[GreenThree]

My 08 e90 xi had ZSP. My 2011 e90 xi does not have ZSP.

My new 328xi rides differently than my last 328xi with ZSP. Smoother ride especially over bumps.

Wondering if this is due to no ZSP in my new 328xi or if BMW made changes to the chassis for model years 09-11?

I thought only the i's get the sports tuned suspension by adding ZSP - no change to suspension on xi by adding the ZSP?

[MazdaFan]

Do you have the same size wheel and same type tire on your 2011?

The newer runflats are better and smoother than the older ones.

[GreenThree]

Yep, exact same: 225 / 45 R 17's. The difference I am feeling seems like it has more to do with the chassis and suspension

[GreenThree]

And stock RFTs on both cars

[MisterSkiMask]

Maybe you are just excited about your new car?

[MazdaFan]

And same tire brand/make?

I am not aware of any suspension change from 2008 to 2011.

[plutnicki]

Not that this helps, but my new '11 328xi w/ Sports Package rides smoother than my 2006 330xi with no sport package (ZSP?). Both cars have the same 17" wheel, and the same RFT (in fact, I'm certain new tires were installed when I bought the 330 as a CPO in 2009.) The new tires are the same make, size and model that were on the 330.

My outgoing 330 I owned from 19k to 46k miles over two years.

The new 328 feels both quieter and smoother than the 330.

I'm taking it for what it is, a newer version. I'm sure there have been thousands of manufacturing tweaks in the last 5 years between when my two cars were originally built... All of those components have probably undergone changes of some sort, subtle though they may be...

[MisterSkiMask]

I have also noticed that as the RFTs wear they get louder, and the ride does seem to suffer.

[MazdaFan]

Originally Posted by plutnicki

Not that this helps, but my new '11 328xi w/ Sports Package rides smoother than my 2006 330xi with no sport package (ZSP?). Both cars have the same 17" wheel, and the same RFT (in fact, I'm certain new tires were installed when I bought the 330 as a CPO in 2009.) The new tires are the same make, size and model that were on the 330.

My outgoing 330 I owned from 19k to 46k miles over two years.

The new 328 feels both quieter and smoother than the 330.

I'm taking it for what it is, a newer version. I'm sure there have been thousands of manufacturing tweaks in the last 5 years between when my two cars were originally built... All of those components have probably undergone changes of some sort, subtle though they may be...

A new car will be quieter and smoother than a 3 year old car. NVH increases as the car ages.

It is also possible they use different dampers now. I am not sure though.

[cgpublic]

I read that BMW did revise the dampers for the LCI sedan. My experience with the E90 LCI xi loaners is similar - the LCI handles bumps better.

[GreenThree]

Same tire - brand / make

Interesting comments. Keep them coming. Thanks

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by cgpublic

I read that BMW did revise the dampers for the LCI sedan. My experience with the E90 LCI xi loaners is similar - the LCI handles bumps better.

This.

[GreenThree]

No question about it, wearing RFTs are much louder, and probably do not handle bumps as quietly. But I remember driving my 2008 the first week, and the suspension was very tight and the ride was very bumpy. I am convinced that either the RFTs are vastly improved, or BMW made significant changes which refined the suspension and made it smoother. Or a combination of both. I am just not convinced this is a ZSP vs non ZSP thing. Night and day though. This car handles bumps, pot holes, street covers like a CHAMP! (a nice feature for Boston roads LOL)

Too early to make a conclusion, but this car also seems to corner differently. One could argue that the softer cornering is due to the non ZSP nature of my new car. So this leads us to the next question: I thought xi suspensions are NOT affected by adding ZSP (only i's Suspensions are affected by adding ZSP) So this point, if true, would nullify that argument. What do you guys think?

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by GreenThree

I thought xi suspensions are NOT affected by adding ZSP (only i's Suspensions are affected by adding ZSP) So this point, if true, would nullify that argument. What do you guys think?

xi suspension is not affected by ZSP.

However, as far as I know, the shocks are different as of 2011 (or maybe 2010) and impacts are a big difference with the new setup.

[dtc100]

Originally Posted by GreenThree

No question about it, wearing RFTs are much louder, and probably do not handle bumps as quietly. But I remember driving my 2008 the first week, and the suspension was very tight and the ride was very bumpy. I am convinced that either the RFTs are vastly improved, or BMW made significant changes which refined the suspension and made it smoother. Or a combination of both. I am just not convinced this is a ZSP vs non ZSP thing. Night and day though. This car handles bumps, pot holes, street covers like a CHAMP! (a nice feature for Boston roads LOL)

Too early to make a conclusion, but this car also seems to corner differently. One could argue that the softer cornering is due to the non ZSP nature of my new car. So this leads us to the next question: I thought xi suspensions are NOT affected by adding ZSP (only i's Suspensions are affected by adding ZSP) So this point, if true, would nullify that argument. What do you guys think?

Sounded to me the ix with zsp is a perfect combo, you get the sports items but not the harsh ride. Definitely not the same with the i's.

How did your lease return go? Did they give you any trouble?

[hipnotic]

lol

Originally Posted by cgpublic

I read that BMW did revise the dampers for the LCI sedan. My experience with the E90 LCI xi loaners is similar - the LCI handles bumps better.

Originally Posted by ragingclue

xi suspension is not affected by ZSP.

However, as far as I know, the shocks are different as of 2011 (or maybe 2010) and impacts are a big difference with the new setup.

I thought the Sachs dampers only applied to the 2011 E92/E93? No?

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by beemer3

I thought the Sachs dampers only applied to the 2011 E92/E93? No?

I thought they applied to the E90 as well but wasn't sure if they were ZSP i exclusive.

[GreenThree]

Originally Posted by dtc100

Sounded to me the ix with zsp is a perfect combo, you get the sports items but not the harsh ride. Definitely not the same with the i's.

How did your lease return go? Did they give you any trouble?

Lease return went great. 0 charges.

Someone with a 2011 e90 ZSP chime in so we can put this to rest!

[dtc100]

Originally Posted by GreenThree

Lease return went great. 0 charges.

Sweet.

Someone with a 2011 e90 ZSP chime in so we can put this to rest!

You know what, I test drove both 2010 models, only decided to get the 328i 6 months later, by that time I did not even bother to test drive the 2011 ZSP because of the harsh ride on the 2010 ZSP. I could have missed something, if so, a big lesson learned never to assume anything.

[GreenThree]

^ thanks for your reply. Would also like to hear 2011 e90 xi ZSP owners opinion on the way their car rides. Smooth / rough?

[GreenThree]

Originally Posted by GreenThree

^ thanks for your reply. Would also like to hear 2011 e90 xi ZSP owners opinion on the way their car rides. Smooth / rough?

Anyone?