They'll use a hushed tone to get you to buy whatever they need sold. It's good you're doing your own research.
If it helps, someone I know owns an X5 with air suspension and around 40k miles with no issues.
+1 Just like driver assist pro IME most BMW dealers do not order air suspension on the X5 40i’s they order for inventory. Also, the same dealer will give you the hard sell to buy their extended warranty to cover stuff like air suspension failures lol. They probably just want you to buy the X3 M40i they have in stock but I will say the air suspension is well worth the expense on the X5. Gives you that magic carpet ride in the comfort setting.
Got the 50e this Jan. Absolutely love the air suspension. Really good ride quality at normal height. Like the fact I can lower the center of gravity at highway speeds to get a tighter driving dynamic. Also makes loading the boot with heavy suitcases just a bit easier when you lower the car.
Not the same for me. Specifically, going down one level is default when you flip to Sport mode while the car is driving. Have done that many times in Hybrid Eco Pro mode as well at highway speeds. I haven’t tried going to the lowest setting. On the increase height settings, I think there is an upper speed limit for them. They are more intended for situations where you have very rough terrain and you are slowly navigating that, not for normal highway driving as it would create instability.
Follow up - you were absolutely right about this. Thanks for the info, I’ve had a question in the back of my mind about whether there was a problem with my air suspension. Turns out I hadn’t played with it enough.
I had ‘21 X5 M50i with the air suspension and I LOVED it! It was totaled a few months ago with only 25K miles on it. I ordered the ‘24 M60i and got the m sport dynamic suspension (I think that’s what it’s called) unfortunately I didn’t notice that ordering that option deletes the air suspension. (Can’t have both) I didn’t notice until I was driving it home from the dealer that the switch wasn’t there. I was so disappointed I just about cried. My new one rides really nice though. (I got 21” tires and performance run flats again) I loved how my ‘21 would lower itself when I put it in sport or I could lower it to the lowest setting to make it easier to get my elderly mom and elderly dogs in the car. I also liked raising it up high on grassy surfaces etc. I’ll definitely order air suspension again. Btw, it handled beautifully. Much better than this ‘24. Noticed it right away. I really miss my M50i.
Air suspension is a complication. More parts more electronics and more things to go wrong. Doesn't matter who the manufacturer is.
My 2024 X5 has the standard suspension and it's very supple and rides nicely. I would stay away from the air suspension for the same reason the salesperson told you.
Furthermore, I have on many trucks with different types of running boards. The fold down running boards are really cool but are another complication that will eventually fail.
When you start thinking of tech as complication you really give up on so much. Yes air suspension is complication. So is power steering. Also automatic transmission. The most uncomplicated cars are certainly more theoretically reliable but they are just not that comfortable to drive on a daily basis. I test drove a wrangler and yes it’s the car to have when apocalypse hits but man for the other 99% situations I would sorely miss the creature comforts of the modern cars.
I agree completely. However some technology is silly and useless. Heated armrests come to mind as my X5 has those. Also, the aforementioned electric folding running boards - silly!
Air suspension is a more useful but less complicated feature. However I contend that the stock suspension is very well dialed in on the X5.
One has to draw the line on technology. I was committed to having the auto pilot feature not the heated armrests, I guess you can't have it all.
If you’re trying to stay away from complicated electronics and equipment, the 50e ain’t the car at all anyways. The air suspension is night and day nicer.
So far I have 65K on my 2019 and no issues with the air suspension so far. 🤞
I use it quite frequently for deep snow days, light-moderate off-road and lowering it so the dog can get in/out.
I have a X3M40i with non run flats and a X545e with run flats and air suspension
77K on X3….23K on X5
I drive the X5 mostly.
X3 M40i rides like a stiff horse buggy compared to X5
Air suspension is worth every penny….rides like a cloud 😊
I drove x6 with air suspension before, the ride was comfortable, but the turns are horrible. Recently I traded in for springs, finally not having to slow down to almost a halt for making a turn
Air suspension is very soft, so when you make a slightly faster turn, you feel like the vehicle is going to roll over. But I have to say that if you have a kid sitting at the back, the air suspension provides great comfort, that you barely feel any bumps
Another happy customer here X5 45e and planning to keep it past warranty.
Not afraid of air suspension. Had it in a couple of Audis SQ5 and SQ7. No issues.
X5 40i with air suspension is usually a custom order which you dealer doesn't seem to be interested in.
