Switched back to 19" rims

[spyderdoc]

A short story on my journey through wheels on my X5d. I figured since there were so many people asking about 20" wheels, I'd share my story....

My 2009 X5d came with 19's from the factory. I liked the look of the 214s, so at 18k mi, I bought a set of 20" OE 214s and installed the Bridgestone summer RFT. Ride was a lot firmer, feels every nook and cranny in the road. Strangely,the 20's had less tram-lining than the all-season Bridgestone RFT 19s when driving on the grooved/cemented 85 in San Jose. Once the 20's hit about 18k mi, the road noise and roughness increased dramatically. The outside edges of the fronts were worn to the point of no tread and the inside edges of the rears were down to threads at 19k.

I looked into getting non-RFT conti DWS in 20s, but in the end, I preferred to keep the RFT since I have 3rd row and no way to carry a spare. I ended up putting the 19s back on and so much nicer to drive everyday. I removed the fender flares and basically back to stock look, other than having the 19's powder coated black semi-gloss (style 212, looks nice!).

I felt that the price of the 20in tires along with quick wear and super rough ride pushed me to go back to the 19s. Also, we make trips to Tahoe in the winter, so makes more sense to have the smaller (and all season) tires that will handle better in snow....Ard's comments and thoughts about rim size helped "seal the deal". It really seems to make no sense from a performance measure to have the larger rim. However, I must admit, the huge tires sure did look very nice.

One other observation, I'd say I had a 1-2 mpg drop with the 20's, likely from the increased unsprung weight associated with the larger rims.

So, I'll likely sell my OE 214s soon (along with wide flares, rivet tool, 2009 TPMS, and a set of unused wheel locks). Just got to clean them up. Anyone in SF Bay area interested, shoot me a PM.

[alexmish]

214s are mostly for looks... I love my 18" during winter times, ride is softer while preserving steering qualities. Every spring I am hesitating before removing 18s and putting 20s back on. But their look is killing !

[M5D]

Originally Posted by alexmish

214s are mostly for looks... I love my 18" during winter times, ride is softer while preserving steering qualities. Every spring I am hesitating before removing 18s and putting 20s back on. But their look is killing !

The 18s are great, but they make the x5 grandpaee and going from an M5 to a x5 I had to have black 20s. That was the compromise - 20s and tuned!

[X548i20"]

Spyder, what kind of tires do you have on your 19's? I am in the market for a winter set (NY) and would appreciate any advice.
Thanks!

[blue dragon]

The harsh ride goes away with non RFT. I run the vredrestein SUV Sessanta tires, and the ride quality is way better than with the RFT. Also, by running a lightweight forged wheel, you offset the increase in unsprung weight when you go to a 20" size wheel.

I carry the BMW mobility kit in the trunk. Its similar to what came with my E46 M3, and I do not want to have to replace run flat tires everytime I get a flat.

[FSETH]

I see this all the time on M3 forums. Most people think 19's look the best on the e46, but the more performance oriented crowd sticks with the smaller stock 18's or lighter weight aftermarket 18's. I will be the first to admit that most of the 20 inch BMW wheels look fantastic on the X5. They give it a much more aggressive appearance. However, there is a price to pay for that (tire prices, tire wear, rougher ride, more unsprung weight, etc.). I actually wish there was a little more of an OE compromise than the really wide 315 sized 20's and the skinnier 255 18's & 19's. I think a 19 inch wheel with a tire ratio of about 275 or 285 would look pretty good and be a nice blend of comfort/weight/handling.

On a side note, we just picked up an 09 35d with the stock 18's and the ride is very comfortable. I have a buddy with a 4.8i sport package equipped with the 20 inch 275/315's and he very quickly noticed how much more comfortable ours was. I have gotten used to the look of smaller wheels. To be honest, they really only look small for the vehicle when it is next to another X5 equipped with 20's. It sure doesnt look as mean, but it still looks good, imo.

['10-X5-35d]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

I carry the BMW mobility kit in the trunk. Its similar to what came with my E46 M3, and I do not want to have to replace run flat tires everytime I get a flat.

I'll still go with the 20'' (fills the fender so greatly), but what about this kit ?

I use mainly RFT because I did experiment a tire puncture on a bridge when you have very busy traffic (Montreal, Qc, Jacques-Cartier Bridge, no shoulders).

Is this kit (like the Continental kit) easy to use ?
My wife uses the car oftenly, and I don't want to have to sleep on the couch ...

[bren3085]

Originally Posted by FSETH

I see this all the time on M3 forums. Most people think 19's look the best on the e46, but the more performance oriented crowd sticks with the smaller stock 18's or lighter weight aftermarket 18's. I will be the first to admit that most of the 20 inch BMW wheels look fantastic on the X5. They give it a much more aggressive appearance. However, there is a price to pay for that (tire prices, tire wear, rougher ride, more unsprung weight, etc.). I actually wish there was a little more of an OE compromise than the really wide 315 sized 20's and the skinnier 255 18's & 19's. I think a 19 inch wheel with a tire ratio of about 275 or 285 would look pretty good and be a nice blend of comfort/weight/handling.

On a side note, we just picked up an 09 35d with the stock 18's and the ride is very comfortable. I have a buddy with a 4.8i sport package equipped with the 20 inch 275/315's and he very quickly noticed how much more comfortable ours was. I have gotten used to the look of smaller wheels. To be honest, they really only look small for the vehicle when it is next to another X5 equipped with 20's. It sure doesnt look as mean, but it still looks good, imo.

Couldnt agree more!
I have the innovations package with 20" wheels and when I got into my friends x5 with 18" the ride was night and day difference.

In the back of my mind i've been looking for some really aggressive looking 18"s for the X5 and havent found any yet..

[tribecax5]

OP - Thanks for this post/thread. It's always nice to hear about the experience from different people.

I have 19" in my 2009 35d and the ride is smooth and no road noise. We have cobblestone roads where I live and this thing just goes so smooth that you can barely feel any vibrations. However, those 20" just look AWEEEESOME. Every time I see an X5 with those fat formula 1 tires I go crazy. I might get them just for the looks. They make the car look so much more agressive. I do not drive much - I average about 5000-6000 miles a year so the road noise won't be much of an issue here. Have not pulled the plug on the 20"s yet but we'll see...

[brian5]

Originally Posted by alexmish

214s are mostly for looks... I love my 18" during winter times, ride is softer while preserving steering qualities. Every spring I am hesitating before removing 18s and putting 20s back on. But their look is killing !

I had an 18" winter set and noticed a minimally smoother ride over the 20" (both were RFTs).

The look of that winter set was too much for me to handle though. That why I have set of 20's for summer and set of 20's for winter now...