Mag suspension vs fixed

[GTCRS3]

Has anyone been able to compare the mag suspension to the fixed RS suspension?

I had originally ordered it for my 2018 but read some early reviews saying that it seemed like it would be hard to live with.


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[peshs4]

Not sure but I can definitely say I enjoy not having to drive around in dynamic all the time the difference is huge from comfort to dynamic


Current 2018 rs3 8v

Past:1988 BMW 535i
1997 Honda Passport
2000 golf GTI mark IV
2004 audi S4 b6
2012 Infinity g37xs-s (hated)
2012 audi s4 b8
2014 Mercedes E550

[RS3TP]

I have it on my 2018 RS3 and it really depends on the type of roads you will be driving on. For example for highway driving it is absolutely a terrific ride. For city streets that are categorised as A quality you are also good. Were it gets annoying is on B type roads that are in need of maintenance. I feel that the stiffness in those situations come more from the 19 inch tires versus the suspension. In the colder months the 19's are not my first choice. An 18 inch rim tire combo would make this set-up ideal. Curious to see what others think ..

[S3DUDE]

I came from a mag ride S3 and I hate it with all my heart. When I ordered my RS3 I saw that they had the option of Mag ride or fixed suspension but here in the USA the fixed suspension came with a $4800 premium which included the ceramic brakes. In Canada the fixed suspension is standard from what I read.

Long history short, I personally prefer the fixed suspension but I am not going to lie, the Mag ride on my RS3 is far better than the one on my S3. You wouldn't be disappointed with the mag ride.

[Potatohead_RS3]

Fixed suspension is optional in Canada. At least it was for 2018.

[RS3TP]

Interesting topic as I have run into many of these treads and you have folks on both sides of the fence. I wonder how many members here actually have the RS Fixed Ride suspension .. if they could chime in it would help the OP

[Chris F]

I have the fixed suspension. The shock compress/rebound is somewhere between mag ride comfort and dynamic. I think the springs are the same? It's not super stiff. It's actually very controlled and complaint for a performance suspension. Does not bang and crash. In terms of comfort I prefer it over many non performance car suspensions.

I think the fixed suspension has a perception problem because in North America it was marketed as a performance/track focused add on so therefore it must be super stiff. The reviewers all picked up on that and parroted it despite not actually having driven both variants.

I would pick the fixed suspension again, especially for MY2019 where it is a $0 option in the US. It's not too harsh, the spring rates/shocks are perfectly matched, it behaves well over all road conditions, and is easy to fix/modify later. (no mag ride sensors, ECU stuff etc...)

[uclaman]

I have fixed suspension. It is not as stiff as the reviews make it out to be at all. I have MSS springs and the ride feels smooth. Even on bumps, they are not backbreaking. The only concern I have about the fixed suspension is ultimately when the CCBs need replacing. I supposeI can change them out to BBK.

[OE2]

I think the fixed suspension is "stiff" compared to Mag ride only. Not nearly that bad compared to other fixed suspension cars out there. The biggest comfort change I made was going to a 255/35 18in wheel/tire combo. Stock wheels for my mag ride car was just too harsh but switching to a larger sidewall and lighter wheel completely changed the feel and comfort of the car. I will be switching to ohlins when they are released anyway but I will say that wheels and tires can make a harsh suspension much more compliant

[big residual]

I have fixed suspension. It is not as stiff as the reviews make it out to be at all. I have MSS springs and the ride feels smooth. Even on bumps, they are not backbreaking. The only concern I have about the fixed suspension is ultimately when the CCBs need replacing. I supposeI can change them out to BBK.

I think, you could put on iron rotors (OEM, Girodisc or other) and different pads at any point to avoid CCB consumables costs. Personally, I'd do it at the beginning so I could sell the car with a fairly-new CCB config, but you could also do it at some distant point when your carbon rotors are worn to the cusp of replacement. (Admittedly, I wouldn't put a $ premium on CCBs if I were buying a used 8V, so which is the better timed strategy is probably a crap shoot.)

