X5 Poor Ride - Is This A Suspension Fault?

[RichardX5]

Hi All - new to this forum.

I have an X5 2003 3.0d sport with 97k, bought a year ago. Since the day I drove it from the dealer's forecourt, the ride has been very rough and is now so uncomfortable that my wife refuses to sit in the back and wants me to sell it. I expected the sport suspension to be firm but no so firm that it makes my passengers in the back feel ill. I have tried a number of things to sort this inlcuding;

(i) returned to the dealer twice and to a local mechanic once to check air suspension and self levelling - no faults

(ii) replaced all tyres and had wheels balanced

(iii) replaced rear carrier bushes (improved handling but still very harsh on the bumps)

(iv) in desparation swapped the standard 19in alloys to 17in alloys - made no difference

Although I haven't tried another X5 I can't believe that this car is running the way the manufacturer intended. Before I give up and sell it, can anyone offer any other tips or advice - are all the older sport models this firm or do I have an undiagnosed suspension fault? Any advice appreciated.

Thanks, merry Christmas

Richard

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Should be a "Ride" setting in there my friend...