XSeries-forum

Hi,
Just a short note to introduce myself. I'm new to BMW ownership and to forums. Having said that, I think that I've picked the best of both.

Mine is a 2003 X5 3.0d in blue. It's a great place to be, the driving position gives you a fantastic view, it's a pleasure to drive and for a nine year old car, the interior feels like new. I've added a couple of photos at the end to avoid the usual reminder!

Living in a valley at the bottom of a steep hill in Cornwall I wanted a vehicle that would not leave me stranded during the winter weather, but was still a comfortable family vehicle and the X5 fitted the bill.

Regarding the forum, it is a mine of information, with a host of friendly members prepared to discuss all aspects of BMW ownership, both good and bad, ideal for a new, first time owner.

Car looks great - you'll love it!  And this forum.

Welcome ...

welcome

Yes, welcome JPR,

The car looks great and as you have found out its a great piece of kit.

Enjoy.

Don

Welcome, Nice looking x 

Good evening & welcome.

Glad you seem keen on car & this forum.

Re getting stuck at bottom of the hill.........car mave have 4WD but if tyre choise poor for bad conditions such as mud/snow then don't expect miracles. I once spent 90 mins getting up my own drive in snow with Michelin Diamaris Summer Tyres fitted to each corner - these same spec as fitted to many 19" E53 sport models like yours & mine from new....... Not wishing to be negative just warning you (subject to whats fitted).   

Hi,
Thanks for the welcome messages.

AW8
Regarding tyre choice, I appreciate your advice. I've been reading on here about the performance of these cars in snow and realise that I need to get a suitable set of tyres.

Currently I have a set of 19" Kuhmos just over a year old.

I have the opportunity to buy a set of 18" General Grabber ATs with hardly any wear. Are you able to offer any advice on these?

[quote="JPR"]
I have the opportunity to buy a set of 18" General Grabber ATs with hardly any wear. Are you able to offer any advice on these?
[/quote]

Welcome to the forum!

You've done it now! Grabbers and AW8 - War and Peace now.....      You asked!

Car is capable, just get the right shoes! 

Lovely car. 

Thanks for that Sanj 

JPR.........I don't think you will get 285/45/19 "General Grabber AT" for staggered 19's. As far as I am aware the only Generals  for the staggered 19" set are "General Grabber UHP" slight concern might be minor drop in mpg depending which online review you read. 

Not tried these yet but another member on here has a set fitted & I may be tempted for the future.........you can sell existing tyres as part worn on ebay once removed.

Rather than ramble I will let you google tyre reviews for General Grabber UHP

AW8
I'm happy to listen to your ramblings on these tyres. From Sanj's reply it sounds as if you have experience in this area.

The tyres I am looking at aren't 19", they are 18", not staggered and come with wheels.

Hi and welcome to the forum, you'll find a lot of help on here

Welcome

Hello and Welcome......

Richard

Welcome aboard and nice example.

[quote="JPR"]
AW8
I'm happy to listen to your ramblings on these tyres. From Sanj's reply it sounds as if you have experience in this area.

The tyres I am looking at aren't 19", they are 18", not staggered and come with wheels.
[/quote]

If they are proper BMW wheels for the E53 X5 with same rolling radius and undamaged then why not ?

18" tyres should be cheaper to replace in future than 19's and whilst I have slightly more roll on 17's I find smaller lighter wheels and deeper walls make for more comfort and faster turn in.

I think E53 X5 looks fine on correct 18's others may disagree.

I think your main aim is to not get stuck so if these are the proper wheels & tyres then maybe go for it. Correct 18's will also fit 4.6is and 4.8is cars with larger brakes if you choose to sell them on in future.


AT replaced the highly regarded but discontinued AT2.


You may find it useful to read a review from a disco forum by clicking here

Maybe post a pic or look at proper 18" wheels for E53 byclicking here