[Das BMW]

I've searched the forums for opinions on the DHP on the M550i, with mixed results.

Those in favor call it a "must-have option." Those against say it is:

1. Only good for Active Roll Stabilization, but can be hard to notice.
2. Integral Active Steering is "nice to have", but wouldn't buy it stand-alone if offered.
3. Too soft + unpredictable on the highways, and takes some getting used to.

And therefore not enough to justify the additional $3,600.

I'm not sure when I'd have the chance to test drive a DHP in my area.

Now that it's been a few years for M550i owners, is DHP worth it or not? Please share your thoughts, thank you.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Das BMW

I've searched the forums for opinions on the DHP, with mixed results.

Those in favor call it a "must-have option." Those against say it is:

1. Only good for Active Roll Stabilization, but can be hard to notice.
2. Integral Active Steering is "nice to have", but wouldn't buy it stand-alone if offered.
3. Too soft + unpredictable on the highways, and takes some getting used to.

And therefore not enough to justify the additional $3,600.

I'm not sure when I'd have the chance to test drive a DHP in my area.

Now that it's been a few years for owners, is DHP worth it or not? Please share your thoughts, thank you.

This subject, as you know, has been debated for years regarding the 5-series, from the introduction of Adaptive Drive in the F10/F11.

Suspension analysis is very subjective. What do we want from it? Only we ourselves can put a monetary value on a particular setup, be it OEM, or aftermarket.

I personally rate adaptive damping and active roll control. Gives me more driving options than a passive sport suspension, that adds 'value' to my driving.

[CT540xi]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

This subject, as you know, has been debated for years regarding the 5-series, from the introduction of Adaptive Drive in the F10/F11.

Suspension analysis is very subjective. What do we want from it? Only we ourselves can put a monetary value on a particular setup, be it OEM, or aftermarket.

I personally rate adaptive damping and active roll control. Gives me more driving options than a passive sport suspension, that adds 'value' to my driving.

I have it on my 2018 540xi. My take is it's totally worth it. For reference a friend was looking at a 4 series and currently has a 3-series without it. After driving my car he added it to his 4-series build.

Test drive one with and without it, back to back, it's noticeable.

[MauiSteve]

At least in the USA market the DHP is different between the 540 and 550 models...

540 DHP $3200 gets Dynamic Damper Control, Active Roll Stabilization, and Adaptive Drive. You lose your M-Sport Suspension, and you can't add Integral Active Steering.

So, one must assume you are talking about an M550ix - where for $3600 you get to keep your M-Sport Suspension, and have ARS, IAS, and Adaptive M Suspension Professional.

After my reading, I think if your building a 540 M-Sport, DHP is a no. If you're building a M550ix then DHP is a yes.

[jsf721]

I have the M sport suspension and I like it. Never drove the DHP so I cannot comment or vote. My wife drives a G30 with the stock suspension and it’s a great place to spend some time. I’m 1/2 way through a 10 hour drive this weekend and I’ve been sufficiently impressed.

[Das BMW]

Originally Posted by MauiSteve

At least in the USA market the DHP is different between the 540 and 550 models...

540 DHP $3200 gets Dynamic Damper Control, Active Roll Stabilization, and Adaptive Drive. You lose your M-Sport Suspension, and you can't add Integral Active Steering.

So, one must assume you are talking about an M550ix - where for $3600 you get to keep your M-Sport Suspension, and have ARS, IAS, and Adaptive M Suspension Professional.

After my reading, I think if your building a 540 M-Sport, DHP is a no. If you're building a M550ix then DHP is a yes.

Thank you, just adjusted post for M550i.

[Das BMW]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

This subject, as you know, has been debated for years regarding the 5-series, from the introduction of Adaptive Drive in the F10/F11.

Suspension analysis is very subjective. What do we want from it? Only we ourselves can put a monetary value on a particular setup, be it OEM, or aftermarket.

I personally rate adaptive damping and active roll control. Gives me more driving options than a passive sport suspension, that adds 'value' to my driving.

Main thing I'd want is to hide the M550i's weight in corners - so basically the ARS. The question is does the ARS work well / obvious enough to justify $3,600.

[Bymep]

ARS works amazingly well. I think MauiSteve basically nailed the assessment in his comments above. The DHP on M550 is the one must have option in my opinion

[snowbimmer]

I had a 2014 F10 550 with DHP. Put 45,000 miles on it and really liked the handling. Preferred it over any of the loaners I had for 3 years. Ordered a 2018 M550 site unseen before they were even in the showrooms. Also got the DHP again and enjoyed it even more, especially on the two lane twisties. Great fun for another 36,000 miles in 2 years.

But then the M5 called. Obviously a nice upgrade. The thing I miss most? IAS. While it is fun to kind of slide across the lanes at freeway speed with IAS, it is especially noticeable in parking lots or just trying to turn in tight spaces. I would definitely get it even if it was a stand alone option. I feel it definitely makes the DHP option worth considering. Only about $45/mo in a 3 year lease. Same as Bowers & Wilkins.

