[Ninefourteener]

Simple answer - Air suspension is more comfortable over rough roads, Dynamic handles curves better, but is stiffer overall.

But, an added "bonus" to air suspension, is that you have the ability to "lower" it when you want to.... which admittedly, looks cooler. Is it a "huge" bonus? No. But, I have every intention of dropping it down when I park. I'll use my kids as an excuse for my wife (to make getting in easier)... but really, it'll just be because I want to see it "dumped" when I walk back out to it

I'm a "sports" guy.... and I loved my 2016 340 M Performance Edition..... but I live in Belgium. The daily commute was KILLING me.

I know... EVERYONE says that "their" roads are the worst.

I've been to 46 of the 50 states. I've been to over 30 countries, including a few 3rd world countries in South America. I've been all over Asia and Europe.

Excluding a few war-torn countries in the middle east.... Belgium has the worst roads on the planet..

For me... air suspension was a necessity..... and dropping down to 21s instead of 22s.

[Pro55]

My wife finds the air suspension a little bit too floaty. I love the smooth very comfortable ride even on 22 non run flats. She says it has started to induce her travel sickness again so i will have to replace the car ( or the wife). I Tend to drive in sport mode most of the time just to stiffen up the suspension for her.
Just decided. The cars staying.

[SCA]

Originally Posted by RacerxG5

I am a little worried because we went with the 22" wheel and I hope it not too bumpy.

It has not been an issue for us residing in the southeast with 22” 747M with factory Continental non-runflats on a 2020 M50i with DHP.

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by Ninefourteener

Simple answer - Air suspension is more comfortable over rough roads, Dynamic handles curves better, but is stiffer overall.

But, an added "bonus" to air suspension, is that you have the ability to "lower" it when you want to.... which admittedly, looks cooler. Is it a "huge" bonus? No. But, I have every intention of dropping it down when I park. I'll use my kids as an excuse for my wife (to make getting in easier)... but really, it'll just be because I want to see it "dumped" when I walk back out to it

I'm a "sports" guy.... and I loved my 2016 340 M Performance Edition..... but I live in Belgium. The daily commute was KILLING me.

I know... EVERYONE says that "their" roads are the worst.

I've been to 46 of the 50 states. I've been to over 30 countries, including a few 3rd world countries in South America. I've been all over Asia and Europe.

Excluding a few war-torn countries in the middle east.... Belgium has the worst roads on the planet..

For me... air suspension was a necessity..... and dropping down to 21s instead of 22s.

Do they look like this?

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

Do they look like this?

Attachment 2175294

Air suspension will eat that all up. Exit ramp ends in a broken heap into the river? Air suspension.

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Air suspension will eat that all up. Exit ramp ends in a broken heap into the river? Air suspension.

LOL. Problem is all the repairs - or non-repairs - after this, and Winter damage following our 90+ snowplows and salt, or Summer damage from a major truck artery after Summer heat. Or Spring floods. Fall is usually non-eventful. All two days of it.

Part of last year's vintage collection:



This year's crop looks promising as well, starting next week.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

LOL. Problem is all the repairs - or non-repairs - after this, and Winter damage following our 90+ snowplows and salt, or Summer damage from a major truck artery after Summer heat. Or Spring floods. Fall is usually non-eventful. All two days of it.

Woah Woah Woah.... you're using all these terms my Chicago brain can't process... "summer", "spring", "fall"??

I only know construction and winter.

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Woah Woah Woah.... you're using all these terms my Chicago brain can't process... "summer", "spring", "fall"??

I only know construction and winter.

Agreed. Actually, construction and Winter are pretty much interchangeable in Chicago - both never-ending.

[LAR]

Florida also, 2020 M-Sport with Adaptive M with 21 inch wheels. Previously a 2016 M-Sport with 20 inch wheels. The 2020 drives way “softer” in Comfort mode than the 2016, night and day. So much so that I adjusted some of the settings in Comfort mode to make it a little more sporty in handling. Sport mode is great but shifts are dramatic and I only use Sport mode when I don’t have others in the vehicle that it might “bother” and if I want to drive more aggressively.

