[ACMX]

Hello, I’m 1st on the waitlist for a 25 G87 with my local dealer. I currently have a 23 RS3 which I love and will be upgrading to a 24 mid 2024. I’m curious if anyone can give some insight on suspension comfort between the RS3 and M2. I’m also strongly considering ordering the M2 with the M performance suspension for a mild drop under warranty and am curious about ride quality. The RS3 is absolutely plush and Camry like in soft, comfortable in mid, and pretty stiff in race which I really like. It’s very versatile. Is the M2 suspension similar?, or pretty stiff even in comfort? Are the two or three suspension stiffness options through the vehicle software controls? Are the settings actually noticeable? Worried it will be too hardcore with the M performance suspension since my wife will be driving it too. I do not want a crashy feeling suspension. Thanks y’all.

[iifymbro]

was scrolling through the review thread earlier and remembered seeing this:

https://www.motor1.com/news/669405/b...F62YdkcbJb8zHI

[ACMX]

Originally Posted by iifymbro

was scrolling through the review thread earlier and remembered seeing this:

https://www.motor1.com/news/669405/b...F62YdkcbJb8zHI

Thanks, already watched about every YouTube vid available on both these cars. Was originally just gonna go with two RS3’s for me and the wife but thought it would be fun to have a manual again. Can’t find any detailed info on the optional M sport suspension though.

[LCDRJohn]

I have the BMW M-performance HAS suspension, and it is not very "stiff" at all. It is well-controlled and supple. Compared to my GT3 it is about 20% softer, but has the same "magic damping" feel that the 911s have. Edge impacts in Comfort mode are smooth and you don't have constant head-bobble. For me, it is far more comfortable that my miata. I had a Golf R and it is much like the S3. The golf R was also superb in damping. To me, the R and the M2 feels very similar. Shortish throw suspension, that is well-damped and comfortable.

When you increase the firmness of the M2 via the electronic dampers it seems that the first step up is about 20-25% stiffer. You notice it, but it is still fine. I have not used any other settings beyond that.

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by ACMX

Hello, I’m 1st on the waitlist for a 25 G87 with my local dealer. I currently have a 23 RS3 which I love and will be upgrading to a 24 mid 2024. I’m curious if anyone can give some insight on suspension comfort between the RS3 and M2. I’m also strongly considering ordering the M2 with the M performance suspension for a mild drop under warranty and am curious about ride quality. The RS3 is absolutely plush and Camry like in soft, comfortable in mid, and pretty stiff in race which I really like. It’s very versatile. Is the M2 suspension similar?, or pretty stiff even in comfort? Are the two or three suspension stiffness options through the vehicle software controls? Are the settings actually noticeable? Worried it will be too hardcore with the M performance suspension since my wife will be driving it too. I do not want a crashy feeling suspension. Thanks y’all.

There are a number of threads in this section on the MP HAS/KW HAS.

https://g87.bimmerpost.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=960

I didn't own a RS3 but I had B9 S5 with H&R's HAS and itbwas definitely stiffer than the M Performance HAS. I have the M Performance HAS on my G87 and am very happy with it.

[DeadlyDrop]

I had previous gen RS3, although it had RS sport suspension (fixed(!) spring suspension at additional cost from standard adjustable dampers) so direct comparison is bit impossible but I can give you my experience just for an additional data point haha.

In my opinion, M2's stiffest setting is maybe is slightly stiffer then RS3 with fixed suspension. I am not keen on where RS3's fixed suspension stiffness lands in Audi's adjustable suspension but RS3 was pretty firm. What also made a difference is since M2's driving position is lower to the ground then RS3, even with M2 dialed all the way up it feels somewhat less bothersome then RS3's upright seating position.

Anyway, hope my information helps with your decision. I know 8Y RS3 is a huge upgrade from 8V RS3 in vehicle dynamics. If they had hatch version for sale I would have considered it pretty strongly!

Here is the picture for fun haha.

[mrdudley]

To add a slightly different viewpoint. I have MP HAS and while I don’t find it too stiff, my wife complains that she’s being rattled around anytime the road isn’t smooth. And a few times I’ve hit bumps on the highway that sent me bouncing up out of the seat.

[Tag]

Originally Posted by mrdudley

To add a slightly different viewpoint. I have MP HAS and while I don’t find it too stiff, my wife complains that she’s being rattled around anytime the road isn’t smooth. And a few times I’ve hit bumps on the highway that sent me bouncing up out of the seat.

In what suspension mode?

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by mrdudley

To add a slightly different viewpoint. I have MP HAS and while I don’t find it too stiff, my wife complains that she’s being rattled around anytime the road isn’t smooth. And a few times I’ve hit bumps on the highway that sent me bouncing up out of the seat.

In addition to what Tag asked, cf buckets or sport seats?

[mrdudley]

Originally Posted by Tag

In what suspension mode?

