Soft Close Doors: Worth it?
 

Just wanted some feedback from people's using experience with shutting their doors. My younger sister drives an older 04 ML and her doors are super annoying. They need to be shut with some force otherwise a repeat will be required! I've tried shutting the doors on the X5 a few times at the dealer. Ironically on some vehicles they shut very easily (with minimal force), while on others I had to do a repeat.

Just wondering what the overall experience is with shutting the doors without soft close doors. Is a lot of force required? (I hate slamming doors).

I'm speculating that the 2009 X5's bound for the US MIGHT have that option available. Since the 2008 X6's already include it and everywhere else besides the US have it on the X5's already.

I was about to say, I don't recall the option....I guess because it wasn't an option...

My parents are the MB freaks of the family, they own a ML and a couple of SL's....And one thing that I do notice between BMW and MB, is that BMW actually make their doors open upwards a tad....This is the same on my e46 M3....Making it more of a pain to open than shut...I personally like it, as it does make for closing the doors rather easy...But unfortunetly for you...they slam shut...

The MB's all need some force to shut solidely(is that a word?)...Whereas BMW requires a slight shove, then the weight of the door takes over....followed by a slam

Now my Chevy truck....OK...won't go there...lol

Thanxs DawgBone. Ah. Your explanation makes sense. That could be the reason why I get different reactions from shutting different X5's. Perhaps they were parked on slightly different sloped surfaces.

I don't mind if it's a slight shove leading to a mild slam. What I do mind is having to use more force which leads to a big SLAM!

I'm not looking for quiet operation as soft close doors would allow. But just wondering if slight shove/force can close the door securely.

I have to say I am amazed at how a noise can be so cool .. I was instantly impressed with the singular 'thud' you get when you close an E70 front door from inside :2thumbs:

I really enjoy the soft close an it gives the vehicle a more luxurious feel. Not sorry I got it. Just need to remind the wife doors don't need slamming.

Almost all high end German cars have this "thunk", especially the older 90's Benzes (real tanks!). Even some VWs have that sound of solidity and quality.

Try even an expenisve Lexus or American car...just not the same feel and weight.

I would be really, really surprised if BMWNA offered soft close doors in an X5. Even the 2004-2006 4.8is didn't have that. IMO, this feature is great in the 7 Series, S-Class or A8...but overkill in an SUV/SAV.

I have soft close and really like it...gives the car that extra luxury feel. If you have children thatyou don't want to wake it's very,very useful

This option is OK. I like it!

I love it

I think that we will see it on the X5 in the U.S. because
1. it is available on the X6
2. it is available on the auto tailgate on the X5

I love the auto tailgate on my X5! I wish I had soft close doors too.

I believe they are currently available.

I don't have it but I would get it on my next one. They have it on 7 series and I love them. I love soft close doors.

+1 exactly!

I think it's pretty frivolous. I don't get any excitement from it happening, it costs a bundle and it's not exactly the most useful feature either.

But, this is your car, so what you say goes.

Actually, does anyone know if soft close doors can be added/retrofitted afterwards?

I find it really useful. As an earlier poster mentioned it's especially useful if you've got children - who often don't close the door properly.

I've lost count of the amount of times in previous cars I've started to drive away, realised the kids doors still partly open and then because of the child lock it's me who has to get out and close their door.

With soft close once the door catches the 'soft close' facility will pull it in to close fully.

:iagree:

I was thinking that this would be a pointless feature for me, until the kid aspect was brought up.

Lots of the features on these cars could be described as frivolous but the thing is that you use this every time you use the car and it just makes the car feel that bit more special.

If you have kids it's almost a must in my mind.