Do I need adaptive suspension on an X3?

[leonbot]

Hi. I’ve been looking for an F25 X3 3.0 msport. I’d like black with black leather, adaptive xenons, heated seats and the better Ed display. Finding one with all this is near impossible but a nice one has come up. Only thing lacking is adaptive suspension which I thought they all had. This one has sport suspension and I’m wondering if this should be a deal breaker or not?
It’s difficult as currently I can’t test drive the car to see how it feels or even view it so hoping for some advice. It’s primarily going to be a family car, don’t do mega miles and I’m not after racing round a track but I do like a good blast on a quiet country road like anyone else. Is the none adaptive suspension too hard for day to day driving?

[Smuler]

leonbot said:

Hi. I’ve been looking for an F25 X3 3.0 msport. I’d like black with black leather, adaptive xenons, heated seats and the better Ed display. Finding one with all this is near impossible but a nice one has come up. Only thing lacking is adaptive suspension which I thought they all had. This one has sport suspension and I’m wondering if this should be a deal breaker or not?
It’s difficult as currently I can’t test drive the car to see how it feels or even view it so hoping for some advice. It’s primarily going to be a family car, don’t do mega miles and I’m not after racing round a track but I do like a good blast on a quiet country road like anyone else. Is the none adaptive suspension too hard for day to day driving?

On 19s and above, and with RFTs, I've never found any non M BMW a pleasant ride. And, as they've not M cars their ride isn't exactly sporty.
However, on smaller wheels and with normal tires, the issue is negated.
You'd need to confirm with a X3 owner , but I thought all F series (generation) cars could still toggle between sport, comfort and eco pro. And that the key to adaptive, I have it, was the mix.
On my 2017 340i, I can set comfort suspension (chassis) and sport drivetrain (throttle and gear). Without such a combo, the car fails to have a USP for me.
However, if "your" X3 can simply toggle, you can be in all sport for your "blast," and max "comfort," for family use.

The Adaptive was not initially standard on the new generation, but became so soon after from what I see on BMW AUC.

[leonbot]

From what I’ve read online the eco and sports toggle just alters steering and throttle response if the car doesn’t have adaptive suspension.

[Smuler]

leonbot said:

From what I’ve read online the eco and sports toggle just alters steering and throttle response if the car doesn’t have adaptive suspension.

That does make sense. In which case, I'd still say smaller wheels and non RFTs could be your savior.
I don't think adaptive suspension was as common on the X3 as the value I place on it suggests.

[Charlie Croker mk2]

Its mainly not the tyres that affect the ride its the stiff sporty suspension and very firm damping . This gives the car superb handling . The runflats and there naturally stiff side walls will clunk and bang over pot holes etc . If ride is your priority get a G05 X5 with air suspension always assuming your PCP / wife / bank will allow it LOL

[leonbot]

I don’t think I’d be prioritising ride over handling but it sounds like the adaptive suspension gives the best of both worlds, or is it just an unnecessary option and more to go wrong?
I’m not sure, and I wondered if there’s loads of people out there who wish they’d bought one with adaptive or maybe there’s loads who have it and don’t even bother with it.
Ordinarily I’d drive one with and one without to compare but test drives and viewings aren’t possible at the minute so It’s a bit of a risk. Buy it and hope not to regret it or wait until I can test drive and hope no one else buys it in the meantime.
My mrs has a 1 series m sport and I’ve had a 2008 320d m sport but neither were too hard so if it’s similar then I’d be happy

[Ranger 6]

leonbot said:

I don’t think I’d be prioritising ride over handling but it sounds like the adaptive suspension gives the best of both worlds, or is it just an unnecessary option and more to go wrong?

I've got an F25 35d with VDC and it's great. I would say though, don't see it as a deal breaker if it doesn't have VDC, unless it's got 20s. The ride/handling compromise is a good one and the car works well on 18/19s and std sport springs. Personally with 20s unless you're pushing on, it's a bit firm.

With the VDC I tend to drive in comfort with the family on board, and sport if I'm on my own. The VDC settings can be separated (idrive menu) from the engine/gearbox setting, I drive mine with the engine/gearbox in sport, but the suspension in comfort.

BTW - top lurking!

[rlg43p]

If you are concerned about ride quality then I'd recommend seeking out a car with adaptive suspension, especially if it is an M Sport.

I have a 640d Gran Coupe with the variable damper control and run it in Comfort+ all the time except when pressing on.

As someone else says Comfort, Sport, Eco is on all cars and just relates to throttle mapping and gearchanges. A car with VDC will have Comfort+, Comfort, Sport and Eco.

I fitted non runflats to my 20" alloys and 18" winters as someone else suggested.

[130idvg]

This post stimulated me to look at my order! I had assumed that the m40i came with VDC as standard - turns out it is just with the m sport plus pack. Now looking at removing tech pack to put on m sport plus.

What I would be interested in is what the calibration is of the normal m sport suspension compared to the adaptive. Does it sit at sport/normal/comfort in comparison?

Again - have the issue of not being able to drive one. The only one I have been in (a friends m40i last year) had adaptive and I was very impressed by the refinement.