BMW E70 X5 4.8i - 'Countryside Edition'

[g3org3y]

Regarding the wheels, looks like there's a split of opinion on the alloys: 18s vs 20s.

The 18s are a square set up: 225/55 R18, currently on Continental WinterContact RFTs.
The 20s are a staggered set up: Front 275/40 R20 Rear 315/35 R20, currently on Dunlop Sport Maxx RFTs.

I really like both styles of wheel (I think they are the best options on the E70, obviously whoever specced this car new had great taste!). The ride is best on 18s, the handling sharper on 20s.

My plan was to put it back on 18s, fit some good all seasons and run it like that all year round. However it seems the majority of all seasons have a winter bias and aren't great in warm weather or in the wet (not ideal as we live darn sarf). Therefore I'd shortlisted Michelin CrossClimate SUV as it's considered a decent summer tyre with snow ability. Unfortunately they don't make a RFT version. As this is my wife's car and she's mainly using it to ferry our toddler about, the RFT option means that in the event of a puncture she (hopefully) won't be stranded on the side of the road for hours.

The only RFT all season I can seem to find in this size is the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season. It has the added bonus of being a BMW approved (star marked) tyre. It doesn't seem to do very well in group tests but Harry Metcalfe really rates them on his L322 Range Rover and he uses his car properly including snow.

The tyre situation is somewhat complicated by the rather annoying characteristic of XDrive models requiring BMW approved tyres to avoid strain and damage to the transfer box. Apparently the reason is the differing rolling radius on tyres front vs rear. This is to the extent that it can also be an issue if you put brand new tyres on one axle and continue with worn on the other! The BMW approved tyres reportedly have a matched rolling radius for the staggered set ups. This shouldn't be a problem with a square set up, so in theory as long as all 4x tyres are the same and not a huge discrepancy in front vs rear tread depth, so I could run CrossClimates with no issue.

Undecided as yet...

[gregs656]

That is a fantastic looking car.

[Budleigh]

Gorgeous car, and fantastic spec! I had the 5 series equivalent, a 550i, and I loved it. Never got the overblown paranoia about the engines (people trot it out automatically and then it becomes 'fact' without much to actually verify that it's worse than any other complex contemporary V8). Older cars can leak a little -- find it, fix it, and you're good to go. My 550i was on 230 000km and it wasn't showing any signs of valve stem seal failure. Change the oil a bit more frequently than the computer tells you to - I think that might help matters, but to be honest I never worried. Such a beautiful engine, with a lovely power delivery.

[g3org3y]

Thanks chaps

Budleigh said:

My 550i was on 230 000km and it wasn't showing any signs of valve stem seal failure. Change the oil a bit more frequently than the computer tells you to - I think that might help matters, but to be honest I never worried. Such a beautiful engine, with a lovely power delivery.

That's reassuring to hear re your 550i. Mainly motorway miles? How often were you changing the oil?

[Macron]

Your X5 is bloody fantastic g3orgy.

Spec and a half, on top of a really classy colour scheme. Great find.

[Krikkit]

Great write up!

Which option of mats did you go for? Would you recommend them?

[g3org3y]

Thanks chaps.

Krikkit said:

Which option of mats did you go for? Would you recommend them?

I went for the Platinum version. They'd actually been recommended on Pistonheads (I did a search!), seemed quite popular in the Aston Martin section.

The fit is very decent. The carpets are good quality and the pile is quite thick. They are almost too nice to get dirty. I actually have them on top of the OEM cream mats.

[Ranger 6]

g3org3y said:

...This shouldn't be a problem with a square set up, so in theory as long as all 4x tyres are the same and not a huge discrepancy in front vs rear tread depth, so I could run CrossClimates with no issue.

If it helps I run a set of BF Goodrich ATs on an all square set up. I've used them on both E83 and F25 X3s without issue. Yes, I did have issues with non* tyres on a staggered set up, so I endorse your thinking on the Michelins.

[Budleigh]

g3org3y said:

That's reassuring to hear re your 550i. Mainly motorway miles? How often were you changing the oil?

A good mix of short trips during the week and longer weekend excursions. I just made sure it was fully warmed up, as one does, but mostly short commuting. Our BMW dealers have twice-a-year oil specials, so I just changed it then - no more than 12-15000km between changes. I'd still have it if it hadn't been written off. Best car I've owned.

