how can i soften my 4.4 sport package
 

wifes car - no longer likes the stiff ride
will softer shocks alone make a big difference>?

its a rough ride now

2001 x5 4.4i sport.prem
i have 18 inch winter and 19 inch summer rims

:dunno:

Put on 18" or 17" inch all season tires.

I think so and coupled with spring replacements should soften it quite a bit. You can also go to higher profile tires (more sidewall).

+ 1 on more sidewalls (60 or 55 series) and all season tires on the 18" rims - find a set that are optimized for comfort over handling. It will be the quickest and easiest place to start.

start with 17 inch wheels

like all 3.0 x5's have 17 inch wheel and tires if there not sport package..

that should give you a softer ride / and you can get them for like 400 with good tires because they are not too wanted

This post is old but still relevant. I'm now on the quest to soften my 01 X5 and 07 X3.
From my research the issue is shock valving. Non adjustable Aftermarket shock manufacturers are specking their products close as possible or even more aggressive than BMW specifications. An adjustable shock will give you more flexibility in dialing your comfort level.

It’s important to note that there are a few issues with adjustable shocks:
1) Are they even made for the E53?
2) Shock adjustments only impact some of the valving. Even a full on 4-way adjustable shock is somewhat limited in what the adjusters can do. (Note: Notwithstanding some marketing, there is no such thing as more than 4-way damping adjustment. Many manufacturers have taken to counting clicks in the knobs as a “way,” but that is a fucking lie. At most, you get low speed rebound, high speed rebound, low speed compression, high speed compression. And you’re generally talking about $10k for a set of actual 4-way shocks.)
3) Don’t assume that an adjustable shock can be adjusted softer than stock. Even when they are made, most adjustable shocks for BMWs start stiffer than stock and end up MUCH stiffer.