Any feedback from folks who drove an E46 with the stock
Sport Suspension and now drive an E90 with stock Sport Suspension?
Regular compared to Regular would also be appreciated.
I'm just most curious about the Sport comparison.
Thanks, Norm
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| Reply » E90 vs E46 Ride and Handling |
I own both cars exactly as your describe (pics available by selecting my signature). While I have only owned by e90 for 2 weeks here is my initial assessment. The e90 has less body roll and is very planted to the pavement. This is significant considering my e46 has Potenza s-03s which are considered to be pretty sticky tires. One thing to note on the e90 which is a disappointment is that the steering ratio is not as high meaning more turn of the steering wheel for less turn of front tires as compared to the e46. Note that I do not have the active steering on my e90. With active steering the ratio is much higher at slow speeds. I can't speak to handling at the limits yet on the e90 since I haven't had a good opportunity to push it. Hope this helps.
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| Reply » E90 vs E46 Ride and Handling |
I can confidently say that the E90's ride and handling are significant improvements over the E46s in both comfort and compliance as well as handling and lateral acceleration.
I have an E46 with ZHP and the E90 with Sport is much more car. I remember reading some skidpad measurements for the E90 which exceeded 0.90g 
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| Reply » E90 vs E46 Ride and Handling |
I recently had an opportunity to take an extended test-drive in an E90 without active steering or sports pkg. The countryside was characterized by undulating hills, tight turns, and cow-path 'straight' 1-1/2 lane roads.
Just prior to this I had been out showing a friend new to BMW some of the characteristics that make the marque what it is. My E46 has sport package, brand new AVS Sports, ECIS, and Dinan software.
To make a long story short, when I returned the car later that day I couldn't believe that it did not have the sport suspension. I immediately checked my tire pressures and found them proper. I can't deny that I now know which I would choose in a minute for a day at the auto-x.
It was enough to make me get over my general distaste for the overall design direction in recent years. (By the way, BRAVO! BMW for finally placing a competent junior engineer on the design of the side view mirrors. Sedans in the past have been fitted with afterthought elephant ears.)
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| Reply » E90 vs E46 Ride and Handling |
It's safe to say an e90 SHOULD outhandle and e46. Afterall, the newer model has newer and improved engineering. Isn't the e90 significantly wider and longer than the e46? That alone means alot in the handling department.
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| Reply » E90 vs E46 Ride and Handling |
Thanks everyone for very informative replies!
Magazine reviews I've read have been quite positive about the E90's ride and handling, but it's helpful to hear from board members who have actually driven the two different series.
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E90 vs E46 Ride and Handling