Newbie with tough decision?!
 

Hey all I've been on this forum researching for months now and I think I have found my new ride, but need some advice!! I can get a 2008 4.8i in alpine/sand beige fully loaded for 64K out the door...It has the following packages:

CW
Premium
Premium Sound
Rear Climate
Sport package
Tech Package
Auto Tail
Comfort Access
Running Boards
Rear Seat Ent
Ipod
Head up display
HD radio
Sat radio

The only thing I'm worried about is the 20 inch wheels and the ride quality as well as the tread wear on the tires....I haven't test drove one on those wheels but worry it will ride too hard...I could also get the same vehicle without the sport package and the 3.0 version for like 54K....Any suggestions would be great!!

Thanks!!

The 20" wheels will be a pain on I-64 and I-264, with the surprisingly poor quality of the concrete pavement on those interstates. However, sport package is definitely a must. Why cold weather package? Is the dealer willing to order?

As you'll probably find in multiple threads - I don't believe it's so much the 20s themselves. On runflats, which is what you'll have from factory, they will be stiffer. If you don't mind not having runflats, you can get the 20s aftermarket and get your own rubber (Michelin Tour Latitude HP or Toyo Proxes S/T - both non-RFTs)... and the ride is much more soft - I felt an incredible difference especially noticeable when going over speed bumps.

It depends on what you currently drive. Coming from an FX the 20" wheels on the X5 felt soft and comfy... if you coming from a lexus LS, you might hate the ride quality. Test drive it yourself.... and yes, changing to NON-RFT should help to!

By the way, 64K out the door, that is a great deal for this car. I would imagine the MSRP to be above 70K.

I called the dealer and I'm going to test drive the 20's on run flats in a few hours....I really like the wheels but am curious what "stiff" really is? I've had an IS300 on 19" Volk wheels w/ Michelin Pilot Sports and that rode really stiff but I didn't mind it. Although I guess with an SAV you would expect a cush ride...The dealer can order but not with the discount on this particular vehicle....It is a punch out and they are free to discount it as much as they want...I could get the 3.0i but it doesnt have the sport package and a few other nice options...The CW package is already on it and didn't have a problem with it....One thing I was wondering is if I could ride these wheels/tires in the VA Beach area all year round? It hardly ever snows here and doesn't get that cold so I'm thinking these will be OK for year round driving....As far as 64 and 264 go I know exactly what you mean! THey are jacked up....But in my Acura TL-S that I'm driving now, I feel every bump on those wheels too and it really doesn't bother me....

Thanks!

before you start your test drive, you may want to double check the tire pressure. My X5 had way too much air when I picked it up which will yield a harsher ride obviously.

+1. It really depends what you are used to driving.

All my test drives were in nice areas with well maintained roads. Thus I was a bit worried about the ride of the 20's with run-flats (from negative comments on various different posts) on more poorly maintained roads. I went with them regardless because I absolutely love the look.

I'm glad I went with them. The ride didn't bother me one bit. Actually, it well exceeded my expectations. It was much smoother than the stiff 325ci that I have with non-run flats. I can really feel the road in the 3 while the X5 provides more comfort in comparison while still maintaining a sporty feel (I'm guessing that it's probably due to the air suspension).

It's very comparable to our MB S550 with low profile tires which just slightly provides a little softer ride.

Plus it sounds like you don't mind the bumps (that come with low profile tires and big rims) anyways. So you'll be fine.

I'm curious to know what the ride would be like as well. One the one hand, 20" RFT will be a killer on the ride. On the other hand, the profile is higher so it shouldn't be that bad.

I test drove it earlier this evening and the ride wasnt that bad at all! I was reallly suprised and even tried to purposely run over bad road and bumps and stuff...I even had my mom ride around with me who is always used to a really cush ride and even she said it was nice....The handling was unreal as well...I guess Im still worried about the tread life but I guess we'll have to see on that one!

IMO the 20's are still a "summer tire". below 50F you may encounter traction issues. the 20" wheels are all bling and such, and i wish i had them some days, but truth be told the 19" all seasons have served me well over the last 6 months and 12k miles.

if this is your daily driver bro, my guess is you will be replacing the tires within 8 months strictly due to the need for an everyday tire. we got 2.5 inches of rain today in less than 2 hours. i certainly would not want to be driving on summer tires in that sort of mess.