Adaptive Drive and Suspension

timmya · 06-10-2012, 10:21 PM

Can someone please confirm with me the differences between a 2011 X5 50i M sport and a 2012 X5 50i M Sport?

The common trend i am seeing is almost all of the 2011 have the "sport" button below the transmission selector. Is that button specifically for adaptive drive?

Then on many 2012's, they do not have the button but the package options it says " self leveling suspension."

Are these both the same cars? or does the 2011 also have self leveling suspension? I have been confused by this and since I am buying a used car, I want to make sure I am searching for the right vehicles.

I do know active steering has no button and is just utilized, but adaptive drive and the self leveling suspension have been confusing me. I need help!

X5FX · 06-10-2012, 10:27 PM

self leveling suspension has nothing to do with Active Drive. The self leveling suspension are air shocks that level the rear of the vehicle as the load changes (usually standard with 3rd row)

Active drive is a $3500 option that helps eliminate sway when cornering. It has a button on the shifter that allows you to choose between comfort ride or a stiffer sport mode.

timmya · 06-10-2012, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5FX

self leveling suspension has nothing to do with Active Drive. The self leveling suspension are air shocks that level the rear of the vehicle as the load changes (usually standard with 3rd row)

Active drive is a $3500 option that helps eliminate sway when cornering. It has a button on the shifter that allows you to choose between comfort ride or a stiffer sport mode.

And this was definitely available on the 2011? I find that almost every 2011 has the sport button and not many 2012's have it. Is this an option that i should definitely want on the car?

X5FX · 06-10-2012, 11:30 PM

yes, a must have option imo. Its been available on every E70 since first MY

1HOT BMR · 06-11-2012, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmya

And this was definitely available on the 2011? I find that almost every 2011 has the sport button and not many 2012's have it. Is this an option that i should definitely want on the car?

There is tons of stuff on Adaptive Drive and a great video on Youtube.

TahoeM3 · 06-11-2012, 06:23 AM

I'm getting annoyed at BMW over this with adaptive drive. It has been included on the sport package since the E70 came out, and then starting in 2012 it becomes a $3500 option? Not only that, the online configurator pretty much tries to talk people out of getting it.

I have had it on my 2 previous X5s, but I didn't get it on my current one. Most days I don't even notice it's not there...the ride is slightly choppier without it, especially over rough pavement, and it leans a bit more in the turns, but that's about it. The cornering limits are the same, but adaptive drive probably makes it a bit more confidence inspiring. The difference is incremental, though as the handling of the X5 is already very good. And I have it in my 550i and again don't notice a huge difference.

Still, though, I would have gotten it if it wasn't so overpriced. On every other BMW the equivalent suspension is under $1000. You could probably get the parts and retrofit it yourself for less than $3500, so it's a mystery to me why BMW made it so expensive as a stand alone option.

timmya · 06-11-2012, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

There is tons of stuff on Adaptive Drive and a great video on Youtube.

Thanks, but your response was not helpful to my original questions at all. So no real need to get smart remarks

timmya · 06-11-2012, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TahoeM3

I'm getting annoyed at BMW over this with adaptive drive. It has been included on the sport package since the E70 came out, and then starting in 2012 it becomes a $3500 option? Not only that, the online configurator pretty much tries to talk people out of getting it.

I have had it on my 2 previous X5s, but I didn't get it on my current one. Most days I don't even notice it's not there...the ride is slightly choppier without it, especially over rough pavement, and it leans a bit more in the turns, but that's about it. The cornering limits are the same, but adaptive drive probably makes it a bit more confidence inspiring. The difference is incremental, though as the handling of the X5 is already very good. And I have it in my 550i and again don't notice a huge difference.

Still, though, I would have gotten it if it wasn't so overpriced. On every other BMW the equivalent suspension is under $1000. You could probably get the parts and retrofit it yourself for less than $3500, so it's a mystery to me why BMW made it so expensive as a stand alone option.

From what your saying, it sounds like Adaptie Drive was standard on M sport or sport models in 2011, Is this true?

From what i read and see here, I guess I will be more in pursuit for 2011 M sport with adaptive drive, they would be a little more affordable for me and I haven't seen any 2012 with adaptive drive to even compare.

XMen · 06-17-2012, 10:54 AM

timmya, I recently ordered a 2013 X5 with AD. AD is available only if you order the M sport package, AND it is extra cost ($3150). M sport package alone is $2500. So it's a $5650 option

ND40oz · 06-17-2012, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XMen

timmya, I recently ordered a 2013 X5 with AD. AD is available only if you order the M sport package, AND it is extra cost ($3150). M sport package alone is $2500. So it's a $5650 option

It's available as a stand alone priority 1 option, you don't have to order the M-Sport package to get it. You do get a discount if you order it with the M Sport package, on the 35i SA, it's $3150 instead of $3500 and on the 50i, it's $2650 instead of $3500.

