Quote:
Originally Posted by osteome
We are about to order my wife's 2020 X5 x40i through military sales in Germany. We are going with the M package with 22inch rim's and are debating whether to add air suspension and possibly interactive steering. The German dealer has very limited stock to test drive, do we only have a 21 inch M packaged 40i to compare. I am tracking that the air suspension would replace the M suspension modes, but it is a cheap option.
The X5 will be our road trip car and predominantly be driven by wife, who skews toward comfort over ultimate sportiness. The choice here is obviously rather subjective, but has anyone completed an extensive comparison? Ordered one way and were very happy? Or had regrets?
Thanks.
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I've extensively driven X5s and X7s with all engine options in combinations of all of suspension options over the past year. The test drives ranged from 5 days to up to month on some vehicles.
My recommendation is to option 2VR air suspension. It's not floaty at all and you can dial in a slightly firmer ride while maintaining comfort in Sport level. I took delivery of my xDrive40i M Sport optioned with air suspension and integral active steering at BMW PDC and had one of the best 500+ mile test drive home. I'm susceptible to motion and float sensations but no regrets so far at 1531 miles riding on air.
Depending on how you or your wife personally drive the vehicle and the road conditions here are my thoughts on suspension options from reducing roll angle to ride comfort:
Best handling in regards to significant reduction in roll angle:
1. Dynamic Handling Package (only available on M50i in USA) - includes E Active Roll Stabilization, M rear differential, Adaptive M Professional
2. Adaptive M Suspension
3. Air Suspension in Sport level
Firm, sporty ride
1. Dynamic Handling Package
2. Adaptive M Suspension
3. Air Suspension in Sport level
Daily comfortable ride to long distance cruising
1. Air Suspension in Normal level
2. Air Suspension in Sport level
3. Tied - Adaptive M or DHP
Adjustable ride height and cargo loading flexibility
1. Air Suspension
Wife's daily driver with 22"
1. Air suspension in Normal or Sport level
2. Adaptive M
Note all of the following suspension options include Electronic Damper Controls - Sport+, Sport, Comfort, Adaptive and Individual.
My daily 32mile commute includes local roads, congested highways, and scenic curvy back roads. Majority of the commute I'll dial in Adaptive EDC, air suspension set to Sport level and destination set. With that the EDC utilizes navigational data to automatically adjust suspension dampening and your driving style. There's a thread in the main forum that covers this:
Adaptive mode the most confortable
https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1685781
The primary purpose of air suspension is to maintain a constant vehicle position through self-leveling and ride-height control. The ground clearance can be adjusted using the rocker switch on the center console. And to make it easier to load the car, you can also select Loading Level using a button in the center console or luggage compartment. The byproduct of maintaining constant vehicle position is ride comfort.
TLDR; hope this helps on a $150 option!
Oddly entertaining video review that was posted in the main forums but skip to time stamp 11:12