Improving Ride Quality

[voltage]

Hi. I’m looking at ways to improve the ride quality of my M3 with 19” wheels. What used to be acceptable to me as road feel is now more jarring to my aging body.

Some of the options I’m considering
- Reduce tire pressure. How low can I go, is 35lbs too low?
- Swap for 18” wheels.
- Change suspension.
- Trade for a Model S. Not sure how much this will help. I’m 6’3” and have heard headroom is less on Model S.
- Give up on the electric car dream and buy a Mercedes S class.

If you have input please send it my way.

Thanks

 

[mazers]

What is you tire pressure now? Personally, I'd try the 18" wheels and try 40 psi. 35 psi would trigger the low tire warnings - I think that starts around 36-37psi.

 

[Dangerous Fish]

Which model is it and when was it built?
Is it just too hard or are there particular problems with certain types of road surface?

 

[voltage]

What is you tire pressure now? Personally, I'd try the 18" wheels and try 40 psi. 35 psi would trigger the low tire warnings - I think that starts around 36-37psi.

Tire pressure is at 42.

 

[Knightshade]

How old is your model 3? If it's a RWD built in 2017 (or even a RWD build before June 2018) there are updated, softer, suspension parts available from Tesla- allegedly they were swapping these free for early built cars who complained about the ride quality.

 

[voltage]

Which model is it and when was it built?
Is it just too hard or are there particular problems with certain types of road surface?

M3 LR. VIN is 8xxx. Built in March 2018.

Pretty much feel bumpiness on any road around where I live. I’ve been driving my Volt more and more lately as a result.

 

[Dangerous Fish]

I'd try the free suspension swap first if it's not too much trouble for you.
Tyre pressures are going to make little difference. Higher profile tyres will help and you may be able to borrow some before investing in a new set.

 

[EVM3]

I did two from your list, and it's riding like a dream now.

- 18” wheels (45 profile tire is god's gift for our old back lol)
- Change suspension

 

[Chancellor32]

M3 LR. VIN is 8xxx. Built in March 2018.

Pretty much feel bumpiness on any road around where I live. I’ve been driving my Volt more and more lately as a result.

I got Tsportline springs and lowered the car 1inch. made a huge difference in ride quality. I drive 19's as well. LR RWD vin 50k.