[cali35]

Can anyone provide any insight to the ride quality between the Q50 Sport and the Q50 Premium w/ 19" rims? I currently have a IS 350 with the sport package. I am content with the ride quality and I like the improved handling over the non sport IS.

I know 19" with run flats will be a firm ride and I am curious how much firmer the ride quality is with the sport package.

 

[Q50Aggie]

I couldn't notice a difference in the two. Go with the sport

 

[afrosheen]

I've driven with the 17" and the 19" and didn't notice any difference. The suspension is so well behaved I don't think it matters.

Now the Sport...haven't driven one yet.

 

[gbert15]

Didnt feel anything harsh! In fact I actually liked the ride quality! Only thing to keep in mind though is I drive a car thats lowered about 2in and coilovers set to 2 click before full stiff so I might be biased on that experience!

 

[afrosheen]

Didnt feel anything harsh! In fact I actually liked the ride quality! Only thing to keep in mind though is I drive a car thats lowered about 2in and coilovers set to 2 click before full stiff so I might be biased on that experience!

Previous car?

 

[gbert15]

Previous car?

Hahaha! Actually saw one but it was a truck! Was on the freeway and he was going fast and knew he was approaching a dip! When he hit it sparks were flying!

 

[BenW]

I couldn't notice a difference in the two. Go with the sport

I think the logic should be the opposite, if you can't notice the difference, why pay for the sport.

 

[vices]

I think the logic should be the opposite, if you can't notice the difference, why pay for the sport.

I think they like the 19s and the sport grille better, but was worried about the ride comfort. So if they're both equal, they'd rather have the Sport.

 

[Q50Aggie]

I think the logic should be the opposite, if you can't notice the difference, why pay for the sport.

He's asking about ride comfort...the stuff you get with the sport makes it worth it and you don't lose ride quality

 

[BenW]

He's asking about ride comfort...the stuff you get with the sport makes it worth it and you don't lose ride quality

I don't think the other stuff is worth it.

 

[DavidNJ]

I don't think the other stuff is worth it.

The seats have more adjustments, I think slightly bigger side bolsters. The brakes go from single piston floating calipers to fixed 4-piston calipers in front and fixed 2-piston calipers in the rear. It has metal paddle shifters.

It adds the wider 19" rims, which are more expensive. I like the look of the 17" rims better, but the 225/55-17 tire is an odd size with few aftermarket tires available. It is the standard 528i size, which is probably why 3 of the 4 winter tire options at TireRack are RFT. The Michelin Pilot Sport AS3 is listed in this size at Michelin but not a Tire Rack.

The styling differences are a personal taste. and not that dramatic. The grill dominates the front either way and both have big dual exhaust pipes.

The suspension calibration is supposed to be different. However, I doubt if anyone could separate it from the difference in tires; the 17" has 1" (25%) taller sidewall.

A bigger difference may be the ability of the wheel to survive potholes, especially with the runflat tires. The 19" is probably much more vulnerable judging from the BMW 5-series forums.

 

[BenW]

The seats have more adjustments, I think slightly bigger side bolsters. The brakes go from single piston floating calipers to fixed 4-piston calipers in front and fixed 2-piston calipers in the rear. It has metal paddle shifters.

It adds the wider 19" rims, which are more expensive. I like the look of the 17" rims better, but the 225/55-17 tire is an odd size with few aftermarket tires available. It is the standard 528i size, which is probably why 3 of the 4 winter tire options at TireRack are RFT. The Michelin Pilot Sport AS3 is listed in this size at Michelin but not a Tire Rack.

The styling differences are a personal taste. and not that dramatic. The grill dominates the front either way and both have big dual exhaust pipes.

The suspension calibration is supposed to be different. However, I doubt if anyone could separate it from the difference in tires; the 17" has 1" (25%) taller sidewall.

A bigger difference may be the ability of the wheel to survive potholes, especially with the runflat tires. The 19" is probably much more vulnerable judging from the BMW 5-series forums.

But the comparison was a Sport to a premium with the 19's so you bringing up the wheels is irrelevant. To me the suspension feels exactly the same, I don't think the sport seats are as comfortable and unless you're drag racing you don't need the bigger brakes and they are a lot more expensive to replace. So, I'd rather have the non-sport with the 19' sport rims. Now, if you like the front bumper so much better then fine, but I think it looks too bulky from the side view.

 

[shend3193]

The Michelin Pilot Sport AS3 is listed in this size at Michelin but not a Tire Rack.

Yes they are: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...VR7PSAS3&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes
For the 19", to avoid the potholes explosion issue, I'm planning on switching to the Y-rated Pilot A/S 3: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...9PSAS3XL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

 

[BenW]

Yes they are: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...VR7PSAS3&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes
For the 19", to avoid the potholes explosion issue, I'm planning on switching to the Y-rated Pilot A/S 3: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...9PSAS3XL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

What is the speed rating on the Dunlops?

 

[shend3193]

What is the speed rating on the Dunlops?

W for the summer tires, V for the A/S.

 

[BenW]

W for the summer tires, V for the A/S.

The AS3 V's are $100 less than the W's. Think you can tell the difference?

 

[shend3193]

$31 per tire? I think the stiffer sidewall will be a better match to the RFTs they'd replace. Not sure which rating would be best for potholes on such a low profile tire, though.
Plus the Y-rated is the only one available at Discount Tire

 

[JR69]

Evidently based on the two reviews, MT and Automobile, it doesn't matter, they both seem to be somewhat soft.

 

[BenW]

$31 per tire? I think the stiffer sidewall will be a better match to the RFTs they'd replace. Not sure which rating would be best for potholes on such a low profile tire, though.
Plus the Y-rated is the only one available at Discount Tire

oh, if the Y is all they have then that settles it Have you gotten a trade in price from Discount Tire on the Dunlops yet????

 

[shend3193]

Have you gotten a trade in price from Discount Tire on the Dunlops yet????

That would be *literally* putting the horse before the cart I haven't even seen the car yet.
Another reason I prefer the Y-rated (but that doesn't apply to you) is that they're XL, and since I'm now considering the 4145 lbs Hybrid AWD, that's more peace of mind.