New '05 4.4 owner

[zachthefcr]

I just picked up an '05 CPO X5 4.4 with 37,000 miles from a dealer in Chicago. I drove the car back to Maryland, and really loved the car and the ride (what's not to love?). I then drove to NY the following weekend. Although rated at 16-22 mpg, highway only miles for the two trips averaged 19.6 mpg, with a light foot and careful acceleration, with my speed averaging about 75 mph. Has anyone ever actually experienced 22 mpg on the highway?

Also, the X5 has new Michelin Diamaris tires, which I understand may not do well in the snow. I spend time in snow country in the winter. Does anyone have any suggestions for managing this for occasional snow driving? The car, by the way, is Khalahari Beige with a sport package and 19 inch wheels.

Thanks for any replies to the above.

[BMWLOVER]

Congratz on an awesome ride!!

[cobra94563]

Hey - nice ride! I looked at a kalahari before I bought my '05.

I have a 4.4 and last weekend, we did about 500mi and I got about the same as you, 19.7-ish. I get about 19.5 in mixed driving. I have gotten close to 22 over short distances, but I have to drive like 65mph. Going faster hurts mileage, I think because the aero dynamics are not good.

[TaMbALoLoNg]

Welcome and congratulations....

[sprocket1200]

we get 24 mpg on the highway. you gotta slow down, it is the only way (55). going faster exponentially decreases mpg.

get winter tires you will be amazed. we get 3 days of snow here every year and keep them on for 5 months. few people realize that they make a huge difference above freezing b/c of their softer compound...

be wary of anyone who tells you different. they most likely haven't used them or haven't taken the necessary driving courses to understand the dynamics of driving

even BMW recommends them for temperatures below 45F...

[cmyX6go]

Do not ride on those tires in the snow.They are great handling for summer and grip the road like no other but are sleds in the snow. Get a set of 17 or 18 inch rims with snow tires and change them out each season.

Welcome.

[killcrap]

irmember that car, mirror motor, some wheel rash and door handel peeling?

[anerbe]

agree with the above posts - get some 17/18" wheels and put either some winter tires or a very aggressive all season tire on it. ultimately, the snows would be the best, but if price and longer mileage are an issue and you won't be driving in really deep snow, you can get away with a A/S truck tire.

[Michelle]

Where in Maryland are you?

[sprocket1200]

if price and longer milage are issues don't buy crappy winter tires!

buy good winter tires (consumer reports rates them) and save yourself an accident.
no season tires (all seasons) are not good enough for the cold (below 45F) or any snow. Don't believe the BS out there based on ignorance...