Newbie Considering 2011 X5

[barbja]

The 35i Sport Activity adds sport suspension on top of the Premium also. That's a significant difference.

[BGM]

Originally Posted by barbja

The 35i Sport Activity adds sport suspension on top of the Premium also. That's a significant difference.

Actually, no, BMW changed the Sport Package with the '10 models--the sport suspension is now called Adaptive Drive and is a stand alone option.

[JCL]

You really need to sit in one configured as you will purchase it. I found a real lack of headroom in the E70, due to the panorama sunroof. It had less headroom than my 2003 E53. I am also 6'4", but it depends on more than just your height, it is about where your length is (legs vs torso). I like the seat upright for my back comfort (and the comfort seats are the best option IMO)

If you are getting running boards for the looks, great. If you are getting them for function, try them out first on a wet day and see how disfunctional they are.

[barbja]

Originally Posted by BGM

Actually, no, BMW changed the Sport Package with the '10 models--the sport suspension is now called Adaptive Drive and is a stand alone option.

I have a 2011 35d, and you know what? When I was doing my build in March, there was much confusion over the "Sport suspension delete" that was in the 2010 order list for the ZAP, and then the lack of it in the 2011. His itemized version of the ZAP actually included a line that said "sport package". I had him go off and figure out if that car was going to have a sport suspension (ie stiffer) or not. I know that it wasn't going to have adaptive drive. They decided to tell me that it was going to have a sport suspension.

At the time, I had an E53+Sport that I had been driving for 7yrs. If I had ended up with a $70k car with a squishy suspension, I would have NOT been happy. I had driven several 2010s and the only one that I liked was an MSport. However, at the time, it didn't have to be adaptive, just sporty-stiff.

Anyhow, the "build your own" on the BMWUSA site has "sport suspension delete" on it now, unlike my pricing sheet. Interesting, eh?

Soooo -- its a good thing I ordered adaptive drive (because I thought it was cool), or else he'd be having his Second 35d from me sitting around on the lot (the first debacle being the cr*ppy sound system standard in a 35d -- their fault -- canceled just before it hit the paint booth -- don't even want to talk about it! -- Although it didn't sit on the lot very long, all his whining about the expensive build be damned!).

My CA actually tried to talk me out of ordering the adaptive drive. Said it was expensive and I wouldn't notice the difference. Well, I do. And I really like it. $3500 well spent.