aybeesea

I believe in USA/Canada only Sport (not MSport) Suspension is available even on the 550i.

I sit to be corrected.

ABC

BMWSTL

This may be difficult to answer, but can you quantify the differences? Is it more the fact that regular sport suspension car has runflats and the M-Sport suspension car has non-runflats, or something else? And where do the differences show up? Solely in aggressive driving, or in the usual daily commuting to and from work?

From my persepective, given my mostly in-city commuting and occasional highway driving, the extra acquisition and operating cost of the 550 just to get to the M-sport suspension didn't seem appropriate. Without inviting a debate, my impression after having driven both cars is that the 535 offers pretty close-in performance when compared to the 550. If the runflats become an issue, they can be changed to 18'" (or 19" with different wheels) non-runflats for far less than the acquisition cost spread between the two cars.

Lou

aybeesea

Would it be possible link to a reference which confirms that the 550i has MSport suspension?

"Tuned" Sport Suspension is not the same as MSport suspension AFAIK. Surely if it were, BMW wouldn't be so "careful" in avoiding the "M-word".

Surely the "///M" branding would have given more kudos.

ABC

Hormazd

Perhaps

BMWSTL

You raise a very interesting point.

I looked at the available literature on the US version of the 550, and all references talk about a "modified-calibration Sport suspension" (2008 LCI Press release) or "Retuned sport suspension calibration" (2008 Sales Brochure, bmwusa.com). There is no reference to an "M-Sport suspension."

The 550i's ZSP package lists "704 Sport Suspension" as part of that package. The 535/528 ZSP lists "226 Sport Suspension." If the "704" code is the code BMW uses for the M-Sport suspension, then that ought to confirm it.

If the 550 ZSP suspension is "retuned" and not the M-Sport suspension, how is it "retuned," is the "retuning" just settings or different components, and might the ZSP suspension on the 535/528 be similarly "retuned?"

Lou

Hormazd

I beleive the RFs are greatly improved with a softer sidewall. That said, I do have 19" wheels with far less rubber than the 18". My experience is based on in city driving over bad pavement and hard cornering grip. I read another post that its more than the absense of RFs. I cannot comment because I haven't driven a 535 without RFs.

BMWSTL

I haven't seen a post from anyone who's changed over yet. I'm sure someone will, and hopefully they'll post their observations. I suspect that the difference would be the same as observed on the '06/'07 550 (or 530 for that matter) as the suspensions are likely identical. I'm not sure what that real difference is though, having never driven an e60 without runflats.

Lou

westcoast550

If you check the BMW Canada site and check the 535 option list you will see the MSport Option with the" MSport" Suspension, additionally you will see that the Sport option just has "Sport" suspension. Then check out the 550 and it will list the MSport suspension as a standard feature. I'll bet the US BMW Marketing guys are simply using different terms to describe the same thing.

Cheers

SoCalM5Mang

Good point: I think you are right.

Main difference between the two cars is 19" non RF tires and "feel of the suspension-ride-aerodynamics". When I drove them I just felt a stiffer/stronger ride in the 550i. The acceleration to me is still noticeably different from the V-8 to the TT V-6. I live in So Cal in Eaton Canyone and good low end off the line pull is essential as a "daily driver".

This has been a good debate. I hope that I will stand corrected so I can get the Dinan treatment ASAP. ;-)

So Cal

aybeesea

Thank you for confirming that the M Sport features in this way in the Canadian market.

If the marketing guys are not using this term (for the same thing) in USA the I wonder if you agree that they are mad and should be fired.

ABC