Zcp ride too hard

ASENNA · 10-01-2011, 07:29 AM

Just upgraded from a 320d to M3 with Zcp and am not enjoying the firmer ride. Silly me with more dollars than sense didn\'t test drive the car. I just assumed the \'comfort\' setting on the EDC would actually do what it infers.

Not being a genius around cars (or anything else for that matter), I need all the advice I can get on making the ride a bit softer. Do I lower the tyre pressures? Change the tyres (PS2\'s)? Change the wheels? Or go as far as altering the suspension? The 320d ride was as firm as I really want it to be.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

J08M3 · 10-01-2011, 07:37 AM

EDC is a joke in my opinion. The M3 is a much firmer ride. The best/easiest thing you can do is get a set of 18" wheels instead. You will notice a big difference. I do every year when I switch from my summer 19s to my winter 18s.

New_m3 · 10-01-2011, 07:45 AM

Yep, the 18" wheels will have taller sidewalls than the 19" that you have now. They'll absorb the bumps better.

mdosu · 10-01-2011, 07:57 AM

swap for 18's. You can also go with all-season tires, or a softer summer tire but at this point you really paid too much for a feature you didn't need.

MDyDinanM · 10-01-2011, 08:32 AM

the M3, by nature, is a firmer ride than regular 3 series cars...that's part of the experience of an M3. It's part of it's stiffer suspension, and the mechanics and components that make up its better handling characteristics.

agree w/ the above in switching to 18s, but it's still going to be firm.

If you continue to dislike the ride after you change tires, etc out, then maybe the M3 is not the car for you.

PhillyNate · 10-01-2011, 09:06 AM

I came from a 328i and this cars ride is by no stretch of the imagination objectionable. In any setting/mode.

midwest 340xi 6sp · 10-01-2011, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASENNA

Just upgraded from a 320d to M3 with Zcp and am not enjoying the firmer ride. Silly me with more dollars than sense didn\'t test drive the car. I just assumed the \'comfort\' setting on the EDC would actually do what it infers.

Not being a genius around cars (or anything else for that matter), I need all the advice I can get on making the ride a bit softer. Do I lower the tyre pressures? Change the tyres (PS2\'s)? Change the wheels? Or go as far as altering the suspension? The 320d ride was as firm as I really want it to be.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sell it....get a 335i (or xi)

LarThaL · 10-01-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASENNA

Just upgraded from a 320d to M3 with Zcp and am not enjoying the firmer ride. Silly me with more dollars than sense didn\'t test drive the car. I just assumed the \'comfort\' setting on the EDC would actually do what it infers.

Not being a genius around cars (or anything else for that matter), I need all the advice I can get on making the ride a bit softer. Do I lower the tyre pressures? Change the tyres (PS2\'s)? Change the wheels? Or go as far as altering the suspension? The 320d ride was as firm as I really want it to be.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Is it a new car? If so, just make sure that what happened to me didn't happen to you. The dealer forgot to take out the front shipping blocks from inside the rubber shroud of the front shocks. The front end sat a little high by about an inch, and the ride was BRUTAL. I just knew it couldn't be right and with the help of this forum, I was able to diagnose the problem within a couple of days.

The M3 has a firm ride, but not compared to cars like a Porsche 911 or Nissan GTR. With the shipping blocks in, there didn't appear to be a huge change in ride comfort between the different EDC modes. Once they were out, changing the modes definitely changed the ride softness. Overall, I am very happy with the ride/handling balance of the M3 and don't find it harsh at all.

Interestingly enough, I actually find the sport setting more "comfortable" than the comfort setting. While the comfort setting is certainly softer, it also tends to produce a "clunkier ride" over uneven pavement. The sport setting provides a more supple ride and I like that better.

In any case, check out the shipping block issue if it is a new car.

fenderltd · 10-01-2011, 10:07 AM

I have a almost brand new set of 18"s I will trade plus cash!

davem3fan · 10-01-2011, 12:52 PM

Sorry, but the M3 is the wrong car for you by the sound of it.

