[BimmerGuyFL78]

I have seen conflicting information for the dampers on the 530i and 540i for the US market. Does anyone know for sure if the standard dampers are passive or are they electronically controlled as they are on all X5's?

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by BimmerGuyFL78

I have seen conflicting information for the dampers on the 530i and 540i for the US market. Does anyone know for sure if the standard dampers are passive or are they electronically controlled as they are on all X5's?

I'm interested in this as well. From what I understand, they are passive for all except for the M5 and I5 G60. Maybe the 550e. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[BimmerGuyFL78]

I do know they come standard with "Stroke-dependent dampers". This is the same technology that was introduced as standard on the G20 3-series back in 2019, which is also used on the 4-series.

However, the G05 X5 comes standard with electronically controlled dampers. So I wonder if BMW also made that standard on the 5-series but I can't find any info if it's true. Car and Driver just posted a review of the 540i and they stated in there story it has "electronically controlled units". On BMWUSA.com you cannot order any 530i, 540i or 550e with adaptive suspension. Which blows my mind as to why you can't.

"The BMW 5-series features new stroke*dependent control of the dampers on both axles, both as standard and with the M sport suspension. The additional hydraulic damping, which acts in the direction of pull, noticeably calms the body when compensating for the vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces and dynamic cornering, thus enhancing the sporty and confident handling of the vehicle. The additional damping is spring-travel*dependent, so that vibrations building up are initially damped linearly and then additionally absorbed by a second piston in the event of greater deflection. This prevents excessive bouncing or rocking of the body when driving over large bumps and thus prevents unpleasant vibration behavior."

[BimmerGuyFL78]

So the answer to my original question is, No, the 530i and 540i do NOT come standard with electronically controlled dampers. Not even available in the USA as an option. Only the i5 M60 comes with them standard.

So the 530i, 540i, 550e, i5 eDrive40, and i5 xDrive40 do not come with Electronically Controlled Dampers and are not even offered in the USA as an option.

Shame as this would be an option I would choose to order my new 5-series if I was in the market for one of the above said models.

[BMW5151]

Originally Posted by BimmerGuyFL78

So the answer to my original question is, No, the 530i and 540i do NOT come standard with electronically controlled dampers. Not even available in the USA as an option. Only the i5 M60 comes with them standard.

So the 530i, 540i, 550e, i5 eDrive40, and i5 xDrive40 do not come with Electronically Controlled Dampers and are not even offered in the USA as an option.

Shame as this would be an option I would choose to order my new 5-series if I was in the market for one of the above said models.

I only have a 550e on order as the GM at the dealership successfully pushed way up the ladder to get option 2VV (adaptive dampers + rear steering). If he were unsuccessful, I would not have ordered the car.

[BimmerGuyFL78]

Originally Posted by BMW5151

I only have a 550e on order as the GM at the dealership successfully pushed way up the ladder to get option 2VV (adaptive dampers + rear steering). If he were unsuccessful, I would not have ordered the car.

I have to either keep my 2023 G30 540i at the end of the lease or order a new G60 540i in about 16 months so I still have some time and many things can change between then but if I was to order a new 540i, how do I ask for getting 2VV on the car? Does the car need to have M-Sport in order to get it?