320d Sport too hard

[Monster26]

A chap at work has a e46 320d ES that has been fitted with Sports Suspension and he's finding it too hard compared to his e39 525, getting old.. Does anyone know what he can do to make the ride any better as he's enjoying the car?

Thanks,
Mark

[douglasr]

Order standard springs (and dampers?) from internet or source alternatives.
Get BMW specialist to fit (so suspension alignment is done correctly).
Get springs/dampers swapped over.
Sell sports pack on e-bay or on here.

[marco]

I have the same car but on 17" wheels and love the firm ride.

I think a lot of it is down to the tyres so perhaps the easiest method would be to look out for some used 15" wheels with higher profile rubber and swap them over. There are loads of people upgrading so most alloy wheel shops may have a set out the back plus he can just swap back when its time to sell.

THere's going to be a trade off in handling that I personally wouldn't be prepared to make but horeses for courses and all that...


Marco

[slippydiff]

marco said:

I have the same car but on 17" wheels and love the firm ride.

I think a lot of it is down to the tyres so perhaps the easiest method would be to look out for some used 15" wheels with higher profile rubber and swap them over. There are loads of people upgrading so most alloy wheel shops may have a set out the back plus he can just swap back when its time to sell.

THere's going to be a trade off in handling that I personally wouldn't be prepared to make but horeses for courses and all that...


Marco

Wouldn't go to the extreme of 15" wheels, but I, like you run my 330D sport auto on 17" wheels for better ride quality.
Best compromise was an E46 328i SE saloon with sports suspension and standard 16" wheels.......perfect.

[Monster26]

Thanks chaps, I've past you thoughts on to Ray. I'll have a look at what size rms he has fitted and go from there.
Thanks again
Mark

[Seany88]

Not sure how far away he is from me or if its even feasible but I have a 320d without the sports pack that i'd be willing to swap with plus cash?

If he's interested, ask him to email me at: [e-mail]

[marco]

slippydiff said:

Wouldn't go to the extreme of 15" wheels, but I, like you run my 330D sport auto on 17" wheels for better ride quality.
Best compromise was an E46 328i SE saloon with sports suspension and standard 16" wheels.......perfect.

The 320D ES actually comes as standard on 16" wheels hence the suggestion to go down a size to a 15".
I went up a size and agree that compared with the 18s on my old 330Ci, there's very little trade off in grip but much less tramlining and pothole crashing.


Marco