Adaptive Drive - Is it worth it?

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

A couple of weeks ago, I took delivery of an X5d with sport package and 20s, but without Adaptive Drive. I read all of the Adaptive Drive 'must have' posts here before I ordered, but I resisted; I do not like artificial feedback from 'active' suspensions. Besides, if the vehicle ended up being a wallowing beast, I have other weapons for canyon carving. Of course a back-to-back comparison on some twisty roads would have made it easy to decide for myself, however dealer inventory around here has been slim.

I must say that I am very pleasantly surprised by the standard X5 suspension. It is proper BMW; nicely starched, but not stiff, with surprisingly little body roll. This thing really moves through the turns if you push it. While Adaptive Drive may reduce body roll further while smoothing out the ride, I can't see how it would feel natural to have the vehicle respond in that way.

For a little background, this is my 7th BMW, the last two being M3s, which saw plenty of track time. I took a break from BMW the last 9 years (during Bangle's tenure), and have used Porsches on the track instead. So I do appreciate good handling...but I see no need for Adaptive Drive. (And as was mentioned by somebody else, the fewer electronics to go wrong in a BMW, the better.)

Alan, where in LA did you get you 35d? Colour combo? Options? How are you liking your Diesel?

This is my 5th X5, and besides from my old 4.8is...my favourite. The mpg is awesome, and the 35d pulls like a freight train.

[BGM]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

A couple of weeks ago, I took delivery of an X5d with sport package and 20s, but without Adaptive Drive. I read all of the Adaptive Drive 'must have' posts here before I ordered, but I resisted; I do not like artificial feedback from 'active' suspensions. Besides, if the vehicle ended up being a wallowing beast, I have other weapons for canyon carving. Of course a back-to-back comparison on some twisty roads would have made it easy to decide for myself, however dealer inventory around here has been slim.

I must say that I am very pleasantly surprised by the standard X5 suspension. It is proper BMW; nicely starched, but not stiff, with surprisingly little body roll. This thing really moves through the turns if you push it. While Adaptive Drive may reduce body roll further while smoothing out the ride, I can't see how it would feel natural to have the vehicle respond in that way.

For a little background, this is my 7th BMW, the last two being M3s, which saw plenty of track time. I took a break from BMW the last 9 years (during Bangle's tenure), and have used Porsches on the track instead. So I do appreciate good handling...but I see no need for Adaptive Drive. (And as was mentioned by somebody else, the fewer electronics to go wrong in a BMW, the better.)

The "old" Sport Package on the X5 ('00-'09) was what made it stand out in handling vs. the standard suspension (I had an '01 with Sport and now '08 4.8 with Sport). Many people have observed the difference (probably more so on the e53). I think with the massive 20"s and not having Adaptive it probably feels sporty if you are coming from another car brand since BMW has a tighter standard suspension than most. But having Adaptive on a 6K lb SUV that makes it handle better than most cars is why we like it.

[midwest x6]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

I had Adaptive Drive on my 2008 4.8i. I do not have it on my 2011 35d. I know I will get blasted, but I do not feel any difference (and I live in a very, very hilly and mountainous area with lots of turns and dips).

I'm going to have the same situation - coming from an X6 50i and Adaptive Drive to X5 35D w/out it....

Like car color, this is a very subjective issue.

My needs from the X5 are very different than others...It's also different for me @ 50 years of age vs when I was in my 30's or early 40's..

What I need today is towing, sporty to drive, luxury, more economical..I drove an 09 35d w/out Adaptive and it was fine for me...I don't want to feel like I'm driving the Titanic every day and I didn't. I didn't want to feel like I was driving my wife's Lexus RX, and I didn't.

Someday I'll have an M3 again to carve-up corners. Don't need my X5 to do so...Others do, and that's cool

[Alan Smithee]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

Alan, where in LA did you get you 35d? Colour combo? Options? How are you liking your Diesel?

