New Christmas Shoes for the 2005 X5 4.8is

[StephenVA]

Gave my X5 a birthday present and a Christmas present... New Shoes and socks too.

New front wheels from BMW
Reconditioned rear wheels (Steam Rollers) Man those wheel are BIG!
Michelins from Tirerack.com

Reasons for the change: Front wheels had never been properly cleaned by "detail dept" at the dealer where this one was serviced for its first 6 years, too pitted and one had a crack that extended into the bead area. My life is worth more than a re-weld wheel, so it went into the trash bin. Now we can not have mis-matched wheels, so I went with two fronts wheels from BMW. The rears condition was only some "I cleaned the wheel with a brush I found on the floor" detail shop attempt to remove the brake dust. (This is why in the auto world, new car prep is referred to as "New Car Shake a Rag" as they do such a poor job compared to anyone with half a brain and a little professionalism. Just look on the detail forum to see what a pro can do to a neglected vehicle.

Details:

Front wheels 20x9.5 PN 36116766068 cost 474.15ea
Rear wheels 20x10.5 Reconditioned cost $150ea
Tires 275/40 fronts, 315/35 rear Michelin Latitude Tour HP $356 front and $378 for the steam rollers in the rear

Those that are in the Wash DC area, I will recommend leveraging Gary Martin MotorSports in Alexandria, VA for wheel reconditioning. National Wheel Repairs out of Fredericksburg (handles most of the BMW dealer work in No VA) comes by and picks up and returns the wheels in better than new look and appearance. Takes a while but they are cleaned, hand finished, painted, clear coated, and baked so the finish can handle those who use a car washes after driving 3 hrs. No I do mine by had COLD ONLY.

Merry Christmas 2013!