X5 4.8 Off Road?

jpknupp · #1 03-06-2007, 03:15 PM

I'm considering getting a new 2007 X5 4.8, but I have a few questions.

I need an SAV b/c I have two dogs, and do a lot of mountain and road cycling. I really love the 20 in wheels (and am not too crazy about the 19's that come with the Sport package). How are the 20's off road? I don't do any real off-roading, just the occasional gravel road or grass parking lot when going to mountain bike. Can I use the 20's offroad at all? Or will I need to change them out every time I want to go offroad?

I live in Texas, so snow is not much of an issue, but I do take occassional cross country trips to the north. I'll likely get a 2nd set of 18" wheels and tires. Should I get snow tires or all-season? How are snow tires on the highway at 80+ mph? How long do they last? Any recommendation for tires that are good in the snow, light offroading, and decent on-road performance?

Lastly, does anyone know how much Discount Tire (or any other place) charges to swap a wheel set? I'm thinking I might change the wheels just for road trips to the north or on mtn bike trips when I know I'll be offroad, and then put the 20's back on when I get home.

Thanks.

jcreed · #2 03-06-2007, 06:26 PM

if its light off roading its ok. just slow down when you are offroad. and if you are using performance tires on the 20inch it will prob lose tread faster but there is nothing stopping you driving off road with 20inch tire.

get snow tires because all season tires are pretty useless.. most all season tires aint good in the snow at all. and snow tires are fine on 80+ on dry roads.

motordavid · #3 03-06-2007, 06:55 PM

What do you mean by "cross country trips"?

If you are going to drive through washes and canyons, I'd
skip the X. If you are noogying across some flat grassy fields
and soft inclines with good footing, it should be no prob.

A 2nd set of beater wheels and 18" tires will do wonders...
I'd skip the tire joint store trip: a $60 floor jack from Sears,
a decent lug wrench and a torque wrench, and 30 mins of
wrassling wheels will give you a swap out.

I'd also consider a nice, used "under warranty" or CPO covered
4.6 or 4.8 or even 4.4, pre-2007, in lieu a new E70; someone else
has taken the depreciation hit and you won't be sweating as much on
driving a new, pristine E70 through the brush, imo.
GL,mD

trueX5er · #4 03-06-2007, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motordavid

I'd also look for a nice, used "under warranty" or CPO covered
4.6 or 4.8 or even 4.4, pre-2007; someone else has taken
the depreciation hit and you won't be sweating as much on
driving a new, pristine E70 through the brush, imo.
GL,mD

That makes absolutely no sense.

So instead of getting grass stains on a new car, just go out and buy the high performance version of an older model? Besides costing THOUSANDS of dollars, don't you think they bought the E70 beacuse they didn't want the E53?
If you were looking to get a car to do offroading in, it wouldn't be a 4.6 or 4.8. A used, $6,000 F-150 makes more sense. And I had a hard time fitting a bike in my E53.

motordavid · #5 03-06-2007, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueX5er

That makes absolutely no sense.

So instead of getting grass stains on a new car, just go out and buy the high performance version of an older model? Besides costing THOUSANDS of dollars, don't you think they bought the E70 beacuse they didn't want the E53?
If you were looking to get a car to do offroading in, it wouldn't be a 4.6 or 4.8. A used, $6,000 F-150 makes more sense. And I had a hard time fitting a bike in my E53.

Hey, put your jacket back on...the poster's orig question, with
his somewhat vague parameters, implied his enthusiasm for an
X: new E70. I was offering up some options...I also suggested
the 4.4 in addition to a 4.6 or 4.8.

It was hard to discern his real need, vis a vis "off roading or trailing".
Maybe you have a more clear understanding.

I wasn't referring to potential "grass stains": if you have ever been
truly off road, "grass stains" ain't the issue or concern.

I have no idea why he wants an E70 vs a used E53 or, even if he
considered and/or dismissed a used X. I'm not dissing E70s;
I'm not try to sell him anything, either. I simply offered a couple of
suggestions and asked for the OP to define his "needs" better.

You seem to be cranked...maybe you can offer some salient advice.

Did you like my wheel and jack ideas, or did that suck too?

trueX5er · #6 03-06-2007, 07:13 PM

Sorry, but I thought you meant the E53 in addition to the E70.
Saying something like that sounded weird from you...so that is why I inquired.
A CPO 4.8/4 would be a fine idea instead of the E70 if it fits him. I realize the E70 isn't for everybody.
Some 17'' all terrains would be benefitical for light duty off roading or snow.

And I have no problem with changing wheels and tires with out the assistance of a shop.

Sorry if I came across as mean.

Steve Germany · #7 03-06-2007, 08:05 PM

The LandRover has advanced generations - take a test drive...

jcreed · #8 03-06-2007, 08:37 PM

i agree, if you are looking at some more difficult terrain and cross country driving, range rover is a wonderful car.

PAPI · #9 03-06-2007, 08:50 PM

Going back to his original question about off roading 20´s against 19´s (or even 18´s):

The smaller the wheel, the biggest the meat (rubber) you can have to absorb bumps, hits and damage to your wheels and suspension components.
And about snow: I don´t know, the only snow here are in snow cones

jcreed · #10 03-06-2007, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAPI

Going back to his original question about off roading 20´s against 19´s (or even 18´s):

The smaller the wheel, the biggest the meat (rubber) you can have to absorb bumps, hits and damage to your wheels and suspension components.
And about snow: I don´t know, the only snow here are in snow cones

hahah.. well the size doesnt directly relate to how well the wheels is off road. if you use snow tire, then it should be ok, but that said, i dont know if they even make 20inch snow tires.