Newbie, few 4.8is questions...

[B-A-R]

Hey there gang...

New to the forum, just wanted to say hello and tell you all i've like this site a lot, very informative!!
I just picked up a 2004 X5 4.8is, and had a few questions...

Engine braking! The ONLY thing about this ride i cant stand! Anyone explored any possible bypass? What is its purpose other than sending passengers heads lunging forward at slow stops?? Uggg....
Lighting: Read a prievious post regarding an HID retrofit for foglights. Ive done this in my 03 Dodge Ram, but the kit i used STRONGLY insisted the load the new HID ballast's and ignitors would melt the stock harness, and supplied a seperate power lead directly to the battery. The mod shown here is plug in and play, just wondering if anyones noticed any problems using the OEM harness?? I suppose contacting the maker of that kit would answer the question, but thought i'd pick your collective brains as well....
Winter tires..
Not many options (TWO!?!?) for these massive 20's. Anyone had any luck with The Dunlop or Conti's winter offerings for 20's?? I've read alot of you are getting a backup set of 19's or 18's, just worried about the big brakes on the 4.8 might have clearence probs with OEM bmw 19's...

Any thoughts appreciated!!

-B

[powers1]

:welcome:
Dont think you will have any brake clearance problems when using 19" or 18" wheels for winter,but I am sure our 4.8 members will gladly advise you further.

[vinuneuro]

The lurching you are noticing with what seems like 'engine braking' is actually a known problem with the transmission software. Take it in to your dealer and they should update it for you.

[UCrewX5]

Originally Posted by powers1

:welcome:
Dont think you will have any brake clearance problems when using 19" or 18" wheels for winter,but I am sure our 4.8 members will gladly advise you further.

The BMW 18" and 19" X5 rims will clear the brake calipers

[jaba]

I haven't gotten any big problems with my hid fogs. You just need the correct bulb application. Do you already have an HID kit?

[YankeeBimmer]

Congrats and welcome

[B-A-R]

Hi there and thanks for the welcome and all the great help!! I will bring the car in for them to check out the tranny prob!!
I will also look into a set of 19's for my winter trips....

I was recently at my local dealership, and saw a new 7 series with optional 21's!!! Apparently they arent avail. for X5 applications, i'm assuming offset, and /or weight might be an issue, but they looked great...I will try to upload some pix of these tonight. Anyone seen these wheels yet??

thnx again....b

[B-A-R]

Originally Posted by jaba

I haven't gotten any big problems with my hid fogs. You just need the correct bulb application. Do you already have an HID kit?

I havent gottan the kit yet, i will double check my bulb for the application before i call them.....b

[B-A-R]

.....also, real quick.....anyone know anyone local to the Sf bay area that has installed the IceLink iPod kit for the X5?? Thnx...i will shut up now!! =)

[B-A-R]

Yup!! those is them......any ideas as to why they wouldnt fit the X5??