[Alf89]

I read a couple of threads but I'm still confused.

Does an M Sport xDrive 40i have air suspension built in already as part of the Adaptive M Suspension?

If the answer to the above question is "no", I assume the $150 option is just the difference between the (a) standard spring/strut suspension in the Adaptive M Suspension configuration and (b) an air suspension setup?

If the answer to the above question is "yes", I assume the $150 option is just a switch that allows for some configuration? If this is the case, I think the $150 is a no-brainer.

Thanks.

[TurtleBoy]

The M Sport package comes with the Adaptive M Suspension. If you would rather have air suspension with your M Sport package instead then you can get that for an extra $150. If still confused let me know.

[Paladin1]

An interesting question, and we may have hit upon yet another deletion. In my MY20 M Sport 40i, the Adaptive M Suspension was standard with the M Sport package, and the 2-axle Air replaced it if you selected that option. They were mutually exclusive options. In the MY21 M Sport 40i, I see no mention of the Adaptive M Suspension - just a double-wishbone front and "multi-link integral rear." But I suppose the general answer to your question is "no" - it's either standard or air suspension.

[Alf89]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

The M Sport package comes with the Adaptive M Suspension. If you would rather have air suspension with your M Sport package instead then you can get that for an extra $150. If still confused let me know.

I guess the marginal $150 difference between the air and non-air suspension threw me off. Thanks for the explanation.

I don't trust the longevity of air suspension so I will just stick to the "normal" Adaptive M Suspension.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

An interesting question, and we may have hit upon yet another deletion. In my MY20 M Sport 40i, the Adaptive M Suspension was standard with the M Sport package, and the 2-axle Air replaced it if you selected that option. They were mutually exclusive options. In the MY21 M Sport 40i, I see no mention of the Adaptive M Suspension - just a double-wishbone front and "multi-link integral rear." But I suppose the general answer to your question is "no" - it's either standard or air suspension.

For MY21 Adaptive M is still standard with the M Sport Package, see order guide excerpt above.

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

For MY21 Adaptive M is still standard with the M Sport Package, see order guide excerpt above.

Yep, it's on there. Confusing, because that's not what shows up on the US Configurator for 2021:

M SPORT FEATURES
- Shadowline exterior trim
- 20" M Star-spoke bi-color wheels
- M steering wheel

STANDARD FEATURES
- Live Cockpit with NavigationFrontal Collision Warning w/ City Collision Mitigation
- Lane Departure Warning
- Active Blind Spot Detection
- Front underbody protection in matte silver
- Sport Seats

It previously included "Adaptive M Suspension" under M Sport. Additionally, when you now select "2 axle air suspension," it doesn't advise you it's deleting the Adaptive M Suspension, where it previously did when I ordered mine. It just adds the air suspension.

Understood that the Configurator may not be completely accurate or descriptive, but BMW could do a better job describing major features.

[TurtleBoy]

^ It is just a configurator issue. If you decode vins for MY21's with the MSport package they have 2VF listed.

[jad03060]

The air springs, when they fail, are fairly inexpensive as a part and labor is quick, too, so that shouldn't be a major factor in your decision. They're good until they aren't whereas a spring will slowly degrade and, eventually, fail, too. My GT was nearly 9-years old when I sold it (rear air springs), and there were no obvious issues with it. AN aftermarket air spring bag can be had for less than $30, but the OEM ones are more, but not excessively and can be replaced in less than a half hour with no special tools required.

[Alf89]

Originally Posted by jad03060

The air springs, when they fail, are fairly inexpensive as a part and labor is quick, too, so that shouldn't be a major factor in your decision. They're good until they aren't whereas a spring will slowly degrade and, eventually, fail, too. My GT was nearly 9-years old when I sold it (rear air springs), and there were no obvious issues with it. AN aftermarket air spring bag can be had for less than $30, but the OEM ones are more, but not excessively and can be replaced in less than a half hour with no special tools required.

Oh, so the part of the air suspension that fails, is cheap? Good to know. I thought it would be something even more expensive to replace than a standard spring/strut. Thanks.

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by Alf89

Oh, so the part of the air suspension that fails, is cheap? Good to know. I thought it would be something even more expensive to replace than a standard spring/strut. Thanks.

Sigh no, the G05 uses a closed air suspension system (prior F15 and earlier used open and pneumatic springs) and from G05 Technical Suspension docs - the air suspension strut contains the shock absorber with U-type bellows. The U-type bellows or the shock absorber cannot be replaced separately.


F15 replaceable pneumatic rear springs





G05 front/rear air suspension struts

[cruzer666]

Originally Posted by Alf89

I read a couple of threads but I'm still confused.

Does an M Sport xDrive 40i have air suspension built in already as part of the Adaptive M Suspension?


Thanks.

No, air suspension is not standard, the $150 on top of your M Sport package gives you the air suspension. I drove both options quite a bit, the difference is very noticeable if you ask me. Air suspension is a must where I live, roads are too uneven, lot's of bumps on CA roadways.

[mrvarmint]

Better yet, get a 45e and 4 corner air suspension is included, and with tax credits, it's cheaper than a 40i...

[Alf89]

Originally Posted by mrvarmint

Better yet, get a 45e and 4 corner air suspension is included, and with tax credits, it's cheaper than a 40i...

Unfortunately the tax credits do not go to me if I lease. Not sure I want to BUY a 45e. Was thinking a 40i might be more of a trouble-free, long term hold, but the way they make cars nowadays, I 'm not that comfortable buying a 40i either. I may just stick with leasing.

[Luminor513]

In my opinion, the best option, and for $150 it's a no brainer. Interestingly enough, on the M50i, the same option runs $1300, but for whatever the reason is, BMW chose to only charge $150 on the 40i, which I was happy to see.

[thereef510]

Originally Posted by Alf89

Unfortunately the tax credits do not go to me if I lease. Not sure I want to BUY a 45e. Was thinking a 40i might be more of a trouble-free, long term hold, but the way they make cars nowadays, I 'm not that comfortable buying a 40i either. I may just stick with leasing.

Go test drive one of these vehicles and see all the sounds it makes as you just walk up to it. If that doesn't convince you that leasing is the way to go nothing else will lol

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Luminor513

In my opinion, the best option, and for $150 it's a no brainer. Interestingly enough, on the M50i, the same option runs $1300, but for whatever the reason is, BMW chose to only charge $150 on the 40i, which I was happy to see.

On the M50i the air suspension is combined with IAS for the $1,300. For the 40i the air suspension alone is $1,000 when not combined with the M Sport package.

[Luminor513]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

On the M50i the air suspension is combined with IAS for the $1,300. For the 40i the air suspension alone is $1,000 when not combined with the M Sport package.

That makes sense thanks for clarifying. I was always wondering why the price discrepancy.