Is Rally a bad idea?

[lkv0315]

Recently, I have been thinking about participating on mixed-surface (some dirt, some asphalt) rally racing. I was wondering if I could get an opinion on, would it be a good idea to do rally in an E53? The E53 in question is my 2005 E53, which has 150k miles on it but no major powertrain problems. I know you can race just about anything if you have the nerve to, but I wanted to know if it would be unsafe due to the characteristics of the car. Thanks for any opinions!

[Crowz]

Only real danger is not making movies and taking pics. You have to post the info here.

We don't forgive that at all


Otherwise I doubt its anymore dangerous than racing any other stock street vehicle. I wouldn't use a daily driver but if I had an extra and wanted to I would probably do it.

[EODguy]

Crowz..

"If I had a spare"

What if you had several?

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

[-TCB---7]

Lightness and low inertia really matters in rally to get quick changes in direction. That's why the Mitsubishis and Subarus do so well because there's nothing left when you strip out the interior. Also important to have low unsprung mass (wheel/tire/brakes) so the wheels can be controlled through the rough patches. Both of those are a bit lacking in an X5, but it does seem to be durable. May need some beefed up versions of front and rear links.
Center of gravity could be an issue, so would need to lower it some too. Travel is needed, but not necessarily the ground clearance.

[wpoll]

This....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTRGPaiHM18

So yeah, it's certainly possible...

[yes_its_neil]

Is that a rally or a suburban street in Moscow Wayne?

[lkv0315]

Originally Posted by -TCB---7

Lightness and low inertia really matters in rally to get quick changes in direction. That's why the Mitsubishis and Subarus do so well because there's nothing left when you strip out the interior. Also important to have low unsprung mass (wheel/tire/brakes) so the wheels can be controlled through the rough patches. Both of those are a bit lacking in an X5, but it does seem to be durable. May need some beefed up versions of front and rear links.
Center of gravity could be an issue, so would need to lower it some too. Travel is needed, but not necessarily the ground clearance.

All of these were things I had already been thinking would be an issue, mainly the weight and the center of gravity. Not really interested in rolling my beauty, but getting a little dirty shouldn’t be an issue. Also hopefully I don’t end up in one of those “Epic Rally Fails” vids on YouTube lol.

[lkv0315]

Originally Posted by wpoll

This....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTRGPaiHM18

So yeah, it's certainly possible...

That’s a pretty cool build, I don’t think I’d have that yet but maybe someday. Also like you seem to have, I knew they used X5s for Dakar and other endurance off-road racing, so I figured rally would be okay too. Thanks for the help!

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by yes_its_neil

Is that a rally or a suburban street in Moscow Wayne?

Fully kitted and ready to tackle that Monday morning drive through Sydney traffic....!

(Or a quick side trip up to Cape York... )

(It's Salty-safe!).

[wpoll]

This image was partly the inspiration for my current garage. This is my bike and my car, albeit both rally-prepped (mine aren't!!).