[Neon01]

So back in the day I was a 3 series and M3 owner. 3 kids have forced me to go with a bigger car (to supplement my E70 X5, that my wife will start driving), and there are so many setup options I'm really confused.

I've been looking at 550i and 535i, with and without Xdrive. I know with the 3 series the Xdrive, whether they had sport option or not, always had a softer suspension setup. Is that true for the 5 series as well?

So, could someone demystify this for me? How do they all rank in terms of firmness? The options I'm considering are GT (non-xdrive), M-sport (non-Xdrive), M-sport (Xdrive). The other thing I'm confused about is dynamic and adaptive drive. I've looked these up, and the only thing I can determine is that dynamic drive is like an adjustable damper setting, but adaptive drive is adjustable sway control as well. Then again, it seems like the adaptive drive option disappeared for the 2012 MY.

It's enough to make your head spin.

Bottom line, I want the sportiest setup I can get, preferably with M-sport option, but would love to get the Xdrive as well as long as it doesn't come at the cost of handling.

Thanks for any and all assistance.

[The X Men]

Sounds like you like a nice handling car. If you are buying a RWD, get the MSport, it will come with the 704 sport suspension, its a fixed sport tuned suspension. The DHP option has adjustable shocks and sway bars, some people get the DHP in their Xdrive because the 704 is not available with the xdrive. The 704 is free when you get the RWD MSport and the DHP is a $3500 option. 2011 and 2012 F10 models do not offer 704 suspension in any config. and the MSport came with adjustable shocks but the dynamic sway bar were optional, starting in 2013, the DHP package included both.

[Neon01]

Originally Posted by The X Men

Sounds like you like a nice handling car. If you are buying a RWD, get the MSport, it will come with the 704 sport suspension, its a fixed sport tuned suspension. The DHP option has adjustable shocks and sway bars, some people get the DHP in their Xdrive because the 704 is not available with the xdrive. The 704 is free when you get the RWD MSport and the DHP is a $3500 option. 2011 and 2012 F10 models do not offer 704 suspension in any config. and the MSport came with adjustable shocks but the dynamic sway bar were optional, starting in 2013, the DHP package included both.

Thank you for posting, this is a big help. But if you don't mind, I have a couple follow up questions.

I'm primarily looking to the 2010-2012 MYs due to budget, so I guess that puts me in the group you referred to - No 704 suspension regardless of configuration. How would you compare the various suspension settings on the DHP package adjustable shocks feature to the 704 package? I assume the 704 is probably equivalent to somewhere between full stiff and full soft (maybe favoring the former)?

Also, assuming I were buying a 2010-12 model WITH XDrive, does that mean I would need to get the DHP package in order to get the solid suspension setup? And if so, do I need to add any options to that to get the whole deal? You mentioned the dynamic sway bar is optional, which option code is that?

I'm using BMWarchive to check options packages for prospective cars, so it gives me the full skinny.

Thanks again.

[HFW003]

I too like a car to handle.

I've just ordered an Msport with Active Damper Control.

[remmib]

Originally Posted by Neon01

Thank you for posting, this is a big help. But if you don't mind, I have a couple follow up questions.

I'm primarily looking to the 2010-2012 MYs due to budget, so I guess that puts me in the group you referred to - No 704 suspension regardless of configuration. How would you compare the various suspension settings on the DHP package adjustable shocks feature to the 704 package? I assume the 704 is probably equivalent to somewhere between full stiff and full soft (maybe favoring the former)?

Also, assuming I were buying a 2010-12 model WITH XDrive, does that mean I would need to get the DHP package in order to get the solid suspension setup? And if so, do I need to add any options to that to get the whole deal? You mentioned the dynamic sway bar is optional, which option code is that?

I'm using BMWarchive to check options packages for prospective cars, so it gives me the full skinny.

Thanks again.

