Winter setup downside on X5's with Sport package

[CMH75]

Today I swapped out the 20" 214's on my 35d with sport package for a 19" set of 212's with Blizzak LM-60's. I thought it would be the perfect "OEM style" winter setup....what I failed to realize is the sport package X5's have extended fender flares in the rear to accommodate the larger rear wheels.

Without a wider wheel in the back, it just looks weird....I need to figure out a solution....and a warning to anyone else who is considering making the same move.

[Cdnrockies]

Originally Posted by CMH75

Today I swapped out the 20" 214's on my 35d with sport package for a 19" set of 212's with Blizzak LM-60's. I thought it would be the perfect "OEM style" winter setup....what I failed to realize is the sport package X5's have extended fender flares in the rear to accommodate the larger rear wheels.

Without a wider wheel in the back, it just looks weird....I need to figure out a solution....and a warning to anyone else who is considering making the same move.

Who gives a rats azz what it looks like?

It's the right set up to handle difficult winter conditions and that's really all that matters. We're talking about an X5 not a sports car.

[CMH75]

Originally Posted by Cdnrockies

Who gives a rats azz what it looks like?

I do. That's why I bought an X5 and not a Forester.

[Jim E.]

For the record it's only for X5's with 20" wheels from the factory and the front fender also use different wheel arches.

If it bothers you that much it's fairly easy to replace them.

Front for 19" or smaller: 51 77 7 158 427/428
Rear for 19" or smaller : 51 77 7 158 425/426

They retail for about $125 each but I'm sure you can mail order them for a lower price. If the rears only bother you then even better because it will cost you 1/2.

They are held in with blind rivets which are easily removable.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...71&hg=51&fg=16

Originally Posted by CMH75

Today I swapped out the 20" 214's on my 35d with sport package for a 19" set of 212's with Blizzak LM-60's. I thought it would be the perfect "OEM style" winter setup....what I failed to realize is the sport package X5's have extended fender flares in the rear to accommodate the larger rear wheels.

Without a wider wheel in the back, it just looks weird....I need to figure out a solution....and a warning to anyone else who is considering making the same move.

[kgclark]

Couldn't you get a spacer for the rear wheels to push them further out?

[AlexGP]

Good answer about the looks ;-)
I think you may have made a "mistake" that you're gonna have to live with now. FYI, in talking to TireRack, they told me that, though not ideal as a 19-inch set up, a 20-inch set-up with winter tires would work quite ok (if not "well"). I was told that 20-inch winter tires would work better than 19-inch all-seasons....
So my two cents to you are that, unless you can return them, you're gonna have to stick with your purchase until the summer ;-)

[CMH75]

Originally Posted by Jim E.

For the record it's only for X5's with 20" wheels from the factory and the front fender also use different wheel arches.

If it bothers you that much it's fairly easy to replace them.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...71&hg=51&fg=16

Great info....this is what I was considering....thank you for pointing me in the right direction!

[CMH75]

Originally Posted by kgclark

Couldn't you get a spacer for the rear wheels to push them further out?

Another good option....I wonder if this has any adverse effects on the vehicle? This is likely the easier option for swapping every fall/spring.

[AnthonyL88]

I'll be getting my new X5 Sport Activity in 2 1/2 weeks. I don't want to keep changing tires twice a year from winter tires to summer performance tires. I would rather just get all season tires and leave it on year round. Unless buy another 20" wheels and switch it twice a year.

[Jim E.]

If ultimate traction and safety is a goal for you then all seasons are just a compromise.

This is a great video from tirerack showing you the differences between winter and all season tires:

http://www.tirerack.com/videos/index...=23&tab=winter

Originally Posted by AnthonyL88

I'll be getting my new X5 Sport Activity in 2 1/2 weeks. I don't want to keep changing tires twice a year from winter tires to summer performance tires. I would rather just get all season tires and leave it on year round. Unless buy another 20" wheels and switch it twice a year.

[Jim E.]

Let's not leap before we look guys. Let's run the numbers.

The difference in section width between a 315 and 255 is 60mm or about 2.36 inches. The maximum recommended spacer is 30mm which is 1.18"

See: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...CT_ID=60757404

Style 214 rear rims have an offset of 37mm.

Style 212 rims have a 48mm offset.

Here's some info on offsets: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/...currentpage=91&

Therefore the difference in offset between these rims is 11mm

The math is:

60
-30
-11
19mm

which is about 3/4".

Measure the distance from the tire edge to the wheel arch lip and go in 3/4" from there and see if that's acceptable to you.

Originally Posted by CMH75

Another good option....I wonder if this has any adverse effects on the vehicle? This is likely the easier option for swapping every fall/spring.

[CMH75]

Originally Posted by Jim E.

Let's not leap before we look guys. Let's run the numbers.

Measure the distance from the tire edge to the wheel arch lip and go in 3/4" from there and see if that's acceptable to you.

Thanks for the info Jim....I'm going to measure this and see where it lands. Do you know of any negative effects associated with wheel spacers, such as additional stress on the axels, etc. (just a guess)? Is any negative effect generally acceptable or should it be avoided?

[Jim E.]

I don't know of any negative effects but i suspect that not too many X5 owner's are using them so we may not have enough feedback to draw any conclusions.

Originally Posted by CMH75

Thanks for the info Jim....I'm going to measure this and see where it lands. Do you know of any negative effects associated with wheel spacers, such as additional stress on the axels, etc. (just a guess)? Is any negative effect generally acceptable or should it be avoided?

