F15 X5 M Sport v M50d v XM340i ride

[Mallen1000]

Hi Guys

Ive just sold my X5 (F15) 2018 SE - main reason being the suspension was so soft and spongey the kids were always car sick. They never complain when in small hatchbacks and the reason seems to be the bouncy ride and excessive body roll of the X5 SE.

Does anyone know how much stiffer/firmer (more car like) the following are:

- X5 F15 30d/40d M sport (with adaptive M Sport suspension as standard I believe)
- X5 F15 M50d (with adaptive M Sport suspension as standard I believe, but I think is lower and stiffer than the normal M Sport)
- X3 M340i (with the optional M Sport Adaptive suspension fitted)

Are these 3 all much firmer with less body roll than my old 2018 X5 (F15) SE? and are any of these 3 noticeably stiffer than the other two?

Thanks

[sapphireblack]

Any BMW with factory Sports suspension will be stiffer than SE spec cars.

The only real test to satisfy your needs will obviously be to drive them

[X5Sport]

It’s one of the reasons my X6 has no air suspension fitted (it was an option). Blasted system is a spawn of Satan idea if anyone in the family gets car sick. My wife suffers but is fine in all of our properly ‘sprung’ BMWs, including the F46 which has the adaptive damper system. She suffered badly with the E53 (rear air) for the same reason you are finding - air springs. She hasn’t been ill in a car since we sold it.

Worth looking for cars that don’t have air springs as it may be those that are the actual issue rather than the dampers. As suggested above, you’ll need to try before you buy.

[Mallen1000]

That’s interesting, I never considered that Air Suspension would make the situation worse but you might be right. I originally thought it might reduce body roll, but maybe not.

My old X5 SE definitely didn't have AS, just the standard and very soft.

[X5Sport]

Many versions came with air suspension on the rear only. It wasn’t driver adjustable so many owners don’t know it was even there (and it may not have been on yours) until their beloved ‘X’ developed a saggy back end. Only ‘full’ AS was adjustable from the driver’s seat.

[sid10]

I had a 2004 E53 X5 for 11 years its suspension was hard as a rock no body roll , I liked the way it drove especially on the twisty bits , I tested out a G05 a couple of years ago brand new , took it to the lake district and my wife was ill because of the cars air suspension , first time ! Took it back to the dealers and said about the suspension and he agreed that it was more of a Range Rover floaty ride to compete .
I bought a 40d M sport 2016 with adaptive suspension and it is quite floaty in comfort mode again the wife doesn`t like it in that mode so always has it in sport .
The F15 is 100% better in every way but still doesn`t ride as hard as the E53 sport which only had one setting and was very aggressive on tyres , I just whish that it set off in sport or sport plus instead of comfort .
I also tried a 50d F15 which wasnt that much quicker but they recon the 50d G05 has a different suspension not air which one day I will have a go in could be expensive !
sid10

[sapphireblack]

I had a 2004 E53 X5 for 11 years its suspension was hard as a rock no body roll , I liked the way it drove especially on the twisty bits

the E53 sport which only had one setting and was very aggressive on tyres
sid10

Ah, happy days. I genuinely still miss my E53 . I owned mine for a similar length of time, the longest I have ever owned a vehicle (despite some 'interesting' bills)

[X5Nelz]

I am selling my 50D because the suspension is to firm,,,, 30d 40d is the way to go