X5 4.4 options help....
 

Getting very close to ordering my new car, I know I want to get nav, premium, cold weather, and rear climate pkg. I am not sure about the sport pkg, is the ride much stiffer than without the sport suspensions? Also I am thinking to get the comfort seats, I have tried both the sport seats and the comfort, and I can't make up my mind, it's difficult without actually driving the car for a straight 8 hours... Any advices would be greatly appreciated.

Also are the rear side airbag an option?

My 2 cents...
Own a 4.4/Sport pkg...no complaints with the ride, I mean c'mon, it's meant to be driven...want a smooth/calm ride, buy something like a Mercury Aviator!
Can't believe I said that...no offense intended.
Rear side airbags.. I have them, makes me feel better about the kids...if you get them, make sure they are activated. Mine came from the plant but were not activated until I questioned the dealer about the stickers saying so.
Remember, it is an SAV not an SUV...makes a difference.
atcx5

It depend on what kind of ride you want. The Sport setup will give you more of a road feel, that genuine "BMW" ride. However, it is a bit rougher over bumps and potholes, so you have to be careful. I don't have the Sport on my 4.4i and although my truck won't corner as well, it is a very respectable ride. I'm actually pulling on cars in turns with no problems, and those soccer moms in their Pathfinders have to slow down at the curves.

The comfort and sport seats are both very comfortable, but IMO the sport seats do become a bit "stiff" after a long ride (4-5 hrs+). The sport seats are meant to bolster you in during driving and turning, so by nature they have less cushy material. Whatever choice you go with, it wont be wrong.

It depends how old the kids are. If they are infants/toddlers, I would not activate them because side airbags are harmful to kids at younger age.

As my screenname indicates I live in L.A and potholes are a big issue, I mostly drive a Z4 (with sport) to work, and have to constantly watch the road, especially since the z4 is so low. I also like to go away during weekends (national parks, skying... usually 4 to 7 hours away) so I want to arrive to my destination relaxed.

Dear Somewhereinla, get the sports package the ride is so much smoother on the open road, granted that in town driving might be a bit on the bumpy side. I have sport seats which have lateral supports (really decreses side roll), the X5 looks more attractive with the lowered suspension. You can always order air suspension (but there seem to be some issues with height consistency) right now. Get the sunroof, your in LA!!
http://www.spacespider.net/emo/cool10.gif Cheers,

go with the sport package! much more aggressive look with the SP wheels!!! Very cool looking. Regular model looks just OK with the stock wheels and tires.

I have a 2003 4.4 non sport with comfort seats and had the 18inch wheel setup. The ride was very smooth over bumps/potholes. However, there was a lot of float on agressive cornering.
Now I have put on the 20's replica wheels and wow what a difference! First off the car's look has changed dramtically. The car feels actually just as smooth as when it had 18's on them. The float is gone and only slightly more feedback from the road.
I had driven an x5 with sport package and it seemed a little too firm for us. My wife drives the x5 about 90% of the time with our 7month old baby in the rear car seat. To much bouncing around and firm sport ride was not an option. Hence, we got a great deal on a non sport model, but by swapping out the 18's to the 20's we still maintain a great/smooth ride, have an aggressive look and great handling! Oh, and the comfort seats are awesome with so many different positions available.

If you drive with family/kids, go for the non sport.
If the X is for yourself and you have no kids get the sport model!!

:iagree:

Get the Sports Package and Comfort Seats.