Brand new to X5 and BMW - big difference between 20" and 22" wheels on stock susp.?

[ryanjoe13]

Hi,

I'm in the process of purchasing a 2008 X5 V8 4.8i with 34k miles on it.

I've done a lot of research on this site, and there is a ton of great information.. so thanks!

When I read the threads about larger aftermarket wheels, most people were using lowering springs after putting the wheels on. Personally, I don't know if I want to mess with the suspension like that. I'm considering either 20 inch or 22 inch wheels. Would there be a large difference in ride comfort between the two sizes on stock suspension? I would definitely not go for low profile tires either. I would actually want to get beefier tires with a bigger sidewall to fill up more of the wheel-gap and provide a more comfortable ride.

Does anyone have pictures of their e70 on 20s or 22s with the stock suspension? Or could point me in direction to find them? Does anyone have a stock e70 on 22s with thicker tires... what's the biggest size that would fit without rubbing a bunch with a full load?

Any input on tire sizes would also be greatly appreciated. Staggered setup seems to be a popular choice on these boards. Look forward with talking with you all in the future about this car. Thanks for any input!

[ryanjoe13]

...So, any issues I need to look for besides the coolant Valley Leak?

Buddy of mine who owns dealership is offering it to me for $24,000 with 34K Miles, one owner in Vancouver, BC. Traded in at Mercedes of Vancouver. Definite Asian soccer mom style lol.

4.8i V8, heads up display, premium audio, air suspension, rear DVD system, power liftgate, backup sensors & camera... pretty much loaded w/ options. Going to replace stock wheels anyways, so don't mind lack of sport package wheels.

Should I purchase the 48 month, 48,000 mile powertrain warranty for $2,888?

I've had a couple friends recommend the warranty. Any input would be appreciated!!

[ryanjoe13]

Originally Posted by ryanjoe13

...So, any issues I need to look for besides the coolant Valley Leak?

Buddy of mine who owns dealership is offering it to me for $24,000 with 34K Miles, one owner in Vancouver, BC. Traded in at Mercedes of Vancouver. Definite Asian soccer mom style lol.

4.8i V8, heads up display, premium audio, air suspension, rear DVD system, power liftgate, backup sensors & camera... pretty much loaded w/ options. Going to replace stock wheels anyways, so don't mind lack of sport package wheels.

Should I purchase the 48 month, 48,000 mile powertrain warranty for $2,888?

I've had a couple friends recommend the warranty. Any input would be appreciated!!

Here is what my buddy outlined at issues after he dropped it of at a reputable BMW mechanic in our area. He will be covering the cost of all of these repairs.

--------------------------

"That's why I called you today, I dropped the car yesterday at CPR, they started working on it.

The items that needed to be replaced were as follows:

1. Valve cover gasket ( I already knew about this and it needed to be done as soon as possible)

2. Upper timing chain gasket (it had a minor oil leak)

3. The coolant pipe that you mentioned (there was a very very minor coolant leak near the O-rings) this one needs to be addressed in probably next 30k miles. It was not in need of immediate attention, but since I want to get you the best car possible, I had mechanic take care of it while he had engine open.

Knowing you wanted a perfect car I have authorized them to repair all 3 stated items. I am hooping I can pick up the car tomorrow afternoon.

The entire repair came to $3,850 dollars for parts and labor, which I am covering as we agreed upon.

I also had them use the Pentosin NF coolant brand that you requested when they flushed the coolant. The oil was also changed."

----------------


Wow! Thank god for these forums because I would've never known about the coolant issue otherwise.

Is there anything here that raises a huge red flag with these repairs at 34,500 miles? I am going with my buddy tomorrow to pick up the truck from this mechanic, any questions I should ask in addition to reviewing the work order?

BTW, all of these items also carry a 12,000 mile warranty from the shop.

[ryanjoe13]

Originally Posted by ryanjoe13

...So, any issues I need to look for besides the coolant Valley Leak?

Buddy of mine who owns dealership is offering it to me for $24,000 with 34K Miles, one owner in Vancouver, BC. Traded in at Mercedes of Vancouver. Definite Asian soccer mom style lol.

4.8i V8, heads up display, premium audio, air suspension, rear DVD system, power liftgate, backup sensors & camera... pretty much loaded w/ options. Going to replace stock wheels anyways, so don't mind lack of sport package wheels.

Should I purchase the 48 month, 48,000 mile powertrain warranty for $2,888?

I've had a couple friends recommend the warranty. Any input would be appreciated!!

Here is what my buddy outlined at issues after he dropped it of at a reputable BMW mechanic in our area. He will be covering the cost of all of these repairs.

--------------------------

"That's why I called you today, I dropped the car yesterday at CPR, they started working on it.

