There are plenty of BMW packages to choose from when you’re buying your car, and the range of choices can be difficult to understand. Alongside standard packages like the executive pack and packs to improve the interior such as the luxury seating pack, you have the performance upgrade packages.
One of these packages is the Dynamic Handling pack. This is a package available on different specs of most BMW models and includes a wide range of options. In this article we’ll take you through the features of this pack, the cost for each BMW model, and if this is a pack worth buying.
What is the BMW Dynamic Handling Package?
Let’s start by looking at what models have this pack, and what is included when choosing the Dynamic Handling package. This can be confusing, as BMW includes different options depending on the vehicle model.
What BMW Models Have This Package?
The Dynamic Handling Package is available on the following models:
- X3 30i
- X4 30i
- X5 M50i
- X6 M50i
- 330i
- 330e
- 430i Coupe
- 430i Gran Coupe
- 430i Convertible
- 540i
- M550i
- Z4 30i
- iX 50i
- i4 e35
What Features Are Available On The Dynamic Handling Pack?
M Sport Brakes with Blue or Red Calipers
The first feature in the Dynamic Handling Pack is the option to change your brake caliper color to either blue or red and add M Sport brakes. The larger, upgraded brake discs & calipers have more stopping power, and the color changes definitely help to make your wheels stand out.
If you’re looking at this option it’s worth checking what wheels you are selecting. Some alloy wheels allow you to easily see the brakes, but some keep the calipers hidden – so it’s probably not worth getting this upgrade on certain wheels.
The BMW cars that have this feature included in the Dynamic Handling Package are:
- X3 30i
- X4 30i
- 430i
- Z4 30i
Dynamic Damper Control
The Dynamic Damper Control feature allows your BMW more control and stability under high speeds. This is a purely mechanical upgrade and integrates a system into your car to manage damping on each wheel to help with grip and control.
As you would expect, this is a feature that truly shines when you take your BMW on the track. At higher speeds and with tight cornering the damper system is vital to keeping all 4 wheels in contact with the surface, and the dynamic control system here works automatically to assist. Most daily driving in your BMW won’t be affected by Dynamic Damper Control, but it’s a useful feature to have when you do need to control the car at pace.
The BMW cars that have this feature included in the Dynamic Handling Package are:
- X3 30i
- X4 30i
- 540i
Variable Sport Steering
The Variable Sport Steering option is next. This is an option that’s included as standard on most BMWs, but for the X3 and 3 Series models, it comes as part of the Dynamic Handling Package.
Variable Sport Steering is a smart title for a more direct steering wheel response. This feature increases the steering angle, allowing you to control your BMW in tighter spaces, like parking. The sport steering also adjusts the force required to adjust the steering, related to your speed. It’s a useful feature to have if you’re expecting to drive in urban areas and makes parking and navigating tight streets significantly easier.
The BMW cars that have this feature included in the Dynamic Handling Package are:
- X3 30i
- 330e
Active Roll Stabilization
The Active Roll Stabilization feature is another mechanical upgrade on the Dynamic Handling Pack. In short, this option involves a number of sensors monitoring the body of your BMW during cornering and changes in speed.
When the sensors detect that the car is less stable, the system will adjust your suspension to keep the car as level as possible. This helps with handling at higher speeds and in corners, but it also makes driving more comfortable.
The BMW cars that have this feature included in the Dynamic Handling Package are:
- X5 M50i
- X6 M50i
- 540i
- M550i
Adaptive M Suspension
The Adaptive M Suspension is one of the most useful features of the Dynamic Handling Pack. It’s also available on most BMW models, and it’s a feature I would always select, whether it’s included in this pack or available on its own.
The Adaptive M Suspension allows you to select from multiple levels of suspension – from softer ‘comfort’ modes to ‘sport’ modes that firm the suspension to improve handling. The system also has an adaptive mode to automatically improve the ride where possible.
The BMW cars that have this feature included in the Dynamic Handling Package are:
- X5 M50i
- X6 M50i
- 330i
- 330e
- 430i Coupe
- 430i Convertible
- M550i
- Z4 30i
Integral Active Steering
The Integral Active Steering (IAS) feature is similar to the Variable Sport Steering, designed to help with controlling your BMW. This feature is more advanced and requires all-wheel-drive, which is why IAS is only available on a handful of models.
With the Integral Active Steering feature, at low speeds you get more direct responses from your steering, and also rear-wheel steering to support your turning. The system also helps with changing lanes on the highway, where the rear wheels support a quick lane change. On the larger BMW models like the X5 and X6, this is a really useful feature to have.
The BMW cars that have this feature included in the Dynamic Handling Package are:
- X5 M50i
- X6 M50i
- M550i
- iX 50i
M Sport Differential
The M Sport Differential is one of the most important features for improving handling on your BMW. BMW claims the M Sport Differential adds ‘greater agility, better handling and exceptional traction‘ and the difference against a standard differential can be huge.
With standard driving, the upgraded differential isn’t that obvious, with some improvements to the grip. On a track though, the M Sport Differential is a noticeable upgrade and is almost vital if you’re planning on driving your BMW in anger regularly.
The BMW cars that have this feature included in the Dynamic Handling Package are:
- 430i Coupe
- 430i Gran Coupe
- 430i Convertible
- Z4 30i
Air Suspension
The final feature we are covering on the Dynamic Handling Package is the Air Suspension option for the BMW iX. Air suspension on modern BMWs is nothing new, and it’s strange to see this included as an optional extra on the iX instead of a standard feature.
In simple terms, the air suspension system is designed to offer a more comfortable ride than standard hydraulic suspension. Air suspension is widely used on luxury SUVs like the Range Rover and Bentley Bentayga, so it makes sense to be included in BMW’s electric SUV. It’s strange to see this as an option on the Dynamic Handling Pack, but that’s not uncommon for BMW
The BMW cars that have this feature included in the Dynamic Handling Package are:
- iX 50i
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of the Dynamic Handling package depends on the model, but as a rough guide for the US market:
- X3 30i – $1,400
- X4 30i – $1,200
- X5 M50i – $2,600
- X6 M50i – $2,600
- 330i – $1,200
- 330e – $1,400
- 430i Coupe – $2,150
- 430i Gran Coupe – $2,150
- 430i Convertible – $2,150
- 540i – $3,500
- M550i – $3,600
- Z4 30i – $2,450
- iX 50i – $1,600
- i4 e35 – $1,500
Is the Dynamic Handling Package worth it?
Overall, the dynamic handling package significantly improves both the ride quality and the handling performance, but it has a greater impact on some BMW models than others. If you’re looking to use your BMW on the track often then these features are a must-have. With the M sport differential and steering upgrades, you can turn your BMW into a competent track day machine while keeping it comfortable for the road.
For larger BMW models like the X5 or iX, the features in the dynamic handling package do improve the ride quality, but you’ll get more benefits from the right-size wheels and suitable tires. With costs reaching $2,000 or more on most BMW models, this is one of the most expensive packs.
If you want to find out more about packages from BMW, along with other manufacturers, check out the links below:
