Ordering a X5 35d - Adaptive Drive???

photoflo · #1 11-17-2009, 10:41 AM

Looks like I'm ordering a X5-35d today. I'm ordering the Sport Activity Package but see it doesn't include Adaptive Drive (it auto checks "Sport Suspension delete"). Is Adaptive Drive worth the $3,500 upgrade?

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cmyX6go · #2 11-17-2009, 10:56 AM

I think it is. After having it, I'll never go back to not having it. Test drive both back to back. Good luck.

photoflo · #3 11-17-2009, 11:07 AM

Thanks. There are no X5-35d's at my dealer to test drive :-(

cmyX6go · #4 11-17-2009, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photoflo

Thanks. There are no X5-35d's at my dealer to test drive :-(

You don't need to drive a diesel. Drive a 3.0i or 4.8i with and without the adaptive drive so you can get a feel for it. The adaptive drive is going to be the same regardless of diesel or gas engine.

GGreek · #5 11-17-2009, 11:30 AM

Can you still lower the X if it has adaptive drive?

moolis · #6 11-17-2009, 12:27 PM

I ordered mine without. It is still a great vehicle. Now, if you'd like one to drive sportier, then, yes, get the adaptive drive. Is it worth $3,500 to get that, only you can decide. Mine does not corner as well as one with. I'm ok with that. I've always had sport pkg. in my cars. I feel that's a necessity. With the X, to me, it wasn't so important. Sure, I'd love it, but not for $3,500.

ring007 · #7 11-17-2009, 01:12 PM

My '08 4.8i has it and my wife's '10 3.5d. During "spirited" driving I immediately noticed the difference between the two. My wife will never notice that it doesn't have it. the '10 3.5d has a noticieable increase in nose dive during hard braking and roll during fast corners. I had never compared it when I bought the '08 but now that I have, I'm glad I have it on my X.

Quote:

Originally Posted by photoflo

Looks like I'm ordering a X5-35d today. I'm ordering the Sport Activity Package but see it doesn't include Adaptive Drive (it auto checks "Sport Suspension delete"). Is Adaptive Drive worth the $3,500 upgrade?

photoflo · #8 11-17-2009, 01:44 PM

Thanks everyone! Would having Adaptive Drive add considerably to the cost of maintenance (such as replacing the shocks) compared to not having Adaptive Drive? I plan on keeping this car for a long time :-)

Penguin · #9 11-17-2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photoflo

Thanks everyone! Would having Adaptive Drive add considerably to the cost of maintenance (such as replacing the shocks) compared to not having Adaptive Drive? I plan on keeping this car for a long time :-)

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.

photoflo · #10 11-17-2009, 03:51 PM

Thanks Penguin! You confirmed my thoughts.
My problem is that I am used to the old Sports package that included a "Sports suspension" in my current 2006 X5 4.4 and my older BMW's. Liked how they handled a lot. This whole Adaptive Drive thing at the high price of $3500 (that's a lot of money!) just threw me for a loop. I don't even know how much different it is from the old "Sports Suspension" of the older models.
Anyway, thanks for your comments. I am leaning towards not getting it. Are you satisfied with the way your new X5-35D takes the curves without the AD?

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