It is Platinum Gray/Black Nevada/Dark Bamboo, with Sport Activity, Cold Weather, and Premium Sound packages, Navigation/BMW Assist, 20s, and spare tire...that's it. I got it from Santa Monica BMW (who were great).

Only 500 miles so far and trying to adhere to the break-in recommendations, but very happy with the driving dynamics and drivetrain so far. I also have a MB E320 CDI, so I am a diesel fan.

However, I am continuing to be annoyed by the controls that have plagued BMWs since I defected; the pointless start button, fixed position steering wheels stalks, ridiculous shifter, electronic e-brake, etc., and of course iDrive. It may be improved, but it sucks, IMO. BMW controls used to be ergonomically correct and intuitive, not different just for the sake of being different. Everything else about the interior is great; seats, steering wheel (although shift buttons really should be part of the 'sport' package), and premium audio. Oh, except for the lack of Homelink in a $63k vehicle. Very frustrating that it can only be had with the 'Premium' package, when it is standard equipment on cars that are less than half the price.

[midwest x6]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

It is Platinum Gray/Black Nevada/Dark Bamboo, with Sport Activity, Cold Weather, and Premium Sound packages, Navigation/BMW Assist, 20s, and spare tire...that's it. I got it from Santa Monica BMW (who were great).

Only 500 miles so far and trying to adhere to the break-in recommendations, but very happy with the driving dynamics and drivetrain so far. I also have a MB E320 CDI, so I am a diesel fan.

However, I am continuing to be annoyed by the controls that have plagued BMWs since I defected; the pointless start button, fixed position steering wheels stalks, ridiculous shifter, electronic e-brake, etc., and of course iDrive. It may be improved, but it sucks, IMO. BMW controls used to be ergonomically correct and intuitive, not different just for the sake of being different. Everything else about the interior is great; seats, steering wheel (although shift buttons really should be part of the 'sport' package), and premium audio. Oh, except for the lack of Homelink in a $63k vehicle. Very frustrating that it can only be had with the 'Premium' package, when it is standard equipment on cars that are less than half the price.

I think the new iDrive is just fine - especially relative to the old one or vs my wifes 010 Lexus and it's next gen system

[Slalom]

I had adaptive drive on my 07 4.8. It was amazing - for such a heavy vehicle to corner so well is hard to imagine. When the local Police Service took it for a spin they were sold - unfortunately for them BMW did not have a Police Special for the Canadian market at the time.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

However, I am continuing to be annoyed by the controls that have plagued BMWs since I defected; the pointless start button, fixed position steering wheels stalks, ridiculous shifter, electronic e-brake, etc., and of course iDrive. It may be improved, but it sucks, IMO. BMW controls used to be ergonomically correct and intuitive, not different just for the sake of being different. Everything else about the interior is great; seats, steering wheel (although shift buttons really should be part of the 'sport' package), and premium audio. Oh, except for the lack of Homelink in a $63k vehicle. Very frustrating that it can only be had with the 'Premium' package, when it is standard equipment on cars that are less than half the price.

I know what you are saying, but it is worse with the X5 than with other BMW models, IMO. Coming from an M3, you had more of a driver's car. The E70 X5 is targeting a different market. It drives very well for a heavy SUV, agreed, but it isn't one of the sportier BMW models, and it tends to get loaded up with electronics.

We are continuing to enjoy our X3 with the si engine, 6MT, a real key, no electronic parking brake, and no iDrive. It is possible to get a purer vehicle from BMW, it just comes down to picking models, and some want the size of the E70.

[335xray]

As many have said this is a very personal decision. I think I have a unique perspective on it since I can drive both versions back to back over the exact same roads over and over again...my wife has a 35i SA version without Adaptive drive, but with 20s and I have the 50i M Sport package WITH Adaptive drive.

When I drive my wife's car, it handles great, nice and firm like a bimmer should, so I was pleased. I picked up my truck 2 weeks later and on the drive home from the performance center, I ended up taking some real snakey back roads in Tennessee and the thing handled like it was on rails!

I have tried normal and sport version in my truck on my drive to work and have done the same drive with my wife's car. Part of the drive involves several speed bumps and a little bit of twisty road.

