07_X5 : Where's the itch ?

[xdrive]

Originally Posted by billjet

4- If you order the SP you'll have to do W/O the overdue double wishbone
suspension ... among other things. Well done BMW.

So the sport package will delete the double wishbone suspension, does it mean the mcpherson struct is better than the double wishbone suspension for sporty drive? Also, if without the double wishbone suspension, can one still get the Adaptive Drive option? This is really confusing. Does it mean that if you want the style 214 wheels, then you can't have the double wishbone suspension setup?

Btw, isn't 24 Nov the big D-day for the E70? Shouldn't BMW have the official brochure (with the proper explanation as to how the sport susupension is different from the normal suspension) and accessories catalog ready by now?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by xdrive

So the sport package will delete the double wishbone suspension, does it mean the mcpherson struct is better than the double wishbone suspension for sporty drive? Also, if without the double wishbone suspension, can one still get the Adaptive Drive option? This is really confusing. Does it mean that if you want the style 214 wheels, then you can't have the double wishbone suspension setup?

See, this is what is wrong with reading a single line in a web-based configurator, and deciding that it is the bible on suspension design.

Yes, the BMW web site says that the sport model deletes the double-wishbone suspension. It doesn't say what replaces it (assuming this single line is correct, which means we really really trust web page designers). Perhaps the replacement is a performance-tuned double-wishbone suspension? I don't know. Who said it had struts?

BMW has used struts for years, including on the M models. They are generally assumed to not be as good a design as the double-wishbone, but it isn't black and white. There are many advantages of struts. Also, a good strut is better than a bad wishbone.

Why would you pick a vehicle on whether it had a double-wishbone suspension? Does it really matter?

[Denalio]

If what you say is true about the hitch in the pics, then if you look at the picture of the hitch in the accessory book it looks nothing like one another. The hitch in the pic is a "J" design the hitch in the book is a straight reciever. In the book design there would really be no reason for the "j" cause the reciever would "recieve" the ball straight on. Am I missing something?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Denalio

If what you say is true about the hitch in the pics, then if you look at the picture of the hitch in the accessory book it looks nothing like one another. The hitch in the pic is a "J" design the hitch in the book is a straight reciever. In the book design there would really be no reason for the "j" cause the reciever would "recieve" the ball straight on. Am I missing something?

See my post #10, above.

The "J" design is used on current European models. The 2" square receiver is used on current North American models. The accessory catalogue shows a North American-style 2" square receiver.

My simple deduction is that the picture shows a European model. Given that it is a cloaked test mule with additional cladding, I don't think we can assume it is representative of the new E70 for details like the hitch.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by JCL

See my post #10, above.

The "J" design is used on current European models. The 2" square receiver is used on current North American models. The accessory catalogue shows a North American-style 2" square receiver.

My simple deduction is that the picture shows a European model. Given that it is a cloaked test mule with additional cladding, I don't think we can assume it is representative of the new E70 for details like the hitch.

the one shown in catalog is more correct representation.

[pseto]

there were a few e70s with the hitch option at the SC Performance Center last week. I didn't get a chance to examine it up close, but its definitely there.

[Denalio]

Here is a picture of the hitch installed on a new 2007 X5. This was a vehicle at the Ride and Drive with all accessories installed. The bumper was cut and a metal trim peice is installed to clean it up.

[Denalio]

Just to clarify the suspension. All X5 2007 in NA come with Double Wishbone Suspension regardless of the configuration. This came from the Canadian respresentative. However, Dynamic Handling Package does negate the sport suspension stiffer springs.

[Bo knows X]

Hey Denalio:
1) Hitch: Thanks for the pic ...I thought there would be a cut-out .... At least it isn't as bad as the X3.

2) Front Suspension: In Canada ... When you get the Dynamic Handling package (eg. Adaptive Drive e/w Active Roll Stabilization + Electronic Damping Control) ... you have two modes ... "Comfy basic setting" or "Sport" .... Is this "Sport" mode the same stiffness as the one found on the actual Sports package that come with the stiffer Sports suspension ???

[Denalio]

The interesting thing about the hitch is if you look under the rear of the truck the muffler runs along the bumper, it's huge. There is not much room in there to accommodate that hitch. The hitch of course is installed on the lower frame, I bet you it's a dog to install. Bo, I am not sure about the setting for the suspension. It would have to be the electronic dampening adjusting not the springs. Springs are really there to support the vehicle the dampening is there to eliminate the vibration effect from the chassis resononce.