Sport Activity 35i sport suspension
 

I am helping a friend option out a 2011 X5 35i and I am a little confused on the spec'ing of these cars.
On the sport activity version verses the premium if He wants sports supsension and opts for the 19" inch sport wheels over the 20's then does he lose the sport suspension? or is there really no sport suspension anymore unless you order ARS? If if you do order ARS with the 19's does it then lose the sport supsension?

Sales advisor states that if you order the 19's on the sport activity model then you lose the sport suspension. That does not sound right.

I am use to the old versions where sport had sport suspension and non-sport didn't.

I believe on the new Sport package (2010+) you can delete the sport suspension but I'm not aware of it changing your package options/content. As someone with a Sport Package equipped E70 I can honestly say that I would prefer the looks of the Sport package without the suspension but that may just be me.

The sport activity DOES NOT include adaptive drive, aka sport suspension. The adaptive drive is a separate $3500 option.

The question is:
The Sport Activity Pkg indicates a Sport suspension delete...
What does that mean?
Why would the base model have a sport suspension but the sport model does not?
Is there a noticeable difference?
My only guess is due to the 20s, they soften the suspension some, unless you want to pay for the active suspension.

Unfortunately I have only driven M Sport models and diesels without the SAP.
Plus I only drove the diesels at the BMW PC so I have no direct comparison.

Has anyone driven the 3 back to back?
Non SAP models
SAP without active suspension
SAP with active suspension

My guess is the level of handling ability goes up with each step.

The suspension setup in all non-adaptive drive X5's are the same. Any perceived difference otherwise is only due to the various wheel/tire setups.

The adaptive drive is supposed to stiffen up and lessen body-roll during turn-in through its magnetic shocks and adjustable stabilizer bars. Wasn't worth $3500 to me since I don't plan to go nuts in a 2.5ton SUV, plus more electronic wizardry = more $ repair problems down the road.

Below are additional features in the Sport Activity Pkg:

Sport Steering Wheel
Sport Seats
Anthracite Headliner
Shadowline Window trim
Fender Flares
20" 214 Wheels w/Summer Performance RFT's (can opt for 19's instead)
Higher Top Speed limiter, from ~135mph to ~150 (NA if you opt for 19's)

two-five boy has it correct. That is the way my 35i SAP with the M Sport package came. I do have the 20"s and the Adaptive Drive as that is how the M Sport package with zero non-deletes' is built.

I'm happy and probably over-optioned, but I don't see many around like it.

Good luck.

Better being over-optioned than under. I hate seeing another vehicle with stuff mine doesn't have ! That's why I envy every X5M driver !!! :thumbup:

BMW does not offer the sport suspension SA 226 in North America. There are two choices: either the standard (soft) suspension, or Adaptive Drive.

Sometimes an order will say "sport suspension delete" (SA 225) for logistical/factory build reasons. A look at the Ordering Guide reveals all.

The Sport Activity model comes with the German "Sport package" (SA 330) but Americans generally do not like a firm ride, so there is the special option code to delete the sport suspension. The Adaptive Drive (2VA) is the suspension upgrade. The wheels have absolutely nothing to do with the suspension.

On the Premium model, the only dynamic upgrade is the Adaptive Drive (2VA). No wheel changes are possible.

Other questions?

Very interesting info AzNM!

Any way to find out how much is the European Sport Activity package, in order to determine if our price in the US was discounted for lack of "Sport Suspension", or if we're suckered into paying a similar price for a watered down product?

OK I finally get it. More correctly stated, "there is the special option code to not get the sport suspension". Otherwise the confusion is it implies the base models get the sport suspension.