Self leveling suspension and active drive (questions)

[mtech8]

Originally Posted by DSE

(1) Don't know. I have 3rd row seats and "Self-Leveling Suspension" shows up as code 220 on my order sheet but I did not "add" it and it is not offered as an optioon.
(2) Don;t know. Seems odd.
(3) You are thinking of "Adaptive Drive" (versus active steering), and nio it is not teh same as the sports suspension. Adaptiove Drive is no longer included in the U.S. Sports Package. Adaptive Drive is an active suspension system; for example, it reduces body roll in turns.
(4) Self-leveling will simply raise adn level the suspension when there is additonal or unequal load in the vehicle. It does not affect handling per se. Adapative Drive is desigend to improve handling.

Yeah. I didn't see Code 220 as an option anywhere. But I remember when I was looking back at the 128 wheels in 2008 on BMW's website, I could have sworn that the self leveling was a requirement.

Is the "Sports" button by the gear box (not DS mode) part of Adaptive Drive? Would driving with the "sports" button off be the same as not having adaptive drive? I do notice more body roll when it is off.

So if I don't intend to tow things, would I even notice if I don't have self-leveling? (with only a passenger on one side of the passenger seat)?

[DSE]

Originally Posted by mtech8

Yeah. I didn't see Code 220 as an option anywhere. But I remember when I was looking back at the 128 wheels in 2008 on BMW's website, I could have sworn that the self leveling was a requirement.

Is the "Sports" button by the gear box (not DS mode) part of Adaptive Drive? Would driving with the "sports" button off be the same as not having adaptive drive? I do notice more body roll when it is off.

So if I don't intend to tow things, would I even notice if I don't have self-leveling? (with only a passenger on one side of the passenger seat)?

See below from BMW re: Adaptative Drive. I wouldn't worry about self-leveling suspension. The "sports" button alters the throttle input (i.e., less pressure on the pedal increases amount of electronic throttle input; that increased input means the car feels as though it is accelerates more quickly with less pedel effort) and stiffens the suspension. I do not know if that button is Sports Package specific or also requires Adaptive Drive.

Adaptive Drive.


On every curve, on every road surface: Adaptive Drive counteracts the forces that cause body roll. Your BMW handles with outstanding sporting agility, while also ensuring a very comfortable journey for you and your passengers. Body roll is practically eliminated, and winding roads can be enjoyed with a maximum of stability and safety.

The proven effectiveness of BMW's innovative chassis control systems, Dynamic Drive and Variable Damper Control (VDC) work closely together to deliver an outstandingly smooth ride and enhanced agility. Sensors in your BMW permanently monitor vehicle speed, steering-wheel position and the pitch and yaw forces acting on the chassis. Using this data, the system precisely adjusts the stabilisers and the dampers, changing their settings quickly and accurately. This coordinated interaction of dampers and stabilisers counteracts the forces that cause the body to roll or sway. Your BMW hugs the road, delivers neutral self-steering behaviour, outstanding agility and shorter braking distances.
Furthermore, Adaptive Drive adjusts the suspension settings to suit the character of the road surface. Each axle has its own independent motor that can adjust the dampers on each individual wheel. When the road surface under one side of the vehicle differs in character from that on the other side - such as when driving on roads with gravel shoulders - Adaptive Drive instantly adjusts the suspension settings of the wheels on one side to practically eliminate any perceptible unevenness in the road. In addition, you can choose between a more comfortable default setting for the suspension, or a more sporting setting.
Such high-speed calculations and responses demand a high-performance electronics system. Adaptive Drive utilises FlexRay, a high-speed data transfer system that networks sensors, control units and stabilisers.

[mtech8]

Thanks for the info on adaptive drive.

Originally Posted by DSE

The "sports" button alters the throttle input (i.e., less pressure on the pedal increases amount of electronic throttle input; that increased input means the car feels as though it is accelerates more quickly with less pedel effort) and stiffens the suspension

Very interesting about the sports button affecting the throttle. Gonna test that out when I get off work today.