Testimonial - F21 M140i - Suspension - Mr Halliday

Date: 16/10/25

Hi Kevin,

I must admit, I was sceptical. The standard car was so badly flawed that I wasn’t sure how much better it could be made. Furthermore, as I said to you on the phone, it can be a very subjective thing. What you said about how the BMW’s of the late 80s and early 90s went down the road really struck a chord with me, that was what made me take the leap. I must say I am nothing less than shocked at the result.

Your tech parked the car beside the front door to your building. By the time 4 wheels had bumped down the 2cm kerb, I knew it felt fundamentally different. Immediately apparent the suspension was less busy, although sharp edges of manhole covers and potholes were slightly more pronounced, symptomatic of the low-profile tyres making their presence felt through the suspension. Then I had about 8 hours on motorways, the ride was firm but settled. It was lost that bounce and nervous chatter. It felt more developed, more engineered, and more “grown up”. It was more reminiscent of my friends M340i, in fact the ride was better, and it felt much more long legged.

Turning off the A90 onto one of Wades Military Roads called the Carin O Mount (B974), I was dreading it. I have been avoiding taking that road, in favour of going up to Aberdeen on the A90 and then inland on smooth A roads, this takes about 30 mins longer. Cairn o’ Mount (B974) | Scotland Off the Beaten Track

I took the B974 and within 5 miles I was smitten. The ride in a straight line, on undulating, pockmarked and generally rough roads was superb, and surpassed any hopes I had for the B series kit. Furthermore, for some reason, there is more steering feel. More body roll!! SUPERB, it’s a great thing to have on a road car! The roll let me load up the tyres laterally and gave me another reference point for the state of mechanical grip (or lack thereof). It still needs to be in SPORT PLUS or the DSC/TC is too over keen on the undulations, especially powering out of an apex. The most impressive thing is the dampening. Loaded up in a long fast corner the car is settled and composed, you therefore have more ability to change the attitude of the car on the throttle and know immediately what the resultant effect is. That was masked before, the bounce and jar of the suspension would mask the more subtle nuances of the feel and the inherent adjustability of the chassis.

I have done the commute a couple of times now and it’s great to have a thermos of coffee in the car and drink it without ruining my shirt. When the traffic clears the car is faster, more competent, and much safer.

It’s gone from a car that I had to sell, to one I intend to keep and will do the bulk of my mileage in. It’s a genuine pleasure to drive now.

Thanks again for the time on the phone to talk things through.