Lowering without adaptive drive

[DK35]

Since I did not order Adaptive Drive with my 50i I'm going to have to lower the 6 with 4 springs instead of just the front 2.

There are rear linkage points on the suspension but no linkage installed. I'm assuming the adaptive drive would have eliminated the rear set of springs and only had the front ones.

I'm also thinking that it will be lowered more evenly since all 4 springs are being replaced with a more consistent ride.

Correct or no, as far as adaptive drive go.

[Rayvkt]

Hey DK35, I'm planning on getting mine lowered too. What type/brand are you using?

Show some pictures, process of installation.

[DK35]

Getting Hamann springs. I have the front two already since I wasn't sure about the mystery surrounding the self leveling suspension. Didn't know that if you don't have adaptive drive you don't have self leveling suspension. And it was verified by my supplier's BMW dealer. So now I have to wait for the read springs to show up. Ill have plenty of before and after pics. The lowering is about 1.5-1.6 inches if my conversion of 40mm is correct which is about perfect for here in NY. So now I just have to sit around and wait.

[Rayvkt]

Check out this thread http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=376580

I'm also having problems with this. Someone told me that if I have the "Sport" button that means I have the adaptive drive and if I do have adaptive drive I can't see that I have self levelling sus.

[ronald_adi]

In some countries, it is possible to order adaptive drive without self leveling suspension. The two dont necessarily go together. So do check.

[DK35]

Originally Posted by Rayvkt

Check out this thread http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=376580

I'm also having problems with this. Someone told me that if I have the "Sport" button that means I have the adaptive drive and if I do have adaptive drive I can't see that I have self levelling sus.

The link to the other post answers the questions. I just posted pics of my rear suspension as well. Check out those posts and pics. That might answer your questions

[Skywagon]

Adaptive drive doesn't mean you have self leveling.

[2045]

i'm all confused...

if u have adaptive drive doesn't mean u have self-leveling?

then is self-leveling a stand alone option? i don't see it in the order guide.

[scottjays]

Originally Posted by 2045

i'm all confused...

if u have adaptive drive doesn't mean u have self-leveling?

then is self-leveling a stand alone option? i don't see it in the order guide.

me too

[2045]

Originally Posted by scottjays

me too

yo scottjays,
congrats on ur 50i. looks so hot with the wheel.

did u order the adaptive drive?

[2045]

guys,
correct me if i'm wrong but unless BMW is providing the wrong info on their website & the 2011 ordering guide otherwise this would solve my own confusion.

X6 35i & X6 50i both have the same suspension:
- Double wishbone front suspension
- Lightweight multi-link integral rear suspension

- Adaptive Drive is an option for both 35i & 50i (Adaptive Drive with Electronic Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization)

X6 ActiveHybrid
- Double wishbone front suspension
- Lightweight multi-link integral rear suspension
- Self-leveling suspension

- Adaptive Drive is NOT an option for the ActiveHybrid

X6M
- M sport suspension with self-leveling rear air suspension

- Adaptive Drive is STANDARD on the X6M


therefore, some people here might mistakenly think their X6 35i & 50i have the self-leveling rear suspension but actually not.

the self-leveling suspension is standard only on the ActiveHybrid & the X6M.


above info seems to be consistent with the 2011 order guide i got from my dealer & the BMW website. makes sense to me...

[archwerks]

Auto Self lvl was previously available only in the x6 50i & AD was available in both.
AutoSelf lvl, is useful if u intend to tow.
AD is active suspension to reduce rock & roll during quick transitions.
They r 2 distinctly different features, availe seperately or together depends on which x6 u order & in what country, & how BMW marketing confuses the **#$ out of everyone.

[REInvestor]

Originally Posted by archwerks

Auto Self lvl was previously available only in the x6 50i & AD was available in both.
AutoSelf lvl, is useful if u intend to tow.
AD is active suspension to reduce rock & roll during quick transitions.
They r 2 distinctly different features, availe seperately or together depends on which x6 u order & in what country, & how BMW marketing confuses the **#$ out of everyone.

