Adaptive Drive

[justforfun]

Hi all,

I'm in the process of building my 2013 X6 35i and I'm debating on adding the Adaptive Drive a $4,300 option. I know the X6 has a stiff suspension already, but does this Adaptive drive give you the option for Sport or Comfort setting? Also, is there a big difference in handling with this option?
I really want this option, but my wife disagrees

[doug_999]

I only test drove X6s with this option. I would argue that in the X6s I drove, none have ever felt like they had a stiff ride and most drove amazingly well (very little body lean). I don't think you will regret getting this option unless you are planning on owning the car out of warranty.

There is a sport button but it changes the ride very little (you feel the bumps a bit more). I should also add that I have the 19" wheels which probably ride a bit smoother than the 20s. Although all the X6s I drove with Adaptive drive had 20s and they rode fine too.

Last but not least, someone posted that this now includes Active Steering (a significant savings over 2012 where you had to buy both). Active Steering is by far my favorite feature on this car (ahem, truck).

[justforfun]

Originally Posted by doug_999

I only test drove X6s with this option. I would argue that in the X6s I drove, none have ever felt like they had a stiff ride and most drove amazingly well (very little body lean). I don't think you will regret getting this option unless you are planning on owning the car out of warranty.

There is a sport button but it changes the ride very little (you feel the bumps a bit more). I should also add that I have the 19" wheels which probably ride a bit smoother than the 20s. Although all the X6s I drove with Adaptive drive had 20s and they rode fine too.

Last but not least, someone posted that this now includes Active Steering (a significant savings over 2012 where you had to buy both). Active Steering is by far my favorite feature on this car (ahem, truck).

Thanks for your response. Yes I plan on owning the car out of warranty. Why you say this?

I was thinking that this Adaptive drive is the option with the dial setting for Comfort, Normal, Sport...no? If not, does all the X6s comes with this dial setting option?

Also, I see that you have the Space saver spare, what exactly is this type of option?

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by justforfun

Thanks for your response. Yes I plan on owning the car out of warranty. Why you say this?

I was thinking that this Adaptive drive is the option with the dial setting for Comfort, Normal, Sport...no? If not, does all the X6s comes with this dial setting option?

Also, I see that you have the Space saver spare, what exactly is this type of option?

Well there is a LOT of technology in the Adaptive Drive. While I personally would not want to own a BMW out of warranty, the more options you have, the more things that can go wrong and OMG, I certainly would not want to pay for the adaptive drive components.

There is no dial setting - it is a sport button. Not sure if the non adaptive drive have it.

In the end, you MUST find a X6 with this option and one without and test drive both to determine if it is worth it for you. I assure you the Active Steering is worth it. BTW, the X5 should drive the same (but that was not my experience).

Originally Posted by justforfun

Also, I see that you have the Space saver spare, what exactly is this type of option?

It is your typical space saver spare and jack for $150. Get it. With it, you can dump your run flats (if you like) and heck, even get some extra miles if you were stuck with a messed up run-flat. I did love when my delivery specialist at the Perf Delivery Center saw my spare and said "Wow, you didn't get the run-flats cause you got a spare". It hurt me to tell him that all X6s come with run-flats.

No matter what, for $150 this is a great piece of insurance and it should be standard.

[justforfun]

Wow, very useful and good information I'm located in Okinawa and the military car sales here don't have anymore information than I do and we're basing it from bmwusa.com. Info on the website is very vague or maybe i'm not searching hard enough

I am definitely adding the space saver spare option.

I'm still debating on the Dynamic handling option. I really like to test drive the X6, but i don't have that option.

[Jess///M]

Originally Posted by justforfun

Wow, very useful and good information I'm located in Okinawa and the military car sales here don't have anymore information than I do and we're basing it from bmwusa.com. Info on the website is very vague or maybe i'm not searching hard enough

I am definitely adding the space saver spare option.

I'm still debating on the Dynamic handling option. I really like to test drive the X6, but i don't have that option.

I bought my X6M without ever having driven one. Love it! I don't think you'll be disappointed. I traded in an '08 M5 -- the X6 definitely drives differently, but the experience is still fantastic.

[Mike van D]

No, the non adaptive drive X6s does not have a sport mode button...at least my 35i doesn't.

[doug_999]

While I think the Adaptive Drive is great, if you never drove a car with it, you probably would not miss it. My buddy was coming from a RX350 and drove the X6 without adaptive drive and loved it (he was well aware that he was coming from a Lexus). He did end up ordering a car (almost the exact same one as me - jerk ) and got adaptive drive, but my point is, if you have driven a X6 without adaptive drive and liked it, by all means save the cash and skip the option!