Hi Fiona

I have the 2.0D sport with deleted sports suspension. Even with standard springs the ride is harsh - mine has the softened 2005 set-up too. It's bearable but occaisionally on UK roads can be uncomfortable. My advice is to test drive both sports and non-sports springs over a variety of roads. B-roads with poor or undulating surfaces are the worst. On balance, I'm pleased with the X3 and glad I bought it but the ride is still the worst thing about the car.

X5's feel to my mind much heavier and slower - the X3 is far more sporty and nimble. The 3.0sd should be amazing !