BMW 3-series suspension revisions

As we went to Press with the above Road Impressions I discovered that the very latest 3-series BMWs have had their suspension modified in a way which might well negate some of the criticism. Front spring and damper rates have been increased and reco-ordinated and the front anti-roll bar stiffened. The rear springs and shock-absorbers have been softened by 10% and : “The rear strut piston located so that it responds to push rather than pull action, thus reducing road noise transmission to the bodywork,” which presumably refers to bump and rebound action.

The close-ratio Getrag 5-speed gearbox and a limited slip differential are available to special order, though a customer could expect a longish wait while a car was put down the line specially for him. I dared not ask BMW the cost!–C.R.