This is why I didn't get the adaptive drive on our X5 as well. I have the M3 for the spirited runs and use the X5 as the tourer.

+2. It's been a little over a year and don't miss Adaptive Drive (had it on my '07 E70).

If Adaptive Drive offered adjustable damper settings like the //M I would've strongly considered it. However, with AD in its current form I just don't see myself taking advantage of it too often, plus it helps to reduce my wear on those ridiculously wide and $$ tires.

There is a small difference between Normal and Sport. Although it is definitely less of a difference than the Z4 adaptive drive or others I've driven.

The price is shown (Gesamtbetrag or Sum) at €2850 as configured; choosing other wheels like the 20" 214 is additional €1400 along with Comfort Seats. Prices include 19% VAT.

While the "Sportpaket" includes SA226 as default, the standard suspension SA225 is a no-cost option there as well. So in a sense, yes, NA vehicles with Sport Activity are getting ripped of the sport suspension that would otherwise be included. However, most Americans want big wheels and sport seats without the stiffer suspension- it's a market preference. Just like how Americans want all-season tires; all X5s in Europe have the 250km/h speed limiter because all are delivered with summer tires.

If someone in North America really, really wanted to try and not get 226 deleted, it could be an uphill battle with BMW NA. But logistically I don't see a problem.

Sorry to revive such an old thread.
I'm new here, and going through the confusing research stage of what I can and can't expect to find in a 2013 X5 that I hope to purchase. Among other questions, this same question has surfaced, about the suspension options.

I see it was determined back in 2010 that you could only get either
A) the base suspension or
B) the Adaptive Drive (uprated suspension)

I thought that things may have changed by now (post the refresh in 2011), but looking at the 2013 pricing guide it appears the same. I see it lists the ZMP "M Sport Package" as containing the 226 - Sport suspension, HOWEVER it also lists as Standard the 225 - Sport Suspension Delete (this is for the SAP only).

I will say terminology from the factory is quite confusing, and it gets worse reading anything from any dealer or other seller. "Sport Package", "Performance Package", "M Sport", "M Performance", "Sport Suspension", etc etc etc.
Nutty.