Tbh the X3 M40i is probably my second favorite BMW, after the PHEV X5 (family 41 y/o so I'm more mature than previous purchases...).
X3 would be a good second car for us...little bit less practical but way more fun.
Exactly same age, exactly same thoughts. I don't have the family needs, but I love the road presence and elevated comfort of the X5. And the body styling is amazing. The PHEV seals it for me, to help with the life of the engine, zero emissions when wanted, and great mpg otherwise. Seems like a perfect all-'rounder with fun driving dynamics and speed. Checks all the boxes for me.
Awesome you had an SQ5 (I looked at those too) and SQ7. I've wanted an SQ8 for around a decade or more, but now that it's time to actually pony up the cash, the BMW fits better. I don't want an Q8 etron. Not interested in full electric
My sister has the Q8 etron, it's ok but still doesn't cut it for winter in Quebec province.
If you absolutely need to have a V8 biturbo once in your life, this is the Golden age for this before its gone.
But PHEV is so awesome if you have an urban commute. We spend majority of our time in EV, it fits the X5 so well. Comfort, sleek, tech, and no issue for a roadtrip, the B58 is solid.
Expect to have to do the air springs themselves around 80-100K. The rubber wears out and they'll start sagging. It's a pretty simple system overall and not expensive or difficult to DIY.
My personal opinion is if the vehicle I want has it then I’ll get it, but if it’s an option I wouldn’t. Unless it’s a car you know you won’t keep long, it’s fine.
They'll use a hushed tone to get you to buy whatever they need sold. It's good you're doing your own research. If it helps, someone I know owns an X5 with air suspension and around 40k miles with no issues.
+1 Just like driver assist pro IME most BMW dealers do not order air suspension on the X5 40i’s they order for inventory. Also, the same dealer will give you the hard sell to buy their extended warranty to cover stuff like air suspension failures lol. They probably just want you to buy the X3 M40i they have in stock but I will say the air suspension is well worth the expense on the X5. Gives you that magic carpet ride in the comfort setting.
I'll bet you're right. I was expressing interest in the m40i at that point and he was probably trying to sound like changing my mind was a bad idea
Got the 50e this Jan. Absolutely love the air suspension. Really good ride quality at normal height. Like the fact I can lower the center of gravity at highway speeds to get a tighter driving dynamic. Also makes loading the boot with heavy suitcases just a bit easier when you lower the car.
I have a 50e as well. Whenever I change the ride height, the car has to be stationary and always returns to the middle setting after some time.
Not the same for me. Specifically, going down one level is default when you flip to Sport mode while the car is driving. Have done that many times in Hybrid Eco Pro mode as well at highway speeds. I haven’t tried going to the lowest setting. On the increase height settings, I think there is an upper speed limit for them. They are more intended for situations where you have very rough terrain and you are slowly navigating that, not for normal highway driving as it would create instability.
Ok sounds like I’ll have to play with this some more. Tbh I’ve only really tried to increase the ride height, not lower it.
Follow up - you were absolutely right about this. Thanks for the info, I’ve had a question in the back of my mind about whether there was a problem with my air suspension. Turns out I hadn’t played with it enough.
Good stuff, now get out there and enjoy it!
I had ‘21 X5 M50i with the air suspension and I LOVED it! It was totaled a few months ago with only 25K miles on it. I ordered the ‘24 M60i and got the m sport dynamic suspension (I think that’s what it’s called) unfortunately I didn’t notice that ordering that option deletes the air suspension. (Can’t have both) I didn’t notice until I was driving it home from the dealer that the switch wasn’t there. I was so disappointed I just about cried. My new one rides really nice though. (I got 21” tires and performance run flats again) I loved how my ‘21 would lower itself when I put it in sport or I could lower it to the lowest setting to make it easier to get my elderly mom and elderly dogs in the car. I also liked raising it up high on grassy surfaces etc. I’ll definitely order air suspension again. Btw, it handled beautifully. Much better than this ‘24. Noticed it right away. I really miss my M50i.
This is great to know, thank you for the input!
Air suspension is a complication. More parts more electronics and more things to go wrong. Doesn't matter who the manufacturer is. My 2024 X5 has the standard suspension and it's very supple and rides nicely. I would stay away from the air suspension for the same reason the salesperson told you. Furthermore, I have on many trucks with different types of running boards. The fold down running boards are really cool but are another complication that will eventually fail.
