X5 Diesel - Adaptive Drive or not worth it?

[ABMW]

What's the verdict?

[XXX555]

For me the adaptive drive was not necessary and I am a current sport motorcycle rider, former cycle racer and former Boxster-S, Supra Turbo and Mitsu VR-4 owner. But currently, I live in FL without a single mountain road and drive around two young sons.

Judging by your passonate email, you will REGRET not getting the adaptive drive. A few hundred miles on a demo are meaningless particularly compared to the tax write off. Get the silver bullet.

[jaaX3]

If you like to drive, you're an enthusiast, and this is your only vehicle, then go for the AD and don't look back.

Like the above poster, I didn't get AD because i have a 535i with sport package and a 318ti which I autocross.

[ard]

I have an E39 M5 and a 996TT... I got the adaptive.

Just FYI: dealers only "locate" those cars that the other dealer will allow.. as you found, the car may 'exist' but your dealer doesn't 'find' it because the dealer that has it won't 'play turkey'...

You could post in 'ask a dealer', and see if they can put you need the front of the line for any cancels that happen in the next two weeks... who knows? I assume your deal does not need to be a "$500 over", so this might be a good fit for all involved.

GL

A

[Armand]

I live in your neck of the woods. I was also looking for a 2009 delivery and kept hearing from dealers that they could not deliver. I did find my x5d but had to check all local dealer inventories within a 50 mile radius on a regular basis to find it. There were at least 8 available new diesels in this area around end of November. So, you will find more if you look more. But since you are looking for adaptive drive, this demo might indeed be the only one in the whole area.

If you purchase the demo, be sure to check out to see if it qualifies for the stimulus package sales tax deduction since it is supposed to only apply to "new" car purchases.

Another minor point is that adaptive drive could slightly reduce the off-road agility of the vehicle but that does not seem to be an area you care about based on your note.

The demo could actually be an even better deal than a brand new car because if it has already run into the usual quality issues, the dealer would have fixed them (hopefully.)

Good luck!

[ABMW]

Hi Armand,

Yeah, you'd think that we'd be in the epicenter of BMW supply, considering the demand. Driving over the Bay Bridge or the Golden Gate, it's ridiculous taking count the BMWs. They're seemingly everywhere. With that said, the dealers here have been less than "great" at putting in any effort to locate a vehicle. I searched every dealer from Sacramento to San Diego. There's little left.

I've decided to go with the DEMO. The $4,500 BMW eco-credit applies, as the car was never registered. It's still brand-new.

I'll inspect it with a fine tooth comb, though, before taking delivery and maybe the 200 miles (I'm assuming it will be in that range by next week), might give me some more negotiation room.

In any event, the Diesel handled as well as the X5 Sport M that I drove, which also had adaptive suspension. It was pretty incredible. It's no M3, but for an SUV it's stunning.

Not sure how it could reduce agility? I'd love to proclaim that I'll be taking this off road, but the most extensive off-roading this truck will ever see will be moderate fire roads.

I've had a few jeep wranglers over the years, when the off road bug bites me. $7,500 for a 2000 or 2001 Jeep, is about the cost of a new body panel on the X5, I'm sure :-).

Thanks all! Very excited. I'll report back with photos, etc. when I take delivery.

[KenB]

I am/was in a similar position as the OP, former sport bike rider, Boxster S owner, we also have a 335i (wife's car).

I didn't bother with Adaptive Drive. I traded in my much loved Cayenne S on the X5d, with or without Adaptive Drive these big suvs are not going to be sporty enough to scratch the itch (the Cayenne is more fun to chuck around). When I got the Cayenne it was supposed to be my only vehicle, and as good as it was it wasn't good enough to keep me from buying a 987S.

[Armand]

Originally Posted by ABMW

Hi Armand,
...
Not sure how it could reduce agility? I'd love to proclaim that I'll be taking this off road, but the most extensive off-roading this truck will ever see will be moderate fire roads.

ABMW, Reviewers and competition (Land Rover) state that the extra stiff suspension does not allow sufficient room for the wheels to move for off roading needs.

Having said that, I doubt if you could even find the sort of conditions that the competition brags about here in SF Bay Area

[Redridge]

Im still finding myself shutting off AD in normal commute..... but in the twisties, its back on again.

Its not a 911, but its def better than stock suspension on corners. No regrets, AD is worth it for me. Congrats on the decision.

[Hans_ACS]

Take AD, it's my all time favourite option !