ARS - Worth it or not?

With ARS being removed from the M Sport package on 2012's, trying to make sense of the value since it is is a relatively pricey addition standing on its own.

Certainly 2011 M'Sports had a an easier decision - take it or take it. I see some posts that seem to think the lack of ARS is positive and gives the car a ride more reminiscent of the previous E60 Sport, while some also think it is important for better mixed use driving (sport/comfort). May still be early for real world opinions, but any experiences from those able to drive both versions?

This is MY opinion. But no.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...919&highlight=

Caveat: I would like to drive my car with the RFT's back on, then drive a 2012 with ARS to compare. But I really, really liked the way that the 2012 Sport without ARS drove.

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

This is MY opinion. But no.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...919&highlight=

Caveat: I would like to drive my car with the RFT's back on, then drive a 2012 with ARS to compare. But I really, really liked the way that the 2012 Sport without ARS drove.

I still don't understand how you can say this without even driving the 2012 with ARS. Why engage in all this unconfirmed speculation and not just go ahead and drive the car?
I have spoken to several engineering and technical sources at BMW and their opinion is different from yours (ARS is worth it) The splitting of ARS from sport / dynamic drive package was for the marketing purposes
To all others, please go drive 2012 with and without ARS. Do not compare with 2011.
Preferably try to take sharp curves

Originally Posted by DXK

I still don't understand how you can say this without even driving the 2012 with ARS. Why engage in all this unconfirmed speculation and not just go ahead and drive the car?
I have spoken to several engineering and technical sources at BMW and their opinion is different from yours (ARS is worth it) The splitting of ARS from sport / dynamic drive package was for the marketing purposes
To all others, please go drive 2012 with and without ARS. Do not compare with 2011.
Preferably try to take sharp curves

For me the biggest advantage of ARS is the stability of the car when doing rapid lane changes to carve through traffic that is driving at the speed limit. It is also good in corners, but if you are someone who uses all lanes for passing, then the advantage of ARS will be considerable.

Also if you drive in comfort mode, don't bother with ARS.

Originally Posted by DXK

I still don't understand how you can say this without even driving the 2012 with ARS. Why engage in all this unconfirmed speculation and not just go ahead and drive the car?
I have spoken to several engineering and technical sources at BMW and their opinion is different from yours (ARS is worth it) The splitting of ARS from sport / dynamic drive package was for the marketing purposes
To all others, please go drive 2012 with and without ARS. Do not compare with 2011.
Preferably try to take sharp curves

It'll be hard to test drive a 2012 car w/ ars. Dealers wont order them that way for stock.

What you will probably have to do is compare a 2011 w/o dhp vs 2012 w/sport no ars and/or 2011 w/ dhp vs 2012 w/ sport. The former your can see the upgrade and how much roll is left the latter the downgrade in roll.

Originally Posted by dxk

i still don't understand how you can say this without even driving the 2012 with ars. Why engage in all this unconfirmed speculation and not just go ahead and drive the car?
I have spoken to several engineering and technical sources at bmw and their opinion is different from yours (ars is worth it) the splitting of ars from sport / dynamic drive package was for the marketing purposes
to all others, please go drive 2012 with and without ars. Do not compare with 2011.
Preferably try to take sharp curves

+1

Originally Posted by DXK

I still don't understand how you can say this without even driving the 2012 with ARS. Why engage in all this unconfirmed speculation and not just go ahead and drive the car?
I have spoken to several engineering and technical sources at BMW and their opinion is different from yours (ARS is worth it) The splitting of ARS from sport / dynamic drive package was for the marketing purposes
To all others, please go drive 2012 with and without ARS. Do not compare with 2011.
Preferably try to take sharp curves

Would you like to go find one for me?

This is not unconfirmed speculation. I have driven:

2011 Base
2011 Sport
2011 DHP
2012 Sport (DDC, no ARS)
2012 Base

This is my observation based on driving those cars. If you chose to leave it, that's fine. But why should I not compare it to a 2011? I've driven several 2011 DHP cars, and they're all pretty similar to mine. Whatever you think the reason to be, the result is what it is.

