Building a new x5, need advice, Adaptive M Suspension?

[BobDyl]

Just seeing that there might be some confusion generated here.

Danny - the Adaptive M suspension gives you *multiple* driver controlled settings, from "comfort" to "sport plus" which actively change how the suspension is behaving while you are driving (softer to harder). Although stock suspension cars have similar changeable modes, they don't actually change the suspension settings.

The comparison you want is whether Adaptive M *in comfort mode* is more comfortable than the stock suspension. I think the consensus is a resounding yes.

Sorry if you already understand this, but reading the posts I thought there might be some confusion.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by opasha

Stock setting is 3 modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport

M-Sport (with M suspension and possibly without it) and DHP give 4: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport +

With coding, you can get Sport + on any build.

M sport with standard suspension does still gives you Sport +, but it's mostly about throttle. The picture on the iDrive does show you that it is changing the chassis and transmission to "sport oriented settings," but I'm not sure how much difference it makes on the chassis without the adaptive M or DHP. The steering does feel slightly tighter, but it's so slight, that could be my wishful thinking

FWIW, this is my wife's car and she has no complaints. But when I drive it, I do absolutely regret not getting DHP or at least adaptive M. The body roll, even in local, non-spirited driving, is worse than I thought in test drives. Not Toyota bad or anything like that by any means, but not as good as I initially thought.

The upgraded suspensions on the X5, at least since the E70, improve BOTH ride and handling. With the more modern adaptive versions, you get to control to what extent it does each one. But make no mistake, both improve ride quality not just handling.

[Rene_Fonck]

For what its worth, DHP, surround view cameras and HUD were the 3 choices I struggled with when buying my now 11 month old X5 diesel. In hindsight I'm glad i got them...they're now the 3 options I can't imagine driving without.

[X5RIZ]

Queens, NYC here

I ordered a 35M sport w the M adaptive suspension...car gets here hopefully next week

[ocman]

This video shows different settings with DHP in iDrive.

[danny929]

Thanks Trojan,

Was this chart made by bmw? It does seem like the adaptive m suspension offers more comfort so I am changing my build now, I was just thrown off about bmws claim the drive will be sportier. Does the front suspension change with this option?

Im just nervous about the ride being less soft with it still lol

[opasha]

Originally Posted by danny929

Thanks Trojan,

Was this chart made by bmw? It does seem like the adaptive m suspension offers more comfort so I am changing my build now, I was just thrown off about bmws claim the drive will be sportier. Does the front suspension change with this option?

Im just nervous about the ride being less soft with it still lol

Yes, that is by BMW.

It doesn't affect comfort mode - this will remain comfortable like stock, but more comfortable if you have added the air suspension option for the rear. Sport mode is where the suspension changes occur to increase better road feel and handling.

[Trojanlaw]

Originally Posted by danny929

Thanks Trojan,

Was this chart made by bmw? It does seem like the adaptive m suspension offers more comfort so I am changing my build now, I was just thrown off about bmws claim the drive will be sportier. Does the front suspension change with this option?

Im just nervous about the ride being less soft with it still lol

Yes, the chart is from BMW. I believe the main change to the front suspension is that it is lowered .4 inches.

[danny929]

Oh really???

M adaptive drive gives you a lowered front suspension by .4 inches? How can that not make the front steel shocks stiffer?

[Trojanlaw]

Originally Posted by danny929

Oh really???

M adaptive drive gives you a lowered front suspension by .4 inches? How can that not make the front steel shocks stiffer?

Danny - see the chart. The fact that you are getting an air suspension will give the car the ability to absorb bumps whether it is lowered or not. Regardless of the answers you have been provided, you continue to ask the same question. There is no dispute that Adaptive M will give you a more comfortable ride with tighter handling than stock. Users with Adaptive M have already confirmed that the ride is not rough as you fear. With these stated facts being confirmed by everyone on this board, I am having a hard time understanding what your continued concern is. You have not received varied advice here except for the mistaken statement by Opasha that he later retracted. I am not sure what else we can do to provide you comfort. The consensus is that you will not be sorry if you get the Adaptive M and that you would be most happy with DHP that you said you are not willing to spend the money for. Good luck.

[Baunton]

Originally Posted by Trojanlaw

Danny - see the chart. The fact that you are getting an air suspension will give the car the ability to absorb bumps whether it is lowered or not. Regardless of the answers you have been provided, you continue to ask the same question. There is no dispute that Adaptive M will give you a more comfortable ride with tighter handling than stock. Users with Adaptive M have already confirmed that the ride is not rough as you fear. With these stated facts being confirmed by everyone on this board, I am having a hard time understanding what your continued concern is. You have not received varied advice here except for the mistaken statement by Opasha that he later retracted. I am not sure what else we can do to provide you comfort. The consensus is that you will not be sorry if you get the Adaptive M and that you would be most happy with DHP that you said you are not willing to spend the money for. Good luck.

