I bought my FX back in the day before I had kids and I appreciated the car for its performance. However, now that I have kids, I'm driving the FX less due to the harsh ride quality (tough on infants/toddlers/babies etc) not to mention makes a pregnant women (and the elderly) car sick. We don't have this issue in my 5-series BMW (which offers both performance and comfort). I would like the same for my FX!

Has anyone experienced an effective solution(s) (in creating a softer ride)? I heard folks switching over to the 18" rim (less rim, more rubber). How about spring/shock combos?

If I don't find a solution, I may be forced to trade up for a minivan.

Dre

Dam that sucks, dropping an FX45 for a minivan.

I would say the best bet to soften the ride would be to go with the 18" rims, it's probably the cheapest and easiest way to improve comfort. I have driven a few with the 18"s and the ride quality is slightly improved, the larger sidewalls help more than the lo profile tires on the 20"s.

If this doesn't get the job done enough to keep the FX than you may want to think about changing the rear shocks and springs as well as the front struts and springs with the 35 setup. I do not know how this will effect your ride height and subsequent alignment specs.

Good Luck Keep us posted.

The early FX45 is known to ride like a beast. The 18" wheels are a good first step.

But, while it's certainly not an upgrade in my book, a minivan or maybe a QX56 is in your future?

Just replaced the FX with the QX56, Range Rover, LX470 or X5/6