BMW E70 X5 4.8i - 'Countryside Edition'
Discussion
I never planned on buying an X5 and certainly not the potentially problematic N62 V8 petrol version. Unfortunately, I've become one of those people...the paranoid parent who feels the need for a huge car to ferry a child around owing to fears of accidents and road safety. 
I liked the idea of a Range Rover L322 (in the right spec/colour it can look v classy) but I was put off by reliability horror stories...not to mention the fact that I'm a BMW fan boy. Attention focused on the E53 X5, especially in 3.0 litre M54 engine flavour. This was however dismissed as being too old. My wife had been spoilt by the luxury and features of our E63 630i, so an E53 would be considered a step backwards, both in terms of design and features.
Consequently, my search shifted to the E70 X5.
- I ideally wanted the 3.0 litre petrol (N52 engine), had experience of it in my E91, E85 and E63. Decent/reliable engine.
- I wasn't interested in diesels.
- No drug dealer black or Essex white.
- Preferred SE spec as I wanted a more comfortable ride, smaller wheels and no bodykit.
In essence, I was after the BMW version of a Range Rover.
Searching Autotrader for a good 3.0 was fruitless. Firstly, there aren't many around and secondly those that were available had very miserly spec. Who specs a £40k+ BMW X5 and omits heated seats? Also seemingly a lot of dubious LPG conversions.
To be honest, my searching was fairly sporadic (crazy busy with work - Covid etc). My wife was dailying the E91 330i (which was the original baby car) and I was using either the Shedtastic E46 330Ci or 630i.
Then on a whim, I did an Autotrader search for petrol X5s and I spotted a very nicely specced 2007 X5 in a very unusual green colour. Looked really good but it had the N62 4.8 litre petrol V8. I was aware this engine was potentially problematic. It was the reason I’d gone for the 630i rather than the 650i. Valve stem seals are known to be a ‘when’ not ‘if’, plus it’s known to be a bit leaky.
The example did however look fantastic with metallic green over cream leather and specced with pretty much every extra including rear DVD player. Current owner since 2009. Reportedly only used as a winter car and FBMWSH, only on 63k miles. Had to be worth a look. This was October/November 2020 and at the time travel was only allowed for essential reasons. Buying a car is an essential reason.
The car was very well looked after and totally original. Interior was minty mint and had factory rubber mats to protect the carpets. Big folder of BMW history/invoices. All the keys (including an usual fob which neither I or the owner knew its function). It was sitting on 18 inch alloys with (BMW star marked) winter RFTs but would also come with its 20 inch staggered alloys with (BMW star marked) summer RFTs. The owner was a great and honest guy, he’d always had BMWs and recently taken delivery of a new 340i XDrive Touring, in a very rare (individual) green (seen below), hence the decision to sell the X5.
Despite my reservations over the engine, the spec was so fantastic, colour combo unusual (and lovely), plus it was so original and well looked after...I couldn't say no. A deal was done and we arranged a date for me to collect.
Photos from the advert:
As mentioned, one of the things that swung it, was the specification. Very few E70 X5s out there with this extensive spec:
- Deep Green metallic
- Comfort seats with perforated Nevada leather, heated, ventilated and active functions.
- HUD
- Panoramic Roof
- Heated steering wheel
- Adaptive Drive (active anti-roll bars and electronic damper control)
- 4 Zone climate.
- Rear heated seats
- Rear DVD system
- Comfort Access
- Rear camera
- Pro Nav with freeview TV
- Pro HiFi
- Xenons - adaptive and high beam assist
- 7 seats
Thoughts?
We've had it now for ~ 10 months now so got a fair idea of what it's like to live with.
It's a nice car. It definitely feels a real step up from an E91 for example. My wife was a bit wary at first as it's a big car, especially long. Supermarket parking in non 'parent and child' spaces is interesting.
Photo by my wife of the first time she took the X5 to its natural habitat of Waitrose. (she almost got it all in the space
)
I'm a rural GP, so when we had the snow the X5 was great for getting me to work with its XDrive and winter tyre combo.
Performance It's not slow. With 350bhp and 350lbft torque it lacks the punch of the new tubocharged super SUVs, but it can surprise people. With a naturally aspirated V8, it also sounds fantastic when giving it some grief.
The ride is a bit on the firm side, I suspect in part because of the RFTs. Debating what to do about those. Spec sheet suggests it has the Sports Suspension option. The Adaptive Drive is fantastic. With it activated, the roll in corners really is minimised and it feels more like the E91 than than a big, heavy, tall tank.
Fuel economy? Er...hmmm...my wife usually uses it for nursery trips, shopping excursions or meeting up with friends. Longer trips include seeing her sister or my parents (both about an hour and a half away). On a motorway run at 65mph, I've seen 26mpg. In town I can only assume low/mid teens. Fuel tank is big to the extent that if you less it run less than 1/4 full, £99 won't fill it to capacity. Super unleaded is used exclusively.
Features? Peppa Pig...sounds fantastic with the Pro Hifi option!
Bills, bork and bother? I'll cover those in another instalment...this isn't a cheap car to run but no one has starved...yet.
Other spending? I bought some nice mats from https://www.carmats4u.com/ for the summer months. Will change back to the rubber ones come Autumn/Winter.
Overall, my wife is really enjoying it. She likes the luxury, the comfort and the safety. The boot is huge so it's great for a buggy (+ baby paraphernalia) and dog. She also loves the colour!
Am I convinced by the whole 'fast SUV' thing? If we didn't have a kid (or if we lived in a city), I don't think we'd bother. It's definitely easier to get a toddler in and out and of course it's very practical, but tbf it's a huge car. Parking can be annoying. For our own circumstances, the 3 Series Touring size is probably about right. We live in the countryside, so some ground clearance is welcome and it has proven itself when we had the snow. [paranoid parent]Plus, can't ignore the safety aspect with a child[/paranoid parent].
I REALLY like the colour combo, it is very unusual for an X5 and I don't think I've seen another one in this combination. It certainly stands out among the sea of black on black Disco Sports at nursery. As mentioned in the thread title - X5 Countryside Edition.
It's now on the 20 inch alloys with the summer tyres. Washed it a couple of weeks ago, came up looking pretty decent IMO.
Thanks for reading. I'll do a post about the bills/running costs at some point.
I liked the idea of a Range Rover L322 (in the right spec/colour it can look v classy) but I was put off by reliability horror stories...not to mention the fact that I'm a BMW fan boy. Attention focused on the E53 X5, especially in 3.0 litre M54 engine flavour. This was however dismissed as being too old. My wife had been spoilt by the luxury and features of our E63 630i, so an E53 would be considered a step backwards, both in terms of design and features.
Consequently, my search shifted to the E70 X5.
- I ideally wanted the 3.0 litre petrol (N52 engine), had experience of it in my E91, E85 and E63. Decent/reliable engine.
- I wasn't interested in diesels.
- No drug dealer black or Essex white.
- Preferred SE spec as I wanted a more comfortable ride, smaller wheels and no bodykit.
In essence, I was after the BMW version of a Range Rover.
Searching Autotrader for a good 3.0 was fruitless. Firstly, there aren't many around and secondly those that were available had very miserly spec. Who specs a £40k+ BMW X5 and omits heated seats? Also seemingly a lot of dubious LPG conversions.
To be honest, my searching was fairly sporadic (crazy busy with work - Covid etc). My wife was dailying the E91 330i (which was the original baby car) and I was using either the Shedtastic E46 330Ci or 630i.
Then on a whim, I did an Autotrader search for petrol X5s and I spotted a very nicely specced 2007 X5 in a very unusual green colour. Looked really good but it had the N62 4.8 litre petrol V8. I was aware this engine was potentially problematic. It was the reason I’d gone for the 630i rather than the 650i. Valve stem seals are known to be a ‘when’ not ‘if’, plus it’s known to be a bit leaky.
The example did however look fantastic with metallic green over cream leather and specced with pretty much every extra including rear DVD player. Current owner since 2009. Reportedly only used as a winter car and FBMWSH, only on 63k miles. Had to be worth a look. This was October/November 2020 and at the time travel was only allowed for essential reasons. Buying a car is an essential reason.
