Are 214s impractical for a daily driver?

Loki · #1 08-02-2008, 09:18 AM

Just hoping to get an honest opinion from those with experience. Do you guys think using a 4.8i with 214s and the OEM 20s is completely impractical for a family (wife and one small child)? I know I need to switch to dedicated winter tires during the snow months...but other than that is it crazy to use this as my daily driver (would be our only car since we live in the city).

The ride of the 4.8i with the 20s isn't much harsher than with the 19s in my opinion (after brief evalauations anyway). Is anyone else out there using this setup (with the OEMS) as their daily driver and have small kids? Any other issues on the family/practicality/safety front other than having to switch the tires/rims in the winter?

I can't stand the look of the 211s personally (too regal and unsporty for my tastes)...which is why the 4.8i sport with the 19s really wasn't an option (and I definitely want the V8). It seems like BMW at least partially intends this scenario as their brochure features this setup (4.8i with 214s) with a third row seat and it is after all an SUV(yes I know SAV).

I suppose I could always downgrade (to 211s or something else) later if I find this to be a problem...but this would be an expensive solution. I haven't really seen anybody doing that so it is probably an unlikely scenario...but maybe it is just that no one is getting the 20s with intention of using it as the "family car".

Honest opinions apprecaited,
Loki

Fastbuck · #2 08-02-2008, 11:32 AM

I do about 13,000 miles a year in mine. I swapped to 19" sport tyres for the winter and could hardly notice much difference to the 20's. The X5 is certainly harsher than my X3 which runs on conventional 18's but i reckon it's down to the ROF tyres irrespective of size.

I would certainly buy the 20's again if replacing my E70 with another.

drod · #3 08-02-2008, 01:21 PM

i have all-season non-run flats on my 214s... absolutely love them...and i don't like the thought of swapping out to summer/winter tires..

especially if you use it as a family type vehicle (meaning no real aggressive driving..) you're better off with all-seasons..

DEETZ · #4 08-02-2008, 02:36 PM

I'd say all season tires are BS. My cayenne didn't stop during winter time with those all season tires recommended by Porsche. My buddy almost fell down the cliff too because the car didn't stop.

I'd say use the 20"s for summer and 19"s with winter tires for winter, its the best option, it only takes 5mins to swap those wheels

rh71 · #5 08-02-2008, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEETZ

I'd say all season tires are BS. My cayenne didn't stop during winter time with those all season tires recommended by Porsche. My buddy almost fell down the cliff too because the car didn't stop.

I'd say use the 20"s for summer and 19"s with winter tires for winter, its the best option, it only takes 5mins to swap those wheels

Have used all-seasons on other vehicles and they are fine in the winter. Don't expect them to perform like studded tires in the snow... it really depends how you drive and don't forget the weight you are trying to stop on a slippery surface. All-seasons have stopped fine for me with casual / safe driving in the snow. It's why I decided to do the same with the 214s and all-seasons now.

BTW, how bad is the snow in the midwest?

Texas5 · #6 08-02-2008, 03:08 PM

Loki,

Nothing wrong with the 20" setup as a daily driver. Problem is the OEM runflats might last 12-15K miles, and it will run you $1,500+ for a new set. You might factor that in to your decision. Yeah, summer tires might grip a little better, but anyone who really cares about handling isn't driving a 5500 lb SUV.

mtech8 · #7 08-03-2008, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas5

Loki,

Nothing wrong with the 20" setup as a daily driver. Problem is the OEM runflats might last 12-15K miles, and it will run you $1,500+ for a new set. You might factor that in to your decision. Yeah, summer tires might grip a little better, but anyone who really cares about handling isn't driving a 5500 lb SUV.

+1. I have them and use them as daily drivers. Love them!

Juanted · #8 08-05-2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas5

Loki,

Nothing wrong with the 20" setup as a daily driver. Problem is the OEM runflats might last 12-15K miles, and it will run you $1,500+ for a new set. You might factor that in to your decision. Yeah, summer tires might grip a little better, but anyone who really cares about handling isn't driving a 5500 lb SUV.

I bought an X5 because I needed a family car, but DO care about handling. I'm willing to bet that handling, performance, and braking are the reasons most of us bought this "5500 lb SUV." This is why the X5 and the Cayenne are so popular. If we did not care about handling or performance, we'd all be driving Lexus or Buick SUVs.

Back to the question at hand. I have 20" summer run-flats with the 214 wheels. No problems at all. Love the setup, as a matter of fact. I live in the south, so I don't even change my tires in the winter. I've never had a problem.

Juan

Texas5 · #9 08-05-2008, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaefer

I bought an X5 because I needed a family car, but DO care about handling. I'm willing to bet that handling, performance, and braking are the reasons most of us bought this "5500 lb SUV." This is why the X5 and the Cayenne are so popular. If we did not care about handling or performance, we'd all be driving Lexus or Buick SUVs.

Juan

Sorry Kaefer, didn't mean to step on anyone's toes. My point was more about the cost of staying with the OEM tires - they simply don't last many miles. We X5 drivers are already making a big sacrifice in handling/performance (vs. say a 3- or 5-series) in order to get more practicality/space/luxury. Switching to a more practical tire just isn't a that large big dropoff in performance.

Juanted · #10 08-05-2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas5

Sorry Kaefer, didn't mean to step on anyone's toes. My point was more about the cost of staying with the OEM tires - they simply don't last many miles. We X5 drivers are already making a big sacrifice in handling/performance (vs. say a 3- or 5-series) in order to get more practicality/space/luxury. Switching to a more practical tire just isn't a that large big dropoff in performance.

You did not step on anyone's toes... it's an opinion, and that what an internet board is all about. No biggie.

Obviously, the X5 sacrifices some handling and performance when compared to a 3 or 5 series. And I do agree that the drop-off in performance may be minimal when switching to a more practical tire -- if you're a "normal" driver. So, if you're using your SUV for a kid-mobile, soccer practice, grocery shopping utility, the tires won't much matter. If, however, you're like me, and you WANT performance and handling, but you MUST have a family car... and if your car never sees the right lane... if your X5 gets used to "cruising" at 95 MPH... if your MPG IMPROVES after driving 600 miles at an average of 85 MPH... then, tires matter.