X5 M Sport vs. Luxury

[M3maniac20]

Hey guys,

First time posting on this side as I'm usually in the 3 series and M3/M4 forum, but looking at possibly getting an X5 35i M-Sport as my next vehicle when my lease is up on my 335is. I recently had an X5 35i luxury as a loaner and really fell in love with it...looks and comfort wise. For people who have driven both trims, does the M sport add driving dynamics on top of the aesthetics? The steering was just way too light on the luxury model and the suspension could be tighter.

For people who have the M sport 35i, how are you liking it? Do you find the power to be pretty sufficient? I'm going to try to get to BMW sometime this week and see if they have one to test-drive.

[Kzang]

Based on your comments above you will want a Msport model line with Adaptive M suspension option with 20" Performance wheels.. everything else is up to you.

I came previously from a E60 535i and now I have a 35i Msport. 6.1 seconds to 60 mph is acceptable for for me especially for a car this size. I am contemplating on adding on a piggyback tune to increase that number

[twelve535i]

I think Kzang is right. You're moving from a 3600lb car with hydraulic steering and sport tuned supension to a 4800lb car with electric steering and a standard suspension.
The X5 will not be be on par to what you're used to but adding the m adaptive suspension will bring you that much closer.
Not sure if the steering actually changes or not....

[BMWboy]

Depending on your gas mileage and budget factors, you should at least consider the X5 50i M Sport. The power / acceleration is more than sufficient (and this comes from someone who's had a few toys like a GTR and M6). And I really like the throaty V8 "burble" at idle - especially at a cold start-up!

[r33_RGSport]

@M3maniac20 , welcome to the X5 forum.
I have had M Sport sDrive35i for almost 2 years now. Loving it.
It have decent power stock.
If you like to mod it, with piggyback tunes, and other FBO mods, you can make the car feel lighter.
Suspension wise is the most important. If you don't plan to lower it and lease, get anything but the standard all around spring suspension. With that, the option would be either M Adaptive suspension or DHP, which both uses air suspension in the rear.
With a lease, air suspension failure is not an issue. But if you are keeping it, the parts cost wouldn't be fun to deal with.

[jjl]

I have a 35i M Sport and am loving it. Even without the DHP I'm very happy with the ride and handling of the car, putting the car in Sport Plus mode really changes the driving dynamics of the car and tightens up the car nicely...the steering effort gets noticeably firmer with the Sport and Sport + engaged. The 35i engine is more than enough power for me (esp in Sport + where the gear shifts are noticeably quicker) and so smooth. Also love the squared exhaust pipes that come with the M Sport and the thick M Sport steering wheel.

[CaliE90]

The M-Sport package doesn't add any additional handling or driving dynamic change over luxury line. If you like the looks of the Luxury line and want the car to handle and drive better, be sure to order the Dynamic Damper Control option (this is the same thing as M adaptive suspension when ordered with M-Sport)

[akhter]

Isn't M Adaptive suspension standard with M Sport package?

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by akhter

Isn't M Adaptive suspension standard with M Sport package?

No, its a $900 option

[dcg71]

Personally I prefer the looks of luxury line (or "Pure Excellence" here). Unusual because I generally prefer the M-sport aesthetic in every other BMW.
Add adaptive suspension and sports auto transmission and I don't think there's a difference in driving dynamics. Luxury line also looks better with fender flares and 20"s IMO.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by X5FX

No, its a $900 option

Just to be clear, in some countries, the Adaptive M suspension is standard with the Msport Line. In the US you do have to option it out.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Based on your comments above you will want a Msport model line with Adaptive M suspension option with 20" Performance wheels.. everything else is up to you.

I came previously from a E60 535i and now I have a 35i Msport. 6.1 seconds to 60 mph is acceptable for for me especially for a car this size. I am contemplating on adding on a piggyback tune to increase that number

+1. The 35i has plenty of power for what most people need. But if you want true performance out of it despite it being a big, heavy, SUV, try the 50i or tune the 35i. Generally speaking though, it's got plenty of power for everyday SUV use and far more fun to drive than most other SUVs its size short of others in the 50i price range.. (Cayenne turbo, etc).

[schaeffs]

M-Sport all the way for me!!

