[lxr184@hotmail.com]

Hi.

I am about to order a new X5 and was excited about the Air Suspension option for just $1000. My wife is 5’6” and says that the X5 is a bit tall compared to a sedan making it harder to get in. I was hoping that the air suspension would make it perfect hight, but before I go for it, I have the following questions:
1. Is it more trouble than it’s worth? I would like this car to last me 8 years/150,000 miles. What are the chances that the suspension will give me troubles during that time. How costly are those repairs at the dealership (1000, 2000, 3000)
2. How does it work. Do you simply lower it before you get out and it will stay lowered for you to get in (rising automatically when you start driving).
3. How much lower will it be compared to an X5 with a regular suspension

I guess the bottom line is. If you were doing a custom build and were on the shorter side, would you get it?

Thanks

[lumpydog]

I have air suspension and like it a lot. The ride is very comfortable but doesn't loose its sporty feel - especially in Sport mode.

I'll take a shot at answering your questions:

1. I don't have any idea. This is my first vehicle with air suspension. F15 (prior generation X5) owners may chime in, as that model allowed for rear air suspension.

2. The air suspension can be lowered and raised manually 1) Via a toggle on the center console 2) Via a button on the trunk lower door (lowers vehicle all the way). 3) By selecting Sport Mode (lowers one level down). The suspension will automatically lower one level down at speeds over 86 mph. You CAN park and lower the suspension down using the console toggle - the X5 will remain lowered until you get back in the vehicle and will automatically raise to match the driving mode (Sport, Eco, Comfort, etc) as you drive.

3. The vehicle can be lowered 40mm or raised 40mm from default height - for a range of 80mm.

One important thing the suspension does is self-level. Big passengers in the rear? Heavy cargo in the trunk? Towing a large boat (I do this)? The vehicle will adjust its height accordingly to stay level.

[MatchboxM1]

I'm not expecting any reliability issues. Coming from 3 different land rovers with air suspension (2012 LR4, 2014 LR 4, 2017 Discovery), I am expecting similar reliability. I did not have a single issue with the feature and seems to work great on the BMW. For 6 years I used it daily from auto access lowering (not really needed on the G05 - seems low enough already) to raising the vehicle driving in town and off road.

The one issue I have with the BMW feature is the air suspension will not stay raised over what seems like 15 or 20 MPH. Land Rovers generally lowered at 31 mph and on the 2017 at a more reasonable 51 mph. If I'm driving over a dirt mountain road (trips to Crested Butte, CO over Kebler Pass comes to mind), I want to be higher up for body protection, greater visibility (seeing and being seen) and in case of pot holes, etc. Hoping BMW changes the speed limitations with a software update, but not expecting it. Also helpful keeping your car cleaner on snowy or slushy roads in town!

But your concerns are being on the shorter - I think this car is generally low enough - I still plan on using the lower feature for 83 year old 5'0 mother.

Also used the LR feature to lower the tailgate for loading, and while the feature is available on the BMW, I don't see myself using it much - the car really is much lower already.

Oh, and the control toggles in the center console do look and feel nice. Also provides the 4 traction control modes - the snow throttle with 20" Nokian H3's has been really wonderful in snow. So one more thing to keep in mind when considering the Air Suspension - Rock, Gravel and Sand I believe are the other offered modes. Going offroad often, the feature is a must for me, but all sorts of benefits, so really enjoy having it. Plus it does seem to ride really smooth.

Good luck with your decision!

[thekronoschef]

Originally Posted by ZGASPEN

I'm not expecting any reliability issues. Coming from 3 different land rovers with air suspension (2012 LR4, 2014 LR 4, 2017 Discovery), I am expecting similar reliability. I did not have a single issue with the feature and seems to work great on the BMW. For 6 years I used it daily from auto access lowering (not really needed on the G05 - seems low enough already) to raising the vehicle driving in town and off road.

The one issue I have with the BMW feature is the air suspension will not stay raised over what seems like 15 or 20 MPH. Land Rovers generally lowered at 31 mph and on the 2017 at a more reasonable 51 mph. If I'm driving over a dirt mountain road (trips to Crested Butte, CO over Kebler Pass comes to mind), I want to be higher up for body protection, greater visibility (seeing and being seen) and in case of pot holes, etc. Hoping BMW changes the speed limitations with a software update, but not expecting it. Also helpful keeping your car cleaner on snowy or slushy roads in town!

But your concerns are being on the shorter - I think this car is generally low enough - I still plan on using the lower feature for 83 year old 5'0 mother.

Also used the LR feature to lower the tailgate for loading, and while the feature is available on the BMW, I don't see myself using it much - the car really is much lower already.

Oh, and the control toggles in the center console do look and feel nice. Also provides the 4 traction control modes - the snow throttle with 20" Nokian H3's has been really wonderful in snow. So one more thing to keep in mind when considering the Air Suspension - Rock, Gravel and Sand I believe are the other offered modes. Going offroad often, the feature is a must for me, but all sorts of benefits, so really enjoy having it. Plus it does seem to ride really smooth.

Good luck with your decision!

Would you mind posting a closeup pic of your center console showing the toggles you mention? TIA!