Variable dampers, EDC is option code 223.
The dynamic sway bars itself are called dynamic drive, option code 229. But you can't have 229 without 223, and those together are called adaptive drive, option code 2VA.
So if a f10 has any kind of variable suspension, it either has just the 223 or the 2VA.

[chrisny]

I would strongly suggest getting the full package, 2VA, especially with an xDrive. The active dampers are not enough to overcome the lack of the stiffer sport suspension on my F30 335, let alone on the bigger, heavier F10. You'll want the active roll stabilization too (sway bars, the other half of adaptive drive as remmib mentioned). I am shopping for a new F10 myself and decided it has to have DHP.

Does your E70 have the sport package? If so, it has the adaptive drive (ARS + active dampers, same as the F10). I'm not sure if at some point they took that out of the sport package, but in the '07 I had, it was included in that package, and made a huge difference in both handling and ride comfort. I'm hoping for the same on the F10.

[NewM3driver]

I had a 2015 Xdrive 535d with dynamic handling (m-sport) and it wasn't very sporty at all. I now drive a 2015 m-sport 535i, RWD with the dynamic handling package and the handling (along with so many other things) is much improved.

HOWEVER, i must tell you that while the handling is "better" its not great. I had the dynamic handling on my 2008 M3 (the comfort, sport, sport plus button) and on that car the technology was amazing, allowing the car to truly have dual personalities. The technology is not nearly as good or effective on the new 5er. In fact, often it is very difficult to tell which mode the car is in because the system is not that effective. Further I find it MADDENING that the car insists on defaulting back to the "comfort" mode every time you turn if on.

Next time around I may skip the dynamic handling and the $3500 up-charge and try the M-sport suspension.

The 5 isn't a sporty car. Maybe the M5 is, but I don't want or need a 110k + car to drive on a daily basis.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

I had a 2015 Xdrive 535d with dynamic handling (m-sport) and it wasn't very sporty at all. I now drive a 2015 m-sport 535i, RWD with the dynamic handling package and the handling (along with so many other things) is much improved.

HOWEVER, i must tell you that while the handling is "better" its not great. I had the dynamic handling on my 2008 M3 (the comfort, sport, sport plus button) and on that car the technology was amazing, allowing the car to truly have dual personalities. The technology is not nearly as good or effective on the new 5er. In fact, often it is very difficult to tell which mode the car is in because the system is not that effective. Further I find it MADDENING that the car insists on defaulting back to the "comfort" mode every time you turn if on.

Next time around I may skip the dynamic handling and the $3500 up-charge and try the M-sport suspension.

The 5 isn't a sporty car. Maybe the M5 is, but I don't want or need a 110k + car to drive on a daily basis.

The M3 comparison is not very fair though, for several reasons (size, weight, and that its an ///M with all the extra performance and handling which that entails).

Have you driven a non-DHP xDrive, and if so, did your xDrive with DHP feel notably better?

[Neon01]

Chrisny, like you, I've resolved to get one with the 223 and 229 options (or 2VA). BMW is maddening with their needless model year changes though. From what I've gathered, here is the progression of these particular options:

2011: Msport got the whole shooting match included, 223, 229, and therefore 2VA.

2012: Msport no longer included 229 (dynamic drive, AKA adjustable sway bar), and ONLY included 223 (as well as the aesthetic bits)

2013: Msport is now basically aesthetic only. Does not include 223 OR 229 anymore. I'm not 100% sure if this is the entire 2013 MY or just the post-LCI 2013 models. 223 and 229 now only available through the DHP package. Or possible that one could get the 223 option separately, I don't know.

2014/2015: same as 2013 as noted

A few questions:

1. Is the above correct?
2. Are the option codes the same for 223 and 229 in the post LCI years. I've been doing a LOT of shopping and have found exactly ZERO models with those options in the 2013+ MY.
3. If the option codes haven't changed, what the hell is wrong with the community spec'ing out new 550i's? No one wants an actual sports suspension to match the big engine in these things? I'm stunned that it's so difficult to find a newer one with those options.

