Brian, you've sent me back to the drawing board, ie forum board. I have a set of 20" rims with Bridgestone hp's and just picked up a set of 19" rims and am reading up on all season and snow tires for the upcoming winter here in NY. I think I'm going to try out a set of all season non-rfts. Interesting to hear that you're not noticing a difference in ride. I have adaptive drive and I'm wondering if you do too.

I'm new to BMWs and had no idea about the summer tires issue.

On a side note, I just cancelled my rim and tire insurance on the 30 day for a full refund. I think I can do better than $1800. for 5 years replacing my own tires and rims, especially since I'll be riding on 19" non rfts half the year.
Dumb move? (hoping for some Ard validation here).

I don't need dedicated set of summer and winter tires; I'm sure all season would have been fine in this area. I do like to have great traction whatever the season (as I like to drive a little faster) and enjoy my trips up to New England in the winters.
Yes, I have adaptive drive. I don't have any doubt that non-RFTs would give a smoother ride than RFTs but I wouldn't give up my RFTs! (My wife has given up complaining about the harsher ride of them too :) )

Looks like you have owned some fantastic cars - do you have pics of your X5? How do you like the diesel? Also, you said yours was tuned - how did that work out? I have also had Ms (currently have a 97 M3) and am trying to decide which X5 to get - would love the X5 M but am afraid it would be too impractical. I am kinda leaning to the 35I with adaptive drive and M Sport package. Of course the Euro M50D would be seemingly ideal - lots of power and fuel economy to boot!

Thanks for all the responses....

Here is what I did to my 19" 212 wheels. They were powder coated in a "semi-gloss" (20% per work order) black. I figure I can run on these, then bring them back to have finished in original finish if I get tired of them....

I have to say that after switching back from the 214s, the ride is so much nicer. Still think the 214s are nicer looking despite being less practical...I will definitely get rid of them before I change my mind yet again....

There are some 19's that can look mean, but I haven't seen any 18's that do yet either. I don't know if there is an 18 inch wheel that would look really agressive on the e70 due to the size of the vehicle. I think 18's can look nice, but not agressive. 19's may be your best compromise of looks, handling, ride, etc.

I am not usually a fan of blacked out wheels, but I think it looks pretty good in your photos. Would be interesting to see some photos of similar wheels with more gloss and less gloss to see what I like best. Overall good job.

That looks pretty good!

Well, just did the opposite and ordered 20" Style 300 replicas + Bridgestone Dueler RFT staggered set from ModBargains !

Can't wait to remove the skinny 19" and install those on my Black X5 !

What 19" do you have in mind that you would say is one of the more aggressive 19's?

I actually did find some OE staggered 19 in wheel packages for the e70 with 9 inch wide rims in the front and 10 inch wide rims in the rear. I consider those to be more agressive than the standard 9 inch wide 19 inch rims we see most often since the wider tires are going to look beefier. The ones I have come across online are styles 177, 223 and 335. Not sure if you will like any of these aesthetically, though.

I actually happen to like the standard 19 inch 212 that the OP has as well, although I wouldn't say they are really agressive in their stock color.