[MatchboxM1]

Originally Posted by thekronoschef

Would you mind posting a closeup pic of your center console showing the toggles you mention? TIA!

No problem. I took a few shots when I took delivery last week. Far right switch is for height, left switch is for the various modes.

[thekronoschef]

Originally Posted by ZGASPEN

No problem. I took a few shots when I took delivery last week. Far right switch is for height, left switch is for the various modes.

Thank you!

[lumpydog]

Originally Posted by ZGASPEN

No problem. I took a few shots when I took delivery last week. Far right switch is for height, left switch is for the various modes.

If you order only Air Suspension, you get only the right toggle. If you order the Off Road Package you also get the left toggle (As seen in the lower right in the picture above).

The Off Road Package's pre-defined settings (Gravel, Sand, Etc) impact air suspension height. Similar to selecting Sport mode.

I only have the Air Suspension. Not Off Road Package

[thekronoschef]

Originally Posted by lumpydog

If you order only Air Suspension, you get only the right toggle. If you order the Off Road Package you also get the left toggle (As seen in the lower right in the picture above).

The Off Road Package's pre-defined settings (Gravel, Sand, Etc) impact air suspension height. Similar to selecting Sport mode.

I only have the Air Suspension. Not Off Road Package

Thanks. The off road package doesn't even show up as an option in my online configurator. Maybe because I am getting M sport package?

[MatchboxM1]

Originally Posted by thekronoschef

Thanks. The off road package doesn't even show up as an option in my online configurator. Maybe because I am getting M sport package?

Correct.

I may be mistaken, but I thought I read somewhere the off road pack would be available with M Sport on later builds. May defeat the purpose a bit - I like the durable trim of the non-M Sport and looks good anyway with Arctic Grey (or at least I'm happy how mine turned out).

[JGoodell]

Originally Posted by ryan-corns

I have a 2008 bmw x5, does anybody have any idea? I just replaced air suspension compressor and really and Now it doesn't run the compressor.

I have to be honest...I’m not sure what you are asking here.

[lxr184@hotmail.com]

I guess I'll go for it then. Sounds like a no brainer for 1000 if it's not notoriously unreliable. Thanks everyone

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by lxr184@hotmail.com

I guess I'll go for it then. Sounds like a no brainer for 1000 if it's not notoriously unreliable. Thanks everyone

G05 new 2-axle air suspensions uses a closed versus open system in E53-E70-F15 1-axle air (2-axle air on E53 4.8is). Reliability should be increased as it doesn't draw in environmental air and moisture, which was an issue with open systems.

Other advantages of closed compared to open air supply system:
• energy consumption reduced
• compressor operating time reduction
• higher adjusting speed
• weight savings

If you're order xLine, 2-axle air (2VR) is $1K. If you're ordering M Sport, you get 2-axle air (2VR) + integral active steering (IAS) for $1300.

[JGoodell]

[QUOTE=If you're ordering M Sport, you get 2-axle air (2VR) + integral active steering (IAS) for $1300.[/QUOTE]

I think the question that has really yet to be vetted is whether or not you’re negatting the sportiness of the M Sport when you add the air suspension and active steering

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by JGoodell

I think the question that has really yet to be vetted is whether or not you’re negatting the sportiness of the M Sport when you add the air suspension and active steering

Not debating the sportiness, everyone is going to have their individual perspective on M Sport with ZHC.

Just clarifying price and package contents as they didn't specify the model of their design - xLine or M Sport

[don20111]

Originally Posted by ZGASPEN

No problem. I took a few shots when I took delivery last week. Far right switch is for height, left switch is for the various modes.

Love that matt wood, care to show some more pics of the dash and doors showing the matt, there are not many out there. thanks

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by don20111

Love that matt wood, care to show some more pics of the dash and doors showing the matt, there are not many out there. thanks

MBHammer posted some great close up hi-res pics of his delivery:
https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1556762

[MatchboxM1]

Originally Posted by don20111

Love that matt wood, care to show some more pics of the dash and doors showing the matt, there are not many out there. thanks

Not as good of photos as those above, but here's with Anthracite-Brown Matte Poplar trim with Cognac. Not the vented and expanded leather I wanted, but in stock when I needed a car and VERY pleased with the color combo (Arctic Grey exterior).

[mbarrett635]

Originally Posted by don20111

Love that matt wood, care to show some more pics of the dash and doors showing the matt, there are not many out there. thanks

Here's some pics of the anthracite brown matte poplar with the Ivory White Merino interior:

[don20111]

Thanks really liking the Matt

[jamesbaker1998]

Hello!

Is there any way of getting the air suspension to automatically lower when parked to make it easier to get in and out of the car?

[maczrool]

Originally Posted by don20111

Thanks really liking the Matt

Wouldn’t scratches in the matte finish appear shiny compared to the surrounding finish? At least with the gloss finishes you can buff out scratches. I would imagine there is no repairing scratches with matte finishes.

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by jamesbaker1998

Hello!

Is there any way of getting the air suspension to automatically lower when parked to make it easier to get in and out of the car?

Unfortunately no, but it would make sense that it should. :