Just Ordered '06 - Is Front Air Suspension the key to the 4.8 smoother ride?

[z356]

I have done extensive search on this forum, Roadfly and Bimmerfest to figure out the reason most 4.8 owners claim their SAV rides better than a regular 4.4 X5 with Sport Suspension. After this analysis, I have concluded that the front air suspension (via option: Adjustable Ride Height) is the principal reason for their claim. Thus I have ordered my 4.4 with Sport Suspension, 19" style 132 wheels, Servotronic and Adjustable Ride Height. Basically duplicating the standard equipment on the 4.8, minus the bigger engine and 20" wheels. I hope to obtain the ride quality of the 4.8 without having to suffer the lower profile rubber on the 20" wheels. Is there a consensus among you that the front air suspension makes "the" difference and is the key to the perceived superior ride quality of the 4.8, even on 20 inch wheels & rubber? In case any of you is wondering why I just don't go with the 4.8, I just sold my '03 Audi RS6 because my wife complained often about the "stiff ride quality" on that vehicle. So I am trying to mitigate her "objections" via 19 inch wheels and air suspension on the X5, but still retain that special feeling of the sport suspension option which BMW seems to do so well and I have come to enjoy so much in my '04 745i (and standard on my Z8). So far, she has not complained about the suspensions on these two cars. Knock on wood. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.