My wife needs you guys to answer a question

[catpat8000]

I'm considering an M5.

I currently drive an e90 M3 and I love the car but it's too small so I'm looking to upsell my wife on an M5, which she is willing to consider. Problem is, she hates the M3 - the ride is way too stiff for her. She says every time she gets out of it, she has a headache because the car is so jarring. Now part of that is my shifting the DCT in the most aggressive mode possible but she's right - the ride is very, very stiff on the M3.

I've driven a 2012 F10 M5 and it is definitely much softer than the M3. So that's good. But I like the new ZCP package. So here is the question: is the 2014 M5 w/ZCP materially stiffer in ride than the M5 without ZCP?

Pat

[Hammer91]

Yes. Drove 1800 miles in Europe during ED trip in 2013 M5. Came back and traded in on 2014 M5 with ZCP. Ride is harsher and jarring on rough roads even in comfort mode. I would say the settings are all shifted one higher, so the lowest setting on the ZCP (comfort) is the same as the middle setting (sport) on the non ZCP. On good roads it is a great ride, and here in Kansas we actually have very good roads. I have had 3 M3's as well and know what you mean about the suspension in them. The longer wheelbase and heavier weight of the M5 helps make the ride smoother even in the ZCP package. My wife actually likes the ride in my ZCP but didn't in my M3.

[B-1Pilot]

My wife has a 3-series and loves it. She doesn't like the ride of an m3.

On our ed we did 1800 miles with long driving days in my new M5... My wife found the car more comfortable than her 3, especially in comfort setting on the suspension (I also had my inlaws in the back seats!)

The CP, which I have, is sometimes compared to the regular, but one step up on suspension... But I do think comfort is about the same, sport and sport plus are both firmer

I either case, which ever M5 you go from the seats blow away the best seats in a E90 or F30

[clar]

Originally Posted by catpat8000

I'm considering an M5.

I currently drive an e90 M3 and I love the car but it's too small so I'm looking to upsell my wife on an M5, which she is willing to consider. Problem is, she hates the M3 - the ride is way too stiff for her. She says every time she gets out of it, she has a headache because the car is so jarring. Now part of that is my shifting the DCT in the most aggressive mode possible but she's right - the ride is very, very stiff on the M3.

I've driven a 2012 F10 M5 and it is definitely much softer than the M3. So that's good. But I like the new ZCP package. So here is the question: is the 2014 M5 w/ZCP materially stiffer in ride than the M5 without ZCP?

Pat

Take her on a ride in a 2012 M5 and convinced her on the ride. Order a ZCP M5 after that and plead ignorance forever after

[Head]

Hmmm... new wife?

[elitex]

Originally Posted by clar

Take her on a ride in a 2012 M5 and convinced her on the ride. Order a ZCP M5 after that and plead ignorance forever after

This!!

[quintics]

well if she's coming from a 2000 e430, it's a bit harder to convince her that the M5 is "comfortable"

[uhn2000]

Its fine and comfy, wife and kid love it. Getting her to love my GT is another situation all together.

[stealth.pilot]

M5 ZCP ride is harsher than a non-ZCP M3.

[bobafettt]

Let her pick the music on the B&O
And Heat/Cool the seats
And turn on the active seats
And win

[savela]

How bout a simple lie? Soft as a cushion. Oops.

Took my wife out this evening and she asked 'why's it so loud?'. Girls.

[KKS53]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

M5 ZCP ride is harsher than a non-ZCP M3.

Really? Wow, I couldn't disagree more. I have an E92 M3 Limerock and a recently acquired F10 M5 ZCP. I drive them both regularly and there is simply no comparison in comfort and ride. Even in the most aggressive settings the ZCP is a better, more comfortable, less rigid/jarring ride than the E92. Not to mention the sound if that is a consideration. The sound proofing on the F10 M5 is also exceptional while the e92 is loud inside the cabin.

Again, we must be driving different cars but to the OP's question, the M5 with ZCP is still an ultra comfortable and very luxurious ride compared to an e9x M3.

