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Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 8:31 pm
by Chompers
My 20's didnt have RFT's and I have to say I have never seen an e53 shod with them 19",20" or otherwise. BMW approved RFT's are marked RSA followed by a * (5 point star) for info and factory fit 20" tyres (non RFT) were Michelin Diamaris.

Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 9:44 pm
by X5Sport
Whoever bought mine got a brand new set of Bridgestone RFTs on 19" - straight off a new X6.

And to the OP...... :hi:

Richard

Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 9:52 pm
by Johnell
Thanks for the welcome guys.  I'll check to see if the 20"s have got run flats fitted, I'm hoping it has because it means I  could tone the ride down a bit by fitting normal tyres.  I wasn't aware of the markings Chompers so thanks for the heads-up.

I appreciate the info re the caravan cooling and towbar Don.  The caravan is a 2008 Coachman Pastiche 530/4 which has got 2 plugs, do you suggest I fit a single socket on the car and use a splitter lead?   

Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 9:56 pm
by Chompers
[quote="X5Sport"]
Whoever bought mine got a brand new set of Bridgestone RFTs on 19" - straight off a new X6.

And to the OP...... :hi:

Richard
[/quote]

Maybe so but as far as I'm aware RFT's were not fitted to e53's as std from the factory?

Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 10:46 pm
by Rusty
Welcome.  A good spec indeed.
I was a little concerned with the 20's on mine initially, but after replacing all 4 tyres for the Toyo Proxies the car was transformed.  I would definitely stick with them as you will indeed de-value the car by downgrading to 19's
Is the dealer fitting the Westafilia or whatever it is tow bar with dedicated electrics? This setup would ensure the car adjusts its settings to deal with a van.

Enjoy the car and this site


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Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 10:54 pm
by Chompers
[quote="Rusty"]
Is the dealer fitting the Westafilia or whatever it is tow bar with dedicated electrics? This setup would ensure the car adjusts its settings to deal with a van.

Enjoy the car and this site


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
[/quote]

Good point Rusty, also make sure the relay (think this is a BMW part) is fitted to turn off the rear PDC when reversing  ;)

Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 11:08 pm
by Johnell
Thanks Rusty, I'll chat to the dealer about the relay.

BTW, which Proxes did you fit?

Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 7:25 am
by Don Coffey
Hi John, whether or not to fit the single plug I suppose depends on how long you intend to keep either the X or van.  I'm not 100% sure when the 13 pin plugs became standard in the uk but think it was about 2010. It must also be possible to change the twin plug to a single in the future if it becomes an issue.  In the same way it must be possible to change the vans twin leads into a single. The single plug is a lot more secure and gives a better connection, reliability.

Don

Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 8:49 am
by Johnell
[quote="Don Coffey"]
Hi John, whether or not to fit the single plug I suppose depends on how long you intend to keep either the X or van.  I'm not 100% sure when the 13 pin plugs became standard in the uk but think it was about 2010. It must also be possible to change the twin plug to a single in the future if it becomes an issue.  In the same way it must be possible to change the vans twin leads into a single. The single plug is a lot more secure and gives a better connection, reliability.
Don[/quote]
The intention is to keep the car for a few years, the van may be changed sooner than that if the other half decides she wants an island bed!!!!!  ::)

I'll have a chat with the van dealer to see what he recommends but from what you are saying the single socket used with a splitter lead is the way to go.
John

Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 11:15 am
by lezmtaylor
To put the cat amongst the pidgeons, i had 20's on, then 19's and then got a set of 17's with new michelins for £50 off ebay, have to say the 17's give a far superior comfort ride and I am towing a Coachman Pastiche 470/2.
I always thought if the car was factory fit towbar extra cooling was fitted at the factory.

Lez

Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 11:24 am
by Don Coffey
[quote="lezmtaylor"]
I always thought if the car was factory fit towbar extra cooling was fitted at the factory.

Lez
[/quote]

On the E70/71 the extra towing capacity is an option. My car has an after market tow bar albeit oem. My car has a rating of 2700kgs. More than enough for any caravan legally towable on UK roads.

Don

Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 11:42 pm
by Rusty
[quote="Johnell"]
Thanks Rusty, I'll chat to the dealer about the relay.

BTW, which Proxes did you fit?
[/quote]

I have the Toyo Proxy ST's which I think have now been superseded by the ST2 but don't quote me.

I am quite a low mileage user but I have been suitably impressed by them, even in the snow and ice.  They are quiet when cruising, not as hard as Diamaras and look the part too.

Hope that helps.

Russ



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Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 12:14 am
by Johnell
Thanks Russ, I'll be researching tyres more thoroughly in a couple of months so will bear the Toyos in mind.

Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 8:02 am
by Jamee
Welcome mate, sounds like a nice specced X5 you have bought, I agree with the tow-age, get the single plug and splitter at the mo, as if you do indeed change the van, it will likely have the single plug attached as standard.
look for ward to the pics.

Re: Hello from sunny Suffolk

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 2:49 pm
by Johnell
Cheers Jamee, I see you are fairly new too....it's a great site isn't it?