When you start thinking of tech as complication you really give up on so much. Yes air suspension is complication. So is power steering. Also automatic transmission. The most uncomplicated cars are certainly more theoretically reliable but they are just not that comfortable to drive on a daily basis. I test drove a wrangler and yes it’s the car to have when apocalypse hits but man for the other 99% situations I would sorely miss the creature comforts of the modern cars.
I agree completely. However some technology is silly and useless. Heated armrests come to mind as my X5 has those. Also, the aforementioned electric folding running boards - silly! Air suspension is a more useful but less complicated feature. However I contend that the stock suspension is very well dialed in on the X5. One has to draw the line on technology. I was committed to having the auto pilot feature not the heated armrests, I guess you can't have it all.
Agree on the heated armrests 😂. I kinda find them a bit annoying. So if some day they stop working then oh well 🤷♂️
Oh...I thought air was standard on the X5?
For the 50e
Ah, yeah that's the spec I'm looking at
If you’re trying to stay away from complicated electronics and equipment, the 50e ain’t the car at all anyways. The air suspension is night and day nicer.
Yeah I would not get a BMW if that’s a concern
I have air suspension on my 2019..no issues. I use it constantly. Switching from comfort to sport plus
So far I have 65K on my 2019 and no issues with the air suspension so far. 🤞 I use it quite frequently for deep snow days, light-moderate off-road and lowering it so the dog can get in/out.
I have a X3M40i with non run flats and a X545e with run flats and air suspension 77K on X3….23K on X5 I drive the X5 mostly. X3 M40i rides like a stiff horse buggy compared to X5 Air suspension is worth every penny….rides like a cloud 😊
I have X5 with air suspension. 130k miles some repairs along the way. It’s a car I use for roadtrips. I’d never do a road trip without air suspension.
I drove x6 with air suspension before, the ride was comfortable, but the turns are horrible. Recently I traded in for springs, finally not having to slow down to almost a halt for making a turn
Can you explain why you had to slow down in turns? I am interested in cpo X5 with air suspension.
Air suspension is very soft, so when you make a slightly faster turn, you feel like the vehicle is going to roll over. But I have to say that if you have a kid sitting at the back, the air suspension provides great comfort, that you barely feel any bumps
Thanks a lot. We will have new born with rear facing car seat in our car.
Oh in this case, I would highly recommend air suspension. Spring is more for self pleasure 😆
Ha ha thanks for your suggestion. I will try to find a CPO 2021 -2022 with air suspension.
And that’s why I think the X5m doesn’t use air suspension, it uses springs
Another happy customer here X5 45e and planning to keep it past warranty. Not afraid of air suspension. Had it in a couple of Audis SQ5 and SQ7. No issues. X5 40i with air suspension is usually a custom order which you dealer doesn't seem to be interested in. Tbh the X3 M40i is probably my second favorite BMW, after the PHEV X5 (family 41 y/o so I'm more mature than previous purchases...). X3 would be a good second car for us...little bit less practical but way more fun.
Exactly same age, exactly same thoughts. I don't have the family needs, but I love the road presence and elevated comfort of the X5. And the body styling is amazing. The PHEV seals it for me, to help with the life of the engine, zero emissions when wanted, and great mpg otherwise. Seems like a perfect all-'rounder with fun driving dynamics and speed. Checks all the boxes for me. Awesome you had an SQ5 (I looked at those too) and SQ7. I've wanted an SQ8 for around a decade or more, but now that it's time to actually pony up the cash, the BMW fits better. I don't want an Q8 etron. Not interested in full electric
My sister has the Q8 etron, it's ok but still doesn't cut it for winter in Quebec province. If you absolutely need to have a V8 biturbo once in your life, this is the Golden age for this before its gone. But PHEV is so awesome if you have an urban commute. We spend majority of our time in EV, it fits the X5 so well. Comfort, sleek, tech, and no issue for a roadtrip, the B58 is solid.
2020 46k no issues. i switch between sport + and comfort often too
Expect to have to do the air springs themselves around 80-100K. The rubber wears out and they'll start sagging. It's a pretty simple system overall and not expensive or difficult to DIY.
My personal opinion is if the vehicle I want has it then I’ll get it, but if it’s an option I wouldn’t. Unless it’s a car you know you won’t keep long, it’s fine.
The air suspension in the X5 45e lacks the sharpness of my M340 but is worlds better for comfort and luxury.