X3 Sport Pkg-Too Rough?

I'm planning to do a ED on an 05 X3 (2.5 manual). I know exactly what I want (black on black, light pkg, PDC, cruise, cargo net) with exception of SP. Please comment on your experiences with the two suspension choices. Thank you.

Originally Posted by JML

I'm planning to do a ED on an 05 X3 (2.5 manual). I know exactly what I want (black on black, light pkg, PDC, cruise, cargo net) with exception of SP. Please comment on your experiences with the two suspension choices. Thank you.

SP on the X3 is just how every BMW should be. Not too rough, not soft.

Would this be your first BMW? I'm not sure if you could tell the difference on a test drive. I drove SP and non-SP back to back at the dealer and couldn't tell a difference. But i know i'd regret it if i did not get SP because i've had two other BMW's with SP.

Some have said it's too rough, but i think it's because they have not had a BMW before. Compared with Explorers, Grand Cherokees and the Lexus one, it probably is rougher.

The X3 with SP is great. Loved the ride when I drove 40 miles as a volunteer driver for the Ultimate Drive. The ride is tight, very sporty and just about perfect IMHO. All those reports in the press of an unforgiving ride are a mystery to me--unless BMW re-tuned the suspension. Of course, compared to the other hovercrafts...er, I mean SUVs...the ride is going to be noticeably harder.

X3 SP ride is about the same as 3 series SP ride. It is rougher than most of SUV out there, but not too bad. I guess it depends on what you want. A lot of people I know think that SUV should be soft and comfortable, then X3 is not for them. If you see X3 as more of a sport wagon type of vehicle, than X3 ride is very acceptable.

eel

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

X3 SP ride is about the same as 3 series SP ride. It is rougher than most of SUV out there, but not too bad. I guess it depends on what you want. A lot of people I know think that SUV should be soft and comfortable, then X3 is not for them. If you see X3 as more of a sport wagon type of vehicle, than X3 ride is very acceptable.

eel

Exactly. See my sig.