Adaptive Drive

[steve]

Hi all,

finally ready (well almost) to pull the trigger on a new 50i. I am torn on a couple of things... first, I REALLY want the 215's, but they are big bucks... and I don't feel like the 20" replicas look nearly as good as the 21's. If they did, I would just order the 20" OEM 50i wheels and it would be a much cheaper swap.

Anyway, I digress.

I have tried to search out people's perception of Adaptive Drive, but my search fu must be weak.

So... is it worth the $3,500? I really want this X5 to feel as sporty as possible, since I am giving up an M3 for it.

thoughts, perceptions?

Thanks all for such a friendly, helpful community. Looking forward to officially joining you all soon!

[ManMachine]

I'd like to hear what people's experiences are also. It used to be part of the ZSP on E70 but now as a stand alone option it's very expensive.

Does it offer the comfort, sport, sport+ settings for transmission/steering/suspension settings like the new 7 and 5?

How much better does this make the X5 handle or ride?

I saw a 8-min youtube video on adaptive drive, which doesn't make it easier to understand how this thing works - it seems just a very complex set of electronics. Which would certainly be expensive to repair.

[X5FX]

assuming its the same as what was available in my 2007 model, worth every cent. I love the way the X5 handles.

[MyMonkey]

I drove both with and without the Adaptive drive. The only major difference was slow speed steering that I was able to percieve from whatever came on the M-SPort we wound up getting. Not sure if that helps.

[mrmojo]

the sport button doesnt seem to be as aggressive as my e90 m3 button for comparison.

[LeMansX5]

Are you not getting the M-sport pack? I believe that includes sport +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.

[ard]

Originally Posted by ManMachine

How much better does this make the X5 handle or ride?

I saw a 8-min youtube video on adaptive drive, which doesn't make it easier to understand how this thing works - it seems just a very complex set of electronics. Which would certainly be expensive to repair.

I really like it. A lot. My other two cars are an M5 and a modified 996Turbo.

And that video was brilliant- I thought it was a great way to communicate a very complex concept to people that don't understand suspension dynamics.

Yes, it will be a bear to fix.. hence a warranty.

A

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by MyMonkey

I drove both with and without the Adaptive drive. The only major difference was slow speed steering that I was able to percieve from whatever came on the M-SPort we wound up getting. Not sure if that helps.

I think you are confusing adaptive steering.

[Syndicate]

It is excellent. I recently sold my M3 and picked up the xdrive40d last week. There are plenty of winding roads where I live and last night I took the X5 for a spin. The sport mode was on, and the car handles great. I was able to carry significant speed with minimal body roll. Highly recommend it if you like to drive in a spirited manner.

Cheers,

[The Big Easy]

Marked increase in comfort/stability - especially with 21" 215s. Tick that option!

Cheers,