Speaking to the discussion, I've owned several M3s, including a 2009 sedan with the EDC (they didn't have ADS as an option on that car, at least in 2009). Yes, the handling on that car completely blows away anything I've experienced in the 550i, but as stated previously, it's not really a fair comparison. Also, that car had a distinct lack of torque that made it a less than ideal commuter. Not so with the 550i, which also gives more space in the back. If I could afford the M3 right now (kids need to get out of daycare for that), that would be my #1 pick, but as it stands, a used 550i sounds mighty nice.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by Neon01

Chrisny, like you, I've resolved to get one with the 223 and 229 options (or 2VA). BMW is maddening with their needless model year changes though. From what I've gathered, here is the progression of these particular options:

2011: Msport got the whole shooting match included, 223, 229, and therefore 2VA.

2012: Msport no longer included 229 (dynamic drive, AKA adjustable sway bar), and ONLY included 223 (as well as the aesthetic bits)

2013: Msport is now basically aesthetic only. Does not include 223 OR 229 anymore. I'm not 100% sure if this is the entire 2013 MY or just the post-LCI 2013 models. 223 and 229 now only available through the DHP package. Or possible that one could get the 223 option separately, I don't know.

2014/2015: same as 2013 as noted

A few questions:

1. Is the above correct?
2. Are the option codes the same for 223 and 229 in the post LCI years. I've been doing a LOT of shopping and have found exactly ZERO models with those options in the 2013+ MY.
3. If the option codes haven't changed, what the hell is wrong with the community spec'ing out new 550i's? No one wants an actual sports suspension to match the big engine in these things? I'm stunned that it's so difficult to find a newer one with those options.

Speaking to the discussion, I've owned several M3s, including a 2009 sedan with the EDC (they didn't have ADS as an option on that car, at least in 2009). Yes, the handling on that car completely blows away anything I've experienced in the 550i, but as stated previously, it's not really a fair comparison. Also, that car had a distinct lack of torque that made it a less than ideal commuter. Not so with the 550i, which also gives more space in the back. If I could afford the M3 right now (kids need to get out of daycare for that), that would be my #1 pick, but as it stands, a used 550i sounds mighty nice.

I'm looking at '15's and may end up having to order a '16 (if they can't get me an exception on the pull-ahead, my lease ends about 2 weeks after the deadline). So, I'm not entirely sure when the packages changed in terms of what was included in M sport and when they took the adaptive drive out of it, etc. I know they changed and what you said sounds correct, but I'm not 100% sure of the timing from year-to-year.

I agree, surprised even on the 535 how many M sports are around without DHP. I was originally shopping executive demos that were pretty well equipped, but didn't find a single one with DHP.

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by Neon01

Thank you for posting, this is a big help. But if you don't mind, I have a couple follow up questions.

I'm primarily looking to the 2010-2012 MYs due to budget, so I guess that puts me in the group you referred to - No 704 suspension regardless of configuration. How would you compare the various suspension settings on the DHP package adjustable shocks feature to the 704 package? I assume the 704 is probably equivalent to somewhere between full stiff and full soft (maybe favoring the former)?

Also, assuming I were buying a 2010-12 model WITH XDrive, does that mean I would need to get the DHP package in order to get the solid suspension setup? And if so, do I need to add any options to that to get the whole deal? You mentioned the dynamic sway bar is optional, which option code is that?

I'm using BMWarchive to check options packages for prospective cars, so it gives me the full skinny.

Thanks again.

I think you want the 2011 and 2012 model year, 2010 is the last design.

The 704 suspension is about as stiff as the DHP in sport model, but it has a different feel to it. If you are buying a 2011 or 2012, the MSport package will come with adaptive suspension, dynamic sway bar is optional. The MSport in those 2 years also comes with the multi contour seats. 2011 and 2012 model year F10 had some initial design issues, you might want to do some research on it and be on the look out for those wide spread issues during the test drive.

