Concrete divider vs 2012 X5
 

I'm at the midway point of a 3K mile run. On the very first day of taking the 2012 50i on its first big run, I managed to swipe the concrete divider on I-40 (4 lanes to 2). I was working the iDrive when my wife distracted me and you can see the results.

I know what to do with the wheels, but what else must concern me? Do I need to check the alignment and the like?

http://www.pctii.org/images/img_0243.jpg

Check the rims for true- any tire shop with a hunter 9700...lateral and radial run out.

THEN have the alignment checked. I'm betting it will be off, but adjustable. Based on the damage it wasn't a massive impact, right? (But still "change of undies" worthy?... ;) )

If OK, have them refinished or touched up-

Bummer, I know

A

A memorable encounter that has me still shaking on occasion.

i-drive can be very distracting. I have found the voice command to be quite helpful, although some things still require manual entry.

Seems like you got away very lucky. As stated above, have the wheel/tire rebalanced and the alignment checked. If it were me I wouldn't touch-up or refinish the wheel just yet. If it still bothers you in a year and all your other wheels are still mint, then go get it refinished (or easier yet just buy a new one and have a full-size spare).

-Cyrus

Nice to see folks take responsibility for inattentive driving.

Safety first,
Dick

Thanks for your advice but could you clarify why I should delay cleaning up the wheel? I have done this more than once on the 2008 X5 to 'curb rashes' and the guy in OKC always did a great job. The average person could not tell the difference but of course you could feel the difference. I just don't know anything about the guy who does this for BMW in Chattanooga, TN.

I was just implying that curbed wheels are a common phenomenon, and somehow yours doesn't look too bad. What I meant was, "if it was me" I would put it on the back burner because it would probably stop bugging me over one years time as little other imperfections show up.

^ and anytime you take it into the dealer there's more risk of curb rash. At least twice it's happened. I've given up on taking anal care of it. I'm actually at the point where I've collected enough marks for a job. ;)

Sorry to hear your troubles on the first day, I'm only 48hrs into picking my one up yesterday and as others have said the Idrive is complex till you get used to it and dont need to look at the buttons / control.

The damage is quite light, though its all the way round the rim, just be thankfull nothing more serious happened. Personally I would prob bite the bullet and buy a new wheel and put the tyre back on (could not see any damage on pic), & check tracking / alignment.

I've heard that repairs on these wheels can only be done the once??? though not sure if this is only for diamond cut wheels.

TBH I've been driving slower than normal since picking the X5 up yesterday, just to give me more time to react to stuff as my conentration is pulled in different directions with the new functions I need to get used too.

All the best, & dont blame the wife too much :hug: