Adaptive drive vs. standard suspension vs. KW V3?

[NardoW12]

Have been driving my 04 E53 with Sports Package in the last few years and I like the way it handles with the Sports Package. We have recently decided to order a new X5, most likely the X5 50i.

One thing I noticed about the MY2013 E70 is that the 'Sports Package' is for appearance only, and does not offer any change to the suspensions. I will be ordering the car with the Sports Package since I like the 20inch wheels and the black interior (I don't like the M-Sports Package's wheels and aero kit)

I spent some time with my friend's E70 35i Premium months ago and the car feels a little soft(at least compared to my E53 Sports Package), not sure if it's the standard suspension or the wheels on his car. I will be doing some test drives next week but really want to get some opinions from you guys...

1. For you guys who drove an E53 with Sports Package before, how do you like the standard suspension on the E70?

2. Anyone put a set of KW V3 on their E70 yet? How do you guys like it compared to the stock setup? Are there any other coilovers that are comparable to the KW V3?

3. Any opinion on Adaptive Drive vs. KW V3?

[wsybert]

No experience with the KW3 setup. Adaptive drive is incredible. I've driven both std and adaptive drive X5s back to back and the difference is night and day.
The nice thing about adaptive drive is the sway bars are hydraulically controlled. So, the springs don't need to be terribly stiff to control body roll.
Damping is changed when controlling sport or non sport modes. Not significant, but noticeable.
One thing to consider, is the aftermarket suspension may cause issues with warranty related suspension problems.

[blondboinsd]

Originally Posted by NardoW12

Have been driving my 04 E53 with Sports Package in the last few years and I like the way it handles with the Sports Package. We have recently decided to order a new X5, most likely the X5 50i.

One thing I noticed about the MY2013 E70 is that the 'Sports Package' is for appearance only, and does not offer any change to the suspensions. I will be ordering the car with the Sports Package since I like the 20inch wheels and the black interior (I don't like the M-Sports Package's wheels and aero kit)

I spent some time with my friend's E70 35i Premium months ago and the car feels a little soft(at least compared to my E53 Sports Package), not sure if it's the standard suspension or the wheels on his car. I will be doing some test drives next week but really want to get some opinions from you guys...

1. For you guys who drove an E53 with Sports Package before, how do you like the standard suspension on the E70?

2. Anyone put a set of KW V3 on their E70 yet? How do you guys like it compared to the stock setup? Are there any other coilovers that are comparable to the KW V3?

3. Any opinion on Adaptive Drive vs. KW V3?

I had the sport package on both my 2004 and 2005 X5's and I found the ride on my 4.8i Sport Package/Adaptive Drive to be harsher then my 2004 or 2005's. Much of that has to do with the RFT tires I think but I'm actually leaning towards not getting AD when I order my 2013 later next year

[AzNMpower32]

I would absolutely go for a suspension upgrade. With the M sportpaket on the 5.0i in the US, you can get the sport suspension. Otherwise, spring for the Adaptive Drive on other variants. I've driven both- the X5 with it at a BMW event and my dad's X5 diesel which has the standard suspension. The standard fare is too soft for my tastes, and I never enjoy carving up backroads in it because it's not as connected to the road as I'd like.

I can understand not all of us live in states where the DOT properly maintains roads, but I can't stand cars that don't feel hunkered down around bends. Plus, NC does a darn fine job on its roads.......

[NardoW12]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

I would absolutely go for a suspension upgrade. With the M sportpaket on the 5.0i in the US, you can get the sport suspension. Otherwise, spring for the Adaptive Drive on other variants. I've driven both- the X5 with it at a BMW event and my dad's X5 diesel which has the standard suspension. The standard fare is too soft for my tastes, and I never enjoy carving up backroads in it because it's not as connected to the road as I'd like.

I can understand not all of us live in states where the DOT properly maintains roads, but I can't stand cars that don't feel hunkered down around bends. Plus, NC does a darn fine job on its roads.......

I really don't like the painted body kit and the wheels from the M-Sports Package so I won't be getting it, I will definitely go for the Sports Package and then either AD or KW V3.

The problem is that it's hard to find a vehicle with AD at the dealers as most of their stock cars doesn't come with AD, and it's even harder to find a car with KW V3, so it's like a Mission Impossible to test drive these two options.

Both AD and KW V3 should offer better handling, some people say the ride comfort is not too bad with the V3 if you adjust it right. Price wise the KW V3 kit is probably cheaper than the AD after installation.

The road here in Houston is not too bad tho

[NardoW12]

Originally Posted by blondboinsd

I had the sport package on both my 2004 and 2005 X5's and I found the ride on my 4.8i Sport Package/Adaptive Drive to be harsher then my 2004 or 2005's. Much of that has to do with the RFT tires I think but I'm actually leaning towards not getting AD when I order my 2013 later next year

My current X5 is actually a little harsher than the 'stock' E53 with Sports Package since I changed the tire from 255/55/18 to 255/45/18, and I can definitely see RFT or low profile tires making the ride noticeably harsher.

Ride comfort aside, how would you rate the handling of the 4.8i AD compared to your E53?

[ard]

You seem to be equating AD to a KWV3 upgrade.... horribly wrong logic.

From a paper, "Here is a $3000 upgrade" perspective, I can see your thinking- but these arent equivalent.

If you want a large heavy vehicle with a stiffer suspension, get the V3.

If you want a car with Adaptive Drive, get AD.

Dont interchange these.

A

PS Near Sacramento? Test drive mine.

[blondboinsd]

Originally Posted by NardoW12

My current X5 is actually a little harsher than the 'stock' E53 with Sports Package since I changed the tire from 255/55/18 to 255/45/18, and I can definitely see RFT or low profile tires making the ride noticeably harsher.

Ride comfort aside, how would you rate the handling of the 4.8i AD compared to your E53?

Handling is different. It's a much larger feeling car so it doesn't feel as "sports car" as the E53 did (in my opinion) but it's so much better overall. The turning radius, braking etc. is far improved

[TriX5]

I have always thought the e53 sport suspension is a bit tough around town. My e70 has AD and around town I set it to Sport as the normal setting wallows the a bit in the rear. I have 3rd row seats.

However, I drove over a rough surface coming off I-495 with AD on sport and it felt positively uncomfortable compared to driving the same stretch on normal.

So, I guess AD sport or normal can make a big difference but indeed I am sure the notes above are correct. Drive each variant if you can and decide.

[NardoW12]

Originally Posted by blondboinsd

Handling is different. It's a much larger feeling car so it doesn't feel as "sports car" as the E53 did (in my opinion) but it's so much better overall. The turning radius, braking etc. is far improved

The turning radius for E53 is pretty stupid, but I find braking and handling just fine. Now I need to do a more serious test drive of the E70.