[Cardona]

Hi All, need your help regarding this topic...

I've purchased a 2024 X5 M Comp and the car is marvelous, but the suspension. I fully understand this is a track oriented performance vehicle, but the suspension is far from "stiff", but ultimately extremely harsh. I'm sure at this age of engineering revolution there has to be options to keep the factory 'settings' but adding a level of comfort before I start regretting my purchase and hating it. I like the chassis rigidity and non-existent body roll, but feeling my ribs crunch in every irregular surface is painful. What will be the ideal suspension solution for this without braking the bank... anti-shock springs, air suspension kit, etc.? Please assist me as the suspension is unbearable in its original configuration.

[Gfit]

Sorry to hear you don’t like it. Did you test drive it? I’ve had many different Ms and my 24 X5M is by far the most comfortable. My previous M3 was harsher and my 23 X3M throws you a few inches above the seat when running over a pebble.

[cmyx6go]

What setting are you using? Did you try changing to comfort? I like a firm ride so I’m always in sport.

[Cobra_X5MC]

which brand tires do you have? i have noticed that the Pirelli's my car came with tend to ride a little rough over imperfections of the tire PSI is off by 1lb or two.

ive noticed this car is very sensitive to changes in tire pressures. maybe add a little more PSI and give it a try?

i try to keep simlar numbers as reccomended with the rear tires being 3psi more than the front whilst the tires are cold.

[Cardona]

Is not that I hate it, is just the suspension specifically, it is way too harsh... In sport-plus mode I get that it is super tight and rigid, but it is also rough in efficient & sport mode. From an M3 forum, I saw people posting that sport mode is "softer" than efficient, which is true a bit (only by 15-20%). I love the car, the color, the interior, the eager engine, but the suspension is just killing me. I honestly cannot suck it up and leave it as-is. I need to replace the springs or do something about it. When I test drove it, I noticed it was on the firm side, but it wasn't that horrible back then. I'm riding on Michelins sport pilot which have almost no side wall so that probably contributes, but still my 2022 M50i was marvelous riding on 22" (higher profile all season tires), but suspension was 70% same as this one (2024 X5M) since it had the dynamic handling package which adds the M professional suspension and active roll stabilization.

What do you guys recommend me doing? I really need options... thanks!

[fallen]

Originally Posted by Cardona

Is not that I hate it, is just the suspension specifically. It is way too harsh. In Sport-Plus mode I get that it is super tight and rigid, but it also rough in efficient and sport modes. From an M3 forum, I saw people posting that sport mode is "softer" than efficient, and is true bit only by 15-20% max. I love the car, the color, the interior, the eager engine, but the suspension is just killing me. I honestly cannot leave it as-is. I need to replace the springs or do something about it. When I test drove it, I noticed it was on the firm side, but it wasn't that horrible back then. I'm riding on Michelins sport pilot which have almost no side wall so that probably contributes, but still my 2022 M50i was marvelous riding on 22" (higher profile all season tires), but suspension was 70% same as this X5M since it had the dynamic handling package which adds the M professional suspension and active roll stabilization.

What do you guys recommend me doing? I really need options... thanks!

If I am not mistaken M50i rides on air suspension.
Your X5MC has springs and dampers in all four corners.

You can try different springs - there is plenty of info on this forum on available options.
If you don't mind spending some $$, coilovers are your next step.

IMHO trading her in for a car you really like is the way to go.
Just make sure to properly test drive it 😉

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by Cardona

I'm riding on Michelins sport pilot which have almost no side wall so that probably contributes, but still my 2022 M50i was marvelous riding on 22" (higher profile all season tires), but suspension was 70% same as this one (2024 X5M) since it had the dynamic handling package which adds the M professional suspension and active roll stabilization.

What do you guys recommend me doing? I really need options... thanks!

There is a huge difference between the M50i and the X5M is regards to the suspension and extra chassis bracing, even down to entirely different suspension bushings front and rear.

[Tejas1836]

What is your cold PSI F/R?

[eelnoraa]

How about start with 21” or 20”’ wheel/tires setup?

Firm vs soft is very personal, so you can refer to other’s preferences such as in M3 forum. In fact, X5M is already considered soft compare to M3.

