[smomin23]

Hi all,

I’m currently awaiting a build week 5 order and have some time to make changes to my X5.

As it is now, I have the 2-axle air suspension equipped but not the Driver Assistance Professional package.

Looking for some advice as this will be my first SAV experience with BMW.

If you had to choose, which would you pick? Or would you say both are valuable additions to the driving experience?

I should add that I’m coming off an M5 and really gearing towards comfort over performance this time. The most performance leaning item on my build is the 21” Y spoke (744) wheels.

Also debating on going down to 20” non-performance (738) there so as to not muddle the purpose of the air suspension. Any thoughts on the wheels would also be appreciated!

TIA

[Fennario]

Downsize wheels to 20, if not 19.
Ditch the runflats for regular tires.
Air is cushier but can have long term/post-warranty reliability issues.
DAP is fantastic for dealing with traffic and would be higher on my list than the airbags.

[smomin23]

Originally Posted by Fennario

Downsize wheels to 20, if not 19.
Ditch the runflats for regular tires.
Air is cushier but can have long term/post-warranty reliability issues.
DAP is fantastic for dealing with traffic and would be higher on my list than the airbags.

Yeah definitely intend to lose the runflats. Even though they have improved, they really harsh up the ride. I’ll likely run my first set down and then from then on install regular tires.

I did have the post warranty concern with air suspension. It feels like the sort of option that will cost some serious $$$ when it needs fixing.

I appreciate the advice!

[TurtleBoy]

DAP is a must have in my opinion along with the laser lights and the spare tire. Following those would be the air suspension and massage seats (since the wife loves them).

If you are going for comfort and have the 21's then the air suspension would be the way to go. I have the 20's and air suspension and the ride is great. Comfortable and yet some sportiness when wanted.

[X5 45e]

I have 20 inch wheels, air suspension and DAP. The RFT don't bother me at all.

I chose the 740M for comfort and I prefer the looks (personal opinion, but so if everything when you ask people about options on this forum)

DAP saved me from driving into a traffic jam in one of my past cars so I always want this is my car.

Air suspension is standard on the 45e but I really like it so I would recommend it.

If you go from 21 tot 20 inch wheels you can have both the AS and DAP with the money you save (and even think about adding integral active steering)

[smomin23]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

DAP is a must have in my opinion along with the laser lights and the spare tire. Following those would be the air suspension and massage seats (since the wife loves them).

If you are going for comfort and have the 21's then the air suspension would be the way to go. I have the 20's and air suspension and the ride is great. Comfortable and yet some sportiness when wanted.

I think I should just keep both but come down to 20's which will further improve ride comfort.

I like the idea of having 21's but in terms of practicality, they're hard to justify. Harsher ride, performance tires wear down quicker, cost more to replace, not always available on demand. All they do is look 10% nicer

[X5 45e]

I think when you come from an M5 everything will be comfortable. Maybe even too wobbly when compared to an M5? Best would be to test a car with the config you want to order (wheels and suspension).

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by smomin23

I think I should just keep both but come down to 20's which will further improve ride comfort.

I like the idea of having 21's but in terms of practicality, they're hard to justify. Harsher ride, performance tires wear down quicker, cost more to replace, not always available on demand. All they do is look 10% nicer

That would be the best in my opinion. I, and any one else that has been in it, really like the ride of mine with the 20's and air suspension. I will be getting the same in the M50i I will be getting next year. It just seems like the best combination for looks, performance and comfort.

[smomin23]

Originally Posted by X5 45e

I have 20 inch wheels, air suspension and DAP. The RFT don't bother me at all.

I chose the 740M for comfort and I prefer the looks (personal opinion, but so if everything when you ask people about options on this forum)

DAP saved me from driving into a traffic jam in one of my past cars so I always want this is my car.

Air suspension is standard on the 45e but I really like it so I would recommend it.

If you go from 21 tot 20 inch wheels you can have both the AS and DAP with the money you save (and even think about adding integral active steering)

I love those 740M but unfortunately they require M Sport and I prefer the xLine.

Wonder if I can have the dealer pull some off a vehicle on the lot and swap me and bill the difference.

[smomin23]

Originally Posted by X5 45e

I think when you come from an M5 everything will be comfortable. Maybe even too wobbly when compared to an M5? Best would be to test a car with the config you want to order (wheels and suspension).

Yeah I fully expect that it would feel comfortable even with the most rigid setup. Thankfully I had a loaner for 2 weeks that was an X5 so I was able to get proper experience in.

Might be worth popping out to test one with the specs I want like you suggested. Hopefully the have something close enough

[X5 45e]

Originally Posted by smomin23

I love those 740M but unfortunately they require M Sport and I prefer the xLine.

Wonder if I can have the dealer pull some off a vehicle on the lot and swap me and bill the difference.

I actually like the 20 inch on the xline too. I would keep them.

[smomin23]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

That would be the best in my opinion. I, and any one else that has been in it, really like the ride of mine with the 20's and air suspension. I will be getting the same in the M50i I will be getting next year. It just seems like the best combination for looks, performance and comfort.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Makes the build process a bit easier

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by smomin23

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Makes the build process a bit easier

Anytime. Just ask if you have any more questions, we all love to help out and spend other people's money.

[smomin23]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

Anytime. Just ask if you have any more questions, we all love to help out and spend other people's money.

Haha yeaahhh my MSRP went up from $62k to about $67k in the 2 days I spent on the forum

[smomin23]

UPDATE:

Firstly I want to thank all the folks that helped. Glad to be a part of this community

Secondly, I have added DAP to the build and kept both the 2-axle air as well as 744 wheels.

Tossed in a space saver spare as well!

Thank you all again. May your BMWs live long and prosper

[TurtleBoy]

Great additions and sounds like you will be very happy with it.