[Nooch]

I just ordered a new X5 40i M Sport with air suspension. I’m wondering if it’s a hassle to lower it every time you park or is everyone doing it without even thinking about it? The pics look amazing with it lowered.

[wtwo3]

I lower mine pretty much everytime I park.... you can begin the lowering process before you come to a complete stop so it doesn't take too long to do.

[Pateeke81]

I only lower it when I have my kid with me to let hem get in and out easier.
Takes around 15sec but you cannot open a door while it is lowering/raising.

[six]

Originally Posted by Nooch

I just ordered a new X5 40i M Sport with air suspension. I’m wondering if it’s a hassle to lower it every time you park or is everyone doing it without even thinking about it? The pics look amazing with it lowered.

Very often yes, particularly in the winter as it makes getting in/out without picking up mud on your trousers from the sills.

I did read a comment from another forum member that with newer firmware the car can be set to auto lower on switch off (like Land Rover vehicles) but I've not been able to find a setting for this myself.

The biggest hassle is waiting for it to drop down without popping any doors open as this will stop the lowering process.

[six]

One tip is that if you are going to be in a hurry lower the suspension one stop while approaching your parking area (if in comfort mode) which you can do on the move. Then when you stop you only have one more stop to select to fully lower, makes a few seconds difference

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I lower mine pretty much everytime I park.... you can begin the lowering process before you come to a complete stop so it doesn't take too long to do.

X2. I like (love) the slammed look with big 22” wheels.

[zhangyi17]

I read somswhere, the early air suspension air bag wears out more quickly when you frequently riase/lower it.

So if I were a owner with air suspension, I would try not to raise/lower it unnecessarily. Doesn't matter for the lease owner...

[PeterPuitG]

I cannot imagine lowering would affect the durability of the system as sudden shocks due to road surface seem much more vialent/frequent than lowering it at standstill.

In any case, I lower pretty much every time I park, and I don't lease. It has become somewhat of an automatism. I do not wait for the car to be fully lowered though, I get out and let it lower after i shut the door, it is my patience that cannot cope :-) But after shutting the door it lowers further and when I get back in it sits low.

Also I set the ride height in electric to sport so it already is one notch lower. Less whobble and not much less comfy. Too bad in other drive modes this isnt possible as it decreases the time to lower further.

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by zhangyi17

I read somswhere, the early air suspension air bag wears out more quickly when you frequently riase/lower it.

So if I were a owner with air suspension, I would try not to raise/lower it unnecessarily. Doesn't matter for the lease owner...

It’s a non issue with today’s system. The newest air suspension system is constantly adjusting for speed and level.

[Luminor513]

Yes I lower it every time. It has become habit for me now so I don't even think about it and just hit the button as soon as I put it in park. I drive in sport individual, so the suspension is only 1 setting above load height, therefore doesn't take more than couple seconds to reach load height when parked.

[zhangyi17]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

It's a non issue with today's system. The newest air suspension system is constantly adjusting for speed and level.

Good. Maybe I will consider air suspension for my next car.

I have m adapative suspension on my G05. I have test drove one with air suspension, but I didn't find it that impressive when going over uneven surfaces. I remember the first time I experience air suspension was in a s class Merc, and that air suspension filtered EVERYTHING. Car was like gliding on a mirror. So. when I test drive the x5, I thought I was getting that sort of driving feeling.

[Paladin1]

Haven't found an auto setting even with the latest software (7/2020.54) but I believe the rationale from BMW was to prevent the admittedly rare event of lowering the car onto something you didn’t want to - like a rock or a curb. Apparently a not-unheard-of occurrence in the Tesla Smart Air Suspension, generally requiring a bumper replacement. Hence the stop-action if you open a door, in the event your kid's tricycle is under it.

[hyde]

Curious if anyone tested and compared lowering and raising times from lowest to highest levels to make sure their systems are working well.

I also thought lowering should be faster since it's just letting air out, but I guess it's about same time to lower vs raise?