[g3org3y]

Ranger 6 said:

g3org3y said:

...This shouldn't be a problem with a square set up, so in theory as long as all 4x tyres are the same and not a huge discrepancy in front vs rear tread depth, so I could run CrossClimates with no issue.

If it helps I run a set of BF Goodrich ATs on an all square set up. I've used them on both E83 and F25 X3s without issue. Yes, I did have issues with non* tyres on a staggered set up, so I endorse your thinking on the Michelins.

I think the CCs are the front runner. I'm sure I have breakdown cover on the X5 and I can always get one of those goo/compressor things...

Budleigh said:

g3org3y said:

That's reassuring to hear re your 550i. Mainly motorway miles? How often were you changing the oil?

A good mix of short trips during the week and longer weekend excursions. I just made sure it was fully warmed up, as one does, but mostly short commuting. Our BMW dealers have twice-a-year oil specials, so I just changed it then - no more than 12-15000km between changes. I'd still have it if it hadn't been written off. Best car I've owned.

Good to know.

[craigjm]

Has it blown up yet?

[mooseracer]

craigjm said:

Has it blown up yet?

And can you and your colleagues actually start seeing people? you know, real people.

Nice car

[ATM]

I've had my 550i - same engine - for over 5 years now and it has always smoked. I dont think it is getting worse. You can get additives which are supposed to help maintain the rubberyness of these parts. I tried some from Millers recently but it made no difference as mine are already mullered I guess.

[Andy665]

Lovely looking car, trying to convince the OH that one of these makes far more sense than the L320 RRS she has her heart set on

I own an 80k mile 650i with valve stem seals done and its a great engine

[ATM]

Andy665 said:

Lovely looking car, trying to convince the OH that one of these makes far more sense than the L320 RRS she has her heart set on

I own an 80k mile 650i with valve stem seals done and its a great engine

Agree

The pull from 3000 revs in 6th is decent enough but starts to romp from 4000 onwards. It just builds and builds. Its a really good engine and it defines the driving experience. I find it hard driving mine sensibly as I am not precious at all about it.

Edited by ATM on Friday 10th September 13:08

[craigjm]

mooseracer said:

craigjm said:

Has it blown up yet?

And can you and your colleagues actually start seeing people? you know, real people.

Nice car

Due to lack of response I think he is in hiding because it has blown up and he still isnt actually seeing people

[Its Just Adz]

That's the best looking shape X5 in my opinion, looks really good in that green. Definitely suits the bigger wheels better.

[g3org3y]

mooseracer said:

craigjm said:

Has it blown up yet?

And can you and your colleagues actually start seeing people? you know, real people.

Nice car

We never stopped seeing patients that needed to be seen, even at the worst of the pandemic. I'm sorry you've had issues with your GP.

ATM said:

I've had my 550i - same engine - for over 5 years now and it has always smoked. I dont think it is getting worse. You can get additives which are supposed to help maintain the rubberyness of these parts. I tried some from Millers recently but it made no difference as mine are already mullered I guess.

I wonder about those. Timm Meek on YouTube seems to be quite keen on them, but I'm not convinced, especially to start using them so many years down the line.

Andy665 said:

Lovely looking car, trying to convince the OH that one of these makes far more sense than the L320 RRS she has her heart set on

I own an 80k mile 650i with valve stem seals done and its a great engine

Thank you. The L320 RRS is another very spec specific car. In the right colour/alloy combo it looks very decent. Colleague of mine had an early one and I must admit I thought the interior let it down somewhat. I believe the later/facelift models are better.

Out of interest at what mileage did you start having issues with the valve stem seals and how much did it cost to sort?

Its Just Adz said:

That's the best looking shape X5 in my opinion, looks really good in that green. Definitely suits the bigger wheels better.

Thanks Adz.

[Andy665]

g3org3y said:

Out of interest at what mileage did you start having issues with the valve stem seals and how much did it cost to sort?

It was about 76,000 miles, light haze on start up apparently, was done by the BMW specialist I bought from, cost to sort was about £800 IIRC

[EdmondDantes]

Any chance you were up in Scotland at Largs a few weekends ago? Seen a car with the the similar spec waiting to board the ferry, love the thread, I’m seriously considering one of these as my next car!