[thinker]

After many years I've decided to move on from the Tesla Model Ss I've been driving and I'm thinking about moving to the new 550e. I test drove a 540i at a dealer and loved the car - but I had some concerns about the suspension. In my test drive, it felt a wee bit bouncy and not like my air suspension on the Tesla. The X5 was closer. I thought I'd check in with this forum to see if anyone can give me a better comparison / insight? I'm hampered for not having driven the actual car as it isnt' here yet. Thanks!

[robfen]

I definitely would not describe the 550e as bouncy. Maybe it's because of extra weight!

Also not as smooth as air suspension. It's firm/sporty but comfortable.

I don't always love the float of air suspension generally but the model s rides more softly.

[deutsch100]

Does the 550e not have rear air suspension, just like the X5 and 7 Series PHEV does?

[BMW5151]

Unfortunately, in the US, the 550e does not have rear air suspension, nor the adjustable suspension, nor the rear steering. You might be able to get the suspension and rear steering by special order via the 2VV option. Need to work with your dealership, and it will add time to the order. If you want power and handling you can try the i5 M60 which has the options listed above as standard. But, you have to want to go to another pure EV, but this time with much more limited range and charging capabilities.

[robfen]

550e doesn't have rear air suspension in any market but it keeps getting referenced in reviews.

Actually it has air shocks in the rear..

[atrofia]

Originally Posted by robfen

550e doesn't have rear air suspension in any market but it keeps getting referenced in reviews.

550e Poland market, its not air?

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...ut-37106869036

https://czesci.bmwsklep.pl/bmw-seria...owniki-33_3368

[robfen]

pretty sure its double elastic mounting not air in the rear
happy to be corrected
different front and rear see attached doc
maybe different in your market ?

[thinker]

Wow!! So despite it feeling very smooth - the rear is on springs? I've noticed putting the car in "Sport mode" seems to change the suspension response. Am I imagining it?

Well - I was on the fence for the 550e and the X50e. I may focus more on the X5..but this wouldn't be the only reason. Such great cars!

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by atrofia

550e Poland market, its not air?

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...ut-37106869036

https://czesci.bmwsklep.pl/bmw-seria...owniki-33_3368

Where are the pictures from - your 550e? The top one is definitely an air suspension strut (looks like my i5)

[PeterC4]

Originally Posted by robfen

550e doesn't have rear air suspension in any market but it keeps getting referenced in reviews.

ZAS code is Rear-Axel Air Suspension, is STD on 550e and i5xDrive 40 in Canada.

Rear Wheel Steering is part of 2VV option which is Adaptive Suspension Professional, also available in Canada.

[atrofia]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

Where are the pictures from - your 550e? The top one is definitely an air suspension strut (looks like my i5)

Yes, it's my dream own baby

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by atrofia

Yes, it's my dream own baby

Nice! Sure looks like you have an air suspension setup to me

[robfen]

Looks like we have multi link rear suspension with air shock absorbers.
My car is the same.
Don't know why BMW don't say that in the specs?