[Nardo_RS3]

Completely agree - I downsized to a 245/40/18 wheel and tire combo on my RS3 and, for me, it's perfect for a daily car. The additional sidewall is really well suited to the mag ride...comfort mode now feels very luxurious and dynamic mode isn't nearly as harsh but still very sharp and sure footed.

[Rs3nardo]

I think, you could put on iron rotors (OEM, Girodisc or other) and different pads at any point to avoid CCB consumables costs. Personally, I'd do it at the beginning so I could sell the car with a fairly-new CCB config, but you could also do it at some distant point when your carbon rotors are worn to the cusp of replacement. (Admittedly, I wouldn't put a $ premium on CCBs if I were buying a used 8V, so which is the better timed strategy is probably a crap shoot.)

You will never replace your CCBs with a daily driven car. However if you circuit track your car it’s going to be the opposite. I’ve had 5 cars now all with CCBs, never once had to replace them.


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[uclaman]

You will never replace your CCBs with a daily driven car. However if you circuit track your car it’s going to be the opposite. I’ve had 5 cars now all with CCBs, never once had to replace them.


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That's good to know. I do not track at all. Though if I do, then I probably should swap out the brakes then.

[rex_racer]

For additional information the MR and Fixed suspension have different spring rates.

MR: 310# F / 360# R
Fixed: 320# F / 400# R

[RS3TP]

I think the fixed suspension is "stiff" compared to Mag ride only. Not nearly that bad compared to other fixed suspension cars out there. The biggest comfort change I made was going to a 255/35 18in wheel/tire combo. Stock wheels for my mag ride car was just too harsh but switching to a larger sidewall and lighter wheel completely changed the feel and comfort of the car. I will be switching to ohlins when they are released anyway but I will say that wheels and tires can make a harsh suspension much more compliant

This is something I will also do. Can you post a few pictures of your car with you 18" rims and tires? IMO it is more the whole 19" rim / tire combo that makes these cars a little stiffer if you will? I have also seen comments where some folks with the MR also feel that car has a firm ride. For me it is more the crappy roads on Yonge St and surrounding area's that are under heavy construction.

Great tread and very interesting to see everyone's opinion ..

One thing for sure, I had an MK7 and MK7.5 Golf R and the ride on those cars were fairly comparable. I put about 22,000 kms per year on my cars so I trade them out more regularly .. I can see myself keeping my RS3. Something special about these cars ..

[RS3TP]

What are ohlins .. do you have a link to the product they will be releasing. Thx

[saxon]

If i had the choice i would do the fixed suspension and then lower it on pss10's

[RS3TP]

I think the fixed suspension is "stiff" compared to Mag ride only. Not nearly that bad compared to other fixed suspension cars out there. The biggest comfort change I made was going to a 255/35 18in wheel/tire combo. Stock wheels for my mag ride car was just too harsh but switching to a larger sidewall and lighter wheel completely changed the feel and comfort of the car. I will be switching to ohlins when they are released anyway but I will say that wheels and tires can make a harsh suspension much more compliant

Okay I contacted Ohlins and here is how they responded.
Dear Tino,

Thank you very much for your inquiry.


The ohlins is very good, but still it is harder then then standard setup. I have also checked other brands and all will be a bit harder, sorry.


If you have any questions then please don't hesitate to contact me, I am there to help you.

My best,

Hendrik
Customer Service

[Jeff_Jeske]

For what its worth my Ohlins guy tells me the spring rates will be 7k front and 7k rear (390LBS squared). I think that will be too soft for track duty but probably perfect for the street. I'm waiting on the DFVs myself and plan to run 8k/8k (465LBS).

[rex_racer]

For what its worth my Ohlins guy tells me the spring rates will be 7k front and 7k rear (390LBS squared).

Ohlins must be making running changes to the kit if that's true. Their original numbers were quite different from what you found.

[RS3TP]

With the pot hole infested city of Toronto right now .. i dropped my tire pressure from 40 lbs to 35 lbs and I can tell a difference. It really helped ...