Carbon Black M50d http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1130367

[mrquick68]

So, we are just about to take delivery of our 35d M-Sport (factory ordered) and i was told over and over again that the only option for the M-Sport suspension was the Standard suspension. And when you build a the X5 on bmwusa.com there is no Adaptive M-Sport suspension option. There isn't even an option box to click for it - there is DDC, but it erases the M-sport package if you click it. I would've happily paid $900 for it. But i was told over and over that it didn't exist.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by mrquick68

So, we are just about to take delivery of our 35d M-Sport (factory ordered) and i was told over and over again that the only option for the M-Sport suspension was the Standard suspension. And when you build a the X5 on bmwusa.com there is no Adaptive M-Sport suspension option. There isn't even an option box to click for it - there is DDC, but it erases the M-sport package if you click it. I would've happily paid $900 for it. But i was told over and over that it didn't exist.

Who told you this your sales advisor? Tell him he/she is wrong and order the suspension you want in the Msport. On the website the suspension does not show up because of a glitch... this has been mentioned over and over again for the lat couple of months.

[akhter]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Who told you this your sales advisor? Tell him he/she is wrong and order the suspension you want in the Msport. On the website the suspension does not show up because of a glitch... this has been mentioned over and over again for the lat couple of months.

This is correct. infact in most countries outside of USA M Sport includes M Adaptive suspension. The website also removes 3rd row seats if you add M Sport. I for a fact have all three. M Sport sort suspenion makes a difference if you are on good roads. With 21" wheels, on anything less than perfect roads its too jittery.

[twelve535i]

Originally Posted by mrquick68

So, we are just about to take delivery of our 35d M-Sport (factory ordered) and i was told over and over again that the only option for the M-Sport suspension was the Standard suspension. And when you build a the X5 on bmwusa.com there is no Adaptive M-Sport suspension option. There isn't even an option box to click for it - there is DDC, but it erases the M-sport package if you click it. I would've happily paid $900 for it. But i was told over and over that it didn't exist.

This is the exact issue I was dealing with.

I was told by a few dealers that the M adaptive suspension was not available. I finally visited BMW of Manhattan, owned by BMW USA, not an independent owner. They showed me the option on their vehicle inquiry report and I knew my dealer was wrong.

The option exists. I'm not sure what the problem is but my dealer finally figured it out. If you're car is on its way, it sounds like its too late for modifications......

[Kzang]

I would refuse delivery... that is how important I think the upgraded suspension is and find another dealer if your SA refuses to figure this out for you. Most BMW SA's are clueless and only care to make $. Most of us here have more knowledge about BMW's more than they will ever know.

[lowlevelhell]

Originally Posted by mrquick68

So, we are just about to take delivery of our 35d M-Sport (factory ordered) and i was told over and over again that the only option for the M-Sport suspension was the Standard suspension. And when you build a the X5 on bmwusa.com there is no Adaptive M-Sport suspension option. There isn't even an option box to click for it - there is DDC, but it erases the M-sport package if you click it. I would've happily paid $900 for it. But i was told over and over that it didn't exist.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it.

[Squirrel79]

In Europe the Adaptive M suspension comes with M-packet automatically.

[mrquick68]

well, my SA is a nice dude and apologized up and down about the mistake. They are going to "make it right" and take care of it he said. That might mean I've got to wait another month for another X5, which would really suck - but I want it right when spending this kinda dough on a vehicle. We are headed down to pick it up tomorrow, but I may refuse delivery and re-order. The major bummer is I'm getting awfully close to the production cutoff, in which case we'll get double screwed. Anyone know the last day you can order a 15? Kinda getting to the point now that getting a 16 makes sense.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by mrquick68

well, my SA is a nice dude and apologized up and down about the mistake. They are going to "make it right" and take care of it he said. That might mean I've got to wait another month for another X5, which would really suck - but I want it right when spending this kinda dough on a vehicle. We are headed down to pick it up tomorrow, but I may refuse delivery and re-order. The major bummer is I'm getting awfully close to the production cutoff, in which case we'll get double screwed. Anyone know the last day you can order a 15? Kinda getting to the point now that getting a 16 makes sense.

Based on your previous car and the mods you had done on it.. trust me you will regret it if you did not get at least the minimum $900 Adaptive M suspension... Your X5 SUV will drive like a sports car in sports mode and I am not kidding.. It will also drive like a soft comfortable luxury SUV in comfort and eco mode as well.

Good luck.