Oh boy... 35i+DHP or 50i??

[Aaron in Denver]

Ordered my X5 a couple weeks ago, only to find production will not start until week 46 (week of Nov 3rd- see thread below)- Therefore, I think I have time to make changes to my build if I want. In the last couple of days have learned that finances have changed for the better and that a 50i or adding DHP may be doable.

So the question is this-

1-change to a 50i with the same build, though it will be slightly different as executive package includes some things I didnt consider, while other things like multi-contour seats are standard, or

2- stick with 35i build as is, adding DHP. Then install MPPK, and maybe M exhaust or brakes at delivery.

I'm on the edge here- someone push me over or pull me back! Which would you choose? Will be searching old threads while waiting for replies- fun to have first world problems once in a while. Never had options like this before- thanks for any thoughts!

Aaron in Denver

[opasha]

Do you want absolute control over your vehicle in tight corners? If so, go for DHP with the 35i. If not, and you don't mind a little bit of body roll, 50i is amazing. I love mine. I would never go for a 35i after owning this.

[Roundown]

#2

[r33_RGSport]

I would go 35i + DHP, then JB4, Brembo, and a muffler.
Wait... I have all of them except the DHP... bummer.

[patrobX5]

Definitely go for the 50i!!!

[turbotoy4me]

Go for the 50i. I just ordered one. They are awesome.

[Nkbm82]

50i if you want the power without having to mod and even with mods the 35i can't match the v8.

[barcelona]

New found coin, always nice. I'm biased, 50.
I have no DHP: as I plan to keep it a while ( I heard that repairs are $$), not to many interesting roads in Toronto. Now if I was in Co then I would probably get DHP

[Roundown]

DHP largely fixes the squat, dive and poor rebounding of the standard suspensions. Drive both- I wish I had. Lots of these folks haven't and don't know what they're missing.

FWIW- I sold my F15 X5 because I was so thoroughly dissatisfied with the suspension.

[Barbja]

I've had one X w/o DHP (E53), one X with the anti-roll and ride stiffening of the DHP (E70+Adaptive Drive) and one X with DHP (E71+Adaptive Drive). Its not called DHP on the E71 but an E71base+Adaptive Drive has all the components of DHP.

My E71 drove better by far than my E53 or E70. I had the same dilemma when ordering my F16. I would have really really liked to upgrade to the 50i engine, but not enough to lose the DHP. My equivalent build of F16 50i + DHP approached $100k. Um, No.

[buckeyewalt]

Not too many curvy roads around here but the few that there are, I will sacrifice a bit of body roll in return for the power. The 50i is amazing. This is my second, my first one was the E70 (lci), but this newer one, WOW!

Just wish the RFT's were more durable*.


* on the vehicle at wife's request.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by cSurf

DHP largely fixes the squat, dive and poor rebounding of the standard suspensions. Drive both- I wish I had. Lots of these folks haven't and don't know what they're missing.

FWIW- I sold my F15 X5 because I was so thoroughly dissatisfied with the suspension.

This.... "Some" people that giving opinions have never experienced DHP.
Its a tough choice.. choose wisely

[providence]

Ahhh, you have recognized the blessing in disguise indeed...
I hate to be the fanboy for DHP but... its that good!!
here's the link to an interesting read pertaining to your dilemma

http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...ght=must+haves

I came in on post #14 and #21

[Roundown]

Again- DHP endows the X5 with many of the RRS terrain response II features (active stabilizers, a smart diff and a better suspension). DHP fundamentally alters the way chassis responds.

In normal driving- torque vectoring makes the at feel lighter than it is. In bad weather or on uneven terrain- it can be a difference maker.

[cy07]

A good alternative is to get 50i with M adaptive suspension, this way you save on a bit of money yet obtain a firmer ride.

[opasha]

Originally Posted by cy07

A good alternative is to get 50i with M adaptive suspension, this way you save on a bit of money yet obtain a firmer ride.

+1

[Zipforia]

Ah...lots of 50i fanboys here.

True enough...50i does have AMAZING power. But it does get approx 14 mpg in real life driving (reported by another member here).

35i w/ DHP is fantastic! I have it and I take corners (almost) like the S5 I previously had. MPG isn't great at approx 18mpg real life driving, but sure better than 50i.

The truth is...both have merits. Which is more important to you?

Z.

[CaliE90]

50i + adaptive M suspension would be the way to go. The adaptive suspension is only a $900 option provided you're getting M-Sport. I had a 535i and felt the power to be inadequate. I can't imagine how a 35i X5 would be. But then again this is from being spoiled previously by a FBO N54.

[sbkim]

I can't speak for other 50i fanboys but MPG, while important, was not even a consideration for my wife given its performance. I don't believe there are any full size SUVs that will touch this level of performance with significantly better fuel economy... If 4mpg delta is critical to a purchaser, than he or she should consider D.

Originally Posted by Zipforia

Ah...lots of 50i fanboys here.

True enough...50i does have AMAZING power. But it does get approx 14 mpg in real life driving (reported by another member here).

35i w/ DHP is fantastic! I have it and I take corners (almost) like the S5 I previously had. MPG isn't great at approx 18mpg real life driving, but sure better than 50i.

The truth is...both have merits. Which is more important to you?

Z.

[Nkbm82]

Another fanboy here that didn't consider mpg.

[barcelona]

True many votes for 1) or 2) may not have experienced both.
Best, if some actually tried both and then they can make better complete response.
For me, I did not try DHP. Initially, I bought the 35i then 3 days later I test drove the 35i/E70 and decided changed to 50i/F15 without driving a 50i.

I still have not tried DHP, I am sure it is excellent with many pluses as everyone and most reviews confirm, Cannot find one who has it regret it. However, have heard many who previously had 50i/E70 convert to 35i/F15 (i.e. maybe outgrew the power or cost of gas became more relevant, or money better spent on other options). 1) & 2) have their virtues and each have minuses 1) cost to repair 2) $13k more and cost of gas. Best to try both, as dealers should them by now, unlike 8/13 when I bought un-tested. Also, everyone has different values, so what is important for me maybe only suit my needs. Key is happy and get what you want. Beauty of long wait is ability to change as I changed mine 3 times, eventually Sales Mgr says are you here to buy another car?

[HMN]

Nothing replaces that V8 growl.