Adaptive M Suspension - What am I missing?

[xweb10]

My new 35d has Adaptive M Suspension. I'll admit to adding it as an option without knowing the exact benefit.

From what I can see in iDrive, I now have an additional option that my non- Adaptive M car had: I have options while configuring Sport mode.

Is there anything else to Adaptive M Suspension? Are there other options for me to select, or is there any inherent benefit without turning anything on or switching to Sport mode?

[Wavy]

"Adaptive" suspension constantly monitors the road to provide the best handling and comfort for any given situation.

[Wavy]

Found an explanation

How they work:

These systems (excluding Magneride) usually work by having passive valves just like any shock absorber, and an active valve in parallel that makes the damping force change.

The ECU has a simulated model of the vehicle including all the suspension parameters (tire stiffness, spring/bushing rates, suspension geometry, wheel/body mass, etc.). Information from various sensors is run through this model to predict what the car is going to do, then the ECU sends a command to the shock, in the form of an electrical current.

When driving down a smooth road, the active valve is fully open, and the damper is in full soft**, or some "steady state" setting close to it. When the sensors detect a large swell, pothole, choppy pavement, etc., or if you turn the steering wheel or brake or whatever, the ECU does the math and sends some current to the active valve solenoid for a split second. The valve gets stiffer, the damping force increases to deal with whatever is going on, then it drops back down to the soft setting. This all happens in fractions of a second.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...85&postcount=1

[P1]

Originally Posted by Wavy

"Adaptive" suspension constantly monitors the road to provide the best handling and comfort for any given situation.

In every mode, such as Sport, Comfort and Economy Plus?

[xweb10]

Originally Posted by P1et

In every mode, such as Sport, Comfort and Economy Plus?

I would like to know this, too.

[Wavy]

I believe it's in all modes.

[BitteEinBit]

There are no other options for you to select.

As I understand it, Adaptive M Suspension (Dynamic Damper Control + rear air suspension), adjusts the damping characteristics to suit driving conditions and road quality. The damping changes contribute to a more stable-feeling ride, while a self-leveling air suspension adjusts the height of your rear axle to optimize driving dynamics. It does this in all modes. For example, in comfort mode everything is relaxed (steering, throttle, shocks, transmission) so the system is constantly monitoring things to provide the best handling and comfort given that driving mode.

[xweb10]

Thank you.

Truth be told, the only difference I can feel from the 2015 35D (no Adaptive M - X Line) and the 2018 35D w/ Adaptive M is the new car is a bit more sluggish. Perhaps it adds weight? Maybe I am just being hyper sensitive to notice a difference.

[HomeIn2]

I recently went from a ‘15 X5 sDrive35i w/o Adaptive M Suspension to a ‘18 X5 xDrive35i with Adaptive M Suspension. I’ve really noticed the difference. The newer X5 seems to corner WAY BETTER with Adaptive M. Turns flatter with much less body roll. Also seems overall more stable and less floaty moving down the road.

[MN2///M]

The difference in feel is very subtle.

In comfort, it will soften the harshest of bumps just slightly more than it will in sport in what I can only describe as a slightly slower reaction.

In sport, the suspension will react faster which translates to a slightly more firm/harsh suspension reaction.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by xweb10

Thank you.

Truth be told, the only difference I can feel from the 2015 35D (no Adaptive M - X Line) and the 2018 35D w/ Adaptive M is the new car is a bit more sluggish. Perhaps it adds weight? Maybe I am just being hyper sensitive to notice a difference.

By chance did you configure the chassis in idrive ?

[Maverik259]

Adaptive suspension won't make you're turns really "flatter" as it's just shocks which only adjust the dampening of the springs. Turning relies "mostly" on springs and sway bars as they are supporting the weight of the car. If you had the DHP then you would definitely notice this!

Truthfully I don't believe the F15 makes that much of a difference in the dampening from comfort to sport. At least nothing I can ever notice compared to lighter sport cars.

[Wavy]

Difference between comfort and sport is night and day IMO. Less floatiness, less roll, less dive

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by Wavy

Difference between comfort and sport is night and day IMO. Less floatiness, less roll, less dive

I concur

[xweb10]

Originally Posted by Kzang

By chance did you configure the chassis in idrive ?

Yes. Sport mode is noticeably different than Comfort, but it was with my non- Adaptive M car, too.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by xweb10

Yes. Sport mode is noticeably different than Comfort, but it was with my non- Adaptive M car, too.

Different as in suspension feel? Or are we talking about throttle response and acceleration?

[redline9001]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Different as in suspension feel? Or are we talking about throttle response and acceleration?

Yes in all cases. I find in some road conditions in comfort the suspension is too soft and floaty. And in sport mode the floaty nature goes away and it much firmer and ride is improved. It is really noticeable in the back seat.

Throttle response is improved but it does not add hp.

[xweb10]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Different as in suspension feel? Or are we talking about throttle response and acceleration?

Throttle and acceleration when "Drivetrain" or "Drivetrain & Chassis" are selected. I do not feel any suspension change.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by xweb10

Throttle and acceleration when "Drivetrain" or "Drivetrain & Chassis" are selected. I do not feel any suspension change.

So when you put it in sport or sport plus you don't feel the difference in suspension? Interesting.

[xweb10]

Originally Posted by Kzang

So when you put it in sport or sport plus you don't feel the difference in suspension? Interesting.

Correct. Maybe I don't take enough sharp turns to know the difference?

[Wavy]

Originally Posted by xweb10

Correct. Maybe I don't take enough sharp turns to know the difference?

I can feel the difference just by driving down the street. You can feel the rebound of the suspension get quicker. Maybe go test drive one to make yours is working properly.

[9mmkungfu]

Originally Posted by Wavy

I can feel the difference just by driving down the street. You can feel the rebound of the suspension get quicker. Maybe go test drive one to make yours is working properly.

My experience is the same.