Auto X?
 

I have a 2004 4.8is all stock. With that in mind, there is a local autocross event held by some BMW autox group. It is open to anyone that can pass tech and willing to pay the entry fee. I got invited by a friend who will be driving a 350Z and insists on me running my X5 at the event. I have a younger brother sporting around a modded Evo who tells me to go for it. ;)

Is my X5 track worthy in it's stock form? I understand that I will be putting on more wear and tear on the X but how much? I'm hoping that there will be another X5 out there but I won't count on it.

I've seen a few X's on this board that actually race, whether drag or road racing, but all seem to be modded. Any information, tips, opinions, or warnings are appreciated. I'm all about learing more about the handling of my vehicle which I suppose could come in handy in some sticky situation on the road, but not at the expense of a huge dent in my wallet for repairs etc. to my X.

Well, crashing is always a risk in racing. The other thing I think would be the most problematic for you is the stock brakes. They'll probably overheat and fade dramatically if you push them hard. If they do last for the day, you'll probably need new ones soon after. Your tires will take quite a beating too. Those two items could be pretty expensive to replace. Other than that, I think you'll find your 4.8 to be pretty amazing on the track for what it is, but keeping up with the smaller modded cars will be tough.

While I think you'll have a ton of safe fun, I don't think the X will do good in autox. Autox tends to have tight courses unlike going to the track. The X is just too big, heavy and tall for it. That aside, the thing that will absolutely kill you is the FAR from smooth throttle tip-in.

If you go, be sure to take a lot pics. ;)

Jay, autox is usually held in large parking lot type areas. The course is laid out of cones so it's pretty safe. He shouldn't have issues with brakes, etc because each run is pretty short. 1min, etc. Autox'ng once (a few runs) shouldn't adversely wear any item.

some Autox groups have a height restriction in thier tech inspections which the X will not pass check into it before you get out there only to watch others race

Vin is right though the size of the X on an autox course will be a detirment to running competitive times

Didn't realize that - thanks Vin!

Forget what I said then and go for it! :thumbup:

yeah autoX should be pretty safe to do in the X , as vin said it wont be very good at it but should be fun all the same! most of the cca track day events i go to wont allow suv (sav's even :)) to go on track but i think autox is fine.

I remember doing the Ultimate Drive with X5s in the parking lot of a Race Track down here and it was a blast. Granted the setup was specifically for the X5 but if the course is atleast manageable then you should be ok. At the least it will be alot of fun.

I would find out about the course setup... if the X can get around it, then go for it!

Agree with most of what has already been said. Center of gravity is too high on the X to make a good AutoX vehicle. Braking probably a little slow and car is just too bulky to get the good times. It will be tough on the brakes trying to stop such a heavy car, so changing brake fluids might be in store.

There is someone on this board that AutoX their X3 and does pretty well with it.