run flat. If I get an aftermarket wheel set, I will have non run flat on them.

David328M-Sport · 11-29-2005, 03:51 PM

Hey BimmerMan,

Sorry to read about your hard ride in your 325. I have the sports suspension and mixed 17" wheels and compared to my old ride (1998 e46 323i) this is pure luxury.

I dont have any issue with my Pirelli tyres either.

If you feel your car may have a problem, maybe test out another car just in case.

I hope you sort out your problem quickly

johnny420 · 11-29-2005, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Or a Mercedes C class, decent handling but softer ride... or any Japanese car.

Umm, not a TSX. I recently test-drove a non-SP 325i (E90) after ~2 years with my TSX, and it felt downright plush by comparison.

This thread baffles me. Bimmers seem to have very compliant rides, along with their sharp handling. I cannot imagine purchasing an E90 without the SP. I want more handling, not less.

Why buy a sport sedan and then complain about the "stiff" ride? IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE STIFF!

soj · 11-29-2005, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnny420

Umm, not a TSX. I recently test-drove a non-SP 325i (E90) after ~2 years with my TSX, and it felt downright plush by comparison.

This thread baffles me. Bimmers seem to have very compliant rides, along with their sharp handling. I cannot imagine purchasing an E90 without the SP. I want more handling, not less.

Why buy a sport sedan and then complain about the "stiff" ride? IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE STIFF!

Like I've said before, it depends on the roads you drive on. My car loses contact with the road due to the hard RFTs. Have you ever had that happen? Take an offramp turn at 30MPH, hit a 1-2 inch bump and bam...the rear end loses the road and swings out causing some loud crashing sound. I'm not the only one. A friend of mine with an e90 has the same problem. The car with RFTs on bad roads is a hazard not only to myself but to other cars.

I'm going to swap my RFTs out and will not buy another BMW if they stick with RFTs this underdeveloped.

arcrox · 11-29-2005, 07:12 PM

Maybe you should just move

Hunter399 · 11-29-2005, 07:41 PM

What is the correct tire pressure for a 325 with no sports package?

Thanks!

E24 · 11-29-2005, 08:15 PM

You want a rough ride - try a 1984 Corvette with the Z51 suspension option. Now that's rough!

ben1364 · 11-29-2005, 08:15 PM

The E90 does in fact have a firmer ride than the E36 M3 with either (E90) suspension set up. I intended to buy a 330i with sports suspension until I test drove it and found this out. I think BMW was determined to equip the car with run flat tires regardless, for reasons of manufacturing cost and trunk space and found that they had to compromise ride as a result. They must have had their fingures crossed that no one would notice. I bought the 'normal' suspension and though it isn't objectionable to me, it is somewhat harsh all because of the compromise tires. I would expect better from BMW.

