[pixelate]

(New to the forum -- previous '08 E70 X5 owner and long ago '72 2002 owner)

I'm preparing to order a '24 X5, likely an M60i. As I did with my previous X5, I'll be using it as a daily driver and for towing my race car on an open aluminum trailer, which together weigh well under 4000 lbs. My questions are around which suspension option is best to order with the car for my purpose.

- The M Sport Package, which I think is part of the M60i, seems to include the 2VF "Adaptive M Suspension". So if I'm right that's built-in.
- 2VR "2-axle air suspension" option
- 2VW "Adaptive M Suspension Professional" option

My current thinking is to just add the 2VR "2-axle air suspension", not the 2VW. Any recommendations? Thanks!

[bono]

4,000 lbs is nothing for X5. Of course, more important is the tongue weight. If you load the trailer tongue heavy, the rear can sag. I assume you won't use weight distribution hitch, therefore, I will need to pay attention to tongue weight. Assume 10-15% weight of the trailer being tongue weight.

If I would tow heavy stuff(I tow 7,000 lbs travel trailer with my X5), I would go with air suspension + weight distribution. In your case I would not go with air suspension, if you prefer sport feeling of the handling vs. More floaty feel.

[pixelate]

Thanks for the advice. My E70 X5 was too harsh a ride for my taste for long distance towing, but a lot of that was likely due to the tire & wheel combination and road noise (though it had air shocks). This time I'm definitely avoiding the 22" wheels and I think they have quieted the interior down a bit so hopefully the air suspension won't be necessary. Not sure about the 2VW option, though.

[JALS]

The best way to go is without doubt air suspension… i don’t know where people find air suspension to floaty? in sport mode or sport plus, ? but the term floaty is not correct..this is a suv..not a 911 Turbo S nor a Ferrari…, also the car height can be decreased and also increased, and only air suspension does it. with trailer option rear air suspension is reinforced as differential and other parts

[pixelate]

I plan to go with the air suspension. The M60i Adaptive M Suspension should be a little sportier to start with (vs say the 40i), and with the air suspension having multiple settings it should help to adjust between towing/commuting vs. more fun driving. And it may be useful when hooking up the trailer and loading gear in the back, too.

[XxChiliPalmerxX]

I would go with the air suspension. I had it on my x5 40i and pulled great. I am pulling a 16’ enclosed trailer with a SXS, so the total weight is around 3500 lbs. Pulled it cross country, and pulled like a dream.