uglybear

It depends how much snow and rain are you seeing. I am in Seattle and although there is not much snow here, two things cause me to want xi:
- when it snows in Seattle it is a disaster as roads get icy and no one sands or plows them
- I have had enough trouble controlling RWD M3 in the rain with all those water puddles on the highway even with rain tires on

bmw093

I think that, if you prefer a soft ride, then sport suspension and high performance tires, especially run flat tires, are not for you. That doesn't mean you have to get an xi, just an i without a sport package, and still buy a set of snow wheels and tires for great winter handling. Or if the weather is a big concern to you, get an xi without the sport package wheels and tires.

The sport suspension ride is a little harsher, which people like me love, but for you may not be the best thing.

C's Bimmer

ARS and the Sport Suspension Calibration are 2 different features. ARS basically tightens up the shocks around corners, to prevent "body roll" or "sway". The Suspension calibration drops the car 14mm lower and stiffens up the shocks. It's a bit harsher, but is truly the best feature of BMW's.

So yes, the Sport suspension will be more stiff and you have to go much slower over speed bumps so you don't bottom out.

PS - Whatever you decide on, don't get Active Steering. This is one option I would leave off.

Kuat

Yup, thats what i've been thinking.
Right now I have 525xi. It rides great in water/snow but we rarely has this problem here.

So i've been thinking about getting a new 530i.

The 'XI' comes only on 17" rims (and higher) (225/50/R17). I even got the 225/55 tires, a bit highter profile for more comfort.


The regual 'I' is on 16" rims (225/55/R16), and I will be able to get to run on 225/60 tires, witch would absorb even more of bad road, and therefore give a more comfortable ride.


Why wont the put an EDC (Electronic Damper Control) on a standard e60 is beyond me

aybeesea

In Ukraine?
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?s=&sho...st&p=404994



ABC

Kuat

Okay, so the ARS feature is standard on any 'i' version? Or is it an option for any 'i" version ?

Kuat

Yeah, i'm in Odessa, the southermost city. We had a total of 5 days of snow here this winter. Not many rainy days either.

C's Bimmer

The standard xi comes with 17's, but you can put the standard 18's on it too. You can either do the 123's, 124's or 135's. It's just an additional option.

Where do you live that you're so concerned about ride quality? I live in NY and our roads are BAD. 18's are fine.

C's Bimmer

It's standard ONLY on the Sport Packages of the RWD (i) models. If you don't get the Sport Package, you won't get ARS.

Kuat

Ok i see, thanks. I won't be getting it then.


Do you know anything about Dynamic Drive? I know that it keeps the chasis horizontal during heavy steering, but does it also make the ride more comfortable on shitty roads? Does it help damper the bumps?