E70 35d non-sport convert to sport (suspension)

[Edge647]

OK dumb question, and I'm prepping for the onslaught ...

Almost 3 years after my X5 purchase, I'm starting to have some buyers remorse - wish I got the Sports Package that would have given me a firmer ride.

A couple options that I can think of:

1. Wait until the F15 comes out and trade-in and fix my mistake.
2. Make the mods to my E70 to make it comparable (or better) than the sport suspension....(and probably go to the F15 later anyway)

My question is for option 2...is this possible? what needs to be updated/modded for this to become reality? (OEM or aftermarket)

Thanks in advance.

[watrob]

Have you priced the springs, shocks & matching swaybars from BMW, then priced it from some after market suppliers?

It can be done its not to hard to do, its whether you want to spend the dollars?

[Edge647]

Originally Posted by watrob

Have you priced the springs, shocks & matching swaybars from BMW, then priced it from some after market suppliers?

It can be done its not to hard to do, its whether you want to spend the dollars?

I haven't priced it out yet since I don't know what I "need" to buy - would that be the complete list that you provided above? Also, do you think that OEM or aftermarket is the best way to go? (warranty implication, performance, etc...)

I don't mind spending some $$$ - as long as its a number that still makes sense.

Cheers

['10-X5-35d]

You know, it's not a dumb question (no questions are).
I've always seen the Sport option as wheels and seats on the X5.
When you see the sport option, they always list the suspension as "Standard Suspension".
So, for an X5, is there really a difference ?

Active suspension, no doubt in my mind.

My old 335i, Sport suspension was another thing.

Not sure there's an upgrade on the Sport option, other than 20" possibility, fender flares (with the 20"), sport seats (which BTW, I'd ditch in a second for the amazing Comfort seats I have in my X5 )

[watrob]

You have to remember BMW have put alot of thought into there sports suspension, there springs, shocks & swaybars are all matched, you cannot really change just one item.

I am not sure how many after market companies except maybe the larger ones have full suspension kits for sale?

Price wise OEM maybe alittle dearer but resale would be easier with BMW OEM!

[JCL]

I thought the X5 sport option was just cosmetic. The suspension upgrade is called Adaptive Drive, and gets good reviews, but I can't imagine retrofitting it, with all the hydraulics.

Trade it. Or aftermarket suspension if you just want to make ride rougher.

['10-X5-35d]

Exactly my point.
Aftermarket, or change it for Adaptive Drive.
That was the term I was looking for.
And I'll surely try it next time I'm at my dealer.

[Edge647]

Originally Posted by watrob

You have to remember BMW have put alot of thought into there sports suspension, there springs, shocks & swaybars are all matched, you cannot really change just one item.

I am not sure how many after market companies except maybe the larger ones have full suspension kits for sale?

Price wise OEM maybe alittle dearer but resale would be easier with BMW OEM!

Thanks for the feedback - I will look into the OEM pricing and expect the extreme!

Cheers

[Edge647]

Originally Posted by JCL

I thought the X5 sport option was just cosmetic. The suspension upgrade is called Adaptive Drive, and gets good reviews, but I can't imagine retrofitting it, with all the hydraulics.

Trade it. Or aftermarket suspension if you just want to make ride rougher.

Originally Posted by '10-X5-35d

I've always seen the Sport option as wheels and seats on the X5.
When you see the sport option, they always list the suspension as "Standard Suspension".
So, for an X5, is there really a difference ?

Active suspension, no doubt in my mind.

My old 335i, Sport suspension was another thing.

Not sure there's an upgrade on the Sport option, other than 20" possibility, fender flares (with the 20"), sport seats (which BTW, I'd ditch in a second for the amazing Comfort seats I have in my X5 )

If I remember correctly...and this is for the 2010 X5 35d in Canada, there was a Sports Package that included 19" rims/tires + Sport Seats, but it also included Sport Suspension (A226). AND Adaptive Drive wasn't available on the 35d in Canada for 2010 models.

But I could be wrong...will dig for the data sheet...

[JCL]

Well, realoem does list different struts on four corners, and an additional rear roll bar, for the 2010 35d. The struts are around $1000 per axle, the anti-roll bar is a few hundred, and the springs aren't listed, but guess at 1200 or so. $3500 in parts, plus labour, seems expensive to me. I'd put the same money towards AD on my next purchase.