[forestjump]

In my 45e on air suspension, when switching from hybrid/electric/adaptive into sport it lowers the suspension one level. Does the car also firm up the shocks? I.e adaptive dampers? Or is it just the lowering that makes it feel firmer

Also... when switching into sport the drivers seat bolsters inflate slightly... is this something that came with an OTA update? I don’t remember it happening when I first got the car?!

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by forestjump

In my 45e on air suspension, when switching from hybrid/electric/adaptive into sport it lowers the suspension one level. Does the car also firm up the shocks? I.e adaptive dampers? Or is it just the lowering that makes it feel firmer

Short answer - the driving dynamics modes plus lowering of the air suspension makes the ride feel former.

Long answer - Driving dynamics control (COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT PLUS, ADAPTIVE, ECO) modes influences the driving dynamics properties of the X5 from engine, transmission, suspension etc

For example, pressing SPORT Driving Dynamics mode on the console changes the following driving dynamic settings from COMFORT to SPORT:

Damping
SPORT, activates EDC (electronic damper control) sport damping and lowers the air suspension to SPORT level (-20mm/-0.787")

Steering
SPORT, heavier steering feel

Engine
SPORT, throttle response

Transmission
SPORT, hold gears longer in conjunction with engine

The following systems are also adjusted:
- Integral Active Steering (if optioned)
- Display in instrument cluster
- Cruise control

You can configure the above settings via iDrive under Configure SPORT INDIVIDUAL:

CAR > Settings > Driving Mode > SPORT INDIVIDUAL > configure your personal settings

In addition the Vertical Dynamics Platform (VDP, control unit for the self-leveling air suspension logic) reads in the current ride heights via 4 ride height sensors and sends these to the control unit for electronic ride height control (EHC). EHC adjusts the air volume and pressure as necessary to raise, lower the vehicle and maintain a constant ride height (self-leveling)

There's more to it but the above components and features are the important ones to understand and in how they work together.

Originally Posted by forestjump

Also... when switching into sport the drivers seat bolsters inflate slightly... is this something that came with an OTA update? I don't remember it happening when I first got the car?!

No, it's always been that way.