2011 X5 35i - My first BMW!!!

[Benz_66]

Hi All,

So after deciding not to go for the new Touareg and some minor setbacks with the first try on the X5, I'm finally trading in my 2004 v8 Touareg and picking up my X5 on Thursday and I can't wait!

X5 35i Alpine White with M Package, 20" wheels, Black Interior and Bamboo trim.

This is a pic of the 1st one but a battery drain (hence the charger) and a paint chip lead them to agree to replace it with the exact same model but premium sound and bamboo trim instead of stainless - yeeha! (I do like the stainless but it scratches too easily for my liking)

It comes with all seasons and I opted not to go for the dealer's 18" winter tire & wheel package at $3,600 but since I live in Montreal, I need to sign an undertaking to install winters in the next 10 days (Quebec law requirement)

The vehicle is built after oct 10 and I'm having so much trouble finding a solution for my tire issue.

I was considering keeping the 20" in the winter but my brother in-law had the 4.8 with 315's at the back (Pirelli Scorpion snow & ice) and he said he was all over the place.

What I've found so far:

1) a local shop that will machine out the center hole of a set of 18" 2007-10 X3 wheels and install with winters - not sure this is wise...

2) I found a nice set of staggered 19" wheels (see pic) but waiting to see if they have any with the correct offset. It would be with 265/55 Pirelli's to fit the rim 9.5" rear wheels. Total cost shipped will be approx. $3,000 plus the sensors ($300) plus installation... sheesh

3) dealer package - is this option not as bad as I thought or are there any better alternatives???

On another note, how awesome is the aero package? I had trouble choosing between mine and the X5 in the background. In the end I'm happy with my choice but just a little worried about what I've read about paint chipping on the M wheel wells...

Also wondering if anyone has had issues with the tape-like covering on the M side steps. One of them in the showroom had notches all over both sides and it really shows up on white. The salesman told me it must have been from the guys removing the ice & snow (hmmm). I was surprised to see how thin it is and that it can tear like that?

Just thought I'd share...

[Kloogy]

Nice looking X5. The one in the background looks good too !!

[alexmish]

Aero package can't be installed on the M-sport... IMHO, M package looks better, aero package is a bit "too busy" on the LCI models.

[rh71]

Originally Posted by alexmish

Aero package can't be installed on the M-sport... IMHO, M package looks better, aero package is a bit "too busy" on the LCI models.

I'd agree with this... the aero kit there isn't needed because the white already extends down... it looks like it was tacked on just to do it. Seems designers tried to minimize it at least, but again, really not necessary.

And of course your brother-in-law was all over the place, those were undoubtedly summer tires. I am on all-season 315s in the back and have been fine, even in this morning's ice storm. Good luck with whatever you decide, but do your best to stick with 20s.

[throttlelink]

PM'd you, I have a set of 4 excellent condition OEM 19" 211 Y-Spokes mounted with OEM TPM's and All Season Bridgestone Runflats that I would like to sell.

[midwest x6]

Originally Posted by Benz_66

Hi All,

So after deciding not to go for the new Touareg and some minor setbacks with the first try on the X5, I'm finally trading in my 2004 v8 Touareg and picking up my X5 on Thursday and I can't wait!

X5 35i Alpine White with M Package, 20" wheels, Black Interior and Bamboo trim.

This is a pic of the 1st one but a battery drain (hence the charger) and a paint chip lead them to agree to replace it with the exact same model but premium sound and bamboo trim instead of stainless - yeeha! (I do like the stainless but it scratches too easily for my liking)

It comes with all seasons and I opted not to go for the dealer's 18" winter tire & wheel package at $3,600 but since I live in Montreal, I need to sign an undertaking to install winters in the next 10 days (Quebec law requirement)

The vehicle is built after oct 10 and I'm having so much trouble finding a solution for my tire issue.

I was considering keeping the 20" in the winter but my brother in-law had the 4.8 with 315's at the back (Pirelli Scorpion snow & ice) and he said he was all over the place.

What I've found so far:

1) a local shop that will machine out the center hole of a set of 18" 2007-10 X3 wheels and install with winters - not sure this is wise...

2) I found a nice set of staggered 19" wheels (see pic) but waiting to see if they have any with the correct offset. It would be with 265/55 Pirelli's to fit the rim 9.5" rear wheels. Total cost shipped will be approx. $3,000 plus the sensors ($300) plus installation... sheesh

3) dealer package - is this option not as bad as I thought or are there any better alternatives???

On another note, how awesome is the aero package? I had trouble choosing between mine and the X5 in the background. In the end I'm happy with my choice but just a little worried about what I've read about paint chipping on the M wheel wells...

Also wondering if anyone has had issues with the tape-like covering on the M side steps. One of them in the showroom had notches all over both sides and it really shows up on white. The salesman told me it must have been from the guys removing the ice & snow (hmmm). I was surprised to see how thin it is and that it can tear like that?

Just thought I'd share...

Awesome car -- congrats@

Yah, you're going to want a proper set of snow tires where you are...I just made a nice deal on an OEM 18" Winter Dunlop package - my dealer had one set left he wanted to move..Best thing I've done since I bought the SAV..

Normally I'm fine saving some $$ and buying from TireRack, but there selection is slim to non right now...I got lucky on my X6 and found a used set - but that will be slim pickings in February too..

Good luck!

[Benz_66]

Thanks everyone!

So apparently the 2011 wheels don't have sensors at all and tire pressure is calculated by the Abe system by measuring wheel diameter. I'm also told by my dealer that 08 - 10 X5 wheels fit on the 2011.

If this is accurate, it makes things so much easier and I'll have some £££ for other toys

[Aqua Bliss]

Originally Posted by Benz_66

Thanks everyone!

So apparently the 2011 wheels don't have sensors at all and tire pressure is calculated by the Abe system by measuring wheel diameter. I'm also told by my dealer that 08 - 10 X5 wheels fit on the 2011.

If this is accurate, it makes things so much easier and I'll have some £££ for other toys

Is this a europe thing? My 2011 x5 still has TPMS - I know because I bought new ones (Beru) when I swapped the wheels/tires and watched them install them.

[Benz_66]

No, I'm in Canada (sorry for the british pound sign - i hit the wrong key on my blackberry...)

I was told by the dealer that while there is still a TPMS, it works differently. Rather than pressure sensors in the tires, tire pressure is calculated differently by the vehicle using the ABS system.

Not sure if that's all accurate so I'm trying to find out more...