XMen · 06-17-2012, 12:29 PM

I stand corrected. I ordered my X5 online and couldn't find a way to order the AD separately.

richard in NC · 06-17-2012, 12:48 PM

Correct in 2011 Adaptive Drive was included with M Sport, for $6,500 total!

timmya · 06-17-2012, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard in NC

Correct in 2011 Adaptive Drive was included with M Sport, for $6,500 total!

Thanks! this is the exact answer I was looking for. SO essentially i am looking for a 2011 now.

XMen · 06-18-2012, 01:08 PM

Good luck! Hope you find what your looking for.

watrob · 06-19-2012, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XMen

I stand corrected. I ordered my X5 online and couldn't find a way to order the AD separately.

I found that also here in Australia with the online build, but found I could order it at the dealership, there online system does have some floors in it so I always go down to the dealership to order now.

06-10-2012, 10:21 PM	#1
timmya Enlisted Member 5 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 50i M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (0)	Adaptive Drive and Suspension Can someone please confirm with me the differences between a 2011 X5 50i M sport and a 2012 X5 50i M Sport? The common trend i am seeing is almost all of the 2011 have the "sport" button below the transmission selector. Is that button specifically for adaptive drive? Then on many 2012's, they do not have the button but the package options it says " self leveling suspension." Are these both the same cars? or does the 2011 also have self leveling suspension? I have been confused by this and since I am buying a used car, I want to make sure I am searching for the right vehicles. I do know active steering has no button and is just utilized, but adaptive drive and the self leveling suspension have been confusing me. I need help!
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06-10-2012, 10:27 PM	#2
X5FX First Lieutenant 53 Rep 343 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 35i M Sport Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: in my X5 iTrader: (0)	self leveling suspension has nothing to do with Active Drive. The self leveling suspension are air shocks that level the rear of the vehicle as the load changes (usually standard with 3rd row) Active drive is a $3500 option that helps eliminate sway when cornering. It has a button on the shifter that allows you to choose between comfort ride or a stiffer sport mode. __________________ 2015 X5 35i M Sport
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06-10-2012, 11:30 PM	#4
X5FX First Lieutenant 53 Rep 343 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 35i M Sport Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: in my X5 iTrader: (0)	yes, a must have option imo. Its been available on every E70 since first MY __________________ 2015 X5 35i M Sport
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06-11-2012, 06:23 AM	#6
TahoeM3 Major 410 Rep 1,025 Posts Drives: F-type R, GTR, X5 50i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Tampa, Fl iTrader: (0)	I'm getting annoyed at BMW over this with adaptive drive. It has been included on the sport package since the E70 came out, and then starting in 2012 it becomes a $3500 option? Not only that, the online configurator pretty much tries to talk people out of getting it. I have had it on my 2 previous X5s, but I didn't get it on my current one. Most days I don't even notice it's not there...the ride is slightly choppier without it, especially over rough pavement, and it leans a bit more in the turns, but that's about it. The cornering limits are the same, but adaptive drive probably makes it a bit more confidence inspiring. The difference is incremental, though as the handling of the X5 is already very good. And I have it in my 550i and again don't notice a huge difference. Still, though, I would have gotten it if it wasn't so overpriced. On every other BMW the equivalent suspension is under $1000. You could probably get the parts and retrofit it yourself for less than $3500, so it's a mystery to me why BMW made it so expensive as a stand alone option. __________________ 2017 F-type SVR Black/black 2017 Nissan GTR Red/black 2022 BMW X5M MBB/SO Gone but not forgotten: '12 X5M, '07 AM SuperVantage, '05 Boxster S, '01 BMW M3,...
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06-17-2012, 10:54 AM	#9
XMen New Member 2 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2013 X5 xDrive35i SA M Sport Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	timmya, I recently ordered a 2013 X5 with AD. AD is available only if you order the M sport package, AND it is extra cost ($3150). M sport package alone is $2500. So it's a $5650 option
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06-17-2012, 12:29 PM	#11
XMen New Member 2 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2013 X5 xDrive35i SA M Sport Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I stand corrected. I ordered my X5 online and couldn't find a way to order the AD separately.
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06-17-2012, 12:48 PM	#12
richard in NC Colonel 1229 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	Correct in 2011 Adaptive Drive was included with M Sport, for $6,500 total! __________________ 2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s 2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i
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06-18-2012, 01:08 PM	#14
XMen New Member 2 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2013 X5 xDrive35i SA M Sport Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Good luck! Hope you find what your looking for.
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