Radiation Joe · 10-01-2011, 01:00 PM

Make sure what happened to VVG didn't happen to you. It's not all that uncommon. 18s will help and if all else fails, try a Dinan suspension. It rides noticeably better than stock.

MDyDinanM · 10-01-2011, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VVG

Is it a new car? If so, just make sure that what happened to me didn't happen to you. The dealer forgot to take out the front shipping blocks from inside the rubber shroud of the front shocks. The front end sat a little high by about an inch, and the ride was BRUTAL. I just knew it couldn't be right and with the help of this forum, I was able to diagnose the problem within a couple of days.

The M3 has a firm ride, but not compared to cars like a Porsche 911 or Nissan GTR. With the shipping blocks in, there didn't appear to be a huge change in ride comfort between the different EDC modes. Once they were out, changing the modes definitely changed the ride softness. Overall, I am very happy with the ride/handling balance of the M3 and don't find it harsh at all.

Interestingly enough, I actually find the sport setting more "comfortable" than the comfort setting. While the comfort setting is certainly softer, it also tends to produce a "clunkier ride" over uneven pavement. The sport setting provides a more supple ride and I like that better.

In any case, check out the shipping block issue if it is a new car.

+1

that is a good point about removal of the shipping blocks. OP, check your car out.

radiantm3 · 10-01-2011, 01:14 PM

And here I was feeling like the M3 is too soft even on the sportiest setting.

Titanium Silver · 10-01-2011, 01:22 PM

I find it ironic that you bought a M3 ZCP for ride comfort.

Like others mentioned, putting 18s on the vehicle will help. Since you acknowledged the fact that you should have test driven the car before purchasing it, I won't stress that point. Also, don't buy sports cars for ride comfort.

Comfort setting in EDC definitely is less harsh than the normal or sport, but it won't turn the car into a 7-series.

It's really not that bad, but might feel exaggerated since you are coming from a 320. You may get used to it in a couple weeks.

CBS · 10-01-2011, 01:42 PM

OP: Good luck, you have several excellent suggestions to explore.

Just as a point of reference, I feel my ZCP on Comfort is softer than my Wife's Acura RL with Michelin Run Flat Tires.

JCtx · 10-01-2011, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASENNA

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Your biggest mistake IMO was getting ZCP, which is even firmer than a regular M3, due to shorter springs and harder ESA shock settings. My car has 19s, and it's firm (just the way I like it), but perfectly acceptable on 'comfort'. Tires are going to make very little difference, especially if you have PS2s already. I switched to Pilot Sport A/S Plus (1 size larger, since nothing is available in stock sizes), and they're quieter, but ride is the same; both are ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires, with super low profiles. A typical all-season tire is not available in our sizes; not even close.

Your only option is to downgrade to 18" wheels, which look like crap to me on the M3 (mostly the size -too small), but hopefully you won't mind. I wouldn't lower tire pressure any lower than the recommended 33 (I use 35 all around), or you'd eat the tires pretty quickly. It's a heavy car. Good luck man, and next time do your homework better

. Take care.

Tomislav · 10-01-2011, 03:25 PM

who buys a car without test driving it?

Doc V. · 10-01-2011, 03:44 PM

I'm satisfied with my ZCP's suspension adjustment options and ride quality.

jimmy ny · 10-01-2011, 03:49 PM

I would change the springs to Dinan. I understand that the newer springs actually make the car ride better in the different EDC settings, plus the 1/8 drop in the front makes the wheelwell gap disappear.

Titanium Silver · 10-01-2011, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomislav

who buys a car without test driving it?

