I own an X6 50i with adaptive drive and am currently driving an X5 50i service loaner without......IMO, I wouldn't consider one without. All actions are "fluid" and there is no sense of system compensation; i.e. anti-lock brakes or stability control

Thanks for the feedback. I am about 12 hours away from ordering an X5 with AD. Hopefully I won't be disappointed.....it is hard to see a downside though based on feedback (besides money)

It is just hard to get dealers words out of my head, "I wouldn't get it if I were you." or "it is the last option I would get"

If you do not get AD, it is certain you will regret it.

If you get AD, wait a few months and then drive an X5 without AD - it is certain you will not regret your decision to get AD.

I took a 90 degree left turn in the wet pretty fast the other day and I felt the DSC kicking in (toward the end) more than any actuating of adaptive drive. It was remarkable... the body roll during the maneuver was near non-existant. It caught me by surprise that the DSC had to intervene because it just felt like I was in control the whole time rather than sliding to the right in the cabin. It being a wet floor probably factored in, but the body roll control... amazing.

This is different than a slower more gradual turn like a slow-speed on-ramp that is banked... you still don't feel AD "kick-in" at any single point but you do feel some body roll opposite the bank as you start the turn. Sometimes I wish it were even stiffer because we take those types of on-ramps so much.

Basically what I'm saying is when you really need it, it will just work. But you won't always feel it - I guess it uses various degrees of damping.

1.On the 2011 msport was the AD a separate option or was it bundled with another package.
2. Was this the AD the same as Active roll stabalization?
Thanks in advance Rob

For 2011 (not 2012) Adaptive Drive was bundled with the M Sport package.

Any idea about paddle shifters being offered on the 2011's at all on any model especially msport. were they available?
Rob

I have it, as part of the Sport Package, in my 2007. I couldn't imagine owning/leasing a X5 without AD. I've driven a few others (2007s, 2009s) without AD and it was night and day from a handling standpoint. I haven't really tested AD vs non-AD on rough roads though.

You need to get AD if you buying a M-Sport X5. I have had AD on every E70 since 2007 and everytime I have a loaner without it you can tell immediately its missing. Its a sweeter ride with it.

I might be misunderstanding you, but actually you do NOT need to order the M Sport package at all to get Adaptive Drive - this has NEVER been a requirement for getting AD in the X5. In 2011 the X5 M Sport package came with AD, but this is no longer true in 2012 - it must be ordered separately. And, in 2011 you could get AD by simply ordering it regardless of whether you ordered the M Sport or Sport package.

For example, I have a 2011 Sport Package 5.0 with Adaptive Drive - I prefer the non M Sport Package because I like the running boards and I just prefer the look of the Sport Package over the M Sport package - I just don't prefer the 100% painted look on the X5 (I know it is just me).

Plus, I live in Colorado and we spend an enormous amount of time in the mountains in the snowy months and the 20 inch wheels just don't work as well with snow tires (compared to 19s). And, I for one (I know I stand almost alone on this one), like the look of my X5 with a little sleeker stance instead of with the uber wide wheels and tires. I do not prefer the monster truck look. But, I have an M3 and have owned an M5 and have went down many many roads with larger wheels and tires only to end up preferring the handling with a slightly smaller (and lighter) wheel tire combo - sorry, I digress.

However, IF the only way to get AD was by getting the M Sport package, then I would have gotten the M Sport package, because I would NEVER be without Adaptive Drive!

Here is a pic of my non M Sport with Adaptive Drive on 19s.

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/...5afterwax2.jpg

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/...ive50i/X52.png