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by KKS53

Really? Wow, I couldn't disagree more. I have an E92 M3 Limerock and a recently acquired F10 M5 ZCP. I drive them both regularly and there is simply no comparison in comfort and ride. Even in the most aggressive settings the ZCP is a better, more comfortable, less rigid/jarring ride than the E92. Not to mention the sound if that is a consideration. The sound proofing on the F10 M5 is also exceptional while the e92 is loud inside the cabin.

Again, we must be driving different cars but to the OP's question, the M5 with ZCP is still an ultra comfortable and very luxurious ride compared to an e9x M3.

Isn't the lime rock like a M3 ZCP and not a normal M3. Normal M3 ride quality is better than yours.

Yes. I just checked Lime Rock is an M3 ZCP so your point does not contradict mine.

Ride quality is like this M3 ZCP<M5 ZCP<M3<M5.

So if his wife wants better ride quality she should not get an m5 ZCP.

[cassidysdad]

i traded my 2006 m5 for a 2014 with ZCP. The ride is a little stiff. I like that I can easily fit my baby seat in the back. I sold it from safety

[KKS53]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

Isn't the lime rock like a M3 ZCP and not a normal M3. Normal M3 ride quality is better than yours.

Yes. I just checked Lime Rock is an M3 ZCP so your point does not contradict mine.

Ride quality is like this M3 ZCP<M5 ZCP<M3<M5.

So if his wife wants better ride quality she should not get an m5 ZCP.

That may be the reason - yes the Lime Rock was built specifically for the track.

[Ovella]

My personal opinion... and my wife's... the e93 M3's ride was not nearly as comfortable as the new ZCP M5. My wife hated riding in my e93. She enjoys the new car (in comfort settings). I'll keep the sportier settings for when I'm driving w/o her.

[bm323]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

M5 ZCP ride is harsher than a non-ZCP M3.

Stealth, you reckon the M5 ZCP is harsher than the usual M3? I had a loaner M3 at the time when I have my M5 pre LCI, and would have thought that the M5 LCI would be less stiff than the M3. I have not driven the M5 LCI though, but likely will do so later this year.

[Stiggly]

Originally Posted by Head

Hmmm... new wife?

what he said ^^^^^

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by bm323

Stealth, you reckon the M5 ZCP is harsher than the usual M3? I had a loaner M3 at the time when I have my M5 pre LCI, and would have thought that the M5 LCI would be less stiff than the M3. I have not driven the M5 LCI though, but likely will do so later this year.

I haven't driven all 4 on the same roads so I could be wrong, but yes that is my perception based on my driving experience. I actually find the ride quality of the standard M3 to be quite good.

[B-1Pilot]

Stealth, no offense, you must have had the worst M5 ZCP test ride ever; your disdain for anything related to the CP is visceral at times...

There is no way current M3 is more comfortable than any variant of the M5. The F30 versions, when they come out may be an improvement on the E90 variants (based on my experience of owning both of those in a 335xi -- the F30 is a step up in comfort).

But the E90 M3 being smoother than an M5? not a chance... I thought about getting an M3 a year ago when I was in DC to hold me over until I could move and order my M5 like I did... I did not like the seating, the ride quality... performance wise it was GREAT fun, but it specifically lacked the luxury and comfort in ride I wanted for when I was entertaining and driving my wife or two couples around town, and is why I held off and got the M5.

Someone who has both surely can answer up on this?

[GOLFFRR]

M5 is night and day comfort wise over the e90M. you can easily drive in lowest DCT D setting and also softest suspension setting when she is in the car and she will be pleased I would think. But when you are in the car alone and want to have fun you can set everything up on the opposite spectrum and release the beast!

f10 M5 is a great all around car, prob one of the best all around cars available on the market. From what I read from your post the M5 would be perfect for what your looking for.

Let us know if you need any assistance and good luck on convincing the wife!

[bobblehead]

You get what you want. Then simply just get monthly bus passes for wife. Problem solved.