[dcchris311]

Hello,

I haven't seen a thread dedicated thread regarding Adaptive M suspension and lowering springs.
So my question is this, will Adaptive M suspension give errors/faults? Have a difficult time controlling the dampening? Will there be significant change between driving in comfort/sport/+ mode compared to when you had stock springs to aftermarket springs?

Those who have swapped springs please chime in! I’m looking to lowering my M40i in a few months after I take delivery this upcoming week.

[Torinalth]

If its just lowering springs, there is no issue with errors. You only get errors when you replace the struts, and even then only if you don't properly terminate them. companies like KW have termination solutions to prevent errors. They also have systems that integrate into our adaptive system so you can still have the adjustment, just on different coilovers.

the difference you feel between the driving modes should still be there. you are not changing the struts you are just changing the springs alone which have nothing to do with the adjustable portion. I've heard some people say that lowering springs are uncomfortable on non adaptive and just fine on adaptive suspension, but I'm not sure if I've seen any people in the X3 platform actually confirm that. It seems like more of a transitive property from the 3 series people.

I'm considering it as well, but i'm quite a ways out as I finishing up the engine side first. Even then I'm leaning into the KW adaptive coilovers as a direct replacement.... but who knows when the time comes.

[hinckley]

I've lowered my adaptive suspension X4 with H&Rs. There are no faults. I'm not really sure what you're asking re controlling dampening. Post-installation, I dialed back my suspension settings by one to give the same drive quality around town (I drive in Comfort rather than Sport).

Zero issues and a much better look imo . . .

[GoodGuyAvi]

Originally Posted by hinckley

I've lowered my adaptive suspension X4 with H&Rs. There are no faults. I'm not really sure what you're asking re controlling dampening. Post-installation, I dialed back my suspension settings by one to give the same drive quality around town (I drive in Comfort rather than Sport).

Zero issues and a much better look imo . . .

Yes agree, X4 look much better lowered

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by dcchris311

Have a difficult time controlling the dampening? Will there be significant change between driving in comfort/sport/+ mode compared to when you had stock springs to aftermarket springs?

Typically you will be fitting springs with a higher spring rate, that will change the damping abilities, fixed or adaptive.

Guys lowering the 3/4 series, find the comfort adaptive setting can be more or less unusable, due to the damping being mismatched. Hence also upgrading to Dinan Shockware.

Look at it this way, for the Comfort/Sport damping to be balanced, the characteristic damping maps need to be tuned 'around' the spring rate. Comfort will therefore be slightly underdamped, Sport slightly overdamped. There has to be a compromise, unless you have 3 settings, like some models in the BMW range.

Now change to a shorter/stiffer spring, Comfort mode will be really underdamped, Sport may be closer to optimum, (closer matched).

The way to get the damping back to the best compromise, (around the spring rate), you really need the Shockware type upgrade.

Here in the UK, (3/4 series experience) many have said Sport is better matched to a higher spring rate, but that leaves Comfort underdamped, so they don't use it.

Same principles apply to the X3. Road quality will make a difference to how it is assessed, bad roads are more likely to show the deficiencies, particularly in Comfort mode.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by hinckley

I've lowered my adaptive suspension X4 with H&Rs. There are no faults. I'm not really sure what you're asking re controlling dampening. Post-installation, I dialed back my suspension settings by one to give the same drive quality around town (I drive in Comfort rather than Sport).

Zero issues and a much better look imo . . .

Looks great! I would also replace the orange reflectors. Since you are going for the sporty look and have that black stripes on the side, maybe a gloss black rear wing or lip would also be a nice addition.

[Rockmanpop]

My X3 M40i has Eibach springs fitted. No issues in the 8 months or so since they were installed.