Yeah they look like they would be. I'm waiting until Sept for MY2010 if they make facelift changes they will change the wheel style, too. :popcorn:

I think the transmission braking is supposed to make the auto act more like a manual so there is some engine braking. BMW would call that a feature, not a bug. I kind of like it myself. I also absolutely hate cleaning the rims.

Do you drive mostly in SD? I find that the effect is less pronounced in D. And also less pronounced if, in SD, you give it a little gentle gas after the slowdown instead of, say, just coasting around a curve.

i drive in D. its just a very big difference when you compare my new tahoe that has undetectable downshifts to the x5 that has very pronounced down shifts.

I'm in the process of buying an X5d, previous X3 owner, and thanks for all of that info above. Two questions to you X5 gurus or just daily commuters,

1) I just couldn't find a clue why many people hate Run Flat Tires.
2) Why not 18" wheels and why 20" are the best ones? Cornering? How about comfort?? (20" not available for 09 but 21" AFAIK, but out of curiosity.)

Thanks in advance...

What's your mileage? I have very little feel of that engine braking in my 4.5k mi. 3.0. when just cruising to a stop. Regular car-like.

Early run flat tires tended to ride more harshly, were hard to repair since the dealers and tire stores weren't trained to repair them, were more expensive, and if you got a flat they weren't in free supply, ie it was hard to find a replacement.

Many of those issues have been resolved. In some areas it is still difficult to find a replacement tire. The bad reputation lives on, and people love to hate them. Not sure why any more. Yes, some are noisy, but that has more to do with the tread pattern these days than the fact that they are RFT. There are lots of non-RFT that are as noisy as some RFT. I have had several vehicles with RFT and have no issue with them.

The only reason to get 20" or larger is if you like the looks. Unless they are a very light specialty wheel, acceleration and braking is slightly worse with larger wheels. Larger tires tend to get damaged more easily with the lower profile. Larger tires also tend to be expensive. All that gets traded off for looks by those who like them. They look best when parked. Perhaps that gives away my sentiments :rofl:

donald_duck: I've got 19' wheels on mine and have not noticed any problems. All family vehicles feel bumps. Blame the roads not the car.
People just try to sound all important by creating issues that would only bother the most sensitive of mind. The X5 is a GREAT SUV.
I think the overall problem with run flats is that they are slightly more expensive than ordinary ones and that's it. Shop around and you'll be fine. Apart from this, I've not had a problem with my X5 at all and would recommend one with any size of wheels.
Try not to listen to the moaners and wannabe critics they are just trying to sound important and to justify why they spent more money getting bigger wheels. The fact is that they ONLY bought bigger wheels because in their minds they look better. ABSOLUTELY Nothing to do with ride quality etc etc...FACT!

I'll add my 2c on this... I'll be honest, from the side profile view, the 20" 214s look very bling... too much in fact, with the large gaping holes. But at certain angles like this one, it looks very sporty and not overdone. In motion, I think it looks best. When I still had my 19" 212s, I saw another set of 214s in motion and decided I had to have it. The "thrashing" look while following the vehicle is probably its best look in my opinion.

On the issue of ride quality switching out of runflats. There was a noticeable difference going over speed bumps - that was a good litmus test. Surely that doesn't happen everyday, but the difference is night and day - undeniable. It felt like I had no shocks at all with RFTs. Perhaps it's better now with new RFTs but it's only been a year since I've gotten those Michelin Latitude Tour HP ZPs out.

i have the 19s with Bridgestone RFTs. all seasons with over 22k miles and tires are holding up fine. i should get at least 30k out of them. and i always toss tires before they reach wear bars.

19 '' wheel size seems to me to be a good everyday wheel. i would ask what difference the low profile summer only tires have on performance and ride quality rather than only wheel size. the combination of 20"+ wheels and sticky tires has some trade-offs apparently.

when i do finally switch tires i think i will try some non-RFTs as they are lighter and cheaper. i may go with the same brand and style even.