Adaptive drive option
Discussion
I am getting into full car shopping mode, want a good motorway car as for a couple of years I will be spending a fair amount of time on the M5 and I am quite keen on the 640d GC, especially as they're 0% finance at the moment. I have read that Adaptive Drive transforms the car, but it's expensive, so I'm wondering if anyone has any direct experience, be interested to know views on rear steer and VDC. Appreciate any informed opinions.
What's not to like?
But then again, my experience is on the F10 with 18" summers and 17" winters. On a 640d you may find enormous, heavy, road-rolling wheels which will trash the ride - AD or no AD.
- Increases spring rate in a corner (normal spring + ARB).
- Keeps the car flat in a corner (ARB negative torque).
- Improves the ride on the motorway (ARB hydraulic disconnect).
- Creates neutral balance at low speed, but slight understeer at high speed (different rates on F/R ARBs).
- Works with the VDC to attempt tricks like anti-dive.
- Increased anti-roll in Sports modes.
- Allows you to corner without death in LTC mode (Comfort+).
But then again, my experience is on the F10 with 18" summers and 17" winters. On a 640d you may find enormous, heavy, road-rolling wheels which will trash the ride - AD or no AD.
I had the same problem when deciding if i should add adaptive drive to an X5 order. I wasnt able to drive a car that had it so have had to take a punt and ordered it anyway, mainly based on feedback on the F15 forum. The car isn't here yet so can't advise my feedback yet. But I understand the technology and how it should translate to the cars driving characteristics which appeal to me so I'm pretty confident I will be happy with the option.
Although I don't have experience of the 6 series, I recall when the model was first launched that people were unhappy with the ride quality and handling and it was mentioned that adaptive drive addressed these issues. Have a search as I'm pretty sure it was discussed on pistonheads.
Although I don't have experience of the 6 series, I recall when the model was first launched that people were unhappy with the ride quality and handling and it was mentioned that adaptive drive addressed these issues. Have a search as I'm pretty sure it was discussed on pistonheads.
andyeds1234 said:
Helicopter123 said:
I wouldn't consider any 6 series without it.
Should be the very first option ticked IMO.
By contrast, I wouldn't consider ticking the option at all.Should be the very first option ticked IMO.
Standard suspension does a fine job.
Not having driven a 6 Series, I wouldn't know. But on the F10 5 it makes a huge difference; wouldnt have one without it.
Blue62 said:
andyeds1234 said:
By contrast, I wouldn't consider ticking the option at all.
Standard suspension does a fine job.
Therein lies the problem, impossible it seems to get a test drive in a car with Adaptive and at over £3500 it's a heavy option to take a punt on. Standard suspension does a fine job.
If you think it handles and rides well, ignore the adaptive. If you think the ride isn't right, then track down an adaptive car.
REALIST123 said:
andyeds1234 said:
Helicopter123 said:
I wouldn't consider any 6 series without it.
Should be the very first option ticked IMO.
By contrast, I wouldn't consider ticking the option at all.Should be the very first option ticked IMO.
Standard suspension does a fine job.
Not having driven a 6 Series, I wouldn't know. But on the F10 5 it makes a huge difference; wouldnt have one without it.
Blue62 said:
I am getting into full car shopping mode, want a good motorway car as for a couple of years I will be spending a fair amount of time on the M5 and I am quite keen on the 640d GC, especially as they're 0% finance at the moment. I have read that Adaptive Drive transforms the car, but it's expensive, so I'm wondering if anyone has any direct experience, be interested to know views on rear steer and VDC. Appreciate any informed opinions.
Slightly off topic but a main dealer told me they didn't sell a single 6 series last year, which is one reason the 0% finance is on. Was tempted as well with the PCP deal on the GC especially as I really miss my old 650i and need a 'saloon' quite soon. Very close to end of life but the main thing that has put me off is that two indies I've spoken to this week have said they don't take in 6 series anymore as PX. One of the hardest cars in the BM range to sell apparently. No idea why, I loved mine and had recently considered a M6. I guess on PCP it's not an issue if you're just handing it back.I have a 640d SE. I run it on 18" winters and 19" summers, both non runflat. Ride is perfectly acceptable if not truly luxurious. I road tested a 640d M sport with 20 inch wheels with run flats and variable damper control. It wasn't a significant improvement on my car so I didn't change.
