Need your opinion on 4.8is

[X5Ghost]

Hi everyone,
Looking to get back to the X after sometime. Used to have an 02 X 3.0 and now working to close a deal on an 04 4.8is but I have 2 Q:
1- I need to tow a 4500lb boat and trailer, is that an issue for the air ride sys?
2- can the X climb a 35 deg incline driveway with snow and ice? My wife's MDX has no issues with that? Please let me know? Thx in advance!!

[SlickGT1]

That towing weight is nothing for the X.

It will climb anything depending on your tires. If you have the stock 20's with summer tires, it will not go up that. If you have a set of nice winter/snow tires, I can't see why not.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

That towing weight is nothing for the X.

It will climb anything depending on your tires. If you have the stock 20's with summer tires, it will not go up that. If you have a set of nice winter/snow tires, I can't see why not.

Summer tires + decent snow = Even on a flat terrain probably can't even move and if you someohow got any momentum - now way to stop or steer. Accident waiting to happen for sure.

35 degree incline + all ice = Forget about it, I don't care what kind of tires or what vehicle you have.

I know OP probably didn't mean an incline completely covered in an ice sheet. I just want to underline the foolishness of trying something challenging without at least the proper tires. Its asking for guaranteed trouble/disaster.

Rant over. Off my soapbox now.

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

Summer tires + decent snow = Even on a flat terrain probably can't even move and if you someohow got any momentum - now way to stop or steer. Accident waiting to happen for sure.

35 degree incline + all ice = Forget about it, I don't care what kind of tires or what vehicle you have.

I know OP probably didn't mean an incline completely covered in an ice sheet. I just want to underline the foolishness of trying something challenging without at least the proper tires. Its asking for guaranteed trouble/disaster.

Rant over. Off my soapbox now.

LOL yea. A complete sheet of ice is asking for trouble. I'm sure he probably meant spotty ice / compact snow. Yea 30 deg incline is no joke with ice.

Studded tires though, that a different story.

The OPs questions, as far as the car being capable, it is. It is really a function of tires though with the ice.

[X5Ghost]

Thx for your responses! Pls let me clarify: it's a mixture of snow and compacted snow turning into ice as you drive on it. You are right, complete sheet of ice, there is no way!! In fact it rained once then froze, I could not even walk up the driveway, even bare foote! I had to park the car at the end of the driveway, walk around to the back neighbor then walk into my backyard as my driveway was the only entrance from the front!

Q: does the 4.8is have the ability to manage power to wheels independantly?meaning managing wheels that are slipping during a climb? The MDX does a mighty fine job but I really don't want to own two MDX's and prefer to get back into the X? Thx for your feedback!

[SlickGT1]

Yes the X drive system is very advanced. We had moderate snow, about 3 inches. I have a 4.8is, with the stock 20" rims, and conti DWS all season tires. I was ripping through all the snow I could get into without a problem. The car almost doesn't want to acknowledge the fact that there is snow on the ground. Even drifting through snow, full throttle, the car pulls through and straightens up.

Now if you were to slap on some dedicated snow tires and thin rims, I am sure it would be absolutely insane in the snow.

My current setup is so great, that I am waiting for some heavy snow to decide if I am going to keep or sell my winter wheel-tire combo.

Go on youtube, there are a lot of x5 vids from Russia where you can see the capability of the X in the snow.

Here are a couple.
This one the guy is trying to get out on the sidewalk as the street is not plowed, which is common over there. He plows the sidewalk with the X.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ujac...eature=related

Compact ice/snow on 20"
BMW X5 4.8 IS in LITHUANIA - YouTube

Pirelli Scorpion tires
BMW X5 E53 (X5M) 4.8is

And one for you. How's this hill compare for you.
X5 - YouTube

Honestly, I have never seen an X5 back in Russia get stuck in snow. Well unless the person was a retard, with shitty tires, summer tires, or flooring it like a retard. But those are the people that will get yelled at by everyone they know, and it won't happen again.

[motordavid]

Our '01 E53, non-XDrive, with dedicated snow tire/wheel set can climb 35+ degree inclines of compacted/icy/snowy road, like a mtn goat. The new XDrive, with dedicated snows should walk up your situ, imo.
GL, mD

[X5Ghost]

Thx for your posts guys. I should clarify that I'm looking for 2004-2006 4.8is! I didn't think they had x-drive, did they?

[X5Ghost]

Thx these Vids are awesome !!!

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

Yes the X drive system is very advanced. We had moderate snow, about 3 inches. I have a 4.8is, with the stock 20" rims, and conti DWS all season tires. I was ripping through all the snow I could get into without a problem. The car almost doesn't want to acknowledge the fact that there is snow on the ground. Even drifting through snow, full throttle, the car pulls through and straightens up.

Now if you were to slap on some dedicated snow tires and thin rims, I am sure it would be absolutely insane in the snow.

My current setup is so great, that I am waiting for some heavy snow to decide if I am going to keep or sell my winter wheel-tire combo.

Go on youtube, there are a lot of x5 vids from Russia where you can see the capability of the X in the snow.

Here are a couple.
This one the guy is trying to get out on the sidewalk as the street is not plowed, which is common over there. He plows the sidewalk with the X.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ujac...eature=related

Compact ice/snow on 20"
BMW X5 4.8 IS in LITHUANIA - YouTube

Pirelli Scorpion tires
BMW X5 E53 (X5M) 4.8is

And one for you. How's this hill compare for you.
X5 - YouTube

Honestly, I have never seen an X5 back in Russia get stuck in snow. Well unless the person was a retard, with shitty tires, summer tires, or flooring it like a retard. But those are the people that will get yelled at by everyone they know, and it won't happen again.

[rogerkiu]

All facelift E53 X5s made from 10/2003 are equipped with X-drive system. Your question 1 is not problem at all, your question 2 is not problem at all if your have proper tires and wheels.