Originally Posted by M_Power Rob

In addition to what Tag asked, cf buckets or sport seats?

Sport seats. And she definitely complains in sport suspension. Hard to gauge her full thoughts on comfort because I typically start in sport until she says something, but the M2 in comfort is still noticeably stiffer than our X3 in sport that is lowered on H&R sport springs (probably not surprising). I don’t mind, but she points it out basically every time she rides along in the M2.

[two_three_two]

I have driven (don't own) an 8Y RS3 and i will say the "spread" between comfort and sport+ or whatever seems to be larger than the same "spread" in the M2. i have standard suspension. there is still a marked difference in the modes but none of them are crashy to me or elicit complaints from my wife. of course it helps that i regularly drive/have driven her around in tuner specials with coilovers etc so she really knows to save her complaints for those

[Ravenseal]

There are 50 pages of conversation about this in this suspension section. Use Google instead of spamming the forum.

[Sculpin]

Originally Posted by ACMX

Hello, I’m 1st on the waitlist for a 25 G87 with my local dealer. I currently have a 23 RS3 which I love and will be upgrading to a 24 mid 2024. I’m curious if anyone can give some insight on suspension comfort between the RS3 and M2. I’m also strongly considering ordering the M2 with the M performance suspension for a mild drop under warranty and am curious about ride quality. The RS3 is absolutely plush and Camry like in soft, comfortable in mid, and pretty stiff in race which I really like. It’s very versatile. Is the M2 suspension similar?, or pretty stiff even in comfort? Are the two or three suspension stiffness options through the vehicle software controls? Are the settings actually noticeable? Worried it will be too hardcore with the M performance suspension since my wife will be driving it too. I do not want a crashy feeling suspension. Thanks y’all.

I have been daily driving my wife's 2023 RS3 for the past few months and I am taking delivery of my M2 with MP HAS tomorrow. We're driving it from SC back to FL over two days and I'll be alternating between the two cars for the next week while the M2 goes in for PPF and a few cosmetic things.

I'll report back on my impressions between the two. Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss in more detail.

[ACMX]

Originally Posted by Sculpin

I have been daily driving my wife's 2023 RS3 for the past few months and I am taking delivery of my M2 with MP HAS tomorrow. We're driving it from SC back to FL over two days and I'll be alternating between the two cars for the next week while the M2 goes in for PPF and a few cosmetic things.

I'll report back on my impressions between the two. Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss in more detail.

Perfect! Congrats on the M2! I am extremely interested to hear your ride quality feedback between the two cars. Curious about if they pre-set the ride height to its lowest setting or somewhere in-between highest and lowest? Also if you don't mind, what was the cost for the MP suspension? On the BMW site it says $1870 but I have seen conflicting info if this includes port installation or not. Did the M Sport suspension delay your delivery? You and your wife have excellent taste in vehicles btw haha.

[ACMX]

Originally Posted by DeadlyDrop

I had previous gen RS3, although it had RS sport suspension (fixed(!) spring suspension at additional cost from standard adjustable dampers) so direct comparison is bit impossible but I can give you my experience just for an additional data point haha.

In my opinion, M2's stiffest setting is maybe is slightly stiffer then RS3 with fixed suspension. I am not keen on where RS3's fixed suspension stiffness lands in Audi's adjustable suspension but RS3 was pretty firm. What also made a difference is since M2's driving position is lower to the ground then RS3, even with M2 dialed all the way up it feels somewhat less bothersome then RS3's upright seating position.

Anyway, hope my information helps with your decision. I know 8Y RS3 is a huge upgrade from 8V RS3 in vehicle dynamics. If they had hatch version for sale I would have considered it pretty strongly!

Here is the picture for fun haha.

thank you for the feedback and beutiful rs3! I love the looks of the old and the tech in the new.

[ACMX]

Originally Posted by LCDRJohn

I have the BMW M-performance HAS suspension, and it is not very "stiff" at all. It is well-controlled and supple. Compared to my GT3 it is about 20% softer, but has the same "magic damping" feel that the 911s have. Edge impacts in Comfort mode are smooth and you don't have constant head-bobble. For me, it is far more comfortable that my miata. I had a Golf R and it is much like the S3. The golf R was also superb in damping. To me, the R and the M2 feels very similar. Shortish throw suspension, that is well-damped and comfortable.

When you increase the firmness of the M2 via the electronic dampers it seems that the first step up is about 20-25% stiffer. You notice it, but it is still fine. I have not used any other settings beyond that.

Thank you! My wife currently drives a 23 golf R actually. The ride is very nice and supple like you said. she loves it but it feels a bit soft to me in the sportiest suspension mode vs the RS3 which has the ability to ride like the golf and go much stiffer if desired.

