X5 vs 550ix

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by TheX5

I haven't driven it. I was assuming there wouldn't be a big difference between it and the X5 given the common underpinnings. To be honest, I'm not sold on the styling and so have stayed away from it - though I did see one in black that looked pretty hot

I thought the same as well...during the drive, i quickly realized some differences. IMO, it handled more car-like than the sport E53 and E70, more confident...almost like a slightly raised 6er. Experience it for yourself.

The looks have grown on me...or at least, what i envision to do if i end up with one

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

The dedicated M&S Vredesteins 20's on my X5 work perfectly and most recently in a Northeast VT blizzard. Clarkson wouldn't dare throw the summer 20's from the X6 on the Range for that silly comparison

I was just using the video as a visual aid. I saw it last weekend when I was cleaning out my DVR. Video aside, the majority of posts I have read on this forum regarding 19+ inch wheels with all seasons in the snow have been negative. Even worse with wider 20+ inch wheels like TahoeM3 has. That is why I was surprised with his results.

Are your Vreds on 18 inch wheels or smaller? If so, there is a big difference between those and the 20's and it is probably not really fair to compare the two in the snow.

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

The dedicated M&S Vredesteins 20's on my X5 work perfectly...

Originally Posted by FSETH

...

Are your Vreds on 18 inch wheels or smaller? If so, there is a big difference between those and the 20's and it is probably not really fair to compare the two in the snow.

I mentioned that mine are 20's as well. There are more dedicated snows becoming available even in 315/20 now...i know of several that use as winter setups on their X ///M's and no regrets.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

I mentioned that mine are 20's as well. There are more dedicated snows becoming available even in 315/20 now...i know of several that use as winter setups on their X ///M's and no regrets.

No problem, I know you had said 20's earlier, but I couldn't find any all season or M/S rated tires in a 20 inch size on Vredesteins website for SUV's. All I see in Vreds that will fit 20's are summer or winter tires. Just out of curiosity which exact tires do you have? I may consider them next time if they make them in 19's as well.

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by FSETH

No problem, I know you had said 20's earlier, but I couldn't find any all season or M/S rated tires in a 20 inch size on Vredesteins website for SUV's. All I see in Vreds that will fit 20's are summer or winter tires. Just out of curiosity which exact tires do you have? I may consider them next time if they make them in 19's as well.

Wintrac 4 Xtreme

2010 brochure

Pardon the hijack OP

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

I thought the same as well...during the drive, i quickly realized some differences. IMO, it handled more car-like than the sport E53 and E70, more confident...almost like a slightly raised 6er. Experience it for yourself.

Completely different ride. ZERO body roll. It amazes me everyday.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

Wintrac 4 Xtreme...

I apologize, we were not on the same page. Your Vreds are dedicated winter tires, TahoeM3's tires are all-seasons rated M&S. I am not surprised yours run well in the winter temperatures and snow because they were designed specifically to do so, but I am still surprised that Tahoe's all season Proxes do. Even if they are rated M&S. Especially being all season in that wide of a tire.

I stand by my original comment where I said I have seen a lot of negative posts/comments regarding all season tires, which M&S are. Especially at wider widths and larger sizes such as Tahoe's.

Your Vreds are not M&S. That is where you confused me. They are dedicated winter tires according to their website.

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by FSETH

I apologize, we were not on the same page. Your Vreds are dedicated winter tires, TahoeM3's tires are all-seasons rated M&S. I am not surprised yours run well in the winter temperatures and snow because they were designed specifically to do so, but I am still surprised that Tahoe's all season Proxes do. Even if they are rated M&S. Especially being all season in that wide of a tire.

I stand by my original comment where I said I have seen a lot of negative posts/comments regarding all season tires, which M&S are. Especially at wider widths and larger sizes such as Tahoe's.

Your Vreds are not M&S. That is where you confused me. They are dedicated winter tires according to their website.

I can't disagree with you, however, i'm seeing and hearing positive reviews as well. The 2010 tires may market "dedicated winter"...but my tire year, 2008, has the M&S stamp. The current year may also have the stamp on there. I've seen some tires marketed as dedicated winters but have the Mud & Snow stamp as well.

My point is that there are tires for different reasons and seasons.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

I can't disagree with you, however, i'm seeing and hearing positive reviews as well. The 2010 tires may market "dedicated winter"...but my tire year, 2008, has the M&S stamp. The current year may also have the stamp on there. I've seen some tires marketed as dedicated winters but have the Mud & Snow stamp as well.

Who knows exactly? Vredestein doesn't seem to give out quite as much info as other manufacturers do. They go on about design and tread pattern, but detailed specifications are hard to find.

My point is that there are tires for different reasons and seasons.

Agreed.

Sorry for the hyjack, TheX5. Back on topic. My vote is still for the 5 series.

[Richard in NC]

If I wanted a luxury car, the 550i is great. It has good enough handling for most but just doesn't provide the feed back that many BMWs do.

However I want the extra utility of the X5. It doesn't have a car like feel handling, but still is impressive for an SUV and you get the wonderful exhaust note as a bonus.

My '08 550i lease is almost up so I may be placing an X5 order in a week or so. I am hoping to get a Sept build but get delivery before the end of the month.