Hi All,

So after deciding not to go for the new Touareg and some minor setbacks with the first try on the X5, I'm finally trading in my 2004 v8 Touareg and picking up my X5 on Thursday and I can't wait!

X5 35i Alpine White with M Package, 20" wheels, Black Interior and Bamboo trim.

This is a pic of the 1st one but a battery drain (hence the charger) and a paint chip lead them to agree to replace it with the exact same model but premium sound and bamboo trim instead of stainless - yeeha! (I do like the stainless but it scratches too easily for my liking)

It comes with all seasons and I opted not to go for the dealer's 18" winter tire & wheel package at $3,600 but since I live in Montreal, I need to sign an undertaking to install winters in the next 10 days (Quebec law requirement)

The vehicle is built after oct 10 and I'm having so much trouble finding a solution for my tire issue.

I was considering keeping the 20" in the winter but my brother in-law had the 4.8 with 315's at the back (Pirelli Scorpion snow & ice) and he said he was all over the place.

What I've found so far:

1) a local shop that will machine out the center hole of a set of 18" 2007-10 X3 wheels and install with winters - not sure this is wise...

2) I found a nice set of staggered 19" wheels (see pic) but waiting to see if they have any with the correct offset. It would be with 265/55 Pirelli's to fit the rim 9.5" rear wheels. Total cost shipped will be approx. $3,000 plus the sensors ($300) plus installation... sheesh

3) dealer package - is this option not as bad as I thought or are there any better alternatives???

On another note, how awesome is the aero package? I had trouble choosing between mine and the X5 in the background. In the end I'm happy with my choice but just a little worried about what I've read about paint chipping on the M wheel wells...

Also wondering if anyone has had issues with the tape-like covering on the M side steps. One of them in the showroom had notches all over both sides and it really shows up on white. The salesman told me it must have been from the guys removing the ice & snow (hmmm). I was surprised to see how thin it is and that it can tear like that?

Just thought I'd share...

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