In my opinion, there is no need for a softer ride than the Comfort mode on interstate highways, multi lane roads that are in good shape, or any other road that is not just crappy. Even around town, if I am not in a hurry, Comfort mode reminds me of being in an older model Cadillac or Lincoln or another big old American “boat”; just the ride not the handling.

Lowering the vehicle would be nice and I wish that was an option but I would not want the basic Comfort mode to be any softer than it is with the Adaptive M suspension. I would also be concerned how the air suspension would effect hard and fast land changes, turns, accident avoidance, etc. If I wanted that type of ride and handling, I would not have bought a BMW.

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by LAR

Lowering the vehicle would be nice and I wish that was an option but I would not want the basic Comfort mode to be any softer than it is with the Adaptive M suspension. I would also be concerned how the air suspension would effect hard and fast land changes, turns, accident avoidance, etc. If I wanted that type of ride and handling, I would not have bought a BMW.

I think many are over thinking the ride quality and handling of air suspension but especially the above quote regards to fast lane changes, turns, accident avoidance- which gets a :facepalm:

If air suspension is so bad why did BMW make it standard on 7 Series, X7s or new X5 hybrid?

You can also apply the same criteria for owners with xLine - they're driving around in the standard adaptive suspension. Or drivers with Off-Road package? Should they be concerned with how poor their handling is without Adaptive M Suspension?

Point is BMW has provided drivers with more suspension options in the new G05 than past X5s.

[Luminor513]

Originally Posted by LAR

Florida also, 2020 M-Sport with Adaptive M with 21 inch wheels. Previously a 2016 M-Sport with 20 inch wheels. The 2020 drives way "softer" in Comfort mode than the 2016, night and day. So much so that I adjusted some of the settings in Comfort mode to make it a little more sporty in handling. Sport mode is great but shifts are dramatic and I only use Sport mode when I don't have others in the vehicle that it might "bother" and if I want to drive more aggressively.

In my opinion, there is no need for a softer ride than the Comfort mode on interstate highways, multi lane roads that are in good shape, or any other road that is not just crappy. Even around town, if I am not in a hurry, Comfort mode reminds me of being in an older model Cadillac or Lincoln or another big old American "boat"; just the ride not the handling.

Lowering the vehicle would be nice and I wish that was an option but I would not want the basic Comfort mode to be any softer than it is with the Adaptive M suspension. I would also be concerned how the air suspension would effect hard and fast land changes, turns, accident avoidance, etc. If I wanted that type of ride and handling, I would not have bought a BMW.

I test drove the 2020 X5 x drive 40i msport with the 2 axle air suspension, and it drove as I would have expected a BMW SUV to drive. To comment on your specific concerns, the test drive was quite a spirited drive(scared the SA) and I can assure you the 2 axle air suspension handles extremely well.

[goondongle]

You can have both adaptive M suspension and the 2 axle air right?

How are they modulated or does one supersede another?

We ordered a Msport but no air suspension due to the fact we liked the ride of the Msport on comfort setting fine. Also didnt want to hassle with any repair issues on these as salesperson informed us that the air bladders when they do go out are pricey.

Just looking for any clarification thx!

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by goondongle

You can have both adaptive M suspension and the 2 axle air right?

How are they modulated or does one supersede another?

We ordered a Msport but no air suspension due to the fact we liked the ride of the Msport on comfort setting fine. Also didnt want to hassle with any repair issues on these as salesperson informed us that the air bladders when they do go out are pricey.

Just looking for any clarification thx!

Nope - one or the other.

[goondongle]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

Nope - one or the other.

One can build the 2 axle with the msport option online. Doesnt remove the msport line when added.
Im referring to 40i not 50i

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by goondongle

One can build the 2 axle with the msport option online. Doesnt remove the msport line when added.
Im referring to 40i not 50i

The MSport in the 40i is just cosmetic when you choose the air suspension since the Adaptive M suspension is replaced.