The car was very well looked after and totally original. Interior was minty mint and had factory rubber mats to protect the carpets. Big folder of BMW history/invoices. All the keys (including an usual fob which neither I or the owner knew its function). It was sitting on 18 inch alloys with (BMW star marked) winter RFTs but would also come with its 20 inch staggered alloys with (BMW star marked) summer RFTs. The owner was a great and honest guy, he’d always had BMWs and recently taken delivery of a new 340i XDrive Touring, in a very rare (individual) green (seen below), hence the decision to sell the X5.
Despite my reservations over the engine, the spec was so fantastic, colour combo unusual (and lovely), plus it was so original and well looked after...I couldn't say no. A deal was done and we arranged a date for me to collect.
Photos from the advert:
As mentioned, one of the things that swung it, was the specification. Very few E70 X5s out there with this extensive spec:
- Deep Green metallic
- Comfort seats with perforated Nevada leather, heated, ventilated and active functions.
- HUD
- Panoramic Roof
- Heated steering wheel
- Adaptive Drive (active anti-roll bars and electronic damper control)
- 4 Zone climate.
- Rear heated seats
- Rear DVD system
- Comfort Access
- Rear camera
- Pro Nav with freeview TV
- Pro HiFi
- Xenons - adaptive and high beam assist
- 7 seats
Thoughts?
We've had it now for ~ 10 months now so got a fair idea of what it's like to live with.
It's a nice car. It definitely feels a real step up from an E91 for example. My wife was a bit wary at first as it's a big car, especially long. Supermarket parking in non 'parent and child' spaces is interesting.
Photo by my wife of the first time she took the X5 to its natural habitat of Waitrose. (she almost got it all in the space
)I'm a rural GP, so when we had the snow the X5 was great for getting me to work with its XDrive and winter tyre combo.
Performance It's not slow. With 350bhp and 350lbft torque it lacks the punch of the new tubocharged super SUVs, but it can surprise people. With a naturally aspirated V8, it also sounds fantastic when giving it some grief.
The ride is a bit on the firm side, I suspect in part because of the RFTs. Debating what to do about those. Spec sheet suggests it has the Sports Suspension option. The Adaptive Drive is fantastic. With it activated, the roll in corners really is minimised and it feels more like the E91 than than a big, heavy, tall tank.
Fuel economy? Er...hmmm...my wife usually uses it for nursery trips, shopping excursions or meeting up with friends. Longer trips include seeing her sister or my parents (both about an hour and a half away). On a motorway run at 65mph, I've seen 26mpg. In town I can only assume low/mid teens. Fuel tank is big to the extent that if you less it run less than 1/4 full, £99 won't fill it to capacity. Super unleaded is used exclusively.
Features? Peppa Pig...sounds fantastic with the Pro Hifi option!
Bills, bork and bother? I'll cover those in another instalment...this isn't a cheap car to run but no one has starved...yet.
Other spending? I bought some nice mats from https://www.carmats4u.com/ for the summer months. Will change back to the rubber ones come Autumn/Winter.
Overall, my wife is really enjoying it. She likes the luxury, the comfort and the safety. The boot is huge so it's great for a buggy (+ baby paraphernalia) and dog. She also loves the colour!
Am I convinced by the whole 'fast SUV' thing? If we didn't have a kid (or if we lived in a city), I don't think we'd bother. It's definitely easier to get a toddler in and out and of course it's very practical, but tbf it's a huge car. Parking can be annoying. For our own circumstances, the 3 Series Touring size is probably about right. We live in the countryside, so some ground clearance is welcome and it has proven itself when we had the snow. [paranoid parent]Plus, can't ignore the safety aspect with a child[/paranoid parent].
I REALLY like the colour combo, it is very unusual for an X5 and I don't think I've seen another one in this combination. It certainly stands out among the sea of black on black Disco Sports at nursery. As mentioned in the thread title - X5 Countryside Edition.