ASENNA

Green///Hell · 10-01-2011, 05:52 PM

seems to me like everyone is feeding the troll

nick3753 · 10-01-2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green///Hell

seems to me like everyone is feeding the troll

1

10-01-2011, 07:29 AM	#1
ASENNA New Member 5 Rep 7 Posts Drives: M3 E92 Alpine White 2011 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: OZ iTrader: (0)	Zcp ride too hard Just upgraded from a 320d to M3 with Zcp and am not enjoying the firmer ride. Silly me with more dollars than sense didn\'t test drive the car. I just assumed the \'comfort\' setting on the EDC would actually do what it infers. Not being a genius around cars (or anything else for that matter), I need all the advice I can get on making the ride a bit softer. Do I lower the tyre pressures? Change the tyres (PS2\'s)? Change the wheels? Or go as far as altering the suspension? The 320d ride was as firm as I really want it to be. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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10-01-2011, 07:37 AM	#2
J08M3 Major General 285 Rep 6,007 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 COUPE Join Date: May 2008 Location: NEW YORK iTrader: (8)	EDC is a joke in my opinion. The M3 is a much firmer ride. The best/easiest thing you can do is get a set of 18" wheels instead. You will notice a big difference. I do every year when I switch from my summer 19s to my winter 18s. __________________
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10-01-2011, 07:45 AM	#3
New_m3 Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 246 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Yep, the 18" wheels will have taller sidewalls than the 19" that you have now. They'll absorb the bumps better.
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10-01-2011, 07:57 AM	#4
mdosu Banned 314 Rep 8,496 Posts Drives: Double Vanos'd Civic-M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (6)	swap for 18's. You can also go with all-season tires, or a softer summer tire but at this point you really paid too much for a feature you didn't need.
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10-01-2011, 08:32 AM	#5
MDyDinanM OIF Veteran 246 Rep 2,106 Posts Drives: ///M Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M5 [6.88]	the M3, by nature, is a firmer ride than regular 3 series cars...that's part of the experience of an M3. It's part of it's stiffer suspension, and the mechanics and components that make up its better handling characteristics. agree w/ the above in switching to 18s, but it's still going to be firm. If you continue to dislike the ride after you change tires, etc out, then maybe the M3 is not the car for you. __________________ Retired: '06 BMW E46 ///M3 Current: '08 BMW E60 DINAN ///M5, Interlagos Blue, SMG DINAN Stage 2 Suspension, Exhaust, Stage III Software, Front strut braces, Intakes, 13% Underdrive pulley, 3.91 Differential, RPI Scoops.
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10-01-2011, 09:06 AM	#6
PhillyNate ENTHUSIAST 135 Rep 2,097 Posts Drives: 2010 Porsche Cayman Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 Porsche Cayman [0.00]	I came from a 328i and this cars ride is by no stretch of the imagination objectionable. In any setting/mode. __________________ "what I'm driving here...is an ending." Jeremy Clarkson 2010 Carrara White Porsche Cayman 6mt 2014 Whiteout Toyota GT-86 6mt(Sold 05/23/15) 2011 Alpine White BMW M3 6mt ZCP Coupe(forced retirement 06/06/14) 2008 Alpine White BMW 328i 6mt Coupe(retired 06/21/11)
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10-01-2011, 10:07 AM	#9
fenderltd Private 4 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW X5d Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Dallas iTrader: (0)	I have a almost brand new set of 18"s I will trade plus cash!
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10-01-2011, 12:52 PM	#10
davem3fan Captain 186 Rep 722 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Sedan Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Philly Metro iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [0.00] 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d [0.00]	Sorry, but the M3 is the wrong car for you by the sound of it. __________________ Dave Flogaus CCA #123862 11 E90 M3 Sedan DCT 94 E36 325is M-Tech (S50)
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10-01-2011, 01:00 PM	#11
