Cure wanted for terrible suspension on 4.8i

[gazza-the-hut]

I have a 4.8i (2008) equipped with 18" Run-flat tires. I find the ride on anything other than smooth roads very uncomfortable. The car doesn't appear to absorb any road imperfections but instead bounces over the bumps with overly firm suspension. Any suggestions for anything I could do to improve the ride?

[ard]

Huh?

Lets start with this: Name 2 cars that have 'rides' like you beieve the X5 'should' behave.

Then we can determine if there is something wrong with the X5, or you have chosen the incorrect car.

Also, confirm what current suspension is on YOUR car and let us know...

[JCL]

Also the number of miles on your current tires, as well as the pressure you have them set at.

[gazza-the-hut]

Other cars: I previously owned a Range Rover Sport, which had significantly smoother ride than this particular X5. I previously owned an X3 which was also better. I also own a Jaguar XF Supercharged which is in a completely different league (better), despite the 20" rims and low profile tires. I know the BMW is always going be firmer ride than most SUVs but ours is really bad over city roads and I'm amazed not to find much criticism of it in the forum, which is what makes me think it could be faulty in some way, hence the posting.

The car does NOT have the optional "Sport" package nor does it have the optional "Dynamic Handling" package. It's on standard 18" rims. Tires are Michelin Latitudes (Run-flats) and pretty new. Pressures are 38psi all road.

Any constructive thoughts?

[JCL]

Lower the tire pressures to 32 psi. Overinflating them like that will make the vehicle ride harshly and bounce, exactly as you are experiencing.

[gazza-the-hut]

Thanks, I'll try the lower pressures.

[Xtony]

Switching to non-runflat tires made my X5 ride much smoother and quieter, and it now absorbs small ruts, expansion joints, and rough/patched roads much better thank before.

[kakalika]

Ditch the Run Flats!!!!

[autoque]

Do you find the ride acceptable after correcting the tire pressure?

[TahoeM3]

The run flats are definitely harsher than regular tires, but I have a hard time believing that they are enough to explain what's going on here, especially on a non-sport model 4.8 with 18" wheels...that would be a relative "creampuff" of the X5s. For comparison, I don't find the suspension on my X5M to be uncomfortable at all, although it is much better without the non-run flats, which add harshness and remove performance.

I'd go back to wondering if this is the right choice for you. The X5 is definitely more sport than pretty much any other SUV, which explains why it handles so well. If you've ever driven any car from Lexus (LFA excluded) and thought "this is just right," then the chances are you're not going to be a BMW guy.

Let us know what happens after you drop the tire pressure or switch to non-run flats.