In your case, I wonder if you can just sell and to M60i and call it done? Suspension setup is a big part of M car. It is more than just spring and dampers. The control arms and bushing also make a contribution to the firmness. How deep can you go to make it soft like non M x5? And how long do you plan to keep the car? once you make suspension components change, it is impossible to sell it as an M car anymore.

[Oldgixxer]

Something sounds fishy here....

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Cardona

Is not that I hate it, is just the suspension specifically, it is way too harsh... In sport-plus mode I get that it is super tight and rigid, but it is also rough in efficient & sport mode. From an M3 forum, I saw people posting that sport mode is "softer" than efficient, which is true a bit (only by 15-20%). I love the car, the color, the interior, the eager engine, but the suspension is just killing me. I honestly cannot suck it up and leave it as-is. I need to replace the springs or do something about it. When I test drove it, I noticed it was on the firm side, but it wasn't that horrible back then. I'm riding on Michelins sport pilot which have almost no side wall so that probably contributes, but still my 2022 M50i was marvelous riding on 22" (higher profile all season tires), but suspension was 70% same as this one (2024 X5M) since it had the dynamic handling package which adds the M professional suspension and active roll stabilization.

What do you guys recommend me doing? I really need options... thanks!

You may want to consider MSS lowering spring.

[Cardona]

MSS Lowering springs sound like a good option. Can you please share more details on this? Of course I'm researching on my end, just wanting to make sure to capture any good point you are aware of, thanks.

[asmith918]

Sounds like you should have got a M60i with air suspension ...

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

You may want to consider MSS lowering spring.

How would a lowering spring help in ride quality? If anything, lower spring means increase in spring rate, making ride harsher trading for flatter cornering?

[fallen]

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

How would a lowering spring help in ride quality? If anything, lower spring means increase in spring rate, making ride harsher trading for flatter cornering?

Can't speak for MSS, but KWs do feel less bouncy.
Not much softer, just more composed.

[Car-Addicted]

No easy answers here. The cost of reengineering your suspension will not be cheap. I would have a conversation with your dealership sales manager. The most reasonable choice would be to change out to 20"/21" wheels out for 20"'s but you will most likely not be able to use your M calipers. Changing the aspect ratio of the tire will make a big change in ride. There should be a good market for your take off's to defray the cost. Good luck.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Cardona

MSS Lowering springs sound like a good option. Can you please share more details on this? Of course I'm researching on my end, just wanting to make sure to capture any good point you are aware of, thanks.

I assume you are asking me?

Here is the link on MSS thread.
https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1766804

You can put your question there and get a feedback from the end users directly.
I had MSS on my X3MC and currently on my XM.

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

How would a lowering spring help in ride quality? If anything, lower spring means increase in spring rate, making ride harsher trading for flatter cornering?

Spring design.
Unlike conventional factory progressive spring style, some manufacturers doing it differently.
Some goes softer spring rate, some goes with stiffer spring at different length.
For example, H&R sport spring is progressive spring, it may have the same spring rate as stock, just increased the amount of lower rate coil on top of the same/stiffer rate to stock.
While MSS, they are using tender spring to smooth out the sharp bumps, while the main spring is close or same rate as stock spring.
Unfortunately, most aftermarket even OEM doesn’t disclose their spring rate.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by fallen

Can't speak for MSS, but KWs do feel less bouncy.
Not much softer, just more composed.

I think the way you describe it, the difference comes from dampers. Both compress and rebound dampening are lower. The trade off is handling characteristics.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

I think the way you describe it, the difference comes from dampers. Both compress and rebound dampening are lower. The trade off is handling characteristics.

I believe he meant KW spring, not coilover.

[S68 X5MC]

I thought mine was a little harsh coming from my 2023 X5 45e and Audi S6 which both had air suspension. I've had my X5MC for two months now and I'm used to it. I might grab some new Dinan springs to make the ride a bit better, but for now I think the X5MC is an amazing piece of machinery. I knew what I was getting into beforehand because I did my research, just saying...

[JIMX681]

I went with 22’s and upsized the sidewalls all around. Softened the ride just enough and took away some of the wheel gap. Happy with the decision 25k+ miles and counting.

[MADBMWX5MC]

Originally Posted by JIMX681

I went with 22’s and upsized the sidewalls all around. Softened the ride just enough and took away some of the wheel gap. Happy with the decision 25k+ miles and counting.

What tire you ended up with when you upsized the sidewalls on your 22s?

Did you keep the 21 stock?