What am I missing from my x5?

[littlehuman]

Hi,

It's been 2 months and I just realized that I don't feel what I used to feel with my 2007 328i (sport package) when I break my car.

When my previous 328 stopped at stops signs, it smoothly stopped and I could feel like it was damping/controlling forward force (?).

I don't feel that with my x5 (luxury line) anymore.

Is this because 328 had sport suspension (?) ?

Can you get the same feature with x5?

[turboawd]

Not sure what feeling you're missing. Try braking harder?

[littlehuman]

turboawd it's when I completely stop not so smoothly, the car moves forward a little bit then goes back very smoothly in a controlled motion (at least that is how I feel it).

[Kzang]

The jerking forward after a stop?? I think there is a post here about this issue with someone else.

[DuSh]

Originally Posted by littlehuman

Hi,

It's been 2 months and I just realized that I don't feel what I used to feel with my 2007 328i (sport package) when I break my car.

When my previous 328 stopped at stops signs, it smoothly stopped and I could feel like it was damping/controlling forward force (?).

I don't feel that with my x5 (luxury line) anymore.

Is this because 328 had sport suspension (?) ?

Can you get the same feature with x5?

Stock spring suspension on x5 is very soft and hence you will feel a bit of slack when stopping or going or turning. That slack can be taken out by installing firmer suspension or in your case just firmer springs like Eibach or H&R springs (about $400 for a kit) - they have higher spring rates (firmer and more controlled planted feel) make x5 sit lower a bit and it helps to reduce body roll too
You can even go full savage mode and install KW3 suspension - but that's pricey ($2800 or so just for kit)

Ultimately if you had DHP (Dynamic Handling Package) with KW3 - that would have been a beast of a car that could have easily out-handled your e90 328i - but it's rare to see someone with DHP (rare option unfortunately) and not much folks with KW3 either. Just go with Eibach springs - that should make you happy for relatively cheap - unless I misunderstood you

[Silververtu]

Too much nose diving when you hit the brake? Soft brakes like you don't feel like the car is slowing down?

Anyhow, all the F series BMW have gone soft compared to their predecessors. At the same time weight matters. X5 is over 5000lb with high center of gravity vs. the 328xi was no more than 3500lb, especially yours was MY2007 which was the last generation of good BMW, with more engaging/sporty tunings. You will get used to it. I jumped from E86 M roadster to F10 550i, took me a long time to adjust it.

[littlehuman]

@kazang // It's hard to explain. I would not put it as 'jerking'. It's morel like..it controls jerking situation..
@DuSh // Thank you for the information. I should have test drove DHP when I had chance..
Silververtu I did not even realize I was missing it until last night. Hopefully I don't miss it too much since I now know it's missing..

[Silververtu]

Originally Posted by littlehuman

Silververtu I did not even realize I was missing it until last night. Hopefully I don't miss it too much since I now know it's missing..

I always remind myself the X5 is a family hauler, not a sports car. So far it's done its job very well. I can make the car drives very sporty, coilovers, BBK, etc. but always feel like it will deflect the purpose of getting a SUV. Or I can go for Cayenne GTS or X5M.

[CeeTeeX5]

I came from a Jeep Grand Cherokee on 32" All Terrains with air susp...I have no idea what you are talking about. The X5 stops great....

In all seriousness...It's a function of weight, ride height and soft suspension. It took some getting used to when I went from an E46 M3 on KW coilovers to the Jeep.

[r33_RGSport]

I don't think you are losing anything but gaining a lot of weight.
Also, as DuSh mentioned, thanks to all of previous generation X5/X6 owners who complained that the ride was too stiff. Now the F15/F16 X5/X6 rides are too soft.
Soft spring and soft damper, perfect combination for land boat.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

I don't think you are losing anything but gaining a lot of weight.
Also, as DuSh mentioned, thanks to all of previous generation X5/X6 owners who complained that the ride was too stiff. Now the F15/F16 X5/X6 rides are too soft.
Soft spring and soft damper, perfect combination for land boat.

That's why you MUST upgrade the suspension in the X5. Don't settle for the standard suspension.

[Waoudi]

Originally Posted by Kzang

That's why you MUST upgrade the suspension in the X5. Don't settle for the standard suspension.

Originally Posted by Kzang

That's why you MUST upgrade the suspension in the X5. Don't settle for the standard suspension.

Any idea if upgrading suspension would impact the warranty? Could I get BMW to install third party suspension upgrades?

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Duped

Any idea if upgrading suspension would impact the warranty? Could I get BMW to install third party suspension upgrades?

That is one way to avoid warranty voided.
Just be prepare to pay their labor rate.
So far BMW never voided my warranty for replacing my spring or whole shock assembly to a coilover.
But if you complained about suspension noise on your lowered car, they will not do it for free and they will easily blame the aftermarket parts beforehand.

[DuSh]

Originally Posted by Duped

Any idea if upgrading suspension would impact the warranty? Could I get BMW to install third party suspension upgrades?

There's AC Schnitzer - a BMW approved part supplier if I'm not mistaken. Their lowering spring set has good reviews (I suspect that kit is same as Eibach, but I may be wrong)