To summarized the differences...the adaptive drive truck is the best of both worlds, it is softer and more dampened when in normal mode than the non-adaptive drive version and it is more firm and rolls much less when in sport mode.

So, you have to ask yourself what you want. $3500 is a bit of change for one option. You won't dislike the ride without it, but if you get it, it really is special.

My 2 cents,
X

[ard]

Originally Posted by 335xray

As many have said this is a very personal decision. I think I have a unique perspective on it since I can drive both versions back to back over the exact same roads over and over again...my wife has a 35i SA version without Adaptive drive, but with 20s and I have the 50i M Sport package WITH Adaptive drive.

When I drive my wife's car, it handles great, nice and firm like a bimmer should, so I was pleased. I picked up my truck 2 weeks later and on the drive home from the performance center, I ended up taking some real snakey back roads in Tennessee and the thing handled like it was on rails!

I have tried normal and sport version in my truck on my drive to work and have done the same drive with my wife's car. Part of the drive involves several speed bumps and a little bit of twisty road.

To summarized the differences...the adaptive drive truck is the best of both worlds, it is softer and more dampened when in normal mode than the non-adaptive drive version and it is more firm and rolls much less when in sport mode.

So, you have to ask yourself what you want. $3500 is a bit of change for one option. You won't dislike the ride without it, but if you get it, it really is special.

My 2 cents,
X

Spot on.

If you know what the suspension is doing and you can discern how the suspension is adapting- and doing so in an unobtrusive and controlled matter- it is sublime.

IMO

I'd say give me an Adaptive drive before comfort access, running boards, upgraded leather and HUD! (Fine options but add nothing to the driving experience.)

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

It is Platinum Gray/Black Nevada/Dark Bamboo, with Sport Activity, Cold Weather, and Premium Sound packages, Navigation/BMW Assist, 20s, and spare tire...that's it. I got it from Santa Monica BMW (who were great).

Only 500 miles so far and trying to adhere to the break-in recommendations, but very happy with the driving dynamics and drivetrain so far. I also have a MB E320 CDI, so I am a diesel fan.

However, I am continuing to be annoyed by the controls that have plagued BMWs since I defected; the pointless start button, fixed position steering wheels stalks, ridiculous shifter, electronic e-brake, etc., and of course iDrive. It may be improved, but it sucks, IMO. BMW controls used to be ergonomically correct and intuitive, not different just for the sake of being different. Everything else about the interior is great; seats, steering wheel (although shift buttons really should be part of the 'sport' package), and premium audio. Oh, except for the lack of Homelink in a $63k vehicle. Very frustrating that it can only be had with the 'Premium' package, when it is standard equipment on cars that are less than half the price.

What do you mean fixed position steering wheel stalks? Do you mean the steering wheel itself? If so, mine goes (electrically) up, down, in and out? Stalks? Aren't all steering wheel stalks on all cars fixed in position? I don't understand this.

I LOVE the gear shift selector. Not only does it look awesome, it takes less room that a tradt'l PRND gear selector. I find it quite intuitive.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE iDrive. I will agree that the first generation or two were dismal and so frustrating, but what I had in my 2010 750 and now the 2011 X5 is awesome. So easy, clears up so many buttons, makes finding things really easy and is very intuitive!!

Without Comfort Access, the Start button is totally, 100% pointless and is just an added step with the key. With Comfort Access, the Start Button is really great. So quick, fast, efficient. I will NOT have a BMW without Comfort Access!

Electronic E-brake! Most cars, at least European ones have this. It's pretty easy, just like a manual brake. Pull up to set, push to release. Takes up SO much less room too!! Again, I really like it a lot!

Really glad Santa Monica BMW was good to work with. They used to be royal A-holes. Myself and several friends did not have a good experience there. Maybe they changed ownership or management.

BIG Diesel fan too. This makes my 3rd Diesel. I'm so happy America is finally coming around!!

Again, Congrats on the new 35d!!