[13 NF]

https://youtu.be/m9HmDxcZ0sE?si=SBTlN4Pr4IoB9IUC

Great review of the X5!

[mobilejo]

He loves the air suspension, which I still believe is the most sensible option for UK roads on something like an X5/6.

[1230vani]

Not sure how well the car handels with air suspension in turns vs m suspension adaptive (non m pro suspension).

[torso]

I believe that suspension tuning on 50e and 30d with air suspension is same but 50e is much heavier car. That can affect on car handling a lot and overall suspension feel.

[BMPHIL]

The air suspension on my M50i is stiffer than it was on my 40i, will be interested to see if there is any difference with my M60i on Friday.

[sarpal123]

Originally Posted by BMPHIL

...my M60i on Friday...

So, that's a '24 plate then I'm impressed with your self control...

[BMPHIL]

Originally Posted by sarpal123

So, that's a '24 plate then I'm impressed with your self control...

Yes, not been too bad as they had it in stock and I ordered it 5 weeks ago, could have had it but they agreed to wait until March 1st. Have waited for cars over 6 months previously and was a nightmare.

[LuckyBrand]

Yeah, wife and I watched that video last night. He seemed to really like it especially the air suspension which I don't think he's really tried in the newer G05 X5's. I've been researching the air suspension topic as we are looking to possibly order an X5 40i which from what it sounds like is getting the air suspension option back for 25? So, this came in handy. He really thought the handling was still there even with air and didn't complain about any floatiness etc that some have. He was taking those corners at a pretty high rate. We keep going back and forth whether we want to order it or not as just concerned about the floaty ride and reduced handling. We drove the steel spring M-sport and were happy with it. It's really hard to find dealers with air suspension option to try.

[mobilejo]

Originally Posted by 1230vani

Not sure how well the car handels with air suspension in turns vs m suspension adaptive (non m pro suspension).

Handling is sportier with M adaptive, however UK roads and 22" wheels and M Adaptive isn't a sensible combo IMO. Firmer suspension on undulating crashy roads isn't just uncomfortable - it often doesn't have enough pliability to keep the wheels in contact with the road so the car 'skips' over the surface.

Something I noticed in my previous 5 series and my current M3. Sharper cornering & steering for sure but going fast in a straight line on a country road is actually difficult if its not an uncommonly smooth one.

Even on my air suspension, I've started leaving the suspension in comfort for softness and just lowering it down to the sport setting - the reduced height reduces body roll but the softer damping allows it to handle the shoddy roads without feeling like its skipping over the imperfections.

[LuckyBrand]

Even on my air suspension, I've started leaving the suspension in comfort for softness and just lowering it down to the sport setting - the reduced height reduces body roll but the softer damping allows it to handle the shoddy roads without feeling like its skipping over the imperfections.[/QUOTE]

I guess I didn't realize that's how that worked that you could leave it in comfort mode and lower it down in sport. So, then could you put the suspension in sport or sport plus and also lower it down for really sporty handling?

[mobilejo]

Originally Posted by LuckyBrand

I guess I didn't realize that's how that worked that you could leave it in comfort mode and lower it down in sport. So, then could you put the suspension in sport or sport plus and also lower it down for really sporty handling?

If you put it in sport mode, it lowers down to the lowest driveable setting anyway, so you can't manually drop it any further.

The difference between sport mode suspension and comfort suspension with manually low6er height is the firmness of the damping.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by LuckyBrand

I guess I didn't realize that's how that worked that you could leave it in comfort mode and lower it down in sport. So, then could you put the suspension in sport or sport plus and also lower it down for really sporty handling?

No, the lower levels are for other uses. I always run in Adaptive mode with the suspension set at Sport level. It handles very well for my driving and I don't notice any floatiness. Keep in mind though that suspension feel is a personal preference/perception. One person's sporty is another's harsh as well as one's comfortable another's floaty.

[LuckyBrand]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

No, the lower levels are for other uses. I always run in Adaptive mode with the suspension set at Sport level. It handles very well for my driving and I don't notice any floatiness. Keep in mind though that suspension feel is a personal preference/perception. One person's sporty is another's harsh as well as one's comfortable another's floaty.

Awesome! Thanks for the information. I swear your a BMW genius man lol. Not sure how this forum would get by without you. Much appreciated!

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by LuckyBrand

Awesome! Thanks for the information. I swear your a BMW genius man lol. Not sure how this forum would get by without you. Much appreciated!

We are all here to help each other.

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by mobilejo

Handling is sportier with M adaptive, however UK roads and 22" wheels and M Adaptive isn't a sensible combo IMO. Firmer suspension on undulating crashy roads isn't just uncomfortable - it often doesn't have enough pliability to keep the wheels in contact with the road so the car 'skips' over the surface.

