Question:

I have read that the new m roadster and m coupe will have the semi-trailing arm rear suspension as opposed to the multilink setup in the current m3 series. Can anyone tell me what real difference this will make and why you think the motorsport division chose to take a step backward to an antiquated design?

Response:

brazenly asserted: I have read that the new m roadster and m coupe will have the semi-trailing arm rear suspension as opposed to the multilink setup in the current m3 series. Can anyone tell me what real difference this will make and why you think the motorsport division chose to take a step backward to an antiquated design?

So basically, you’re saying that all previous generation BMW’s have antiquated suspensions? Seriously, it was probably used in these cars because 1) it fit, 2) it’s probably cheaper, and 3) these are not intended to be entered in competition as the M3 and other sedans were, so the suspension design is less critical. C.R. Krieger "Ignore ‘em, m’dear; they’re beneath your dignity." – W.C. Fields Reply to warp1 at lakefield dot net

Response:

Weight savings and lower cost, both in terms of production and sticker price, are the reasons BMW AG gave for using the trailing arm rear suspension instead of the newer multi link design. The "straight" automotive press has been testing BMW’s with trailing arms for 34 years, and calling them the best thing since beer in a bottle.  The fact that BMW has come out with a new rear suspension design does not mean there is anything wrong with trailing arms.   It is unfortunate that some mags have seized upon BMW’s use of trailing arms for some new models because now people read these articles and think there’s something wrong with the car.  It ain’t so. Mike Miller

Response:

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