[rkphelps]

Is there a difference in the Luxury ride quality between the Xline VS the M Sport X5 45e? I am assuming the air suspension is identical in both and was wondering if BMW tweaks the Drive Mode software to change the ride quality between the two. If they do does it make the M Sport have a firmer sporty ride over the Xline?

[Paladin1]

I would assume identical since air suspension is the default and there's no mention of Adaptive M suspension on the US configurator for the 45e, although they also left it out of the M Sport description on the 40i, presumably in error - the ZMP (M Sport Package) in the ordering guide does not include it for the 45e, however, and it does for the 40i. It appears to be cosmetic only for the M Sport configuration in the 45e. I can't imagine there's any difference in the XLine/M Sport drive modes - same transmission - other than the changes you get when changing modes with the air suspension ("sportier" in S/S+ for example), with stiffer ride, lower suspension, quicker throttle and tighter steering.

[Spencer518]

xLine has 19" wheels standard and M sport is 20". Suspension is the same but there may be a difference in ride quality due to the wheel size difference.

[rkphelps]

Thanks guys, I'd go with 20" wheels either way, so if there is no difference in the suspension feel, I'll probably go for the M Sport.

[SHARMAATL]

I've long wondered about this. I have an X-Line with air suspension and the M-Sport differential, so I'm just not sure how that would be different than driving an M-Sport variant with or without air suspension.

[Fennario]

1. M-Sport Package. Entirely cosmetic.

2. Air Suspension. Allows for stiffening and softening of suspension as well as ride height adjustment. Beware of long-term reliability issues - can easily burn motors out if the airbag seals start to leak.

3. Dynamic Handling Package. Adds things like (i) active anti-roll stabilization which keeps the vehicle flat during hard cornering; and (ii) rear wheel steering.

4. M-Sport Differential. Allows for better traction/application of power during hard cornering.

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by Fennario

1. M-Sport Package. Entirely cosmetic.

2. Air Suspension. Allows for stiffening and softening of suspension as well as ride height adjustment. Beware of long-term reliability issues - can easily burn motors out if the airbag seals start to leak.

3. Dynamic Handling Package. Adds things like (i) active anti-roll stabilization which keeps the vehicle flat during hard cornering; and (ii) rear wheel steering.

4. M-Sport Differential. Allows for better traction/application of power during hard cornering.

For USA models:

For MY20+, 4 is standard on M50i and available with 3 on M50i.

For MY19-20, xLine 40i and 50i with 2VR air suspension and 2T4 M differential was available only with ZOR Off-Road package.

For MY19-20, 2VH IAS rear wheel steering was available on all MY19-20 models and engines with air suspension and 50i/M50i with ZDH.

For MY21+, 2VH IAS is only available on M50i with 2VR or ZDH.

Switching from open to closed-air suspension system increased the reliability of 2VR. I wouldn't worry about the air suspension failing in the first 5 years unless it is a manufacturing/part defect.

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by rkphelps

Is there a difference in the Luxury ride quality between the Xline VS the M Sport X5 45e? I am assuming the air suspension is identical in both and was wondering if BMW tweaks the Drive Mode software to change the ride quality between the two. If they do does it make the M Sport have a firmer sporty ride over the Xline?

From the earlier answers you received, air suspension is identical for both 45e model lines (xLine vs M Sport) including the DDC modes (Driving Dynamics Control) - SPORT, COMFORT, ECO, ADAPTIVE programming. 45e model lines are just exterior design.

45e xLine with 20" and 45e M Sport with 20" in SPORT DDC and Sport ride level will have identical driving and handling dynamics.

[SHARMAATL]

Originally Posted by Auricom

For USA models:

For MY20+, 4 is standard on M50i and available with 3 on M50i.

For MY19-20, xLine 40i and 50i with 2VR air suspension and 2T4 M differential was available only with ZOR Off-Road package.

For MY19-20, 2VH IAS rear wheel steering was available on all MY19-20 models and engines with air suspension and 50i/M50i with ZDH.

For MY21+, 2VH IAS is only available on M50i with 2VR or ZDH.

Switching from open to closed-air suspension system increased the reliability of 2VR. I wouldn't worry about the air suspension failing in the first 5 years unless it is a manufacturing/part defect.

I have a MY19 40i X-Line with IAS, Air Suspension, and M-Sport Differential (via Off Road Package), and I'd say it's been pretty great around corners even at moderately high speeds.

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by SHARMAATL

I have a MY19 40i X-Line with IAS, Air Suspension, and M-Sport Differential (via Off Road Package), and I'd say it's been pretty great around corners even at moderately high speeds.

I don't doubt it but my clarification was in regards to suspension offerings not performance.

[X5 45e]

Originally Posted by Fennario

1. M-Sport Package. Entirely cosmetic.

2. Air Suspension. Allows for stiffening and softening of suspension as well as ride height adjustment. Beware of long-term reliability issues - can easily burn motors out if the airbag seals start to leak.

3. Dynamic Handling Package. Adds things like (i) active anti-roll stabilization which keeps the vehicle flat during hard cornering; and (ii) rear wheel steering.

4. M-Sport Differential. Allows for better traction/application of power during hard cornering.

3. and 4. are not available on the 45e and air suspension is standard.

[ND40oz]

Originally Posted by Auricom

From the earlier answers you received, air suspension is identical for both 45e model lines (xLine vs M Sport) including the DDC modes (Driving Dynamics Control) - SPORT, COMFORT, ECO, ADAPTIVE programming. 45e model lines are just exterior design.

45e xLine with 20" and 45e M Sport with 20" in SPORT DDC and Sport ride level will have identical driving and handling dynamics.

Have we figured out what gives you the Sport+ option though, is it the M Sport package still?

Sport+ feels stiffer than the Sport setting, not that the OP would be looking for that if he wants a softer ride.