Ordering 2017 X5 35d MSport (thinking about DHP)

[hdAge]

Just did a build of 2017 X5 Diesel with expected delivery date of 2-3 months from now. Because its the labor day weekend the dealer told me that the vehicle will officially not be sent to BMW for build until Tuesday, which means I can change the build until then.

Currently have the following
- M Sport package
- Adaptive M suspension + rear axle air suspension
- Driver Assistance and Plus
- Lighting and Luxury package
- Mocha Nappa Interior, Space Gray Metallic exterior, Premium package, ceramic controls
- Apple car play and harmon Kardon speakers
- ACC Stop and go

I'm thinking about replacing ACC with Dynamic Handling package. Perhaps the question of DHP has been asked many times here, am still not able to decide. My driving is around 9k miles per year with mostly in city freeway driving and once in a while long distance drive. Should I go for the DHP and spend extra $3600? Or will I be fine with the Adaptive M suspension? Btw, I'm planning to add 22" wheels with 335 width in the rear and 295 front.

I've read these so far on DHP
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=817787&page=3

http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...1111484&page=2

[P1]

Keep ACC and just add DHP. I love my ACC. One of my favorite options, and I use it all the time.

[hdAge]

Originally Posted by P1et

Keep ACC and just add DHP. I love my ACC. One of my favorite options, and I use it all the time.

Do you have DHP ? If so do you notice any better handling in normal driving conditions?

[P1]

Originally Posted by hdAge

Do you have DHP ? If so do you notice any better handling in normal driving conditions?

I had it in my E70, but not in my F15.

[m3_08]

I have 35d with DHP and will not go with BMW SUV without it. I tested all x5s (35, .50, M) and bought 35d with M and DHP packages. Best combination to my taste!.

[hdAge]

Originally Posted by m3_08

I have 35d with DHP and will not go with BMW SUV without it. I tested all x5s (35, .50, M) and bought 35d with M and DHP packages. Best combination to my taste!.

Thanks. You just costed me $3600 , I've decided to go for it too. I'm seeing that everyone who has DHP really rave about it. Do you really see that much of a difference in the drive quality? I'm actually coming from driving a front wheel sedan (Lexus) for close to 11 years now , this is my first all wheel drive BMW. Reason am going with BMW is the aggressive looks of M sport and the torque of Diesel.

The main reason I have decided to go with DHP is that I'm thinking it will handle the cornering (during rain and wet conditions) as well when driving in freeways at high speeds and making a curve and riding over potholes smoothly. Did I get this right? I'm giving up going for custom 22" wheels with 335 tires for DHP.

[Alan l.]

Not exactly apples to apples here because there are other factors in play with my review.

I went from a 2015 F15 35i with adaptive m suspension with 20" wheels to a 2016 F85 X5M also with 20" wheels. (The F85 comes with DHP as standard)

Talking about handling only the DHP in the F85 makes it feel like a much smaller sports car. I actually look forward to taking the car on a windy curvy road because it handles extremely well. I am simply blown away at how a 5K lbs SUV could maneuver this way. Brings me back to my e46 and e90 335 days honestly. I will never go back to a non DHP X5 ever again after this.

Alan

[kanvas]

Yep, get DHP. Worth it.

[hdAge]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

Not exactly apples to apples here because there are other factors in play with my review.

I went from a 2015 F15 35i with adaptive m suspension with 20" wheels to a 2016 F85 X5M also with 20" wheels. (The F85 comes with DHP as standard)

Talking about handling only the DHP in the F85 makes it feel like a much smaller sports car. I actually look forward to taking the car on a windy curvy road because it handles extremely well. I am simply blown away at how a 5K lbs SUV could maneuver this way. Brings me back to my e46 and e90 335 days honestly. I will never go back to a non DHP X5 ever again after this.

Alan

Thats right not exactly apples to apples. F85 is certainly a much capable car (better be for $100k ). With your 2015 F15 with Adaptive M suspension, did you ever feel like you didn't have the best control in challenging situations (like cornering, wind, rain etc.)?

[F15GorDe]

Originally Posted by P1et

Keep ACC and just add DHP. I love my ACC. One of my favorite options, and I use it all the time.

+1^^^^^^^

[F15GorDe]

Originally Posted by hdAge

Thanks. You just costed me $3600 , I've decided to go for it too. I'm seeing that everyone who has DHP really rave about it. Do you really see that much of a difference in the drive quality? I'm actually coming from driving a front wheel sedan (Lexus) for close to 11 years now , this is my first all wheel drive BMW. Reason am going with BMW is the aggressive looks of M sport and the torque of Diesel.

The main reason I have decided to go with DHP is that I'm thinking it will handle the cornering (during rain and wet conditions) as well when driving in freeways at high speeds and making a curve and riding over potholes smoothly. Did I get this right? I'm giving up going for custom 22" wheels with 335 tires for DHP.