Something I noticed in my previous 5 series and my current M3. Sharper cornering & steering for sure but going fast in a straight line on a country road is actually difficult if its not an uncommonly smooth one.

Even on my air suspension, I've started leaving the suspension in comfort for softness and just lowering it down to the sport setting - the reduced height reduces body roll but the softer damping allows it to handle the shoddy roads without feeling like its skipping over the imperfections.

Thank you for commenting. I got m adaptive on my 40i lci (standard with the m package). M pro suspension was not available and air suspension was limited supply but i was worried it would be less “sporty”, watching this video review made me wonder if I made the right decision, so again thanks for commenting because i have fomu snydrom . Also these “press” cars seem to have options that are otherwise nearly impossible to order.

[velopod]

Originally Posted by LuckyBrand

Even on my air suspension, I've started leaving the suspension in comfort for softness and just lowering it down to the sport setting - the reduced height reduces body roll but the softer damping allows it to handle the shoddy roads without feeling like its skipping over the imperfections.

I guess I didn't realize that's how that worked that you could leave it in comfort mode and lower it down in sport. So, then could you put the suspension in sport or sport plus and also lower it down for really sporty handling?[/QUOTE]

That is how I run (50e): Default electric comfort shocks, but lowest setting. Hit sport button and all sport. This IS an SUV though, so I never really understood the M version of this. I'm a Porsche and motorcycle rider most weekends, so I understand a super stiff and good handling whip. Why would I want an SUV/daily to ride like that? Physics are a cruel mistress.

I initially was going to order an X5M ... until I drove it. No thanks. Maybe if it was my only car and I lived in Florida. LOL.

[HappyDance]

It makes me wonder just how bad UK roads are that the air suspension is a must have option over the standard suspension. I had read in a few reviews that the standard suspension is about 80% the comfort level of the air suspension. It was always inconsequential to me anyways because the LCI 40i spec in the US isn’t available with air suspension. The standard suspension is definitely comfortable enough on the roads where I live but I would never say I’m floating on a cloud like air suspension owners sometimes say.

[mobilejo]

Originally Posted by HappyDance

It makes me wonder just how bad UK roads are that the air suspension is a must have option over the standard suspension. I had read in a few reviews that the standard suspension is about 80% the comfort level of the air suspension. It was always inconsequential to me anyways because the LCI 40i spec in the US isn’t available with air suspension. The standard suspension is definitely comfortable enough on the roads where I live but I would never say I’m floating on a cloud like air suspension owners sometimes say.

Our roads are crap in most places, but air isn't a must have for everyone. For me, it's the only option that makes sense on this car because it isn't a sports car and can't be one - it's heavy and it's high. I bought an M3 to experience a car that handles.

When I drove non air X5s and X6s, I didn't get enough thrill out of the more sporty handling to justify the extra firmness. It was impressive, but that's always prefaced by "...for an X5/6“. Others do want that extra edge, and so the non air makes sense to them.

[JoeAyalaM]

Originally Posted by LuckyBrand

Awesome! Thanks for the information. I swear your a BMW genius man lol. Not sure how this forum would get by without you. Much appreciated!

Yes, I completely agree with you, Turtle makes the forum better!

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by HappyDance

It makes me wonder just how bad UK roads are that the air suspension is a must have option over the standard suspension. I had read in a few reviews that the standard suspension is about 80% the comfort level of the air suspension. It was always inconsequential to me anyways because the LCI 40i spec in the US isn’t available with air suspension. The standard suspension is definitely comfortable enough on the roads where I live but I would never say I’m floating on a cloud like air suspension owners sometimes say.

UK country roads are awesome for a “nice” ride. Speed limit is quite high and just right for a nice curvy narrow road. Also scenery (country side) can be spectactular. Looking fwd to visit (with LHD drive) again

[Dandle]

Originally Posted by HappyDance

It makes me wonder just how bad UK roads are that the air suspension is a must have option over the standard suspension. I had read in a few reviews that the standard suspension is about 80% the comfort level of the air suspension. It was always inconsequential to me anyways because the LCI 40i spec in the US isn’t available with air suspension. The standard suspension is definitely comfortable enough on the roads where I live but I would never say I’m floating on a cloud like air suspension owners sometimes say.

I think it depends on the person experiences and perceptions. I specifically didn't want air suspension as I found it far too soft compared to my old X3M40i. In fact On my M50i with steel springs and non runflat tyres I have the tyres slightly over inflated to stiffen it up. Its still really plush for me.

[six]

For me it’s not just the ride quality, which I do appreciate, but my X5 is also quite a work horse and I absolutely love the fact that it’s always level regardless of the load being carried and also that’s a massive benefit when towing.

Do X5’s with non-air come with air springs on the rear, like my non-air suspension 5-Series Tourings used to?