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by goondongle

One can build the 2 axle with the msport option online. Doesnt remove the msport line when added.
Im referring to 40i not 50i

You can build an X5 40i with the M Sport trim with the 2 axle air suspension option, but it replaces the Adaptive M Suspension. Or you can keep the adaptive suspension, which is the M Sport default, and elect not to get the air suspension. The 50i as far as I know is unavailable with the M Sport trim. I just built two 2020 X5 40is with M Sport trim and the air suspension option, now delivered, so I'm pretty familiar with the suspension choices. They are mutually exclusive.

[goondongle]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

You can build an X5 40i with the M Sport trim with the 2 axle air suspension option, but it replaces the Adaptive M Suspension. Or you can keep the adaptive suspension, which is the M Sport default, and elect not to get the air suspension. The 50i as far as I know is unavailable with the M Sport trim. I just built two 2020 X5 40is with M Sport trim and the air suspension option, now delivered, so I'm pretty familiar with the suspension choices. They are mutually exclusive.

Thx for the above! Makes sense and thx for the chart turtle.

I guess Im sticking with the msport suspension likely too late to change anyways.

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by goondongle

Thx for the above! Makes sense and thx for the chart turtle.

I guess Im sticking with the msport suspension likely too late to change anyways.

The Adaptive M Suspension is one of the best suspensions made by BMW, and will deliver both sporty and stable handling. And likely will be little more bullet-proof than the air suspension - time will tell - although a little stiffer on the keister, but can provide a comfy enough ride as well if you don't drive a daily washboard commute. Can't go wrong with either, and most select a suspension to match their intended driving style.

[NoCompromise]

If you want a sporty feel that handles well then personally I would get a Cayenne. An X5 with the stiffest suspension will always lag behind the Porsche in handling terms. The air in Sport/Adaptive handles better than the F15 any day of the week - so just depends what is more important to you. Quite often handy to raise the car a few inches when off-road on really rutted surfaces. By which I mean a well-trodden National Trust car park of course. Ahh middle age : ) (but not 60+!!)

[Aspen_ZA]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

The Adaptive M Suspension is one of the best suspensions made by BMW, and will deliver both sporty and stable handling. And likely will be little more bullet-proof than the air suspension - time will tell - although a little stiffer on the keister, but can provide a comfy enough ride as well if you don't drive a daily washboard commute. Can't go wrong with either, and most select a suspension to match their intended driving style.

I opted in for the adaptive M suspension professional (2VW) and think it's absolutely brilliant. Was a pricey option to add to the M50d but in hindsight, well worth it. Soft in comfort and absolutely stiff in Sports PLUS.

[Ringo2712]

Originally Posted by NoCompromise

If you want a sporty feel that handles well then personally I would get a Cayenne. An X5 with the stiffest suspension will always lag behind the Porsche in handling terms. The air in Sport/Adaptive handles better than the F15 any day of the week - so just depends what is more important to you. Quite often handy to raise the car a few inches when off-road on really rutted surfaces. By which I mean a well-trodden National Trust car park of course. Ahh middle age : ) (but not 60+!!)

I would have to disagree with you here, my F15 with standard suspension and 20" wheels handled a lot better and was more nimble than my G05 with air suspension on 22" wheels even on sport plus mode

[James_G0540i]

Originally Posted by Ringo2712

I would have to disagree with you here, my F15 with standard suspension and 20" wheels handled a lot better and was more nimble than my G05 with air suspension on 22" wheels even on sport plus mode

I agree with you, as I also had an F15 with 19" wheels and no M-Sport suspension (just "standard"), and that handled brilliantly.

I think people need to remember that the X5 has grown in size and mass, and I can definitely notice the difference between my G05 and F15. With all this extra, somethings got to give, and handling is probably the first to go.

If you want agile handling, get a 2 or 3-series sedan or saloon, else remember you are in a > 2 tonne vehicle that is designed for versatility, comfort and luxury - more than handling. For the mass & size it is, the G05 still handles pretty well.

As for the Cayenne, IMO I'd put that into "raised wagon" territory - rather than SUV/4WD. A great "city driving" wagon ....