[Das BMW]

Thanks everyone, this is very helpful.

I also realized the car is a little more attractive with the 10mm drop.

[Bymep]

You wont be disappointed. I get a smile each time i take a twisty road. Hard to believe, but car feels more planted than my former e46 330ci. Almost seems to lean into turns. Should note, unless I’m on the freeway, I’m in sport mode. Significant difference from comfort

[gooselee]

2019 M550i with DHP. Drove with/without beforehand and it was an obvious difference. Worth the money IMO.

Only downside is it took me a while to get used to the rotation when backing into parking spots - I kept oversteering!

[ZulaM5]

Worth every penny!

[Mach550]

Happy with mine

[murmur]

Originally Posted by Mach550

Happy with mine

I had it on my F30 335 and loved it,, before trading it in while we were shopping for the M550, I drove one with out it and decided that was something I had to have. Took me a while to find it but they are out there..I was looking for something with DHP and B&W.

DHP makes it feel very well planted ,, feels like hugging the road especially in turns and add a bunch of confidence in twisties.

Again,, I might be biased and it's not really a comparison but I feel a lot more in control in our M550 versus my F80 M3.

[Mach550]

Originally Posted by murmur

I had it on my F30 335 and loved it,, before trading it in while we were shopping for the M550, I drove one with out it and decided that was something I had to have. Took me a while to find it but they are out there..I was looking for something with DHP and B&W.

DHP makes it feel very well planted ,, feels like hugging the road especially in turns and add a bunch of confidence in twisties.

Again,, I might be biased and it's not really a comparison but I feel a lot more in control in our M550 versus my F80 M3.

Agree with the planted feel, however I ruined this feel when I moved to continental tires. Wish I hadn't bought them from tire rack, returning them is more of a pain than dealing with it...it'll make me slow down for the time being.

[M3ditate]

Originally Posted by Das BMW

I've searched the forums for opinions on the DHP on the M550i, with mixed results.

Those in favor call it a "must-have option." Those against say it is:

1. Only good for Active Roll Stabilization, but can be hard to notice.
2. Integral Active Steering is "nice to have", but wouldn't buy it stand-alone if offered.
3. Too soft + unpredictable on the highways, and takes some getting used to.

And therefore not enough to justify the additional $3,600.

I'm not sure when I'd have the chance to test drive a DHP in my area.

Now that it's been a few years for M550i owners, is DHP worth it or not? Please share your thoughts, thank you.

If you'd like to get a close feel, most well equipped 7 series and X7 cars on the lot will have at least the stand alone option. Take it around the parking lot and do some tight turns and slalom. Then go into the settings and turn on "Tire Chains" which turns off rear wheel steering and do some of the same maneuvers. The difference will be clear as day.

[Bymep]

Originally Posted by Mach550

Agree with the planted feel, however I ruined this feel when I moved to continental tires. Wish I hadn't bought them from tire rack, returning them is more of a pain than dealing with it...it'll make me slow down for the time being.

bummer. This is good to know, as I was also thinking of going with +5 tall tires once my OE 20" non-run-flats wear out. Now, think I'll stick with the OE tire sizes and keep dodging potholes.

[Das BMW]

Originally Posted by M3ditate

If you'd like to get a close feel, most well equipped 7 series and X7 cars on the lot will have at least the stand alone option. Take it around the parking lot and do some tight turns and slalom. Then go into the settings and turn on "Tire Chains" which turns off rear wheel steering and do some of the same maneuvers. The difference will be clear as day.

Nice, thanks for the tip! Based on the helpful feedback here I'll probably take the dive into DHP, but this is very good to know, perhaps next time Im at the dealer. Thank you.

[Das BMW]

Originally Posted by murmur

I had it on my F30 335 and loved it,, before trading it in while we were shopping for the M550, I drove one with out it and decided that was something I had to have. Took me a while to find it but they are out there..I was looking for something with DHP and B&W.

DHP makes it feel very well planted ,, feels like hugging the road especially in turns and add a bunch of confidence in twisties.

Again,, I might be biased and it's not really a comparison but I feel a lot more in control in our M550 versus my F80 M3.

High praise compared to an F80 M3!

[plutnicki]

I'd like to answer the poll, but none of the options apply to me.

I have an 18 M550 without DHP. But I've never driven one with DHP, so I am neither glad to not have it, nor wish I did have it, because I have no basis for comparison.

I can say that this is my daily driver, I drive both on the highway and on some really bad/gnarly back roads and I'm happy with the way the car rides both in Comfort and Sport.

[S4CH]

I had a 2015 550i MSport with DHP and now have the 2018 M550i without. Don't really miss it. The car handles amazingly in all situations. Haven't noticed any excess roll or instability.