The items that needed to be replaced were as follows:

1. Valve cover gasket ( I already knew about this and it needed to be done as soon as possible)

2. Upper timing chain gasket (it had a minor oil leak)

3. The coolant pipe that you mentioned (there was a very very minor coolant leak near the O-rings) this one needs to be addressed in probably next 30k miles. It was not in need of immediate attention, but since I want to get you the best car possible, I had mechanic take care of it while he had engine open.

Knowing you wanted a perfect car I have authorized them to repair all 3 stated items. I am hooping I can pick up the car tomorrow afternoon.

The entire repair came to $3,850 dollars for parts and labor, which I am covering as we agreed upon.

I also had them use the Pentosin NF coolant brand that you requested when they flushed the coolant. The oil was also changed."

----------------


Wow! Thank god for these forums because I would've never known about the coolant issue otherwise.

Is there anything here that raises a huge red flag with these repairs at 34,500 miles? I am going with my buddy tomorrow to pick up the truck from this mechanic, any questions I should ask in addition to reviewing the work order?

BTW, all of these items also carry a 12,000 mile warranty from the shop.

[Suge206]

Is it stolen? Major accidents? Seems odd that he could put that much into and still get it out to you at that price with that low of miles?

[ryanjoe13]

Originally Posted by Suge206

Is it stolen? Major accidents? Seems odd that he could put that much into and still get it out to you at that price with that low of miles?

Hahah, no not stolen. No accidents, clean history in Vancouver BC.

It's just a good friend of mine and he wants to get me a quality vehicle. He's actually taking a loss on what he paid for the car in Vancouver + covering those extra repairs vs what he's selling it to me for.

I'm giving him my Audi on a trade though so he will make up the difference on that. He's not worried about making $ on this particular deal w/ me.

Actually going with him this evening to pick up the truck at the shop who did all the work. He's obviously not trying to pull any fast ones on me, but I'm going to take the car for my own pre-purchase inspection anyways. Just to triple-check that I have everything covered.

The truck was inspected before he finalized purchase in Vancouver, again by this BMW/Porsche shop that he uses in Bellevue, WA, and then will be inspected a third time for my PPI. Does anyone recommend taking it to the BMW dealer for my PPI? Or is that a waste of money? Should I just go to the mechanic that I trust who I have a history with working on my Audi w/ great results? Any input would be appreciated.

[absentmathis]

I've always recommended declining add-on warranties. Look at it like this; if the warranty company actually paid out more than they made on each warranty, they simply wouldn't exist. So, it's a gamble for each individual. Will you be one of the minority who comes out ahead? Now with that said, with this particular car, and with the V8, the peace of mind is nice to have. When something does go wrong, it's costly.

I have the factory style 128 21" wheels and have zero reservations except for astronomical tire cost. Too difficult to post a pic from mobile, but you can google e70 style 128.

[ryanjoe13]

Originally Posted by absentmathis

I've always recommended declining add-on warranties. Look at it like this; if the warranty company actually paid out more than they made on each warranty, they simply wouldn't exist. So, it's a gamble for each individual. Will you be one of the minority who comes out ahead? Now with that said, with this particular car, and with the V8, the peace of mind is nice to have. When something does go wrong, it's costly.

I have the factory style 128 21" wheels and have zero reservations except for astronomical tire cost. Too difficult to post a pic from mobile, but you can google e70 style 128.

Thanks for the response and input Mathis.

The 128 21" wheels look great on the X5. What kind of tire sizes are you running? Are you staggered or have spacers in rear?

Interesting decision on the warranty. I was told that the warranty companies actually lose money on the cars like the X5, but they already make enough on other reliable cars like the Camry, Prius etc.

Just thought the 4 year 48,000 for under $3k sounded like a decent deal. would cover the car up to 82,000 miles.

Still debating...

[absentmathis]

Any warranty company worth their salt valuates and prices each car differently, so a Camry warranty would be cheaper (all things same) than an X5. They're smart enough not to sell something they lose money on. I do think the pricing and coverage interval you provided seems quite reasonable. I'd seriously consider. My recent purchase came with a transferable warranty so I've not yet had to make that decision.

Wheels and tires are staggered per factory setup. 325/30/21 rears - just replaced with Pilot Super Sports, cheapest option at $475ea. Fronts are something like 285/35/21 IIRC.

[ryanjoe13]

Originally Posted by absentmathis

Any warranty company worth their salt valuates and prices each car differently, so a Camry warranty would be cheaper (all things same) than an X5. They're smart enough not to sell something they lose money on. I do think the pricing and coverage interval you provided seems quite reasonable. I'd seriously consider. My recent purchase came with a transferable warranty so I've not yet had to make that decision.

Wheels and tires are staggered per factory setup. 325/30/21 rears - just replaced with Pilot Super Sports, cheapest option at $475ea. Fronts are something like 285/35/21 IIRC.

Great info.

Have you used the warranty much to get work done? Approx. cost of work/parts and time period?

How has the reliability been for you?