It's now on the 20 inch alloys with the summer tyres. Washed it a couple of weeks ago, came up looking pretty decent IMO.
Thanks for reading. I'll do a post about the bills/running costs at some point.
Thanks for all the positive feedback
)
). It used to be very expensive to sort but it seems now specialists can now do it for ~ £800-£1000 which isn't a huge amount of money relatively speaking given that it's likely to be a one off event. I think also when relatively minor things go wrong (i.e. gaskets that cost a fiver causing an oil leak) the associated labour to fix = £££.
My impression is that the N62(TU)B48 is a less prone to these issues than the regular N62B44 like in the 645Ci.
Stedman said:
I really like that. Nice write up - much better than your handwriting etc 
No arguments. craigjm said:
Get on and enjoy it and forget about all those issues you listed. If you frequent sites like this all the v8 engines do that, every vanos car has issues every Porsche of a certain time scores it’s bores and blows it’s IMS and all Jaguar diesels dump fuel in the oil blah blah. In reality it’s a small percentage of all of them. At that age it’s more important how well it’s been looked after. If we believed everything we read on car forums to be an issue with every car we would never buy one.
edit.... just realised who the OP is it will be a chocolate teapot George
Git (I wondered why you were being so optimistic...edit.... just realised who the OP is
it will be a chocolate teapot George )cerb4.5lee said:
That is such a lovely spec, and I'm a really big fan of the engine having had a E53 X5 4.8iS myself. I love the noise this engine makes for sure. 
I think it's definitely more muted than in the E53, still sounds decent when giving it some grief. Also cold starts aren't exactly quiet!Court_S said:
I agree about the E70; it’s peak X5 for me.
Thanks. The styling is just right. Modern enough that it doesn't look out of place next to brand new BMWs but lacking that overstyled aggression the most recent models have.bolidemichael said:
I'm pleased that you've done a thread and also would love to know what you paid for it.
PM sent. 4.8 petrols seem to be priced much higher than equivalent age diesels. They also seem to (for the most part) have better spec and lower mileage.alec.e said:
The 4.8 is actually a strong engine really- thought not flawless, I don't understand the dislike for it.
Too much bad press over the valve stem seals I suppose especially on US forums/YouTube channels (hello Hoovie et al ). It used to be very expensive to sort but it seems now specialists can now do it for ~ £800-£1000 which isn't a huge amount of money relatively speaking given that it's likely to be a one off event. I think also when relatively minor things go wrong (i.e. gaskets that cost a fiver causing an oil leak) the associated labour to fix = £££.My impression is that the N62(TU)B48 is a less prone to these issues than the regular N62B44 like in the 645Ci.
Jeenyus161 said:
There's something lovely about a dark green BMW, they just seem to suit it brilliantly- good buy
Thanks. When I saw it on Autotrader, it really jumped out as the majority are black, white or grey. There's a (Monaco?) blue E70 X5 locally that looks great too. ExcitableBoy said:
Have we seen this car before? I'm almost certain another PHer owned this in the London area.
Not sure. The seller had owned it since 2009 and he wasn't the kind of chap to post on forums.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...
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...
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?Thanks chaps.
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.
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 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.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
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
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 said:
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 said:
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!
No, not me...unless my wife has been doing road trips back home without my knowing. 
Thanks for the kind words, it's an unusual colour/spec so does stand out somewhat against the sea of grey/white/black.Bobberoo said:
A great car in a great colour with a stonking engine, what's not to like!!!!
According to my wife: fuel economy. Teepot said:
Very nice indeed
Certainly looks far better on the bigger wheels, have the impacted much on the ride quality would you say?
Has these on my 48i and found them slightly crashy but overly so.
Anyways keep me in mind ;-)
From a looks POV, yes I agree. The 20s fill the arches properly. Ride is definitely harsher but when Dynamic Drive off it's more precise and less 'wobbly' than on the 18s.Certainly looks far better on the bigger wheels, have the impacted much on the ride quality would you say?
Has these on my 48i and found them slightly crashy but overly so.
Anyways keep me in mind ;-)
You have first refusal if/when it comes to sell.
