|
Xoutpost server transfer and maintenance is occurring.... |
Xoutpost is currently undergoing a planned server migration.... stay tuned for new developments.... sincerely, the management |
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
1,000k '11 X5 Diesel Owner Impression Update
See my original post here: (sorry, don't know how to attach thread -- See "Inital Owner's Impressions '11 X5 Diesel) Well, we hit 1,000 miles on 12/3 – 9 days after picking it up new! Back to back trips to the Desert will do that! Modifications Since Last Report – Swap Run Flat Tires As noted in my original post, the run flat tires were providing all the ride comfort of being a passenger in a little kid’s “Radio Flyer” …while going 75 mph. During a couple places on Interstate 10 where there’s some extensive patching, you could actually feel the tires lift off the pavement as the suspension couldn’t keep up with the un-sprung weight and the amount of movement it was going through. Getting a very large bolt (complete with a washer around it) through the center of the tread at 211 miles put me in a quandary. The salesperson said they couldn’t be repaired (untrue!), and that the tire pressure sensors “wouldn’t accept a non-run flat” (also, untrue!). Even though it was holding air just fine, I had it patched (dismounted/repaired from the inside and remounted) - kudo’s to Discount Tires for doing it all for free! At that point, I got back into town and spoke with a very knowledgeable contact at The Tire Rack who recommended Michelin Latitude Touring HP’s (non-runflat). I spoke with my local guy at Tucker Tire, who wasn’t sure I’d see much difference. In the end he exchanged my Dunlop SportMaxx 2000 RFT with the Michelins and it only cost me $200 (yes the Dunlops were more expensive, but with the 20” wheels and staggered tires, that isn’t a popular size, and most would only give a $100 credit per tire – even though these were new, so I was very happy). While they were mounting & dismounting I picked up the RFT with one hand and the traditional in the other – It may say there’s only a 11 lb difference, but they must be really heavy pounds as the difference was really amazing! Fired it up (no sensor issue at all) and drove right back to the desert for another meeting going the exact same way. Major improvement to me in the ride…bumps that were previously transmitted full force to the vehicles were now completely absorbed, or heavily blunted. That being said, this vehicle doesn’t ride like our MB wagons – there will be no circumcisions performed in the back seat! (parody of an old Ford or Lincoln-Mercury ad denoting “smooth ride”). So what about the spare tire? First, RFT’s aren’t a “cure all.” While at the dealership (more on that later), two BMW’s arrived on flat beds – the run flat on each was shredded, stranding each of them anyway. Our X5 doesn’t have 3rd row seats…but wifey already liking the cavernous cargo space under the deck. So initially I’ve purchased a can of “inflate a flat” as well as purchasing a fast, compact air compressor that runs off the power outlets – both fit nicely in the driver’s side rear compartment. I’ll be sourcing a spare tire/wheel (I didn’t realize that $150 “spare tire option” was a mini – not full sized tire) for longer trips…probably design a case and strap it to my roof rack. My AAA has a 250 mile single tow allowance, so I’m not going to worry about a jack or tire iron. I’ve had 3 punctures in driving a zillion miles, and two of those never lost air until I attended to them so I’ve decided to risk it. Driving Observations
Having detailed cars all through high school, college and beyond (as a high end amateur at best), I learn a lot about any vehicle when washing it, and even more when detailing it. Not only do you get insight into the designer’s mindset, but you also see production issues. Observations:
|
Sponsored Links | |
|
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Nice review.
One note, I believe with the 2 keys, each gets both settings on the seat. You can have 2 positions and when your wife uses her key, she gets 2 other programmed positions. I also luv the inflatable side bolsters but more that they deflate to make it easier to exit the car and go right back to inflated at restart.
__________________
Richard Sir Snaps-a-lot, 9 Time Dragon Slayer (54 runs!) 2011 X5 50i Alpine White, Biege Nappa /Lt Poplar M Sport 2009 Z4 35i, Black Sapphire/Ivory-Black/Anthracite Gone but not forgotten: '08 550i, '06 X3, '06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Great report- few comments:
Excellent choice in color. BMW paint sucks. It is really poor. Americans seem to tolerate it, so don't expect improvements. I actually wonder if EU cars get the same? The orange peel is excessive and willful: everywhere but the 'high visible' areas. I really like your comments" you have to put your hands ON the paint to really get to know the car. Glovebox- yes indeed. I don't drive it regularly, and the glovebox and the central unlock ALWAYS get me. Between seats: what is worse, an opening you can get a narrow nozzle into and keep it clean, or a tight fit that traps crap? Trade off. I like the first, you can fish out fallen stuff easily enough. A PS Re: title. "1000k" is one million miles, no? |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
|
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
I've got and used one of those kits, but now I find I like the Dynaplug kit better, as it doesn't require reaming the hole out like the mushroom plugs. And the mushroom plugs have been know to fail, at least on motorcycle tires, as they are pure rubber and can be cut by the tread belts. (note, I am not talking about the permanent mushroom plugs inserted from inside the tire for a permanent repair.) Welcome to Dynaplug.com! Home of The World's Best Tire Repair Tool! |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
|
#7
|
||||
|
||||
SJCFlyer,
2nd Installment continues to be a very informative & interesting read! I don't own that model, and probably never will, but after reading I feel like it's "my car". BR, mD
__________________
Ol'UncleMotor From the Home Base of Pro Bono Punditry and 50 Cent Opins... Our Mtn Scenes, Car Pics, and Road Trip Pics on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/4527537...7627297418250/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/4527537...7627332480833/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/45275375@N00/ My X Page |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
holy jesus 1mil miles already??
|
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Why not? Do you ever plan to upgrade?
|
#10
|
||||
|
||||
OT...
"upgrade" is a non-retiree term, imo...if we really want something, and need it, we buy it. But, our '01 X5, '02 Vette, and the boss's new 2010 Hyundai Tucson are all running fine. When our '01 X has finally given up the ghost, which may be next year or, maybe not for a few more years, I will look around carefully, but a full-sized E70 type car, diesel or gas, is not on my radar. I am not dissing the car; I was simply thanking SJCFlyer for his review(s) on his new car...one I doubt I will ever own, but enjoyed reading about, and reading his style of commentary. mD |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
|