Hello from sunny Suffolk

[Johnell]

After many years of pressure from the other half I finally succumbed and bought a caravan (don't groan  ::))  I was driving an 51 plate 525D estate which was plenty enough car for the job but we decided to release some more funds and get an X5 to tow it with.  So, both are being PDI'd as I type and I'm picking them up next week.

The X5 is a 69k, 06 plate 3.0D Sport black/black with factory fitted Sport Plus and Comms packs, TV, heated seats and steering wheel etc etc all sitting on 20" wheels.  First thoughts are that I don't like the way the wheels feel when driving but the independent dealer (Mark Loram, Hemingstone BMW) has agreed that I can drive with them for a couple of months until the the front tyres need replacing, then he will either put new tyres on or swap them for a set of 19"s.

He is getting a twin socket removable towbar fitted for me (I guess factory fitted would have been preferable) is there anything else that needs doing, or can be done for towing?  I have read some very conflicting threads/articles on extra cooling being required.....is there a definitive answer?

I had a remap done on the 525D and I'm thinking it would make sense on the X5 so of the 3 options that most remappers offer (economy, power or combined) which would you go for?  I'm looking for smooth power delivery when pulling away and the holy grail of slightly better economy.  I understand that I'll only be getting around 20-22 mpg when towing so even 1 or 2 extra mpg will be useful.  The car is a long term purchase so I will get the remap investment back eventually.

Thanks, John

[Chompers]

Hi John and to xdrivers  your 'X' sounds a nice spec. As it has the heated steering wheel I'm guessing it has the climate pack which would also include a climate comfort windscreen (unless change at some stage of course)

Re: the tow bar. Didn't think they did twin electrics anymore thought it was an all in one 13 pin set up. I may be wrong but worth checking with the caravan seller.

The 20" wheels are a very nice option (part of the Sport+ pack) what are your issues with them? Which ever way you at tyre change time you'll probably be better selling the 20's on here or elsewhere instead of swapping straight for 19's

Enjoy the site and look forward to the  as and when

[Pope]

Welcome aboard John....and good introduction.
I cant offer any advice regarding towing, but im sure someone will be along shortly
be sure to post some pics when you get it.

[X Box]

Welcome to xdrivers!

[Johnell]

Thanks guys.

The car does have a climate comfort screen so as you suggest, it must have the climate pack too......

As for the 20" wheels.....My 525D was the basic SE model so we have got used to the softer suspension and the X5 feels twitchy and unsettled over anything but a very smooth road surface, the steering also feels like it wants to tramline.  I may well grow to like the sportier feel of the 20"s, luckily I've got a few months to find out.

Out of interest, how much more are the 20" wheels worth compared to the 19"s?

[Lee4.8is]

Hello & welcome  enjoy your new X5.

[Chompers]

[quote="Johnell"]
Thanks guys.

The car does have a climate comfort screen so as you suggest, it must have the climate pack too......

As for the 20" wheels.....My 525D was the basic SE model so we have got used to the softer suspension and the X5 feels twitchy and unsettled over anything but a very smooth road surface, the steering also feels like it wants to tramline.  I may well grow to like the sportier feel of the 20"s, luckily I've got a few months to find out.

Out of interest, how much more are the 20" wheels worth compared to the 19"s?
[/quote]

Your 'X' sounds exactly the same spec as mine was  the 20's do have a habit of tramlining odd tread depths can also contribute to this as well as incorrect tyre pressures but guess you will have already checked these out.

As for a price on the 20's, others will be better placed to advise. But do bear in mind they are part of the pack and may reduce appeal as and when you resell albeit you state the car is for the long term.

[Johnell]

[quote="Chompers"]Your 'X' sounds exactly the same spec as mine was  [/quote]
I'm assuming dealers were loading the options up to make the last of the E53s more saleable, or the original purchaser had very deep pockets.  Either way, it makes for a very desirable second hand buy and I'm not complaining  .

You may be right about the 20"s being part of the car and part of me wants to love them but their feel, limited tyre choice and cost of said tyres might still put me off.  I only had the car for a 2 day test drive before saying yes which obviously isn't long enough to make a final decision.

I've spoken to Mark today and the tow-bar is being fitted next Wednesday so I can pick the car up on Thursday....then the fun will begin. 

[Chompers]

[quote="Johnell"]
[quote="Chompers"]Your 'X' sounds exactly the same spec as mine was  [/quote]
I'm assuming dealers were loading the options up to make the last of the E53s more saleable, or the original purchaser had very deep pockets.  Either way, it makes for a very desirable second hand buy and I'm not complaining  .