11-29-2005, 05:27 AM	#1
BimmerMan7 Private 18 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 325i E90 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Pretoria, South Africa iTrader: (0)	Hard Ride : 325 I just received my 325i two weeks ago and I'm not impressed :mad: with the overall ride comfort. I checked the tire pressures and all is according to spec. The ride is very firm and I feel every crack and bump in the road. Is this just my car or is this a general feeling from more of you guys ? Will it settle in ? Mileage currently on 380 on odo. To me it seems the run-flat tyres with the thick sidewall play a major role here. Please share ideas on how to better the ride comfort, other ideas etc. ?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-29-2005, 06:05 AM	#2
natalia Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 266 Posts Drives: Not a BMW Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	Just wondering...do you have sports?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 06:17 AM	#3
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	what wheels do you have? __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 06:29 AM	#5
dlk001 Private First Class 155 Rep 154 Posts Drives: F83 M4 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Johannesburg iTrader: (0)	I also received my 325i last Friday. I have 17” tires, normal suspension. The ride is definitely firmer than I expected. I do feel uneven surfaces but it’s 10 times better than my colleagues Mini Cooper S on 16” runflats. Hopefully, this will not develop into rattles in the car!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 07:14 AM	#6
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	BMWs, especially the 3 series, will have a firmer ride and you will "feel" much more of the road than in another sedan. That is largely the nature of a sports oriented car. If you have the sports package it will be even more noticable due to the stiffer suspension and "thinner" tires. I find that with my stock 16", keeping the tire pressure about +2 gives me a decent feeling ride. But you're never going to have a Mercedes or Cadillac ride - that's just not how these cars are built. The 7 series on the other hand is like floating on air. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 07:18 AM	#7
fredtoo First Lieutenant 15 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 325 328 350 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: nj iTrader: (0) Garage List 1986 328 [0.00] 2006 325 [0.00]	The ride on my 325 with sport is on the stiff side, but has softened up a little over the few months that I have been driving it ( Or I am getting uesd to it) It is no where near as plush as the ride in my wife's Acura. And I suspect it will never be.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 07:28 AM	#8
BimmerMan7 Private 18 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 325i E90 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Pretoria, South Africa iTrader: (0)	Hard Ride Thanks to all you guys for the comments so far. I have 17" 225/45/17 tyres, no sports suspension - stock standard model. The comment on not test driving is also 100% correct. I just wonder if I woudl still have purchased the E90 if I knew the hard ride was a problem. On my next tire change, I will put bigger tyres on, perhaps lifting the profile slighlty to 50 ?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 08:26 AM	#9
IDENTITY_MOTORSPORTS Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 244 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Las Vegas, NV. iTrader: (0)	the 3 series, all though a nice ride compared to driving say, a cavalier. is still nota "comfortable ride". from the sounds of it, you sound like you are looking for the comfort of a 5 or 7 series.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 09:09 AM	#11
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	the "ride" on anything is completely subjective me E90 with sports pack rides great to me what car did you come from that you think the ride's rough??
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 11:46 AM	#12
markh Private 3 Rep 68 Posts Drives: BMW 325iSE Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Well, I started with 18" wheels with no test drive, and didn't last long until I changed to 17". Although the ride is still harder than my previous 3 series (which did not have runflats), it is now acceptable. I just think the firmness of the ride is the weakest part of what is an exceptional car. Not as good as the last car for ride, so so much better in other ways. You do get used to the ride, and the feeling of extra safety is good. I think runflats still need more development, however. Seriously consider getting 16" tyres if you are not happy. While some people thought I should just live with the 18" tyres, I'm glad I changed.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 11:51 AM	#13
ksfrogman Major General 576 Rep 6,750 Posts Drives: E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	Yes, i'm curious to know what you're comparing the stiff ride to. What car are you used to driving? I can't wait for my 330i (in production). I currently drive a '96 Ford Explorer that I have had for near 10 years, and with its modified suspension, larger wheels and Light Truck tires, no car can be as bumpy as that little monster. I'll be getting the Sports package with my 330i. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 11:57 AM	#14
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Switch to non-runflat Ultra-High Performance All-Seasons. I have 18" Pirelli PZero Nero M+S and the ride is Lexus-like.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 03:23 PM	#15
Sho Lieutenant 35 Rep 574 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	I think it is all about the run flat. If I get an aftermarket wheel set, I will have non run flat on them.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 03:51 PM	#16
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	Hey BimmerMan, Sorry to read about your hard ride in your 325. I have the sports suspension and mixed 17" wheels and compared to my old ride (1998 e46 323i) this is pure luxury. I dont have any issue with my Pirelli tyres either. If you feel your car may have a problem, maybe test out another car just in case. I hope you sort out your problem quickly __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 07:12 PM	#19
arcrox E90post addict 17 Rep 489 Posts Drives: 2024 G20 M340i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Maybe you should just move
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 07:41 PM	#20
Hunter399 Major General 325 Rep 8,091 Posts Drives: F90M5 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (33)	s What is the correct tire pressure for a 325 with no sports package? Thanks! Last edited by Hunter399; 11-29-2005 at 07:50 PM.. Reason: s
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 08:15 PM	#21
E24 DUBYA 28 Rep 352 Posts Drives: 2012 328I - 6MT Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Texas iTrader: (1)	You want a rough ride - try a 1984 Corvette with the Z51 suspension option. Now that's rough!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2005, 08:15 PM	#22
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	The E90 does in fact have a firmer ride than the E36 M3 with either (E90) suspension set up. I intended to buy a 330i with sports suspension until I test drove it and found this out. I think BMW was determined to equip the car with run flat tires regardless, for reasons of manufacturing cost and trunk space and found that they had to compromise ride as a result. They must have had their fingures crossed that no one would notice. I bought the 'normal' suspension and though it isn't objectionable to me, it is somewhat harsh all because of the compromise tires. I would expect better from BMW.
	Appreciate 0 Quote