Radiation Joe Veni Vidi Vici 89 Rep 2,750 Posts Drives: '11 JB/BBe-6sp-e90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Macungie PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 e90 M3-Sold [8.50] 2003 RS6 - Sold [0.00] 2009 e90 M3 - Gone [0.00] 2003 M3 SOLD [0.00] old 2002 [10.00]	Make sure what happened to VVG didn't happen to you. It's not all that uncommon. 18s will help and if all else fails, try a Dinan suspension. It rides noticeably better than stock. __________________ Dinan compliment of stuff plus PF rotors and RG63s. Enough for now. Why, yes. I am an abrasive bastard.
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10-01-2011, 01:14 PM	#13
radiantm3 Apex Everything! 976 Rep 4,378 Posts Drives: 2007 Honda S2000, 2017 GT350 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cedar Park, TX iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 E92 M3 [9.35] 2014 BMW i3 [10.00]	And here I was feeling like the M3 is too soft even on the sportiest setting. __________________ 2011 E92 M3(Sold). 2007 Honda S2000 (Track Car). 2016 Cayman GT4 (Sold). 2017 Shelby GT350 (AKA Crowd Killer). My pet project: https://stickershift.com
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10-01-2011, 01:22 PM	#14
Titanium Silver Four Star General 13 Rep 597 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I find it ironic that you bought a M3 ZCP for ride comfort. Like others mentioned, putting 18s on the vehicle will help. Since you acknowledged the fact that you should have test driven the car before purchasing it, I won't stress that point. Also, don't buy sports cars for ride comfort. Comfort setting in EDC definitely is less harsh than the normal or sport, but it won't turn the car into a 7-series. It's really not that bad, but might feel exaggerated since you are coming from a 320. You may get used to it in a couple weeks. __________________ E92 M3 \| Jet Black \| All OEM Everything E30 M3 \| Alpine White \| Mostly OEM
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10-01-2011, 01:42 PM	#15
CBS Major 87 Rep 1,253 Posts Drives: F10535, E90M3, E30M3, E28M5 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Alpina B6 GC [0.00] 2014 535xi M Sport [0.00] 2014 X3 3.5 M Sport [0.00] 2011 M3 E90 [9.74] 2007 Z4 M Coupe [7.00] 1990 M3 [9.50] 1988 M5 [10.00]	OP: Good luck, you have several excellent suggestions to explore. Just as a point of reference, I feel my ZCP on Comfort is softer than my Wife's Acura RL with Michelin Run Flat Tires. __________________ ESS VT-1 550 \| M24 Oil Cooler \| Fall Line Half Cage \| RaceTech 4009W \| 6 pt Harness \| Lifeline Zero 360 Fire Suppression \| Rear Seat Delete \| Motion Control DA Dampers w/remote reservoirs \| 900/650 Hyperco Springs \| RD Sport Sway Bars \| Brembo 380 BBK \| GC Camber Plates \| Hoosier R7 \| Eisenmann Sport \| Stack Gauges \| Painted Challenge Front Lip \| Painted ZCP Rear Spoiler \| Xpel Ultimate Film \| LuxAngelEyes
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10-01-2011, 03:25 PM	#17
Tomislav Panty Schtuffer 21 Rep 320 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 M3 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Perth, Orstralya! iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00] 2010 BMW X6M [0.00] 1997 BMW 323i [0.00] 1994 BMW M3 [8.00]	who buys a car without test driving it? __________________ .: 2010 E71 X6M - stock, daily driver, towcar :. .: 2008 E92 M3 - 6MT, Carbon Roof, Eibach Springs, Megan Axle Back exhaust :. .: 1997 E36 323i Frankenstein - too much to list, track whore, stripped, caged, MoTeC, S85B50 :. .: 1994 E36 M3 3.0 - 19" BBS LM Reps, Bilsteins :.
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10-01-2011, 03:44 PM	#18
Doc V. Private 1 Rep 93 Posts Drives: Porsche 964 Turbo Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: The Ultimate Limit of Traction iTrader: (4)	I'm satisfied with my ZCP's suspension adjustment options and ride quality.
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10-01-2011, 03:49 PM	#19
jimmy ny Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 246 Posts Drives: 2011 bmw m3 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: new york iTrader: (0)	I would change the springs to Dinan. I understand that the newer springs actually make the car ride better in the different EDC settings, plus the 1/8 drop in the front makes the wheelwell gap disappear.
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10-01-2011, 05:52 PM	#21
Green///Hell Colonel 183 Rep 2,873 Posts Drives: 991 GT3, F15 X5, 1199S Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago iTrader: (5)	seems to me like everyone is feeding the troll
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