Drive for a while and then post back here your thoughts.
Can't think of anyone who added DHP regretting it.
Bet you'll be glad you did!

[Alan l.]

Originally Posted by hdAge

Thats right not exactly apples to apples. F85 is certainly a much capable car (better be for $100k ). With your 2015 F15 with Adaptive M suspension, did you ever feel like you didn't have the best control in challenging situations (like cornering, wind, rain etc.)?

My F15 didn't handle bad or felt floaty at all but it did not inspire spirited driving when the roads got twisty. When pushed i can feel the heaviness of the car pushing into the turns (understeer) where as in my F85 with DHP it feels very neutral when pushed. I suspect its the active torque vectoring that is doing most of the work which is included with the DHP. Even my wife comments that when I am exiting or entering a hard turn on the highway she doesn't feel the car lean nearly as much in the F85.

Again there are other differences between the two cars besides the active roll stabilization and torque vectoring diff but all in all I am simply blown away at how such a big heavy suv can "dance" on the highway when the road gets twisty.

I took the car up to Maine for a long weekend where 90% of the roads were super windy/twisty with non stop elevation changes and the F85 handled it like I was driving a small 2 series. I am a believer in DHP now.

Alan

[stewy604]

I didn't opt for DHP on my 2014 MY, I've got the Adaptive M + rear air. I'm pretty happy with how it handles, especially with a lower / wider stance. I don't think I regret not getting DHP, but I agree with the above...everyone I've talked to that has it, loves it and says its worth the extra dollars. All comes down to your budget and what you're looking for out of the vehicle.

[Alan l.]

^^ i was the same and was very happy with my Adaptive M suspension in my F15. That was until I tried out the DHP car and realized just how much better it could be with it. Most people focus on the active sway stabilization from the DHP but its the torque vectoring rear diff that is doing most of the magic imo. It allows the X5 to maneuver or gives it the feeling that it is a much smaller/lighter car.

The best way that i could describe how the torque vectoring diff is working is imagine ship A turning only with its own rudder (non torque vectoring diff) and ship B turning with its rudder and also with two tug boats on each side helping it (torque vectoring). It allows ship B to be able to turn on the dime compared to ship A.

Can't go wrong with either suspension choices but if you value sporty handling and the budget allows I highly recommend the DHP.

[stewy604]

On my next build, I will most likely opt for it.

[P1]

The more options you can squeeze into your build, the better. Quite simple, really.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by P1et

The more options you can squeeze into your build, the better. Quite simple, really.

Very true.. but I rather have a good handling SUV ( DHP or Adaptive M ) than some cool sounding speaker.. I guess it all depends on what you want more.

For me, the DHP would have put me over budget and I needed to compromise with the Adaptive M.

[stewy604]

Originally Posted by Kzang

For me, the DHP would have put me over budget and I needed to compromise with the Adaptive M.

Still a very nice compromise.

[hdAge]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

My F15 didn't handle bad or felt floaty at all but it did not inspire spirited driving when the roads got twisty. When pushed i can feel the heaviness of the car pushing into the turns (understeer) where as in my F85 with DHP it feels very neutral when pushed. I suspect its the active torque vectoring that is doing most of the work which is included with the DHP. Even my wife comments that when I am exiting or entering a hard turn on the highway she doesn't feel the car lean nearly as much in the F85.

Again there are other differences between the two cars besides the active roll stabilization and torque vectoring diff but all in all I am simply blown away at how such a big heavy suv can "dance" on the highway when the road gets twisty.

I took the car up to Maine for a long weekend where 90% of the roads were super windy/twisty with non stop elevation changes and the F85 handled it like I was driving a small 2 series. I am a believer in DHP now.

Alan

Thanks, sounds quite promising. This is what I wanted to know.

[hdAge]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Very true.. but I rather have a good handling SUV ( DHP or Adaptive M ) than some cool sounding speaker.. I guess it all depends on what you want more.

For me, the DHP would have put me over budget and I needed to compromise with the Adaptive M.

This is what I'm contemplating right now. Given the budget constraints, I can only choose one of the below options

a) ACC Stop and Go and 22" wheels and 335 wide tires + Adaptive M suspension
OR
b) DHP

Cant do both, already way over my budget. What do you guys think now? a) and b) costs more or less the same and hence can go with only one.

[P1]

Originally Posted by hdAge

This is what I'm contemplating right now. Given the budget constraints, I can only choose one of the below options

a) ACC Stop and Go and 22" wheels and 335 wide tires + Adaptive M suspension
OR
b) DHP

Cant do both, already way over my budget. What do you guys think now? a) and b) costs more or less the same and hence can go with only one.

I would not think twice about going for a).

[cobra006]

I have M suspension + rear air suspension and am happy with it.
Perhaps consider a upgraded seating package too with ventilated seats, especially if you're in LA area and it will get hot. My only regret was not getting the cooled seats. I have the standard leather sports seats and it does get hot on long drives.
Maybe a racechip too for later, you're going to love the torque.