We are getting close to pulling the trigger on ordering and X5 35i sport activity and am still going back and forth on Adaptive Drive.

I was finally able to drive a couple adaptive drive vehicles last weekend. Drove a 50i, M sport, 20 inch wheels, with adaptive drive. Then drove a normal 35i premium with 19" wheels right after on the same roads that were quite bumpy and had one bridge with what I would call "undulations". The 50i with 20s and M sport was significantly less harsh than the 35i, No AD, with 19"s. The AD just kind of smoothed everything out. Of course the flat cornering was amazing, but I was really trying to evaluate the how smooth it was.

One question I had to those who have driven or have one. Can you feel the adaptive drive compensating (like mechanically)? Or feel any discontinuities in the suspension like it is harsh and then suddenly you feel it change to smooth.

I would like it to be a transparent experience, but remembering back, I almost felt as if I could feel the various components adjusting at different times, whether it was hearing or feeling through the wheel or pedal

I am not sure if I was imagining this or not. It may just be that since I was trying to evaluate it so closely my mind was playing tricks. I asked this on another forum and a few folks didn't think they could perceive the system being obtrusive.

I thought I might ask here to see if there are other opinions. I would really appreciate any opinions you all have. Basically I don't want to spend $3000+ and then wish I had a "normal" suspension.

Besides that....the technology is pretty amazing.

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2004 M3, Silver Grey, Blk, 6MT
2011 X5, 35d Sport Activity, Deep Sea Blue / Cinn Brown
2013 X5, 35i Sport Activity, Platinum Gray / Blk, AD