Because there has been a change in either late '11 or '12 MY in suspension settings, and it is firmer than on some earlier '11. No one would tell me precisely what the changes are, only that there are changes. So to get the clear opinion one must try '12 with ARS

Originally Posted by DXK

Because there has been a change in either late '11 or '12 MY in suspension settings, and it is firmer than on some earlier '11. No one would tell me precisely what the changes are, only that there are changes. So to get the clear opinion one must try '12 with ARS

I know it is fun to promote urban legends. But if you wanted to find out, it would be easy enough to go on RealOEM.com and compare parts numbers: Are the shocks, struts, bushings, etc. the same for the early 2011's as for the late 2011's? Any changes for the 2012's?

In the time it takes for 5 people to say "I THINK it is different", one person could figure it out.

Originally Posted by quackbury

I know it is fun to promote urban legends. But if you wanted to find out, it would be easy enough to go on RealOEM.com and compare parts numbers: Are the shocks, struts, bushings, etc. the same for the early 2011's as for the late 2011's? Any changes for the 2012's?

In the time it takes for 5 people to say "I THINK it is different", one person could figure it out.

go ahead if you got time; we've discused it in previous thread.
I have it from BMW sources that 2012 is setup differently, but that ARS will still make a diffrence. I have little incentives to lie since I am not in the market for 2012 having 2011.

Originally Posted by DXK

go ahead if you got time; we've discused it in previous thread.
I have it from BMW sources that 2012 is setup differently, but that ARS will still make a diffrence. I have little incentives to lie since I am not in the market for 2012 having 2011.

I would like to understand more about the changes. Spring rates? Bushings? Etc. My guess would be that if anything changed, spring rates would be it. If there are new spring rates, I'd be willing to swap out to the new ones rather than go with aftermarket lowering ones.

Also, I'm not doubting that whoever you are talking to is telling you the intent of ARS is to make it sportier. However their execution left a lot to be desired if that was their goal.

The new 911 has something similar to ARS as well.

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

I would like to understand more about the changes. Spring rates? Bushings? Etc. My guess would be that if anything changed, spring rates would be it. If there are new spring rates, I'd be willing to swap out to the new ones rather than go with aftermarket lowering ones.

Also, I'm not doubting that whoever you are talking to is telling you the intent of ARS is to make it sportier. However their execution left a lot to be desired if that was their goal.

The new 911 has something similar to ARS as well.

yeah, me too, but they won't say, other than that it's been setup differently, although your guess is quite plausible to me. Everyone said though that ARS will still be noticeable in the positive sense.

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

I would like to understand more about the changes. Spring rates? Bushings? Etc. My guess would be that if anything changed, spring rates would be it. If there are new spring rates, I'd be willing to swap out to the new ones rather than go with aftermarket lowering ones.

Also, I'm not doubting that whoever you are talking to is telling you the intent of ARS is to make it sportier. However their execution left a lot to be desired if that was their goal.

The new 911 has something similar to ARS as well.

Damn why is this thing keep on comming out of the grave?

Originally Posted by quackbury

I know it is fun to promote urban legends. But if you wanted to find out, it would be easy enough to go on RealOEM.com and compare parts numbers: Are the shocks, struts, bushings, etc. the same for the early 2011's as for the late 2011's? Any changes for the 2012's?

In the time it takes for 5 people to say "I THINK it is different", one person could figure it out.

They do not have parts numbers for 2012's. Most recent data are for 08/2011 production month.

I opted against getting it. For the cost and the type of driving that I'll be doing it didn't make sense to order it.

I have ARS and my experience (easy driving with some moderately aggressive acceleration and turns) is that it performs as intended. I.e., ARS limits body roll very well in hard lane changes and turns, and transitions nicely in S-turns. I'm probably not the best judge, as this is my first BMW, but I truly enjoy driving the car.