okay, I've got a question

[jwalsh22]

Alright, well part of the biggest appeal of BMW ownership for me beside the car, was the brotherhood that goes along with it. I was thinking of joining BMW CCA, and I know that they have track days and activities for e46ers and you know traditional BMW models, but what about the X? Are there any X5 or X3 events? I was thinking it would be cool to have some off-roading and stuff like that which are necessarily possible in an e46 for instance. Does anyone know if these exist? Would anyone be interested in starting some stuff like this?

[MD4.6]

I am sure there are clubs out there but I don't think they will be going off roading with an X.

[bimmerfan]

The X5 isn't really designed to go off road. If you're into that buy a Land Rover Disco

[JV]

Suspension travel, tires and wheels, ground clearance, they're just not gonna make you happy on a trail in your X5. It'll do great on a somewhat level hard-packed sand surface, great in packed snow with the proper wheels and tires (the sum of my off-roading experience in my X5), but bouncing it over rocks and through mud will likely not turn out too well.

JV

[UCrewX5]

I agree that the X5's forte is it's on-road characteristics, however the vehicle is no slouch when it comes to certain off-road capabilities - as demonstrated at the factory delivery center track. Also, check out this video if you haven't seen it beore - http://www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=10705. Not really "off-road", but more of a road rally event.

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by jwalsh22

...I was thinking of joining BMW CCA, and I know that they have track days and activities for e46ers and you know traditional BMW models, but what about the X? Are there any X5 or X3 events? I was thinking it would be cool to have some off-roading and stuff like that which are necessarily possible in an e46 for instance. Does anyone know if these exist?

I "belong" to BMW CCA Tarheel Chapter, but that's really for the Roundel mag and I figured our always broke/"in the red" chapter could use the chump change dues.

The Tarheel Chapter of BMWCCA is actually composed of 10 subgroups ranging from Cape Fear,NC to Raleigh to Asheville area to Roanoke,VA, etc, etc. Quite diverse in pop., terrain, geography size, 'Tudes, etc.

We, theCEO & I, have been to 4 "functions": 3 times to the local once/month dinner and to the "show&shine" for BMWs outside the Lowe's Ctr Car show deal. The dindins, while ok, were lightly attended and populated by 3 series guys, (that's fine), all of whom wondered why WE were there, in an X5, .

At the Lowe's deal we were one of two Xs and we were "lined up" at the end of the area in right field, sorta like redheaded bastard step children. No biggie: none of that stuff bothers me much and all the 3 series, M3 and M5 and 745 guys wanted to be in the VisiSpots.

So, for us, it is truly Less is Less. I generally have a good time on any of my M'cycles or in any of our cars, at Any kind of motorized event or get together, planned or informal, regardless of "brand(s)". This has not been the case w/the TH chapter stuff we've done. No biggie...we have lotsa other stuff "to do".

All anecdotal and really jes'my 2Cts, as you may find Your local group(s) to be more receptive to Xs, though off roading stuff, by BMW CCA clubs is seldom discussed, in my experience. My FiftyScent is up. GL,md

[JCL]

Originally Posted by bimmerfan

The X5 isn't really designed to go off road. If you're into that buy a Land Rover Disco

Agree that the X5 isn't an off road vehicle, but why a Disco? My 2001 Discovery could get stuck on my paved driveway with heavy frost, due to the ramp at the curb having a slope in two directions. The beam type front axle couldn't deal with it. Various Explorers, Expeditions, Trooper, and a Bronco that I drove, as well as many F series 4x4s, all did better off road than the Disco. Look at a Defender, or a TJ (Wrangler).