[elegant]

My 2011 xi drives much more smoothly and also handles better than my 2009 335 xi (both coupes, both 6 MT, both RFT's, same options). The two differences are that the 2011 has the new Sachs suspension and the 2011 came with Michelin's (instead of Bridgestone's). Can't say whether it was the Michelin's vs. Bridgestone or the Sachs vs. the previous shocks. Probably the combination of the two. However, my 2011 rides smoother -- both on rough and new/smooth pavement, and handles more precisely -- especially initial turn in.

In any case, really like the ride improvement.

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by elegant

My 2011 xi drives much more smoothly and also handles better than my 2009 335 xi (both coupes, both 6 MT, both RFT's, same options). The two differences are that the 2011 has the new Sachs suspension and the 2011 came with Michelin's (instead of Bridgestone's). Can't say whether it was the Michelin's vs. Bridgestone or the Sachs vs. the previous shocks. Probably the combination of the two. However, my 2011 rides smoother -- both on rough and new/smooth pavement, and handles more precisely -- especially initial turn in.

In any case, really like the ride improvement.

RFT are OK when brand new and get's a bit noisy and out of balance fast, what you observe is really old RFT vs new RFT. Also newer RFT side wall are not as stiff, compare to my 535i with Dunlop RFT, my new E92 feels like lux-cruiser.

[elegant]

For the last two weeks I thought about the above post, which essentially concluded that as the RFT's get more mileage they get worse and therefore the 2011's won't handle better than the "2010 and earlier 335xi's" once the RFT's get more mileage. Yes, I will agree that the RFT's will get noisier, that run flats do get louder as they get more miles on them, but the changes in many areas other than tire noise make for a HUGE improvement in ride and handling and therefore our enjoyment in our 2011 335xi.

Instead of reacting to the above post two weeks ago, I have instead, during this time, repeatedly driven my 2011 over the identical roads that I drove my 2009 and 2008 335xi's. Yes, the difference in the one area of tire noise is probably due to having new run flats in my 2011. However, there remains major improvements in my 2011's handling. First, when the car goes over a moderate bump -- yes the identical bumps at the same places in the road as when I drove our earlier 335xi's over, the car doesn't create that jarring shock to the car and the passenger(s). Second, corner roll is much, much less. Third, over fair pavement, not only is there less noise (which I agree and similarly attribute to the RFT's being newer as suggested above), but there are significantly less vibrations transmitted into the car. Finally, turn is much crisper.

Bottom line is that I still don't know whether the vast improvement in the 2011's ride is due primarily to the 2011 having Michelin tires versus the Bridgestone tires on both my 2008 and my 2009 (do a tire comparison search at Tire Rack to see extensive and significant Michelin tire improvements over the same size, both-RFT Bridgestones), or the new-for-2011 Sachs shocks, but bottom line is I care less which of the two factors is the major contributor, for all I know is that the ride improvement due to the combination of the two products is huge. The car not only handles so much better, but is more enjoyable to ride/drive in. In short, the Sachs shocks and the Michelin tires on my 2011 have tremendously improved the 2011's ride. As a result, while my wife and I never would have taken our 2008 nor our 2009 335xi on our annual "7,000+ mile around American annual road trip" , we are now looking for to taking our 2011 on an even longer road trip later this year.

[srcstc]

It must be the Sachs because everyone says the Michelins are better than the Bridgestones.

[Kafer]

Did the 328xi get different suspension in 2011? I had a '09 328xi and just got a 2011 and noticed that the jarring shock is almost gone... still there, but much less of a shock.

It also feels a little softer, a little more body roll and the car bounces more going over bumps and dips in the road. I've only had it for 500km, so haven't really had a chance to get a real feel for it though...

[lucas.kent]

I completely agree with you, OP. Although I came from an '06 330 with zsp, my new 328 (also with zsp) does seem to have improved ride quality and is, like Kafer said above, much less jarring. I had brand new Hankooks on the 330 and now have new Sumitomos on the 328. All things being equal - it's going to be a difficult comparison to make because there are so many variables - but I get what you're saying.

Perhaps it's because its new?

[Alan l.]

What shocks did the older 3's get? I thought bmw always used Sachs suspension based on my past experience.

[markinva]

you guys are all on crack or feeling placebo effect :-)

suspensions haven't changed much if at all in the e9Xs accross different MY's of the same model.

[elegant]

As reviewed and posted in Edmunds.com, here is an exact quote of what Edmunds.com recently wrote about the use of Sachs shocks on the 2011 3 series:

"One more subtle change to be seen first in this 2011 BMW 335i is the use of Sachs dampers at all corners. The objective is a more linear cycle of compression and rebound across the low-speed bumps in town, as well as over the high-speed bumps of the highway. The system of coil spring and piston within the dampers has given way to a stack of thin washerlike discs that produce more progressive fluid flow and less vibration over everyday pavement imperfections. (GM has used this technology in the U.S. for years.) We can attest that we felt the difference and also that none of the goodness on the sporty side of the equation has been lost.”

[markinva]

Interesting, I stand corrected (but am still a bit skeptical)

[bmw-hoya]

Originally Posted by elegant

As reviewed and posted in Edmunds.com, here is an exact quote of what Edmunds.com recently wrote about the use of Sachs shocks on the 2011 3 series:

"One more subtle change to be seen first in this 2011 BMW 335i is the use of Sachs dampers at all corners. The objective is a more linear cycle of compression and rebound across the low-speed bumps in town, as well as over the high-speed bumps of the highway. The system of coil spring and piston within the dampers has given way to a stack of thin washerlike discs that produce more progressive fluid flow and less vibration over everyday pavement imperfections. (GM has used this technology in the U.S. for years.) We can attest that we felt the difference and also that none of the goodness on the sporty side of the equation has been lost.”

Definitely sounds like Sachs is the way to go. Wish I had them, especially since I haven't given up on RFTs.

[BRAISKI]

Good to know...

[BMW1986]

Do you have an M Sport Package on your car?

[Weaselboy]

OP>> I think it is a combination of both. I had a 2007 E92 335i with SP and went from OEM Bridgestones to the Michelin RFT, and there was a big difference in smoothness and noise. Even after 15,000 miles.

I now have a 2011 E92 335i (with the Sachs shocks you mentioned) and there is considerable damping improvement. I have intentionally driven around town to some of the same bumps and dips that before made somewhat violent crashing sounds in the car and the bumps and dips are now swallowed up with much less drama. Big improvement.

[Vince]

So maybe it is buyers remorse but I just picked up my 2011 335xi getting out of my 2008 335xi and wow what a difference! but is it better? I'm still trying to figure that out. The key changes, I enjoyed that "go kart" feel to my 2008 that my 2011 clearly doesn't have, it feels like a luxury car at least I think. The clutch is a lot lighter as well, similar to that of an Audi as compared to my 08 where you need some calf muscle. I will agree that those nasty pot hole noises are gone which used to always make me cringe! Any thoughts?