SAV vs MSport

[Jasnb]

Looking to get back into an X5. Previously had an x5 MSport but gave it up due to pending family changes (had twins). Now wife realizes the X3 ain't cutting it on space.

Now the question. I think the MSport suspension is a bit too stiff for the little ones in the back. Wondering if the Sport trim is the same suspension? Or do I have to go back to the standard ride? . One of the things I loved the most about my last X5 was the cornering. Hoping downgrading to a standard suspension won't kill that feeling.

[Flying Ace]

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=546254

[jiggz]

This is a great question - it's come up before and there doesn't seem to be any definitive information available to confirm the different suspensions. Even the link posted above is not 100% clear - sounds like it depends on the year, model, and even then it could have different suspensions depending on the build specs?

I have seen 'Sport Suspension Delete' quite often when running VINs through a decoder. My advice would be - find some X5s local to you, run the VINs first through a decoder so you know exactly what suspensions they're equipped with, then drive them to see if any of them will work for you.

FWIW, when I decode mine (2012 50i M Sport) I don't see 'Sport Suspension' or 'Sport Suspension Delete' - I just see '220 - Self Leveling Suspension' Is that considered the same or different from the Sport Suspension?

[P1]

I have M Sport with the wicked 315 RFTs in the back, and my little one goes to sleep IMMEDIATELY. He pipes up again when I'm stuck in traffic, but once those tires start turning, he's snoozing!

[troymi]

Here is an M Sport invoice if it helps the details. I personally find that the M Sport suspension setup is more compliant than the version I had in our '12 X5 diesel. I never get the suspension slams on the M Sport.

[joe_planet]

I thought m sport was just a different look...

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by P1et

I have M Sport with the wicked 315 RFTs in the back, and my little one goes to sleep IMMEDIATELY. He pipes up again when I'm stuck in traffic, but once those tires start turning, he's snoozing!

he's definitely going to be a future sports car driver! lol

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by jiggz

This is a great question - it's come up before and there doesn't seem to be any definitive information available to confirm the different suspensions. Even the link posted above is not 100% clear - sounds like it depends on the year, model, and even then it could have different suspensions depending on the build specs?

I have seen 'Sport Suspension Delete' quite often when running VINs through a decoder. My advice would be - find some X5s local to you, run the VINs first through a decoder so you know exactly what suspensions they're equipped with, then drive them to see if any of them will work for you.

FWIW, when I decode mine (2012 50i M Sport) I don't see 'Sport Suspension' or 'Sport Suspension Delete' - I just see '220 - Self Leveling Suspension' Is that considered the same or different from the Sport Suspension?

yeah I agree, I'm just as confused after I read it.

On my x5d, I have the Sports Activity Package, but it has the code for sports suspension delete, yet I have the 3rd row and self-leveling suspension.

confused...lol On the car sticker, the SAP was like $3500, but for what? On the D, is the SAP also include a different bumper/skirt?

[troymi]

I can't say for 100% certainty, but the way BMW changes up the order packages it may come down to running a VIN through the decoder to figure it out!

I've heard different opinions, but all I know is my diesel had the "sport susp delete" and when I put 19" tires on it I couldn't believe the suspension crashes over road heaves.

I got the '13 gas M Sport expecting a little harsh ride but it was just the opposite. It's like the rebound is managed a lot better. It's firm, but under control. I really am amazed how composed it is.

Now, if I could get my wife to feel the same way. As soon as someone takes the lease or buys it we are going to a 5GT I think. I'm going to try and sneak the M Sport on that too though.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by troymi

I can't say for 100% certainty, but the way BMW changes up the order packages it may come down to running a VIN through the decoder to figure it out!

I've heard different opinions, but all I know is my diesel had the "sport susp delete" and when I put 19" tires on it I couldn't believe the suspension crashes over road heaves.

I got the '13 gas M Sport expecting a little harsh ride but it was just the opposite. It's like the rebound is managed a lot better. It's firm, but under control. I really am amazed how composed it is.

Now, if I could get my wife to feel the same way. As soon as someone takes the lease or buys it we are going to a 5GT I think. I'm going to try and sneak the M Sport on that too though.

so I think on our X5d's our sports package is simply just a sports bumpers and standard suspension.

[troymi]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

so I think on our X5d's our sports package is simply just a sports bumpers and standard suspension.

Agree. I do recall my diesel was not a sport package so clearly it would have been standard. Or "sport suspension delete" just to confuse us.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by troymi

Agree. I do recall my diesel was not a sport package so clearly it would have been standard. Or "sport suspension delete" just to confuse us.

well I have the sports activity package on my diesel, but still have "sport suspension delete", which implies that we both have the same suspension, but I have some type of sports activity on my sports activity vehicle...lol (body kit or is it sport seats? who knows, I didn't order it from the factory this way, I bought it preowned). But I looked up a car that doesn't have the sports package on it:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...83224564&Log=0

and this car looks almost 100% like mine except under the front kidney grills, I have a aluminum colored grill on front of my radiator and an aluminum front lip.

So it doesn't appear the sports package's body panels are any different, so wtf is on the sports package other than an aluminum grill and front lip? Based on what I found online, the SAP adds dark exterior accents, sports seats, sports steering wheel, and upgraded wheels as 1 package. (someone correct me if I'm wrong regarding this on a diesel).

[PAX5]

Study the two attachments and ALL of your questions will be answered ...

[135ivert]

Originally Posted by troymi

Now, if I could get my wife to feel the same way. As soon as someone takes the lease or buys it we are going to a 5GT I think. I'm going to try and sneak the M Sport on that too though.