I have adaptive drive fitted to my 640d.
It was an option I specifically sought when purchasing.
I've not spent a huge amount of time in a 6-series without it, but, if I'm honest I think it's a bit of a gimmick
I'd sooner have adpatice cruise, adpaptive LED lights & pano roof for example.
What is noticeable is removing the runflat tyre, not sure if it possible to order one without them, if so, I would. Adaptive drive cannot break the laws of physics, with 30mm profile rear tyres there's only so much the suspension can do IMO.
Other than that, have a go in one with and one without, it's a bloody expensive option
It was an option I specifically sought when purchasing.
I've not spent a huge amount of time in a 6-series without it, but, if I'm honest I think it's a bit of a gimmick
I'd sooner have adpatice cruise, adpaptive LED lights & pano roof for example.
What is noticeable is removing the runflat tyre, not sure if it possible to order one without them, if so, I would. Adaptive drive cannot break the laws of physics, with 30mm profile rear tyres there's only so much the suspension can do IMO.
Other than that, have a go in one with and one without, it's a bloody expensive option
Pioneer said:
Slightly off topic but a main dealer told me they didn't sell a single 6 series last year, which is one reason the 0% finance is on. Was tempted as well with the PCP deal on the GC especially as I really miss my old 650i and need a 'saloon' quite soon. Very close to end of life but the main thing that has put me off is that two indies I've spoken to this week have said they don't take in 6 series anymore as PX. One of the hardest cars in the BM range to sell apparently. No idea why, I loved mine and had recently considered a M6. I guess on PCP it's not an issue if you're just handing it back.
Also offering 0% on 7 series and Z4 apparently. Residual is still a concern on PCP and I know someone who has just bought a pre reg coupe for 39k, not far off half price! strange what the indie told you, but I guess it's very much a luxury item and pricey when set against the competition. Coast 2 Coast quoting 17k off the spec I want, not spoken to them but I assume that includes zero finance. Local dealer offering 12k off. smashy said:
Blue why dont you speak to Tony Lewis at BMW Heathrow he is supposed to be the king of the deals never beaten etc etc would be interesting to see what he can do,you coould use him as leverage for your own place?
I will bear that in mind, not ready to start talking turkey just yet as I'm not completely sold on the 6, thanks.I have had 2 640d M Sports both with 20" wheels. 2014 Coupe without VDC, and 2013 Convertible with VDC..
VDC option adds "Comfort+" setting to the standard Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ driving modes. Suspension at Comfort+ mode is not far from 7 series level of comfort. Definitely worth the £1k. Its a big GT car and the 40d suits its cruise character very well IMO. I wouldn't consider 6 series without VDC. I wasn't happy with my 2014 Coupe suspension, it was too harsh, it felt more like 4 series than a 6 series. Convertible with the VDC was simply great..i was very sad selling it, probably will go back again at some point.
Adaptive Drive includes the VDC plus the rollbars for improved cornering. On the coupe i would say VDC is enough and no need for Adaptive Drive, its dynamic enough. Convertible is a bit more floaty so may Adaptive Drive would make more sense. But then again if you like to trash it from corner to corner 640d probably not the right car in the first place.
VDC option adds "Comfort+" setting to the standard Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ driving modes. Suspension at Comfort+ mode is not far from 7 series level of comfort. Definitely worth the £1k. Its a big GT car and the 40d suits its cruise character very well IMO. I wouldn't consider 6 series without VDC. I wasn't happy with my 2014 Coupe suspension, it was too harsh, it felt more like 4 series than a 6 series. Convertible with the VDC was simply great..i was very sad selling it, probably will go back again at some point.
Adaptive Drive includes the VDC plus the rollbars for improved cornering. On the coupe i would say VDC is enough and no need for Adaptive Drive, its dynamic enough. Convertible is a bit more floaty so may Adaptive Drive would make more sense. But then again if you like to trash it from corner to corner 640d probably not the right car in the first place.
Edited by memzy88 on Friday 10th February 23:40
smashy said:
Link seems to be about VDC. This is better on Active Drive, but re F10.http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10157...
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