2006 9-3 suspension hard

There probably isn't much you can do other than getting used to it. It's a Sports Salon remember. You can set the tire pressures at the lower limit, but you might get more wear on the tires near the edges. Only the correct tire pressure will give the correct flat footprint for the tires.

To be honest, for roads like that you bought the wrong model perhaps. Any 'sports model' has a relatively hard ride. Stiffer suspension goes with sporty handling you see.

still shows a separate Aero model though, so you probably don't have the hardest ride available.

Graham

If you have the low profile tires and sport suspension of the Aero, there is not much you can do short of a more forgiving wheel/tire package. In the winter I use a 16" setup and the ride is noticeably softer. But not as much fun in the twisties.

Dan

I have the 2004 Aero (and 17" rims and the low pro p0 pirellis). I had test driven the Linear and Arc as well...they weren't much better as far as ride comfort was concerned (even on their 16" slightly taller tires).

I believe the 2006 9-3s come with either 17 or 18" rims. Tack on the stiffened suspension and you're in for a rough ride. Some say this is simply the cost of performance tuned suspension.

However... Ride comfort was one area I was envious of in my friend's new

2006 BMW 330i. Despite his 17" rims and low pro tires, the ride is noticeably smoother than that of my 9-3 Aero. I also drove a C-class Mercedes and that has the smoothest ride of all...talk about supple! However, another friend of mine who recently purchased a C-class said the thing couldnt get out of its own way (as in, it was underpowered) and handling was sloppy. He's trading up to a lager engine.

One suggestion (short of replacing all suspension components), would be to fit on 16" rims along with all-season higher profile tires (in NYC you'll need good traction for winter snow...believe me, the p-zeros are terrible for winter driving). You'll get better year round tires (no swapping between seasons) and perhaps somehwhat better ride comfort.

If you are really looking for ride comfort, you should consider bringing the car back to the dealer and moving up to the 9-5. The 9-5 has much better ride comfort than the 9-3. If they're nice, the dealer won't rape you on trading it back in. The 2006 9-5 probably won't show up here until later this year. Quite honestly, from the pics I've seen of it, I think the current 9-5s are better looking than the revised 2006 and can be had for dirt cheap.

- tex

Don t tell me, you didnt test drive the car?

Huh??? Of course I did. For me, it wasn't as big an issue as I live in the countryside and the roads tend to be a bit smoother anyway.

- tex