X5 M spy photos

[Fredo]

Originally Posted by watrob

I have just recieved updated re-designed front control arms for my RHD X5 E70 Exec Sports which has Adaptive Drive with Active Steer & 20" wheels, they came direct from Germany. A head tech for BMW flew in to check out why my X5 was driving to the left and they could not dial the problem out.

It shows you where the devolopment comes from Germany, I would say these would be the arms they would use on a M model X5 as they give you the frontend adjustment which is currently not available on the LHD & RHD X5's. The spec on an M model would deffinitely have Adaptive Drive & Active Steer, the problem is the front end becomes very sensative with this combination tends to follow the camber of the road and as there was no castor adjustment available until these new control arms were developed to counteract this problem.

Whether they become a standard item in the new Sept production of the 2008 model remains to be seen but it would need to be on the M model X5 for sure as BMW prides themselves in the handling of the X5 especially the sports models.

None of the current M/// Models in the BMW range has Apadptive Drive or Active Steer and they won't any time soon either. They even shy away from the Servotronic steering, the 5 series range has Servotronic except the M5 that has good old fashioned power assisted rack and pinion steering. The M5 and the M3 both have EDC which I think could be described as the M/// version of Adaptive Drive. M/// models don't even have run flat tyres as they know they just don't work with a proper sports suspension.

I wouldn't hold your breath if you are waiting for the M/// version.