Ordering a X5 35d - Adaptive Drive???

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by photoflo

Are you satisfied with the way your new X5-35D takes the curves without the AD?

Yes, I am very satisfied, but.... everyone is different and others would probably not be satisfied. As background, I have a Z4 and a couple of BMW motorcycles, so if I want some higher level driving excitement, I'm not looking to the X5 for that purpose.

I know it is often difficult to do this, but the only way to know for sure is to drive vehicles with and without on the same curves.

It is difficult to go by others' opinions. Case in point. The 2004 Z4 could be had with a sport button. A few people posted how they really thought the sport button was fantastic because when it was on the suspension really firmed up. Well, in actual fact, the sport button on the Z4 did absolutely nothing to the suspension. All the button did was switch the auto transmission into sport mode, make the throttle more sensitive, and decrease the power assist to the steering.

Yet, there were several people who swore the Sport button really firmed up the suspension, and that benefit alone made the Sport button a required option!

[XXX555]

Photo, I see you live in FL like myself. Not many hard sweeping turns in your neck of the woods. Flat and straight mostly...




The way I looked at it was money and potential mechanical headache. Frankly, I would not have likely bought the X5d without the 4500 ecocredit and 1800/900 federal tax credit. To give back another $3500 without a night and day difference would be hard. I drove both and there is less body roll going around a turn at an intersection absolutely but could not justify the extra $ and potential hassel. I came out of a 335i and don't miss the flatter cornering.... but I do miss the occasional sideways slide with the traction control off after a rain.

[Redridge]

Can someone explain what the sport button do on the e70? Is it strictly suspension... or other sys as well... eg: tranny, ecu, fuel maps... etc

[anatolych]

I drove X5 with sports mode on at PCD the other week. It was raining and the race track experience was awesome. Cornering and control of the truck was really car like despite the weight. An hour later I picked up my 35D without adaptive drive and drove it home. And I have not missed it. In my opinion, unless you plan on driving it like a sports car in your everyday life, you don't really need it. Handling of the stock X5 suspension is really good as it is.

[photoflo]

Well this afternoon I got to test drive an X5 35d without AD. I enjoyed it and the practical inner me decided not to test drive an X5 with AD to compare it with. I placed my order and it should be delivered around Christmas - without Adaptive Drive

I want to thank everyone again for all your comments about AD. Although it's a personal choice type of thing it does help hearing other people's experiences.

I didn't get to read the latest comments from XXX555, Penguin and Anatolych before making my purchase order but it was a pleasure to read them tonight - makes me feel even more confident that I made the right decision.

Thanks again!

[jamesboags]

Originally Posted by Penguin

I chose not to get adaptive drive the that very reason -- I keep my vehicles for a very long time and the adaptive drive is likely to have problems, being part of the suspension, components exposed to weather, etc. And having adaptive drive will preclude using after-market replacement shocks, as I am sure the adaptive drive shocks will only be available from BMW as an OEM item.

I had one CA say they had reliability problems with the adaptive drive, but I wouldn't give their comments too much credibility, as dealers say all sorts of things. But I would note that this was in a discussion of what options to order, so he had no financial interest in dissuading me from spending another $3,500 on the vehicle I was ordering.

I agree I preferred a standard spring and shock setup ..as I'll keep my car for 5-6 years... out of warranty this feature will cost $ if something goes wrong !!!

[02fireman]

I just drove my 35d without AD through the blue ridge parkway from Virginia through North Carolina with all it's nice curves and coming from a 335 with all the m-sport goodies I still enjoyed the feel. It felt real stable.

[BBMMWW]

I drive regularly a 3.0d without adaptive drive and a 3.5d with AD and active steering. I can tell you, i feel huge difference!

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by BBMMWW

I drive regularly a 3.0d without adaptive drive and a 3.5d with AD and active steering. I can tell you, i feel huge difference!

Yup, it really is a personal thing -- one must try them both to determine if it is important to them with their driving style and perception.

[Redridge]

Originally Posted by BBMMWW

I drive regularly a 3.0d without adaptive drive and a 3.5d with AD and active steering. I can tell you, i feel huge difference!

Hmmmm, the US dont have adaptive steering with the deisel. I wanted one.