Retrofit Adaptive Drive?

[Car_Girl]

I found the parts list for the E70 Adaptive Drive system which is one of the features that didn't already come on my car since I couldn't place an order for it.

Has anyone retrofitted Adaptive Drive on the E70? I haven't been able to locate any info or details on how many hours something like this might take to do.

We have a 4 post lift in our garage and just about every tool one would need to do such a job. I'm going to be downloading the necessary tools and getting the interface cable for the car to laptop connection to start programming a few things in my car so the computer side isn't out of the question (at least I'm not afraid to tackle it even though it might take me a while to locate the info just exactly what I'd have to do to enable or disable certain things like 'adaptive drive = yes' instead of its current 'no' setting, etc.)

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[blue dragon]

Subscribed, I would like to see how this progresses.

[BGM]

AD has to be somewhat complicated to retrofit I would think + you run the chance of other suspension issues, etc, which wouldn't be covered if they find it was caused by something aftermarket.

[digdesign]

You're ambitious. I'm sure it's possible but I think you're blazing a new trail and it's going to take a lot of research, trial, and error to get it done. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Can you post the parts list?

[ard]

Originally Posted by Car_Girl

... I couldn't place an order for it.

Huh? Why couldnt you order it?


I've never seen it done.

BMW would likely refuse ANY warranty work that involves programming ANYTHING in the car. Even if you got the right modules and enabled these, if BMW needed to work on the car, and the went to update the SW, they'd load the modules as it was loaded at the factory... Sop at the dealership is a complete reprogramming every time they touch the software, to ensure all factory updates are distributed.

I cannot imagine the cost.... The $4000 MSRP of this option would look likes real bargain. Go to one of the online stores and price the major parts- shocks and two anti roll bars.

Also I posted a PDF on AD someplace here, look for that to ID the overall system...

A

[blue dragon]

Originally Posted by ard

Huh? Why couldnt you order it?


I've never seen it done.

BMW would likely refuse ANY warranty work that involves programming ANYTHING in the car. Even if you got the right modules and enabled these, if BMW needed to work on the car, and the went to update the SW, they'd load the modules as it was loaded at the factory... Sop at the dealership is a complete reprogramming every time they touch the software, to ensure all factory updates are distributed.

I cannot imagine the cost.... The $4000 MSRP of this option would look likes real bargain. Go to one of the online stores and price the major parts- shocks and two anti roll bars.

Also I posted a PDF on AD someplace here, look for that to ID the overall system...

A

Not quite true, as long as the modules were available for his build date, the BMW software will recognize them and program them no issues. It doesn't really program based on the FA, but actually sees the modules that are in the car. Its when you start adding things that were only available for later build dates, then you run into issues.

[ard]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

Not quite true, as long as the modules were available for his build date, the BMW software will recognize them and program them no issues. It doesn't really program based on the FA, but actually sees the modules that are in the car. Its when you start adding things that were only available for later build dates, then you run into issues.

Appreciate the distinction, thanks for the correction.

Im not saying it wont work, Im saying a BMW dealer may refuse to cover any issues that involve programming if the software environment of the car is altered from manufactured configuration. More of a policy issue. They could be cool about it, or they could be dicks.

A

[Car_Girl]

Love the discussion - thanks for all the comments and feedback. I'll post the parts list as soon as I get to a real computer. I'm using my iPad and it's got some limitations that way.

Regarding the reason why I couldn't order the option - it's because I wanted to place an order when the factory wasn't taking any new orders because of the ramp down in production. I had a special circumstance whereby I lost leverage to argue this particular issue, but since the dealership was able to locate a vehicle that was already built and was darn near exactly what I wanted, I took it.

I'd love to drive an X5 with Adaptive Drive so I could compare it against mine without it. Then I'd know if I wanted to dive off the deep end head first or not. ; )


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[ard]

If your out to the Sacramento area you can drive mine.

Sadly, driving one will result in your jumping!

A

[Car_Girl]

Lol! I wish I lived in Cali - you guys have all the wonderful resources at your fingertips within a reasonable drive. Out here in MI, we don't have nearly as many choices. In fact, I don't know of any reputable Euro Tuners who have 4WD Dynos so I need to scout around a bit to find one.

Thanks for your offer to drive your car. If I'm ever in the area, I'll contact ya!

And man, I've been searching for the E70 Adaptive Drive parts list for about an hour now and for some reason, I haven't found it. I swear, I bookmarked it this morning but I didn't. I know I saw an exploded diagram with a bubble chart and for each numbered part, at the bottom of the page was the entire parts list with Part Numbers and Prices in USD. I'm scratching my head trying to remember where it was I found that page.