[remmib]

Originally Posted by Neon01

Chrisny, like you, I've resolved to get one with the 223 and 229 options (or 2VA). BMW is maddening with their needless model year changes though. From what I've gathered, here is the progression of these particular options:

2011: Msport got the whole shooting match included, 223, 229, and therefore 2VA.

2012: Msport no longer included 229 (dynamic drive, AKA adjustable sway bar), and ONLY included 223 (as well as the aesthetic bits)

2013: Msport is now basically aesthetic only. Does not include 223 OR 229 anymore. I'm not 100% sure if this is the entire 2013 MY or just the post-LCI 2013 models. 223 and 229 now only available through the DHP package. Or possible that one could get the 223 option separately, I don't know.

2014/2015: same as 2013 as noted

A few questions:

1. Is the above correct?
2. Are the option codes the same for 223 and 229 in the post LCI years. I've been doing a LOT of shopping and have found exactly ZERO models with those options in the 2013+ MY.
3. If the option codes haven't changed, what the hell is wrong with the community spec'ing out new 550i's? No one wants an actual sports suspension to match the big engine in these things? I'm stunned that it's so difficult to find a newer one with those options.

Speaking to the discussion, I've owned several M3s, including a 2009 sedan with the EDC (they didn't have ADS as an option on that car, at least in 2009). Yes, the handling on that car completely blows away anything I've experienced in the 550i, but as stated previously, it's not really a fair comparison. Also, that car had a distinct lack of torque that made it a less than ideal commuter. Not so with the 550i, which also gives more space in the back. If I could afford the M3 right now (kids need to get out of daycare for that), that would be my #1 pick, but as it stands, a used 550i sounds mighty nice.

I see the pricelist here for LCI f10 still has 223 and 2VA, the 229 isn't listed anymore, but that's understandable since you can't just get 229, but have to buy 2VA to get 229.

[mness]

Originally Posted by Neon01

2011: Msport got the whole shooting match included, 223, 229, and therefore 2VA.

2012: Msport no longer included 229 (dynamic drive, AKA adjustable sway bar), and ONLY included 223 (as well as the aesthetic bits)

2013: Msport is now basically aesthetic only. Does not include 223 OR 229 anymore. I'm not 100% sure if this is the entire 2013 MY or just the post-LCI 2013 models. 223 and 229 now only available through the DHP package. Or possible that one could get the 223 option separately, I don't know.

2014/2015: same as 2013 as noted

2013/2014/2015; Msport RWD gets the 704 sport stiffer/lower suspension (nonadjustable). You can get DHP aka adaptive drive on RWD, but it replaces the 704 sport suspension. Msport xDrive has the base suspension, so is cosmetic only, need to add DHP to upgrade suspension. In 2013 you could get 223 separately, or as part of DHP. But 2014+ only DHP.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by Neon01

......Bottom line, I want the sportiest setup I can get, preferably with M-sport option, but would love to get the Xdrive as well as long as it doesn't come at the cost of handling.

If your main criteria going into this is sportiest handling you can get, then for sure you want RWD and either 704 or DHP. There's compromises "handling wise" to be made as you move to AWD or 550 both.

Depends how picky you are I guess.
Good luck.

[Gpfarrell]

For me, I felt like a 2012 rwd 535 with the 223 but not the 229 (adaptive roll bars) was the sweet spot.

The Sport/Comfort button makes a bona fide difference in the car's attitude. Activated, I am piloting The Ultimate Driving Machine.

If I was leasing a new car for 2-3 years any service issues with the more complicated Adaptive Drive would be BMW's problem. As I own the car (CPO'd through June '18, but I may keep it until I find suitable manual transmission replacement.... doubtful!), long-term service concerns were a real consideration... more so than squeaking out an extra 0.03 g's.

[OEMonsterz]

OP.. just make sure it has some form of suspension and comes with 4 wheels.