You may be right about the 20"s being part of the car and part of me wants to love them but their feel, limited tyre choice and cost of said tyres might still put me off.  I only had the car for a 2 day test drive before saying yes which obviously isn't long enough to make a final decision.

I've spoken to Mark today and the tow-bar is being fitted next Wednesday so I can pick the car up on Thursday....then the fun will begin. 


[/quote]

A very large number of 06 & 56 reg e53's were BMW vehicles as mine was. If your vehicles reg starts with a Y then  a very good chance yours may be of the same vintage.

Roll on next Wednesday :drive:

[huck]

Hi and welcome!

Nice spec you got there.


------------------------
Huck (iPhone mode!)

[Benstan]

[quote="Johnell"]
As for the 20" wheels.....My 525D was the basic SE model so we have got used to the softer suspension and the X5 feels twitchy and unsettled over anything but a very smooth road surface, the steering also feels like it wants to tramline.  I may well grow to like the sportier feel of the 20"s, luckily I've got a few months to find out.

[/quote]

Welcome John

I went from a 520D SE to an MSport X5 on 19s last Summer.  I remember the journey back home having picked up the X and putting a bit of a brave face on it when my wife asked what I thought.  Deep down I was wondering how on earth I was going to get used to it - it was uncomfortable, twitchy and everything that the 5 series wasn't in terms of ride.  The joy of collection was marred quite a bit and I was really worried that I'd made a huge error. 

But, within a few days/weeks I got used to the firm ride and now I barely notice the extra stiffness (535dboy may quote that bit out of context) ....except when flicking through the bends and leaving most other cars (let alone 4x4s) way behind.  So my message is - I was the same as you at first but it was very quickly fine and appreciated the handling.  I suspect you'll get used to the 20s, then change to the 19s and think you're in heaven.

Enjoy the car and 'van.  I could easily be converted to caravanning but have nowhere to keep it, so we'll stick to the tent for now

Ben

[Johnell]

[quote="Benstan"]
Welcome John
I went from a 520D SE to an MSport X5 on 19s last Summer.  I remember the journey back home having picked up the X and putting a bit of a brave face on it when my wife asked what I thought.  Deep down I was wondering how on earth I was going to get used to it - it was uncomfortable, twitchy and everything that the 5 series wasn't in terms of ride.  The joy of collection was marred quite a bit and I was really worried that I'd made a huge error. 
But, within a few days/weeks I got used to the firm ride and now I barely notice the extra stiffness (535dboy may quote that bit out of context) ....except when flicking through the bends and leaving most other cars (let alone 4x4s) way behind.  So my message is - I was the same as you at first but it was very quickly fine and appreciated the handling.  I suspect you'll get used to the 20s, then change to the 19s and think you're in heaven.
Enjoy the car and 'van.  I could easily be converted to caravanning but have nowhere to keep it, so we'll stick to the tent for now
Ben[/quote]
Thanks for that Ben and I'm sure you are right.  The good thing is the dealer is giving me time so I don't have to rush the decision.  If I do decide to stick with the 20s he will supply the new tyres as part of the deal so I'll need to decide which ones I want (within reason).  It may be that he will give me a price that he is prepared to go to then I can possibly pay the extra for something better....we'll see.  However, I'll leave the question of what to buy alone for the moment because I'm sure it's been asked and answered many times on here. 

[Horizon]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Regarding the harsh ride on your 20's, I'm sure they fitted Runflats tyres to the later E53's, check to see if they have RFT written on the sidewall.if so that will contribute towards the bumpy ride.
The standard 20's are bad enough, but Runflats will make the ride a lot worse.

[Don Coffey]

Hi and welcome, sounds like a nice car you have there and a dealer prepared to work with you is always a bonus.  As regards the twenties.  I would stick with them, as they set the car off.  That said the nineteens, aren't exactly small.  I had a 2006 E53 with the Twenties and it did not have Run Flat Tyres.

As for the caravan, you are not the only one, there are a few of us on here who are brave enough to admit it!    there is no need to look at increasing the cooling as that will only be required if you were increasing the towing limit.  I'm not even sure if this was an option on the E53 as I had the Towbar and didn't get asked the question.  What caravan do you have and what age?  Newer ones now use a thirteen pin single plug, and if I was you I would consider this with the tow bar as time goes by, more and more caravans will have the single plug. 

Don

[Bob1098R]

Hello John,

I'm new as well,

Some great knowledge on here and a friendly bunch also,

All the best,

Bob.