Specific Adaptive Drive Question
 

We are getting close to pulling the trigger on ordering and X5 35i sport activity and am still going back and forth on Adaptive Drive.

I was finally able to drive a couple adaptive drive vehicles last weekend. Drove a 50i, M sport, 20 inch wheels, with adaptive drive. Then drove a normal 35i premium with 19" wheels right after on the same roads that were quite bumpy and had one bridge with what I would call "undulations". The 50i with 20s and M sport was significantly less harsh than the 35i, No AD, with 19"s. The AD just kind of smoothed everything out. Of course the flat cornering was amazing, but I was really trying to evaluate the how smooth it was.

One question I had to those who have driven or have one. Can you feel the adaptive drive compensating (like mechanically)? Or feel any discontinuities in the suspension like it is harsh and then suddenly you feel it change to smooth.

I would like it to be a transparent experience, but remembering back, I almost felt as if I could feel the various components adjusting at different times, whether it was hearing or feeling through the wheel or pedal

I am not sure if I was imagining this or not. It may just be that since I was trying to evaluate it so closely my mind was playing tricks. I asked this on another forum and a few folks didn't think they could perceive the system being obtrusive.

I thought I might ask here to see if there are other opinions. I would really appreciate any opinions you all have. Basically I don't want to spend $3000+ and then wish I had a "normal" suspension.

Besides that....the technology is pretty amazing.

Get AD, the X5 drives & feels better with it.

So do you feel it "kicking in" or is it transparent?

IMO, If you could "feel" it kicking in, it would be too slow to work - think about it.

I just bought a 2011 Sport Package Xdrive50i Adaptive drive and have driven her about 600 miles so far. I am a very critical driver - I notice every little thing about my cars. I have thus far only experienced pure amazement that this vehicle is so fun to drive!

The X5 replaces a 2007 Acura MDX. I used to think the MDX handled pretty well compared to other SUVs, however the X5 is leagues beyond the MDX in the handling department. The X5 is so good, that it has crossed over into a realm of cars that I love instead of cars that simply serve a function.

Don't think twice about getting AD - I haven't heard one negative comment about it coming from those who bought cars with AD.

AD is single best option on X5
 

You never feel the AD "engage" or "kick-in", it is always on, always dampening the road.

When you push the "sport" button then everything tightens up a little more. You will feel a little more of the road, but the car will corner like a significantly smaller, more nimble car. But even with sport engaged, you will not feel adaptive drive doing it's thing. You won't feel/hear anything engaging or starting.

AD is the single best option on the X5 and it is a strange move for BMW to only allow "priority-1" orders to add it. In other words, dealers ordering spec cars for their lots can not add AD to the car, therefore there are almost no X5s with AD for people to test drive.

You have been fortunate to be able to find a used X5 with AD to drive. You have felt the benefits. It is expensive but worth it. Add it to your order, you won't be disappointed.

Good luck.

And I would also consider Active Steering. Makes the car easier to maneuver at low speeds/parking, yet maintains the taught feel at highway speeds. Has been one of my favorite options (after AD). Turns the wheels lock-to-lock with like 1/2 turn of the steering wheel. Amazing. I can't remember the last time I had to turn the wheel hand-over-hand. just my 2c.

I don't feel it engaging--it's transparent. AD is always "on". If you've had Sports Packages in the old e53 or any other BMW pre-AD (meaning the option to add it as a stand alone as it was taken out of the Sports Package) it was already "built-in" the Sports Package which gave it tighter handling. I think when BMW made it an option they added to it the ride smoothing characteristics of it (ie smoothing out rougher roads).

Thanks for all the responses thus far. I REALLY appreciate it.

You have all almost talked be into getting it.

If anyone wants to paypal me an extra $3150, let me know. :-)

Didnt this precise question come up previously? ;)

It is transparent.

Having driven a 1990 vintage Q45a which had an actually more advanced active suspension, the BMW system is really remarkably unobtrusive.

I've not slid the X5 around- I am guessing that a whole lot of stuff would kick in, and be noticeable...but in normal driving, even aggressive, you feel no 'discontinuities' as a driver

A

It did...I actually used some of your definitions like obtrusive and discontinuities here because they so well described what I was wondering about...I was just hoping to get a few more opinions from folks who have it.

Thanks for replying again Ard...I really appreciate you taking the time respond.

It's funny, I had myself just about convinced in getting AD, then we just drove a 35d with sport activity package and i really liked the normal suspension... even with 20" Dunlop RFTs. Now I don't know what to do again.

IMO, you are confusing yourself bro

The only way you can have a strong impression of what the AD does is to drive two identical (identical except for AD) models back to back, on the same road course. When I did this, I decided instantaneously to not settle for anything except for AD.