[apw2607]

Originally Posted by Jim E.

For the record it's only for X5's with 20" wheels from the factory and the front fender also use different wheel arches.

If it bothers you that much it's fairly easy to replace them.

Front for 19" or smaller: 51 77 7 158 427/428
Rear for 19" or smaller : 51 77 7 158 425/426

They retail for about $125 each but I'm sure you can mail order them for a lower price. If the rears only bother you then even better because it will cost you 1/2.

They are held in with blind rivets which are easily removable.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...71&hg=51&fg=16

I was offering this set for free on the forum a couple of months ago !!

There gone now, but you may find other folks willing to get rid of a set. More people go from 18/19 to 20/21 rather than the other way around !

[djer]

Originally Posted by CMH75

Today I swapped out the 20" 214's on my 35d with sport package for a 19" set of 212's with Blizzak LM-60's. I thought it would be the perfect "OEM style" winter setup....what I failed to realize is the sport package X5's have extended fender flares in the rear to accommodate the larger rear wheels.

Without a wider wheel in the back, it just looks weird....I need to figure out a solution....and a warning to anyone else who is considering making the same move.

Bummer. Can you snap a quick picture from the back as I'm curious to see how it looks like? I'm going for the same setup and been thinking about adding spacers. H&R has it for a hundred bucks a pair plus additional longer bolts.

We also have mudflaps, which I think may even worsen the look.

[MikeM3]

It's a big difference when you know what it's like visually. I just upgraded to wider flares when I got 20 in ISS installed for summer. In winter with 19's it does look a bit off, but it's worth the winter performance. I have a spare set of flat original flares for rear only, in spring I'll upgrade front too. If anyone wants to buy and go through hastle of switching back and forth, I'll be very reasonable. It's actually fast and easy to do, but I'm fine with wider flares and 19's stock for winter.

[Deephs]

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/owners/acc...ial/index.html


Y-spoke 214
This easy-to-maintain winter complete wheel set with 20-inch rims and Pirelli mixed tyres (front 275/40, rear 315/35) increases driving dynamics. Approved for speeds of up to 240 km/h and with run-flat properties.
Also available for BMW X5 (E70). Not for BMW X5 M and X6 M.

Strangely, this option is not available on bmwusa.com/accessories.

I was wondering if anyone had any luck with 20" all season run flat tires?

One of the internet articles state this:
As best and recommended tires for BMW X5, 315/35R20 XL (BMW X5) Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport Run Flat Tires lives up to the high performance standards of your premium Sport Truck or SUV. With 315 section width, W speed rating, 110 load index rating and 20 inches of rim diameter, this run flat tire for BMW X5 lets you drive with confidence in changing road conditions.

I need to decide soon, real soon. i have placed an order for 19" and feel it defeats the purpose of Sports trim.

4 months in a year where I need to combat snow, ice and slush....
never been so confused....

[2thdr]

I have been running the staggered 20" 214 series wheels with the OEM size (275F/315R) Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow Run Flats. Just had a 6" snowfall and have been having an absolute blast. The only wheel slippage has occurred when trying to pin it. Took it to a new housing development where the snow had not been plowed over successive snow falls and no problems there either. In one particular area, I was a little concerned as I slowed to a complete stop in anticipation of reversing and the front end dipped down as the snow settled under the mass of the front end. Still, no problem getting out. No wheel slip, just a steady progressive extrication from the snow.

I hope this helps. I have done this before with an M3, choosing to stick with the OEM staggered sizing and have never regretted it. I think one of the more important factors is for us as drivers to adapt our driving habits to the conditions. The staggered 20" set up is up to it.

[AlexGP]

2thdr - thx for the post, your statements are music to my ears and just confirm that, for me, staying with OEM size but dedicates tires should be just fine - I am a defensive driver anyways (got my speed fix fulfilled years ago with M3 and Yamaha R6...)

[Deephs]

I agree, we are going for X5 for the looks.
I am at the cross road where I can't decide between 20" or 19".
Specially after reading this thread.

I am trying to work with the dealer to see if can find me an all season 20" tires which he will swap at the time of delivery....
Still waiting for an update from the dealer....

Can anyone recommend best "all season run flat 20" tires"?

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by 2thdr

I have been running the staggered 20" 214 series wheels with the OEM size (275F/315R) Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow Run Flats. Just had a 6" snowfall and have been having an absolute blast. The only wheel slippage has occurred when trying to pin it. Took it to a new housing development where the snow had not been plowed over successive snow falls and no problems there either. In one particular area, I was a little concerned as I slowed to a complete stop in anticipation of reversing and the front end dipped down as the snow settled under the mass of the front end. Still, no problem getting out. No wheel slip, just a steady progressive extrication from the snow.

I hope this helps. I have done this before with an M3, choosing to stick with the OEM staggered sizing and have never regretted it. I think one of the more important factors is for us as drivers to adapt our driving habits to the conditions. The staggered 20" set up is up to it.

That's good to hear as I went with the Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow on the staggered OEM 19s. They aren't quite as wide as the 20s (255F/285R).

[IGotId]

Originally Posted by 2thdr

I have been running the staggered 20" 214 series wheels with the OEM size (275F/315R) Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow Run Flats.

Where did you order the Pirellis from? Are the rears available in an appropriate sized narrower rear?