What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

My BMW X1 suffers from a very hard ride - can this be rectified?

After a short test drive on the A3 I bought a BMW X1 Crossover with a load of extras from the local BMW dealer. I soon realised that the ride was very hard on the much cambered and pot holed side roads and that the car had to be driven carefully so as not to swerve. Now, after five weeks' ownership, we are very upset and cannot understand how BMW could produce a vehicle with such a hard ride. It has 18-inch alloys and low profile runflat tyres. When I checked the tyres before our journey I noticed that they were substantially under-inflated and wondered if this was done intentionally to soften the ride. Is there anything that can be done either with the dealer or mechanically to improve this worrying situation?

Asked on 6 September 2012 by HB, Weybridge

Answered by Honest John
The 18-inch alloys are the problem. Switch to 17-inch wheels with 225/50 R17 tyres.
Similar questions
I have a 2004 BMW 330Ci Sport convertible. It is a lovely car except for the rock-hard ride caused by the sports suspension with 18-inch wheels and 35/40 profile tyres. Since it will need two new tyres...
My wife runs a 2003 MINI Cooper S which she has had from new. In truth she would have been better served by a Cooper, as the ride quality is not good and potholes must be avoided at all costs. I have noticed...
I retired in 2011 and purchased my 2009 2.0-litre diesel automatic Vauxhall Insignia Elite company car from my employer. It has now covered around 33,000 miles and is in need of new tyres (245/45 R18 96W)....
Related models
Compact off-roader available with two or four-wheel drive. Car-like to drive. Economical diesel engine with various power outputs. Usefully large boot.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer