coolblue

I owned a 2001 S4 and traded it in for a 535i after 10 years. I really miss the S4 and want to come back but I don't miss the harsh ride on the rough roads here in Iowa. I test drove a new 2012 335i (sport) and was very impressed by the ride quality but hated the looks. Can anyone compare the ride quality of the newer S4 to the 2001 model? how about compared to the new 3 series Sport mode? Would love to order a 2013 S4 and ditch the 535 but can't afford the drive select option. Any comments on the S4's ride quality/harshness in northern city roads are welcome!

westwest888

I think there is a lot more suspension travel and much larger tires (25" vs 26") on the Audi vs the outgoing E90 335i. The 335xi is a different story - that is sprung very soft.

coolblue

Any comparisons to the ride quality of the new (F30/F32) 335i sport line?

Evlengr

I just drove the new sport line 335i a couple weeks back. Very nice vehicle. Smooth acceleration and ride was good. However, BMW has basically gone RFT's on all their vehicles now and I don't care how much you tweek the suspension you will feel those rough roads and a long drive will be harder.

Plus replacing RFTs are a real PITA. We had a vandal go through our neighborhood sometime ago and slash tires.

My wife has RFT's on her mini-cooper S. We had to order them via Tire Rack and did not get them until three days later. The dealer couldn't do any better. My X3 has regular tires and I was up and running that afternoon.

I really like the handling of the 335i but I am still ordering an S4 come Novemeber of this year (birthday present to myself).

coolblue

I thought the new 335 Sport had a surprisingly good ride over the rough concrete street here, even with RFT. If the S4's ride quality is in the same ballpark I'll order one too. The 335i did everything well but had no character. My 7 year old son is still upset that I sold the 2001 S4 2 years ago!

DrGP

I thought the ride quality of my B6 S4 with 18" wheels was pretty poor. When I got my 335i with 18" RF tires, it was a significant improvement. I took off the 18s and put on 19s with General Exclaim UHP tires and there was not a big difference in the ride but it was slightly more harsh but still a lot better than the B6 with 18s. Took delivery of my S4 with 18" wheels. At that time I thought the ride was even better than the 335i with 18s. I have since swapped to 19" wheels and initially noticed a slightly less compliant ride. Don't even think about it anymore. BTW, I used to run the B6 tires @ 32 psi just to make the ride more complaint. Now running the 19s @39psi and am happy with the ride. My wife actually used to complain about the ride in the B6. Never in the 335i or the B6 S4 with either 18s or 19s. BTW, I live in the Metro Phila/NYC area

DrGP

RF tires SUCK! Another reason no to get the BMW.

riegerman

Test drive the S4 with the ADS with the adjustable shocks. I found that the S4 with this feature to be similiar in comparison to the new 335i.

turr520

For your reference: Supposedly a Autobild comparison test: http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=676638.

coolblue

Very helpful. I especially appreciate the side by side comparisons with same color, etc. I don't agree about the price difference, though. I came up with approx. $53,000 MSRP for similarly equipped cars here in the US.

Cheers