X5 Wheel/Tire upgrade advice

[ulstr]

Hi Xoutpost forum, I am new here and was hoping to get some advice on the proposed setup I am considering for my 2012 X5 35i Platinum Grey Metallic

I am by no means an experienced modder but would like to enhance my wife's X5 with some simple tweaks.

Here is what has been suggested by my local custom shop:

1) M-style fender flares
2) 20" Beyern Spartan black or BBS SV Black Diamond Cut wheels/rims. I like the look of the black Beyern's but I am concerned with the rough road conditions here in Alberta (lots of gravel) they may get chipped, any advice someone can offer regarding the wear and tare of black rims?
3) Non Staggered tire/wheel configuration, the sales rep advised me that there are less options for the staggered setup and the ride may be rougher for my wife to get use to. Instead of a staggered setup he suggested using staggered offsets for a more aggressive stance. I am a big fan of the staggered look and have no experience with using offsets, again any advice? will I regret not getting the staggered setup with the fender flares?
4) Tires; Size 275/40/20 all around, is this good or should I be going wider? as for tire vendor the following were suggested, Bridgestone, Dunlop and Pirelli. I assume they are all pretty much equal, I was leaning towards Dunlop or Pirelli as bridgestone seem to generic

Feedback is welcome...

One item that was not suggested was running boards, after viewing alot of the pictures submitted on this forum I think these are a must. Can someone suggest a part number or provide a link?

Thanks guys, I am really enjoying this forum, any advice would be appreciated.

[motordavid]

Do you not like any of the BMW oe style wheels that could fit your E70, in staggered or square fitment?

Haven't shopped for aftermkt wheels, but I suspect those Beyern and BBS wheels are healthy in price.

Custom shops see $ when it comes to wheels and stuff, in my experience, but maybe diff in Alberta.

Black: looks cool on some cars, hides brake dust and road grime, but like all 'black' parts they get grungy in a heartbeat.

Driving on gravel?! I would pass on pricey wheels, but just my opin.

Not apples to apples but I have staggered 19" 132s on our old/low tech '01 E53, and neither my wife or I consider the ride 'rough'.

Running boards: some people like them, some don't. Mostly cosmetic, imo, and even being 6'1" with a 34" pant seam, I find them very difficult to 'clear' upon exit = smudge marks on back of pant legs, et al.

Maybe some Alberta posters can offer more local shopping info...
And, everyone has their own bag and desire, so I am not being critical of your shopping.
GL, mD

[135ivert]

Originally Posted by ulstr

Hi Xoutpost forum, I am new here and was hoping to get some advice on the proposed setup I am considering for my 2012 X5 35i Platinum Grey Metallic

I am by no means an experienced modder but would like to enhance my wife's X5 with some simple tweaks.

Here is what has been suggested by my local custom shop:

1) M-style fender flares
2) 20" Beyern Spartan black or BBS SV Black Diamond Cut wheels/rims. I like the look of the black Beyern's but I am concerned with the rough road conditions here in Alberta (lots of gravel) they may get chipped, any advice someone can offer regarding the wear and tare of black rims?
3) Non Staggered tire/wheel configuration, the sales rep advised me that there are less options for the staggered setup and the ride may be rougher for my wife to get use to. Instead of a staggered setup he suggested using staggered offsets for a more aggressive stance. I am a big fan of the staggered look and have no experience with using offsets, again any advice? will I regret not getting the staggered setup with the fender flares?
4) Tires; Size 275/40/20 all around, is this good or should I be going wider? as for tire vendor the following were suggested, Bridgestone, Dunlop and Pirelli. I assume they are all pretty much equal, I was leaning towards Dunlop or Pirelli as bridgestone seem to generic

Feedback is welcome...

One item that was not suggested was running boards, after viewing alot of the pictures submitted on this forum I think these are a must. Can someone suggest a part number or provide a link?

Thanks guys, I am really enjoying this forum, any advice would be appreciated.

#3 doesn't make any sense to me. A 20 is going to ride like a 20 regardless of width. All of the manufacturers you mentioned (and more) make them in the standard BMW staggered sizes. Even if you did all 4 tires the same size I would use spacers not differing offsets to achieve the same look. This would at least allow you to rotate the tires.

Also, if you get the M-sport fender flares there's some other bits you have to add as well. At least the side-skirts, maybe even the bumpers. You'd have to search on that though.

FYI my wife loves the staggered setup with the 20's and sport suspension. Everyone's different but that just seems like a salesman thing to say to sell what he has in stock.

[ard]

Staggered sucks. You can rotate and it is totally pointless in an AWD. Excellent idea to use offsets to get 'the look' if that is important.

You really need to spend thousands for your wife's' grocery hauler??

[josiahg52]

I'm buying four 20" OE front wheels, buying four identical tires and using a spacer in the rear for looks. Looks good and will allow me to rotate tires through all positions. This method works well with my M5. Staggered fitments are an absolute bewilderment to me on these vehicles.