Baked_bean said:
Lovely old bus, nice to see that specification, I never seem to see cars like that for sale.
It genuinely was an impromptu Autotrader search that I noticed it. As I mentioned, never planned on the V8, but the spec and history won me over.ATM said:
Baked_bean said:
Lovely old bus, nice to see that specification, I never seem to see cars like that for sale.
This one looks interesting. I'm even tempted myself. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124896215313
If you're going to go down the V8 E53 route, perhaps go for the 4.6iS or later (N62) 4.8iS. If you're going to be stung with V8 fuel consumption, good to have the performance to match. They seem to be
bramley said:
Looks like a good buy. The other fob may be a valet key so people can enter the car but not drive it. My old E39 had a valet key but I don’t think they provide them these days.
Thanks Bramley, I think I've worked out the mystery of the fob, I had a delivery from Lithuania that has clarified matters! Post to come.cerb4.5lee said:
g3org3y said:
Bobberoo said:
A great car in a great colour with a stonking engine, what's not to like!!!!
According to my wife: fuel economy. 
craigjm said:
EdmondDantes said:
Any updates OP?
He has been too busy buying shoes and jackets. He has even been neglecting his cigar habit
Covid innit. Will do a proper one outlining the work done to date and approximate costs.X5 is otherwise running well. Wife is mainly dailying the 330i Touring and only really using the X5 for longer journeys.
Finally made the decision to go back down to 18s and go for all seasons. 20s definitely for looks, but 18s for ride comfort, cheaper tyres and definitely better for my bad back.
When making the change from 20s to 18s, had a bit of a problem with one of the locking nuts...
Should look like this:
Bought a new key but unfortunately, despite my best efforts it just wouldn't grip enough. Did some googling and found many BMW owners with similar issues with this type of locking nut. Because of the spinning collar, turns out these can be a git to get out when damaged and a lot of tyre shops refuse to get involved.
Came across this company: https://www.lockingwheelnutremovers.co.uk/ which was mentioned/recommended on a few BMW forum threads.
Gave the chap a bell and arranged an appointment. Used a special tool and had it off within 10 mins. He said, quite a common thing with these type of BMW locking nuts (I think they are the same as the McGard bolts)
I'll admit, I'm not one for the frequent cleaning, car is often dirty!
Though once in a while it gets a bit of cleaning attention.
As I mentioned on the previous page, lots of debate about Star Marked (BMW approved) tyres on the XDrive models to avoid transfer box issues. Started another thread in the BMW section, with specific discussion re the staggered vs square set up if anyone is interested in more detail.
I went for the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUVs. Living 'darn sarf' made sense to have something with summer bias but also all weather and snow ability rather than the more winter biased all seasons from Nokian etc. These CCs are NOT Star Marked and they are not RFT. I really wanted the CCs as they seem to do fantastically in every group test and felt it worth the punt despite non being Star Marked. They were only recently released in the SUV form at the start of May and it was difficult to find UK suppliers in the size I needed. Oddly enough, cheapest was ASDA tyres - £160/tyre (which was cheaper than BlackCircles was selling the original CC SUV).
I'm happy with the outcome. Compared to the 20s (or even the 18s with the RFT Conti Winters), the ride is a lot smoother, less road noise and overall a more comfortable and relaxing drive. Got one of those BMW 'mobility' kits (goo and air compressor) in the boot. Hopefully will never have to use it.
As far as issues with the transfer box etc, have probably done 500-1000 miles since the CCs have been fitted, and no problems yet.
Centre caps were looking a bit tatty, so treated to some new ones as well.
Used the X5 for a recent holiday away, it's certainly a decent load lugger.
As I insist on Super Unleaded (typically Tesco 99), must admit, it's getting quite expensive to tun. 85 litre fuel tank and high teens in town means £££.
I found this photo from January...now looking back 161.9 for Super Unleaded seems cheap!!
Trickle charger has come in use on a few occasions when the car has sat unused for a couple of weeks at a time.
Could be worse...at least it's not a Prius.
Edited by g3org3y on Sunday 26th June 20:05
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