First BMW. . . . EVER

[Ben_XI]

Originally Posted by SquattingDog

1. Last week, I wanted to see what would happen if I left the rear hatch open while backing out of the garage. The result - the rear glass shattered.

Curious, did you hit something while backing up causing the rear glass to shatter? I can't imagine backing out of the garage causing that much damage.

[SquattingDog]

It looks like the rear wiper blade spindle just caught the bottom of the open garage door, which put pressure on the glass and ultimately shattered it.

I used to laugh at my wife for being an occasional klutz, but now I'll be eating humble pie for who knows how long.

[motordavid]

I have several retired bum engineer friends here at our club in the Mtns: aeronautical, chemical, aerospace/physics, mechanical, electrical, computer, etc. Lotsa top schools from back in the '50s, '60s, & '70s...although some very good friends in the bunch, most would never admit to a klutzy move like that. I am impressed at your self-deprecation. We are all human...
BR, mD

[CarsRmyVICE]

Congrats on your new x5.

I and many others on the board have switched to toyo proxes ST II for the 20 inch staggered set up. They are a fair priced non-rft option that seem to get better longevity as well. I rather like them. In my first 10,000 miles or so they seem to be holding up well as far as tread wear goes.

FYI, as an engineer I am sure you have thought of this, but you will be without a spare if you switch to non-rft as most x5's equipped with rft have a spare tire delete. Check your trunk and plan accordingly if you make the change.

[SquattingDog]

Originally Posted by CarsRmyVICE

Congrats on your new x5.

I and many others on the board have switched to toyo proxes ST II for the 20 inch staggered set up. They are a fair priced non-rft option that seem to get better longevity as well. I rather like them. In my first 10,000 miles or so they seem to be holding up well as far as tread wear goes.

FYI, as an engineer I am sure you have thought of this, but you will be without a spare if you switch to non-rft as most x5's equipped with rft have a spare tire delete. Check your trunk and plan accordingly if you make the change.

No spare tire is correct, I assume a can of tire sealant and a compressor is what everybody is carrying instead? Will the tire tech's still cry about using tire sealant like they used to? Too bad I cannot access the compressor used for the rear air suspension, that was a very handy feature some GM cars use to have.

Did you switch from RFT to non-RFT? I assume the ride got better, but did you notice any difference in handling? I expect the stiffer RFT sidewalls to help in cornering. On the other hand, these are fairly low profile tires so maybe softer sidewalls won't make much of a difference. I also suspect RFT's help protect against rim damage if I were to hit a pothole.

What type of mileage are you expecting with the Toyo's?

[SquattingDog]

Originally Posted by CarsRmyVICE

Congrats on your new x5.

I and many others on the board have switched to toyo proxes ST II for the 20 inch staggered set up. They are a fair priced non-rft option that seem to get better longevity as well. I rather like them. In my first 10,000 miles or so they seem to be holding up well as far as tread wear goes.

FYI, as an engineer I am sure you have thought of this, but you will be without a spare if you switch to non-rft as most x5's equipped with rft have a spare tire delete. Check your trunk and plan accordingly if you make the change.

Where did you find your Proxes? My local stores don't seem to carry them and I don't see them on Tire Rack. Onlinetires.com has them, but no real choices besides them. I would love to find them local.

[CarsRmyVICE]

As far as how many miles they will last, time will tell . This hefty vehicle and my driving tendencies have eaten my rubber alive in around 22k in my experience. I am sure a more reasonable driver can do much better.

In regards to handling, I am not the best person to ask because I went from stock 18's with rft to aftermarket 20's with the proxes. BUT, I have not heard any complaints in the past with people making the switch. If memory serves me right they are significantly lighter which results in less unsprung weight. Also the x5 seems to ride firm on pretty much any set up in my experience. I would expect a slight improvement in terms of cushion without sacrificing any cornering ability etc.

And yes you can get by with the gunk and pump set up. I am actually riding with no spare or gunk. Probably not the brightest idea but I guess I live dangerously

In terms of wheel damage, I have heard that rft can minimize damage in a blowout type situation, obviously. But I don't care enough to buy them.

Finally, my tires and wheels were purchased online as a package deal. Maybe someone else can chime in with a good place to get some proxes? If not try calling a few local joints and ask if they sell toyo.

Best of luck

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by SquattingDog

No spare tire is correct, I assume a can of tire sealant and a compressor is what everybody is carrying instead? Will the tire tech's still cry about using tire sealant like they used to? Too bad I cannot access the compressor used for the rear air suspension, that was a very handy feature some GM cars use to have.

...

Tire goop is a last ditch band aid, imo. A mini compressor or even a decent sized Black & Decker style compressor, a decent plug kit, (half a dozen top quality kits available on line), a few 'tools': needle nose pliers/locking pliers, a plastic tarp to crawl up and under on...it really is a small package.

I have done a few plug deals on friends' m'cycles on road trips, and I
practiced on an old car tire just to get a feel. It will get one down the road to 'help' without the tire goop.

Have run non-RFTs in the VetteVert with that 'kit' for several years without giving it a 2nd thought.
GL, mD