How can you tell if you have the auto self leveling? I have a fully loaded 2010 X6 50i with the expensive sports package. Do I have it? I just don't remember it being a stand alone option for the 2010 US market. Thank you.

[archwerks]

Originally Posted by REInvestor

How can you tell if you have the auto self leveling? I have a fully loaded 2010 X6 50i with the expensive sports package. Do I have it? I just don't remember it being a stand alone option for the 2010 US market. Thank you.

The dealer u bought the car from should know...""Fully Loaded means ****, that's just sales talk mumbo jumbo, u got to have specifics.
Otherwise leave ignition on ( w/engine shut off), next time u gas up & see if system adjust to the 80 liters of fuel or

leave engine running & load your 300+ lbs of Joe Weider/ Schwartznegger weights into the trunk & see if it adjusts up to compensate.

[Skywagon]

I went through this can of worms when I lowered my 3.5 with adaptive drive. I even mashed my overhead cell phone button and talked to several people at BMW. They told me to call my dealer...I did. The dealer said if your car does not have air bladders in the rear, I think they said they were blue, you do not have self leveling. These bladders are not to be confused with your shock absorbers that, if you have adaptive drive, have hoses to them. I live five hours from the X6 plant. One of these days I'm going to drive over there and ask a ton of questions. It's all rather confusing to this old man, especially when BMW has my VIN and can't give me answers. Perhaps someone with the bladders can take a picture and post it for us?
One other thing, I recommend the 2.0 inch drop in the front, 1.2 inch in the rear if you use H&R springs.

[archwerks]

I know my mercedes has a production card with all the features & option / color codes on it. I'm sure BMW has it too. Just need to get it from ur dealer. U should also have your options listed on your factory order paper work.
Mercedes also have a metal plate, about the size of a credit card, welded to a structural member in the engine compartment, it has the production option code #'s embossed on it.
U need someone at the dealer, with an Enigma machine to decipher it tho!

[geneatals]

so with adaptive drive, how do lower the rear? or can you? or are you stuck with the rake look?

NVM, found the answer...

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=361335

[scottjays]

Originally Posted by 2045

yo scottjays,
congrats on ur 50i. looks so hot with the wheel.

did u order the adaptive drive?

thanks, yes ordered with adaptive drive. handles great.

[Skywagon]

H&R makes no distinction between a car with or without adaptive drive, the springs are the same for both cars. They do have a different system for cars with self leveling. I recommended the 2.0 inch drop for the front.
X6

2007-up Sport Spring w/ self-leveling 2.0 1.0 50435-2 $449.00
Sport Spring w/ self-leveling 1.2 1.0 50435-4 $449.00
Sport Spring w/o self-leveling 2.0 1.2 50435 $449.00
Sport Spring w/o self-leveling 1.2 1.2 50435-3 $449.00

Originally Posted by geneatals

so with adaptive drive, how do lower the rear? or can you? or are you stuck with the rake look?

NVM, found the answer...

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=361335

[geneatals]

[QUOTE=Skywagon;7257524.... $449.00[/QUOTE]

right, so instead of sending out 4 springs with non adaptive drive/self leveling, with adaptive drive they send out 2 front springs and 2 rear links....

[SKYHI]

Originally Posted by Skywagon

H&R makes no distinction between a car with or without adaptive drive, the springs are the same for both cars. They do have a different system for cars with self leveling. I recommended the 2.0 inch drop for the front.
X6

2007-up Sport Spring w/ self-leveling 2.0 1.0 50435-2 $449.00
Sport Spring w/ self-leveling 1.2 1.0 50435-4 $449.00
Sport Spring w/o self-leveling 2.0 1.2 50435 $449.00
Sport Spring w/o self-leveling 1.2 1.2 50435-3 $449.00

I agree, definitely go with the H&R 2" drop. The fender space on these gems are crucial, I have the same install and plenty of room left with the factory 20" Y Spokes. However those prices are very high, I purchased my set up (with adaptive drive but no self-leveling so 4 springs) for $281.00 from Tire Rack. Hope this helps!!!