+1

[turbotoy4me]

Originally Posted by Trojanlaw

Danny - see the chart. The fact that you are getting an air suspension will give the car the ability to absorb bumps whether it is lowered or not. Regardless of the answers you have been provided, you continue to ask the same question. There is no dispute that Adaptive M will give you a more comfortable ride with tighter handling than stock. Users with Adaptive M have already confirmed that the ride is not rough as you fear. With these stated facts being confirmed by everyone on this board, I am having a hard time understanding what your continued concern is. You have not received varied advice here except for the mistaken statement by Opasha that he later retracted. I am not sure what else we can do to provide you comfort. The consensus is that you will not be sorry if you get the Adaptive M and that you would be most happy with DHP that you said you are not willing to spend the money for. Good luck.

+1. Danny you will be very happy with the ride if you get this. I have it and it is awesome. If I could have afforded DHP I would have it.
Let us know what you decide..

[ocman]

Originally Posted by turbotoy4me

+1. Danny you will be very happy with the ride if you get this. I have it and it is awesome. If I could have afforded DHP I would have it.
Let us know what you decide..

+1 for DHP
My car is being built now. I had to make a hard choice going with DHP instead of M package.

[x5mad]

Originally Posted by Trojanlaw

Danny - see the chart. The fact that you are getting an air suspension will give the car the ability to absorb bumps whether it is lowered or not. Regardless of the answers you have been provided, you continue to ask the same question. There is no dispute that Adaptive M will give you a more comfortable ride with tighter handling than stock. Users with Adaptive M have already confirmed that the ride is not rough as you fear. With these stated facts being confirmed by everyone on this board, I am having a hard time understanding what your continued concern is. You have not received varied advice here except for the mistaken statement by Opasha that he later retracted. I am not sure what else we can do to provide you comfort. The consensus is that you will not be sorry if you get the Adaptive M and that you would be most happy with DHP that you said you are not willing to spend the money for. Good luck.

+3

Although not exactly the same, I have m adaptive on my f30 and it is just awesome. More comfortable than standard and with better handling.

I too don't understand your repeated question over and over?! To me the consensus from the replies is quite clear.

[danny929]

I appreciate everyone's help. I have no intention of being annoying. I just was scared to make the new move and skeptical. I made the change to adaptive m. Thanks for everyone's input. The only thing that is new to me is the lowered front suspension which from my understanding is not 100 percent truly there with m adaptive drive.

[turbotoy4me]

Originally Posted by danny929

I appreciate everyone's help. I have no intention of being annoying. I just was scared to make the new move and skeptical. I made the change to adaptive m. Thanks for everyone's input. The only thing that is new to me is the lowered front suspension which from my understanding is not 100 percent truly there with m adaptive drive.

Danny, I understand and had many of the same questions when I was placing my order. I can assure you that you will love the ride, drive and handling of the X5 with Adaptive M suspension. You made the right choice.

[Dash52]

Originally Posted by opasha

Stock is softer for sure. Be prepared for body roll and loose steering though.

Don't be mislead....most are very happy with the stock suspension. Certainly not loose. Sport mode even better.

[opasha]

Originally Posted by Dash52

Don't be mislead....most are very happy with the stock suspension. Certainly not loose. Sport mode even better.

He's not being mislead...there is plenty of knowledgeable information shared amongst many of us regarding the suspensions. He was given full information on everything. Yes, many are happy with stock. Does that disregard the body roll and decreased handling? No. Many also don't realize how important suspension changes are until they hit higher speeds, weave between traffic, take corners, or drive in snow (yes, the more control you have over your vehicle, the better you will be able to handle in snow). Sport Mode definitely helps tighten up the steering a little bit due to changes in chassis because stock can only modify chassis and drivetrain; however, stock has no changes on the suspension between modes.

[Dash52]

Originally Posted by opasha

He's not being mislead...there is plenty of knowledgeable information shared amongst many of us regarding the suspensions. He was given full information on everything. Yes, many are happy with stock. Does that disregard the body roll and decreased handling? No. Many also don't realize how important suspension changes are until they hit higher speeds, weave between traffic, take corners, or drive in snow (yes, the more control you have over your vehicle, the better you will be able to handle in snow). Sport Mode definitely helps tighten up the steering a little bit due to changes in chassis because stock can only modify chassis and drivetrain; however, stock has no changes on the suspension between modes.

Glad you are happy with your choice. You missed the point.

[opasha]

Originally Posted by Dash52

Glad you are happy with your choice. You missed the point.

I have stock suspension. I didn't miss the point. The whole purpose of this thread was to advise him on the best suspension for his needs and to make sure he had no regrets after finalizing his build.

[5tony]

I came from a 2008 e70 4.8i sport with Adaptive Drive (adaptive suspension and active roll stabilizers) and just took delivery of my 35i m-sport with adaptive M-suspension and the additional rear air suspension on 20" wheels. So far I'm very happy with my choice, particularly when in sport mode. Slightly more body roll than my e70 with the ARS, but still corners quite flat and handles very well too. In addition, the ride is quite a bit more comfortable compared to the e70 sport. Now if I could find a way to make the car default to sport suspension, that would make my day.

[ocman]

Originally Posted by opasha

I have stock suspension. I didn't miss the point. The whole purpose of this thread was to advise him on the best suspension for his needs and to make sure he had no regrets after finalizing his build.

opasha, dont mind him. Dude is obviously a troll. No