[Kevin3433]

Hi all, I’m about to order a 220i coupe, I know not at all the M240i or 230i but taxes here are very high

I can’t decide rather to take the m sport suspension or the base on. It will be paired with 19inch wheels. So I have to decide if I take the M sport pro pack (that’s the name in Europe) or not. With the sport suspension comes also variable sport steering, blue callipers, …

I’m afraid the m sport suspension will be too harsh, I did a test drive with that suspension but was only available with 18inch wheels. And unfortunately an adaptive suspension is not available with this engine.

Is there anyone that could help, someone has the fixed m suspension? Or can give me some info driving in sport mode with the adaptive suspension?

Thanks a lot 🙏

[PNW240]

No experience with a 220, but I think it depends on what you plan to use the car for. Any hard driving or track use? M sport! Daily commuting and comfort priority? Base. Might be able to find some reviews discussing differences!

I would be surprised if m sport is truly harsh on a 220 though

[Kevin3433]

For sure no track 😀
I would say mainly commuting.

What I’m afraid is that the car would be boring to drive…
I cannot find a single review with the base suspension 🙁 not the fixed M actually, since most reviews are with the M240i and thus adaptive suspension…

[PNW240]

Originally Posted by Kevin3433

For sure no track 😀
I would say mainly commuting.

What I’m afraid is that the car would be boring to drive…
I cannot find a single review with the base suspension 🙁 not the fixed M actually, since most reviews are with the M240i and thus adaptive suspension…

Any cars you can test drive?

[Kevin3433]

Originally Posted by PNW240

Any cars you can test drive?

Was only able to test drive a 220i with sport suspension and 18inch wheels, for the short time I could drive it it was not too harsh, bus that’s off course only for about an hour and mine would have 19inch wheels.

[DriftKing860]

M sport suspension standard in USA?

[jpcoop]

Originally Posted by ThunderNight860

M sport suspension standard in USA?

Nope. Comes with the M Sport package on the 230i.

Adaptive M is standard on the M240i.

[Kevin3433]

So anyone driving a 230i with sport suspension?

[Polot]

I drive a 230i with the M sport suspension. My car is strictly for commuting, I don’t track or anything close to it. I don’t find the ride to be particularly punishing, although it is a bit firmer than base. I do have the base 18” wheels though, and in my early 30s without a bad back so your mileage may differ. I test drove a 230i with the base suspension and found it (and steering) good enough for everyday driving, so really nothing wrong with sticking with the base (suspension was not the primary reason went for M-sport). I would have been totally happy if my car had the base suspension. It’s hard for me to make direct comparisons because I drove the base suspension months ago, but it is not a night and day difference between the two.

If you can find one you might want to consider testing a 3 or 4 series with the M-sport suspension and 19” wheels. The ride will be similar, albeit probably slightly worse for the 2 because of its shorter wheelbase.

[BMWGirlFL]

Servotronic & Variable Sport Steering feel VERY different. Important decision.

[Kevin3433]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

Servotronic & Variable Sport Steering feel VERY different. Important decision.

So the base suspension doesn’t have some kind of base variable steering?

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by Kevin3433

So the base suspension doesn’t have some kind of base variable steering?

I've driven the M240i with 2VL (Variable Sport Steering) and a 230i without. I love my Z4 which has 2VL. The M240i is very similar and I liked it for all of the same reasons, including steering. I was disappointed before the 230i was out of its parking space. 2VL gives me a much greater sense of control and the M Sport steering wheel feels better to me. My Z4 and the M240i have 2VF (Adaptive M Suspension). I'd probably be OK without that added comfort/more extreme sportiness. I strongly encourage you to try to drive any models you can find to compare equipment. What is huge for me, may not matter to you.

Short explanation here - Section 4.7:
https://g29.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...3&d=1569377335
Much more info here:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/attac...7&d=1488749847

From bmw.de:
The blue arrows illustrate some of the difference I find huge.

[Kevin3433]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

I've driven the M240i with 2VL (Variable Sport Steering) and a 230i without. I love my Z4 which has 2VL. The M240i is very similar and I liked it for all of the same reasons, including steering. I was disappointed before the 230i was out of its parking space. 2VL gives me a much greater sense of control and the M Sport steering wheel feels better to me. My Z4 and the M240i have 2VF (Adaptive M Suspension). I'd probably be OK without that added comfort/more extreme sportiness. I strongly encourage you to try to drive any models you can find to compare equipment. What is huge for me, may not matter to you.

Short explanation here - Section 4.7:
https://g29.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...3&d=1569377335
Much more info here:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/attac...7&d=1488749847

From bmw.de:
The blue arrows illustrate some of the difference I find huge.
Attachment 2810259

Thanks! Very interesting!
I can test drive a 3 series with sport suspension and 19inch wheels, do you think that’s more or less compatible with the 2 series?

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by Kevin3433

Thanks! Very interesting!
I can test drive a 3 series with sport suspension and 19inch wheels, do you think that’s more or less compatible with the 2 series?

G20 - close enough for sure. Key is finding and experiencing the specific equipment you may or may not want to add to your 2. I initially experienced the steering I don't like in a 330i loaner. I thought my issue was the larger size. I immediately knew in the 230i it was just the standard steering. I think you'll want to spend the $$ if you want the 2 to feel as small & tight/sporty as possible. Hope you'll share your thoughts after your drives.

[Dinosoar]

Originally Posted by Kevin3433

So anyone driving a 230i with sport suspension?

I have a 230i M sport with the M Sport and Dynamic Handling Packages only...even deleted the moonroof. I would say the suspension is very sporty and depending on your desire may not be comfortable. It is not adaptive, but I don't mind the slightly jarring ride. I came from a Jetta GLI and I HATED that front damping, so this is an improvement for me. I'm going to say any BMW won't be too soft, so a base 220 suspension will probably be okay.

As far as the variable steering, avoid it if you can. If you end up getting the car basic without it, you'll be better off for it, IMO. I just prefer, direct and linear feel to steering.

[rad_thundercat]

230i M Sport here, to me the sport suspension is completely tolerable for daily driving.

I’m coming from a 2016 328i M Sport where I had to disable the sport suspension because it was so incredibly stiff for daily driving.

No idea why there would be such a big difference between the two, maybe it’s just placebo