[Richard52]

After a happy decade plus of my E39 (530i), I am in the market for a used F30 automatic.

The question I have relates to what sports mode does to the handling of the car.
Does it affect the ride height in the luxury and s.e models. Alternatively should I hold for an M Sport model.

I have read around the subject but the information often seems contradictory.

Thanks in advance of any replies

[5ilver-5amurai]

Originally Posted by Richard52

After a happy decade plus of my E39 (530i), I am in the market for a used F30 automatic.

The question I have relates to what sports mode does to the handling of the car.
Does it affect the ride height in the luxury and s.e models. Alternatively should I hold for an M Sport model.

I have read around the subject but the information often seems contradictory.

Thanks in advance of any replies

I'll relate this to my own F32, which I think should be similar to the F30. I believe, sport mode doesn't actually adjust the ride suspension unless you have the dynamic handling package (DHP). It does however tighten the steering feel, so the ride feels more engaged. A lot of people who have the DHP swear by how different the ride feels in different modes - so you'll be best served getting a car with that option if possible. I'm not sure if M-Sport has DHP standard...I do know that the M-Sport models look a lot more aggressive than non M-Sports models.

Hope this helped, and that it was accurate lol once again, speaking form F32 experience.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by 5ilver-5amurai

I'll relate this to my own F32, which I think should be similar to the F30. I believe, sport mode doesn't actually adjust the ride suspension unless you have the dynamic handling package (DHP). It does however tighten the steering feel, so the ride feels more engaged. A lot of people who have the DHP swear by how different the ride feels in different modes - so you'll be best served getting a car with that option if possible. I'm not sure if M-Sport has DHP standard...I do know that the M-Sport models look a lot more aggressive than non M-Sports models.

Hope this helped, and that it was accurate lol once again, speaking form F32 experience.

M-Sport here. No DHP

The settings also adjust the shift points of the AT and DSC settings

[Richard52]

Thanks for the quick replies as I am currently considering two cars. To sum up when you engage sports mode , on luxury /se models , it tightens up the steering and throttle but doesn't change the damper settings.
Thanks again.

[KGB_123_99]

The sport mode will only tighten the suspension if you have Dynamic Handling Package. Otherwise, it only adjusts steering, throttle and transmission behaviour. Then ride height never changes, only the shock rebound does.

My last car was also an E39 . Overall, the F30 is about the same size and as a package it is better overall. Some things, like soundproofing and fit and finish were better on the E39 though.

[RoundelM3]

What exactly is an "s.e" model? Are you referring to modern line or base? No matter which line/model you have, sport mode won't affect ride height nor will it affect the suspension unless you have the Dynamic Handling Package. I have it on my M-Sport 335i and I highly recommend it unless you're just looking for a more comfy ride.

[snowghost]

Having Sport suspension whether DHP or no will give you a 10mm drop in ride height.

[raqautle]

I'm not too sure but does the year of the car make a difference? Like 2012 model vs 2014?