[AllVol]

So, I had an 840i GC xDrive. The 6 cyl had decent power, however, I felt the handling was not what I wanted during spirited driving. Traded it in on a Macan S that ticked a lot of boxes—definitely the power and handling—but strongly lacked the tech.

I see that the M850 will have great power and has the M-professional suspension which is tighter, but just wanted to get some input from everyone who is more knowledgeable here on the forum regarding the M850 GC suspension.

Namely, is it exponentially better/tighter/sportier compared to the 840i GC suspension? Or is there any real noticeable difference in the cornering and handling? Does it get even close to the Macan regarding the connection to the road? I want to keep the tech in the BMW, but also gain a sportier ride.

Of note, I have driven the M850 and did not notice any appreciable change from the 840. Did not know if there were anyone else you could provide any alternative opinions of the suspensions.

TIA.

[m3_08]

test drive M8 also and see if you experience any difference. Very subjective opinion about suspension 'feeling'

[TupperBMW]

You literally answered your own question in the last paragraph, by stating that you’ve already driven an M850i, didn’t notice a difference, thus what is the point of this thread?

[AllVol]

Originally Posted by TupperBMW

You literally answered your own question in the last paragraph, by stating that you’ve already driven an M850i, didn’t notice a difference, thus what is the point of this thread?

Nice response to an honest question.

Did you ever think that maybe I wanted to get additional opinions from others as well? Just to confirm or refute my observations? And possibly to get some insight from individuals with expert knowledge on the differences mechanically between these two different suspensions?

I did figure that there would be one person to be “that” person. I apologize for wasting your precious 60 seconds to have to read this.

[__AD__]

I have an 850 gc as my daily and had an 840gc as a dealer loaner for a day. Didn’t notice a difference in normal driving but I also didn’t throw the 840 around like I’ve done with my 850 on occasion to test body roll, etc. For what it’s worth, I’d say there’s no difference in commute driving between the two.

[AllVol]

Originally Posted by __AD__

I have an 850 gc as my daily and had an 840gc as a dealer loaner for a day. Didn’t notice a difference in normal driving but I also didn’t throw the 840 around like I’ve done with my 850 on occasion to test body roll, etc. For what it’s worth, I’d say there’s no difference in commute driving between the two.

Thank you. I felt the same. Appreciate the response and confirmation.

[yugrac]

I think it's fair to say that unless you drive the M850 aggressively enough to utilize the 'Integral Active Steering with Rear-Axle Steering' and 'Adaptive M Suspension Professional with Active Roll Stabilization', both of which the 840 doesn't have, you wouldn't notice too much difference. So as a daily driver, no appreciable difference. Go to the track, no comparison.

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by yugrac

I think it's fair to say that unless you drive the M850 aggressively enough to utilize the 'Integral Active Steering with Rear-Axle Steering' and 'Adaptive M Suspension Professional with Active Roll Stabilization', both of which the 840 doesn't have, you wouldn't notice too much difference. So as a daily driver, no appreciable difference. Go to the track, no comparison.

AllVol This ^^^^

Having owned an M550 (that still has my personal record for a BMW at 43,630 miles) and driven several 540 loaners, there's some difference around town (power, naturally) but, not much else. Although, you could tell the M550 was just a much nicer car after turning the loaner in. The M550 was also a great road car.

Having then owned 2 F90s (even better road cars) and now settled into an M850, gotta say the M850 is my favorite car. It's very nice on the inside, brutally fast and handles very well at speed on the 2-lane twisties when when dialed into Sport+. I can't be quite as aggressive as I was in the M5 - let's face it, it's still a big old barge. But, it does everything I need it to do, knowing full well that physics will always win with the uninitiated. It's been on 5 long trips totaling 18,000 miles. A total hoot.

Every car has a purpose. If you're just driving around town, I'm sure the 840 is more than fine. If you're going to stretch your legs and really chew up the miles (not on a freeway, mind you) it's M850 all day long. That engine is silk. One side note, I also went with a wider after market wheel - handling got even better. The OEM wheels are too narrow, IMHO.