[mstnggt66]

Before you all get your panties in a bunch. I know that there is suppose to be no difference between the ZSP and non-ZSP on an XI. Throwing it out there, done.

My 2008 328xi coupe ZSP was in service for two weeks (radio issue, don't ask). During that time, I had a 2009 335xi coupe non-ZSP. Both were 6 speed manual, had Continental tires, same size and style rim.

Now, since I was able to drive the '09 for such a long time I was able to use it on roads/highways that I know how fast I can go around a merge or exit ramp. The non-ZSP 335xi definitely had more body roll than my ZSP 328xi. On one such highway ramp where I confidently push my own car to 50mph, the non-ZSP coupe showed significant body roll at 35mph.

Ok..non-scientific, no data...go ahead and bash.

[Omni]

No bashing here, just wondering if there are differences between the years and/or models...

Or if perhaps there are stiffer bushings or anything on the ZSP XI. The main thing that the XI ZSP doesn't get is the drop, but it may have slightly different suspension components.

Some tech person can probably weigh in here.

[JeffL]

that's interesting and disappointing I bet. I thought about going this route as well but decided just to go h&r coilovers instead.

[mstnggt66]

Originally Posted by Omni

No bashing here, just wondering if there are differences between the years and/or models...

Or if perhaps there are stiffer bushings or anything on the ZSP XI. The main thing that the XI ZSP doesn't get is the drop, but it may have slightly different suspension components.

Some tech person can probably weigh in here.

That raises another question. Would any lowering spring have a better chance of long term reliability on ZSP vs. non-ZSP xi suspension if there were a difference in parts.

[Omni]

I've read on many posts that you'd want to change shocks and struts as well...yours won't last too long with lower springs.

[bulldog52]

No bashing - I think your observation is 100% correct. Be thankful that you have the 328. I have compared 328 and 335 coupes and observe that the 328's always sit lower. Cars look different and drive different. I just wish somebody could figure out what the difference is and explain why BMW felt it was necessary.

[bulldog52]

One more thing regarding your observations on ramps. There is a ramp in Boston exiting the Ted Williams Tunnel for the Tobin Bridge where I cannot comfortably keep up with pickup trucks and minivans because of the body roll or understeer. It's humiliating.

[Septro]

Originally Posted by bulldog52

One more thing regarding your observations on ramps. There is a ramp in Boston exiting the Ted Williams Tunnel for the Tobin Bridge where I cannot comfortably keep up with pickup trucks and minivans because of the body roll or understeer. It's humiliating.

This is a little bit of hyperbole. I take offramps/onramps at rates of speed much higher than what is posted. I can't see your mods, but if you are still on RFTs - that would have more to do with it than the suspension.

[bulldog52]

Not really hyperbole at all - this is my experience. I do not have any modifications and frankly do not feel that they should be necessary for the type of driving that I do in what should be a performance oriented car. The thing that I still find most confusing is that my wife's 328xi sedan takes the ramp with no problem but my 335xi coupe is a whole different story. At the end of the day I enjoy the smooth quiet ride if my car and do not want to make any modifications that would change that. It is just suprising that BMW could not balance comfort with a bit more capability. I can tell you from driving both cars on a regular basis that this balance was acheived in the 328xi but not in the 335xi.

[wakeboarder109]

Originally Posted by bulldog52

Not really hyperbole at all - this is my experience. I do not have any modifications and frankly do not feel that they should be necessary for the type of driving that I do in what should be a performance oriented car. The thing that I still find most confusing is that my wife's 328xi sedan takes the ramp with no problem but my 335xi coupe is a whole different story. At the end of the day I enjoy the smooth quiet ride if my car and do not want to make any modifications that would change that. It is just suprising that BMW could not balance comfort with a bit more capability. I can tell you from driving both cars on a regular basis that this balance was acheived in the 328xi but not in the 335xi.

do both cars have ZSP?

[bulldog52]

yes

[alpinewhite3]

i was just about to post a thread regarding this...i test drove a non-sport '08 328xi sedan for an entire weekend before ordering my own '09 328xi sedan...i decided to go with sport package on mine...and I'm almost 100% positive there is a difference between the two..(although on sedans, tire size goes from 16 to 17 inch so that could be something) Perhaps the suspension was changed on the 2009's? I dunno, but the car feels tighter, handles better, the steering is heavier and tighter and just overall feels more solid at high speeds...the transmission even feels different. anyone else observe this?

[lugnut]

Well, if the difference is 16" versus 17", you are going to to have less sidewall, so less tire flex. I don't know if I would feel the change myself, but I suppose someone could.

Tire pressure being a little low in a car could also make a car feel tippy as well (test drove a non-sport package A4 a couple of weeks ago and the damn thing felt like it was gonna tip over at any moment. Sure enough, tires were under-inflated).

[Lexor1704]

Ok, everytime I hear a comment about poor handling on the XI on get more confused. My 2008 handles very well and I did some track time in a 335i ZSP and 335xi ZSP before buying and they are very close. I realize I will be flamed for saying that but whatever. Also on exit ramps I start at twice the posted speed and never have any issues and I would never do that in a truck or mini-van. I also did a performance center delivery on this car and we drove it back and drove it on the tail of the dragon and the blue ridge highway and I had several cars and SUV's almost loose control trying to keep up with me. So to those that cannot take exit ramps faster than a minivan you need to have the car towed to the dealer because there is something seriously wrong with the car.

[E90330iS]

u cant keep up with trucks on a ramp..?