I loved the room of the 5GT and 3GT. I didn't mind the look one bit. But the ride was what killed the deal for me. The ride height wasn't enough for me to forgive the tradeoff of height vs. handling (ie, it was tall enough to provide for bad handling, but not tall enough to be a CUV/SUV for all-around vision). Plus, the handling was as soft as marshmallows on a pillow. See if they'll give you an extended test drive - I think dealers are willing to unload GT's.

My .02.

[mitch808]

What sucks are run flat tires. The suspension is not the issue. Tires are just as important to your overall suspension design, as is the shock/strut/spring/etc. Even your seat cushions... But those damn run flats make most all sharp edges a strong bump felt in the car. Not to mention the additional weight in each wheel affects overall suspension response.

[RickM5x3]

Originally Posted by Jasnb

Now the question. I think the MSport suspension is a bit too stiff for the little ones in the back. Wondering if the Sport trim is the same suspension? Or do I have to go back to the standard ride? . One of the things I loved the most about my last X5 was the cornering. Hoping downgrading to a standard suspension won't kill that feeling.

Here's a guide:

1. All U.S. market E70 2007-2013, regardless of "Sport Package" or "Sport Activity Package" designation included "sport suspension delete" option code (ie., standard suspension).

2. 2007-2010 with Sport Package included Adaptive Drive (AD) within the package. 2011-2013 Sport Activity Package (which replaced Sport Package designation) did not include AD, but AD could be ordered as a stand-alone option.

3. "M Sport" package 2010-2013 included sport suspension. 2010-2011 M Sport also included AD within the package, but AD was removed and became a stand-alone option in 2012-2013. No M Sport package for 35d for any years.

You might enjoy an E70 with AD (look for "Sport" button behind the shifter) but with standard suspension. You get flat cornering but avoid what could be perceived as a stiff ride with the sport suspension.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by PAX5

Study the two attachments and ALL of your questions will be answered ...

Good stuff, thanks for posting. A lot to digest here…

1 - too bad the 2012 doc doesn't include the 50i
2 - interesting that the Sport Suspension is deleted only on the Sport Activity model (ZAP), but standard on the 'Base' and 'Premium' 35i & 35d? So the 35i/35d with ZAP are the only trims with exception to the M Sport that doesn't have a sport suspension? So, are they perhaps making up for it by adding 'Sport Package' (option 330) which is standard only on the ZAP? What is included in that? It's even noted within the Sport Activity Package (ZAP) but it doesn't say what it includes.
3 - looks like, at least on the 2013's (not sure on 2012 since the 50i isn't mentioned), that the M Sport Package adds the Sport Suspension back to the 35i and adds the self leveling suspension to the 50i.

So many other factors to include though, like others have mentioned. Aside from which suspension a given vehicle is equipped with, wheel/tire size, brand/type of tire, and perhaps even mileage (does it have 20K or 80K miles?) could have an impact on ride quality. FWIW my 2012 has 20's with run flats and I've always thought the ride seemed very smooth. I was expecting much worse when we started doing test drives, all with X5's running OEM 20's.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by jiggz

Good stuff, thanks for posting. A lot to digest here…

1 - too bad the 2012 doc doesn't include the 50i
2 - interesting that the Sport Suspension is deleted only on the Sport Activity model (ZAP), but standard on the 'Base' and 'Premium' 35i & 35d? So the 35i/35d with ZAP are the only trims with exception to the M Sport that doesn't have a sport suspension? So, are they perhaps making up for it by adding 'Sport Package' (option 330) which is standard only on the ZAP? What is included in that? It's even noted within the Sport Activity Package (ZAP) but it doesn't say what it includes.
3 - looks like, at least on the 2013's (not sure on 2012 since the 50i isn't mentioned), that the M Sport Package adds the Sport Suspension back to the 35i and adds the self leveling suspension to the 50i.

So many other factors to include though, like others have mentioned. Aside from which suspension a given vehicle is equipped with, wheel/tire size, brand/type of tire, and perhaps even mileage (does it have 20K or 80K miles?) could have an impact on ride quality. FWIW my 2012 has 20's with run flats and I've always thought the ride seemed very smooth. I was expecting much worse when we started doing test drives, all with X5's running OEM 20's.

Yeah, not sure what 330 actually is. I have noted all ZAP cars I've seen has the aluminum grills below the kidneys.

Have no idea what suspension is on ZAP X5d

[heatmizr]

Originally Posted by RickM5x3

Here's a guide:

1. All U.S. market E70 2007-2013, regardless of "Sport Package" or "Sport Activity Package" designation included "sport suspension delete" option code (ie., standard suspension).

2. 2007-2010 with Sport Package included Adaptive Drive (AD) within the package. 2011-2013 Sport Activity Package (which replaced Sport Package designation) did not include AD, but AD could be ordered as a stand-alone option.

3. "M Sport" package 2010-2013 included sport suspension. 2010-2011 M Sport also included AD within the package, but AD was removed and became a stand-alone option in 2012-2013. No M Sport package for 35d for any years.

You might enjoy an E70 with AD (look for "Sport" button behind the shifter) but with standard suspension. You get flat cornering but avoid what could be perceived as a stiff ride with the sport suspension.

Big THANK YOU to Rick!
If only there were more equipped with AD...

[mhkm]

What sucks are run flat tires. The suspension is not the issue. Tires are just as important to your overall suspension design, as is the shock/strut/spring/etc. Even your seat cushions... But those damn run flats make most all sharp edges a strong bump felt in the car. Not to mention the additional weight in each wheel affects overall suspension response.

Here is the answer to OP's original post. Oh, and don't forget to get some soft baby seats!

[Cattivo]

I've had my daughter riding in the back of my 50i msport since she was 8 months old with the 20'' rflts and she goes right to sleep...she just turned 1 and still sleeps like an angel in the back facing forward