Problem solved

http://www.rocky-road.com/media/garvin_sparetire.jpg

I'm still trying to figure out the claim that the X5 is a 'semi-offroader'. He's kidding, right?

Read an interview with a BMW engineer/designer (can't remember which one) in a magazine recently. He noted that run flat tires, because of their stiffer sidewall, have better turn-in, and thus proivde better steering response. Hadn't heard that before, but it makes sense.

Anyway, with my last BMW purchase, I considered the RFTs to be a positive. I bought RFT winter tires as well. So, to BMW, since Daka wants them to take note: Daka's potential lost sale is cancelled out by my purchase. You're even. :rofl:

He doesn't have to go that far, he could just buy one of these. But that wouldn't be nearly as much fun as regularly ranting.

In Australia there is no option for regular tyres or a full size spare. This is in my opinion a big negative....because....you buy this car for mod cons/ lux galore. I don't see anything convenient about the fact that over here RFTs are more expensive and harder to source. What if you need a spare/replacement when the dealers are closed? Hardly any third party stores to my knowledge stock these tyres and if they do, better bring your wallet..but sure...RFTs in theory go for ages after a puncture. But what if you are stuck in no mans land? Most of Australia is no mans land and on trips of long duration between states you need most of your boot for luggage. I know because I do it multiple times a year. We pay a premium so that essential functions are done luxuriously and then some...i dont see anything luxurious about carrying a spare anywhere but out of site and mind until you need it. This is not only my opinion but the opininon of most leading car critics downunder.

Also I agree with the claims of lower interior finish and materials. I love the thud my e53s doors make....thats gone on the new ones. Weight reduction or price cutting?? Anyway top Audis have surpassed top bmw interiors in quality...maybe not style though?

This is all IMO and not a stab at anyone...each to their own.

cheers

OT...no tire engineer, (or engineer of any kind ;)), but I agree that at least on my Vette, the oe GY RFTs had better "turn in" than my replacement GY Eagle Supercar F1 non-RFTs...just anecdotal, but I really feel it, imo. Not better overall "grip", but better turn in.

Hey, unique Spare Wheel and tire setup on the pic of that X5, JCL. :D
Looks like the rear of V's ol' Honda CR-V pos. Must be a GWN option. ;)
GL, mD

The quote from Steve Dinan during open house not too long ago (from a guy who is selling aftermarket mods not tires, mind you), when asked what the first mod should someone does to his/her BMW.
"get rid the RFT", not chip, exhaust, suspension; this time I have to agree with the man.

If RFT has better performance then Nascar, F1 should use them in the track.

I agree BMW will not listen to the rants here etc, but I don't have to buy KIA, FORD etc just to get spare, Audi will be happy to get my money next time, mind you I have 3 BMW right now before you think I am biased about brand one way or another. Funny, I am defending BMW handling score between S4 and 335i done buy C/D in other forums, I always believe the number of 335i would've been better have the RFTs are not used in slalom test.

Count me in as one who wants a spare tire. Drive I-70 in the middle of Utah some night and decide if you want to rely on your RFTs to get you to the next exit (100 miles between exits on one stretch). Good luck getting that RFT in Green River, Utah!

If I cared about gas mileage as a key buying decision, I wouldn't have bought an X5.


If weight loss is a big concern, BMW could quit saving weight in stupid ways and instead maybe integrate an 8 ounce Garmin, etc. as their nav system instead of 10 lbs of whatever they put in there as a nav system. Eliminate 9 of the 14 speakers and put in 5 quality ones (2 tweets, 2 midbass, 1 sub, done). I offer these suggestions without need of payment for coming up with these outstanding ideas that were too complex for their engineers to discover...

OK, I see that I am not the only one who feels this way
Sure, I am a crusty old (75) curmudgeon, and like to bitch...mainly only about things I think are NOT RIGHT.
A few months ago I was in NYC and just happened to be looking at the bumpers of cars parked in the street...what a mess...since the demise of real bumpers on cars...even the " basher bumpers" on the 70's BMW's ugly as they were...these chesey things take a beating and look like s**t...I even saw one X5 whose owner had "nerf" bars made that extended out past the front and back of the bumpers, what the hell did that cost?
If they wanted to do away with the spare give us NO OPTION run flats at least LEAVE THE DAMN SPACE FOR SPARE.
Sorry, I'm taking really good care of my 06...I has to last at least 10 more years....

Aye , keep the E53 going . BMW are still making money from you .
my 2002 X5 is costing £1000 , that`s $1500 per year on servicing and repairs .
I only drive it 6500 - ish miles per year . car has total 66000 miles .
a piece of crap requiring this amount of maintenance .
I might never buy another BMW .
trying to save my pennies for a Rolls Royce , but then again , BMW still own that company .
hoping nothing else breaks on the X5 .

Good call - I hear Rolls Royce cost hardly anything per year to maintain and upkeep. they are practically Toyotas in that respect.
:bustingup