[JMcLellan]

Originally Posted by ACMX

Perfect! Congrats on the M2! I am extremely interested to hear your ride quality feedback between the two cars. Curious about if they pre-set the ride height to its lowest setting or somewhere in-between highest and lowest? Also if you don't mind, what was the cost for the MP suspension? On the BMW site it says $1870 but I have seen conflicting info if this includes port installation or not. Did the M Sport suspension delay your delivery? You and your wife have excellent taste in vehicles btw haha.

The port installed MP HAS kit is set to 10mm lower than stock ride height. My sales guy was able to add the MP HAS to my build as a port installed option and total price was $2820. Doing the port install is the way go if you put a lot of value into warranty as well. Having the HAS installed prior to taking delivery ensures all parts will fall under the 4 year/50K miles factory warranty.

[JMcLellan]

Originally Posted by M2siast

A debunked myth, since you can have the dealer install the part as well and have everything warrantied for 4 years. But it might be cheaper to go the port installed option.

True. The fine print does state if the parts are installed prior to customer taking delivery of the car then the parts would fall under full warranty. Maybe dealers just cover things either way whether it was pre or post delivery.....

[Ravenseal]

Originally Posted by ACMX

Perfect! Congrats on the M2! I am extremely interested to hear your ride quality feedback between the two cars. Curious about if they pre-set the ride height to its lowest setting or somewhere in-between highest and lowest? Also if you don't mind, what was the cost for the MP suspension? On the BMW site it says $1870 but I have seen conflicting info if this includes port installation or not. Did the M Sport suspension delay your delivery? You and your wife have excellent taste in vehicles btw haha.

Dude. There's literally a 50 page thread in the suspension section of the forums. Go look at it.

[JMcLellan]

Originally Posted by M2siast

They don’t have to be installed pre-delivery, right? Anytime, they keep the remainder of the warranty or 2 years, whichever is higher.

Yes that is correct. Fine print below. Lol, I think I had this same exact convo with someone else on this forum a few weeks ago

*Original BMW accessories that are installed on/in the vehicle will
carry the full New Vehicle Limited Warranty if they were installed
prior to the delivery to the client.If the installation is made after
the retail sale of the vehicle, the accessory will be warranted for
the balance of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period, or two
years from its date of installation, whichever is greater.

[Sculpin]

ACMX I'm back with a long overdue update.

To recap, I have a '23 RS3 that was bought new in November of '22. It currently has about 5,800 miles on it. It's my wife's car but I daily drove it from September to January. I took delivery of my M2 in early January and it has about 1,400 miles on it now. It has the ///M Performance suspension and at about 700 miles I had it lowered all the way down. So half the time it was at installed height and the other half was all the way down. The car has the carbon package with the carbon bucket seats.

Reviews and comparisons are subjective. These are my thoughts and impressions about the two cars.

The M2 in comfort is definitely stiffer than the RS3 in its stiffest setting. The M2 isn't harsh or punishing but it is stiffer. Coming from an E90 M3 Competition, the G87 is stiffer but at the same time it rides better and is smoother over bumps. I don't know how they accomplished that, but they did.

Although these two cars are often compared due to their size, power, and price points, they are very different. The experience of driving them is not nearly as similar as the numbers on the paper and the stiffness of the suspension is just one small part of the whole. The Audi has a transverse mounted engine sending some of its power to the back. It rides like a front wheel drive car. That's not a bad thing, it's just what it is. It handles great and I'm constantly amazed at how well it handles itself. It has a great engine, it's fast, it's sharp, and I really like driving it. It is an excellent car and am so happy my wife chose it.

The M2 just feels so much more planted, focused, and purposeful. The weight distribution and rear-wheel drive is so much more confidence inspiring. It feels lower, wider, and better balanced. I'm never surprised by how the M2 handles itself; it always does exactly what I expect it to. The RS3 is great but this is so much more exciting to drive.

Last September we took a 1,500 mile road trip in the RS3 and I drove. I took delivery of the M2 at the Performance Center and drove it home about 600 miles. I asked my wife for her assessment of the two cars from the passenger seat. She said the M2 feels stiffer but she really didn't think much of it. It's noticeable but wasn't at all uncomfortable, harsh, or tiring. She's not the biggest fan of the carbon seats but that's a different topic.

If my wife had no experience in either car and she were to test drive them back-to-back, she would definitely choose the Audi. It's softer, more livable, and is more of an every day driver. It comes alive when you want it to but is more civilized in every day use. The seating position and shorter hood of the Audi are also preferable to her. For me, I would absolutely choose the M2.

Another way to put it, if my car had the standard seats and my wife needed to go somewhere, she would still take the Audi 99% of the time and I would still take the M2 99% of the time. But neither of us would complain if we drove the other car. We love them both but have different preferences.

My advice is that you and your wife both test drive the M2 before buying it. It's a different experience than the RS3 and you won't know if it will work for you until you get behind the wheel.

I hope this helps.

[abrandonment]

Very good insight - thanks!