Anyone tested X35i with Dynamic Handling Package?

I drove a 2011 X35i yesterday and found it a bit soft handling. The test vehicle did not have the Dynamic Handling Package (DHP). I'm wondering if anyone has driven one with the DHP installed and can report on its handling characteristics. DHP includes 'Performance Control', 'Dynamic Damper Control', and 'Variable Sport Steering'.

Wow, drove one today too and found the exact same thing.

And I have an 08 X3 and it definitely feels the rode in comparison.

Yes!!! If you search under my username, you'll find my full review. BLUF: the Dynamic Handling Pkg is absolutely required equipment if you're a driving enthusiast.

The shocks quell body roll admirably when in sport or sport+ mode. Further, the car's interface allows you to customize the settings via the iDrive. For instance, I found in sport+ the X3 tended to hold a gear in high rpms even while cruising. While it's easy enough to tap the paddle to shift up a gear or two, you can also set sport+ to affect suspension only, vs changing drivetrain settings as well.

Get the DHP if you're interested in driving the vehicle the way the engineers hope you will and the way God intended

I have only driven the 28i with the stock suspension, as my dealer only has that in stock.

So my question is: how does the normal or stock suspension compare to the three settings in the North American Dyn Handling Package?

Are there any settings in the dyn hand package that equal the stock suspension in ride comfort?

I like to drive but I don't know if I would really push the car to its outer limits to be totally honest. I am more interested in good ride quality and some agility rather than pure sportiness .

Originally Posted by stgreen

I have only driven the 28i with the stock suspension, as my dealer only has that in stock.

So my question is: how does the normal or stock suspension compare to the three settings in the North American Dyn Handling Package?

Are there any settings in the dyn hand package that equal the stock suspension in ride comfort?

I like to drive but I don't know if I would really push the car to its outer limits to be totally honest. I am more interested in good ride quality and some agility rather than pure sportiness .

Even "stock" this rode better than the Q5, was faster, and handled better. Was pretty impressed..but not knocked out of my shoes.

I am not in any hurry, but yes I would buy one over the competitors in the market.

Was just told by one of the dealers I frequent "Not A Chance" when it comes to having one to test that has DHP.

And they are one of thee largest dealers in MD-DC-VA tri-state area

Kinda hard to sell things when they can't provide one.

The standard suspension is very nice, but the reason I don't have a Q5.

Just too soft and non-communicative to the road.

Originally Posted by Evlengr

Was just told by one of the dealers I frequent "Not A Chance" when it comes to having one to test that has DHP.

And they are one of thee largest dealers in MD-DC-VA tri-state area

Kinda hard to sell things when they can't provide one.

The standard suspension is very nice, but the reason I don't have a Q5.

Just too soft and non-communicative to the road.

DHP = Goldilocks factor.

Not too hard. Not too soft. Juuuuuuust right.

DHP sounds like something else to go wrong and cause problems out of warranty -- like the horrible air suspension on the Rage Rover. But maybe not, who knows.

I wonder what happens when you put the shifter in Sport mode while in Sport or Sport+ on the DHP?? Isn't one of the Dynamic Handling adjustments for shift points, essentially the same thing the Sport shift mode is for?

Dunno, but that dealer just got crossed off my list for possible purchases. This is twice they came across a little to blunt for my liking.

The first time they lost a sale for a MINI mcs for my wife. Looks like this time the new X3.

I was in sales for 10 years in electronics and even I know not to say "No", but let me find out.

I keep hearing the the ride is good but too soft. It seems that the DHP may be thte answer. Giving you the opportunity to have a nice comfort ride when you want and a knuckle barring teeth jarring stick to your seat ride too. However, I won't buy something from anyone without testing it out.

I trusted BMW once and it took me a year and a lawyer to correct it.

I've driven several F25's and I would also say that DHP is absolutely necessary if you're looking for a sportier and richer ride experience. The stock suspension is soft in the sense that it's made for smooth cruising, though definitely not Lexus soft. If you have the DHP, the second you bump the car into Sport mode, the gas pedal feels alive and the car is very responsive all around.

Drove a 35i demo with the DHP for 25 minutes and a 28i without for 20 minutes. The DHP certainly changes the character of the car and gives you options about how you want it to handle and respond. Also, the "Sport" and "Sport+" modes raises the stability control intervention threshold, so allows a little power oversteer if you want it.

In my book; DHP = more potential traffic tickets. That's why it was the first option I checked on my 35i special order. :-) If you don't want to occasionally explore the limits, buy a Honda Odyssey.

I've already got the Odyssey! It won't die, just keeps chugging along.

There's an X3 35i in Charlottesville VA with the Dynamic Handling Paket. Oddly, no Sport Activity pack though, so initial looks can be deceiving.

(They also have a 535i and a decked-out 550i in MT but that's off-topic)

Just adding a couple of cents here: I test drove the X3 28i with standard suspension. It was quite decent for what it is, but nothing to rave about. I then drove the 35i with both packages. On the highway, it firmed up an already quite acceptable ride, but did not make it harsh. I actually flogged it a bit on some twisties with full sport+, etc. and was amazed at how well planted, predictable, and fun this thing was to drive. Not quite like my Porsche, of course, but it was the MOST fun SUV type vehicle I've ever driven. (of course the 300hp/300 ft lb torque really helps, too!) And this was even on cold ground and some snow here and there. It reminded me of why I like BMW.

This one is definitely on my short list!

Doug