Kief's Winter Conundrum Solved...

Kief · 10-20-2014, 01:04 PM

For the last several weeks, I have been painstakingly inquiring (thanks again Omar, Bill, Mitch) about a separate winter setup for our new X5. The issue was I only needed a "winter setup" for the next 2 winters, as I figured my 20" Dunlops would be shot within 2yrs, 12k miles like they were for my E70 and I would then purchase a set of Conti DWS for all year round. When I had my E70, I got a killer deal on some OE 18" take offs (although I couldn't stand having those tiny 18" on any longer than necessary) from a guy CA for <$1K. They were perfectly surefooted for my "winter" needs for 2 seasons, and I was able to resell them for what I paid 2 yrs later!! I have the luxury of staying at home if the weather is too severe.

This go around, I kept looking for a great looking 20" winter setup for $2500 bucks or less, but deep down I really didn't want to spend that kind of coin. Long story short, I figured, why not sell my Dunlops now as a set of "take offs" (less than 500 miles on them) and use the $$$ to offset the Conti DWS purchase--win-win for me. For the price of two sets of Contis, I'll still be saving some $500 bucks by not purchasing a separate winter set. True, I could have survived on a cheap 18" setup, but aesthetically I would have hated it.

Question for you guys...Should I get an alignment when I have the Contis installed despite the X5 being so new. Only reason I ask is b/c the E70 factory setting was so out of wack for many of us with the 20" wheels.
Are other F15 owners finding their alignments are out of spec from the factory?

stewy604 · 10-20-2014, 01:12 PM

Unless you see abnormal tire wear, or 'weird' handling characteristics, I would say you're safe in assuming that the X5 is aligned properly. That said, a quick check in most cases is only $100 or so...up to you where and how you want to spend your money.

Kief · 10-20-2014, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stewy604

Unless you see abnormal tire wear, or 'weird' handling characteristics, I would say you're safe in assuming that the X5 is aligned properly. That said, a quick check in most cases is only $100 or so...up to you where and how you want to spend your money.

Thanks buddy!
Actually my SA just got back to me, and let's just say I have an "issue" with my alignment that needs checking. If you are under 2k miles its under warranty

stewy604 · 10-20-2014, 01:17 PM

^^ Good to know!

Kief · 10-20-2014, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stewy604

^^ Good to know!

Yeah, I learned this the hard way with my E70. For whatever reason, those of us with 20" had our factory specs so out of allowance. However there is such a range that you should specify to the tech your preference (better handling or better wear). By the time we noticed, it was well after 2k miles

opasha · 10-20-2014, 02:04 PM

I actually think this is a much better idea

. Glad you got it solved, buddy!

r33_RGSport · 10-21-2014, 12:58 AM

@Kief, glad that you got it solved.

As the alignment, if you don't issue with the current alignment, I wouldn't get it checked. Especially since you are running the same size of tires between the stock and the DWS.

Kief · 10-21-2014, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r33

@Kief, glad that you got it solved.

As the alignment, if you don't issue with the current alignment, I wouldn't get it checked. Especially since you are running the same size of tires between the stock and the DWS.

Yeah, you are probably right. But since I'm not paying, I might just have them check the specs.

So no one here has reported their 20" factory alignment specs as being off as they were with the E70?

sbkim · 10-21-2014, 10:07 AM

Great info. Please keep us posted on your thoughts on the Conti DWS. I am getting mine installed in a couple weeks before Chicago winter kicks in.

VMRWheels · 10-21-2014, 01:55 PM

Nice, glad to see you were taken care of. Wow didn't realize alignment was covered under warranty.. albeit only for 2K miles.

Kief · 10-23-2014, 10:50 AM

Just had the Contis installed and I'm probably imagining it, but I actually gained some steering feel! The F15 steering has got to be my biggest grip with the car. But now it actually feels weighted and responsive which is surprising as the DWS are rated relatively weaker in this area. If they can manage steering feel w/EPS with the M3/4, why can't they carry it over to the rest of the series?
I decided not to waste the tech's time with the alignment as I really had no concerns and my time was limited. If I sense anything, I'll be sure to bring it in before 2k miles so it can be aligned n/c under warranty.

Roundown · 10-23-2014, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kief

Just had the Contis installed and I'm probably imagining it, but I actually gained some steering feel! The F15 steering has got to be my biggest grip with the car. But now it actually feels weighted and responsive which is surprising as the DWS are rated relatively weaker in this area. If they can manage steering feel w/EPS with the M3/4, why can't they carry it over to the rest of the series?
I decided not to waste the tech's time with the alignment as I really had no concerns and my time was limited. If I sense anything, I'll be sure to bring it in before 2k miles so it can be aligned n/c under warranty.

Great tires. You'll have no trouble this winter.

Kief · 10-23-2014, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cSurf

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kief

Just had the Contis installed and I'm probably imagining it, but I actually gained some steering feel! The F15 steering has got to be my biggest grip with the car. But now it actually feels weighted and responsive which is surprising as the DWS are rated relatively weaker in this area. If they can manage steering feel w/EPS with the M3/4, why can't they carry it over to the rest of the series?
I decided not to waste the tech's time with the alignment as I really had no concerns and my time was limited. If I sense anything, I'll be sure to bring it in before 2k miles so it can be aligned n/c under warranty.

Great tires. You'll have no trouble this winter.

They are! Had them on my E70 year round

Kzang · 10-23-2014, 02:42 PM

There has been some comments in the past by others where the DWS would cause shaking or slight vibrations. Keep an eye on those as well.

Kief · 10-23-2014, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kzang

There has been some comments in the past by others where the DWS would cause shaking or slight vibrations. Keep an eye on those as well.

I've been following that thread over on BF, but there has to be more to this guy's story not to be able to get his issue resolved.

Hopefully I'll be just as pleased with my new set of Contis as I was with my E70

chiplee · 10-23-2014, 09:29 PM

I love those tires. The Pirelli's feel good enough for now, but when they get replaced it'll be the Conti's.

Kzang · 10-24-2014, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kief

I've been following that thread over on BF, but there has to be more to this guy's story not to be able to get his issue resolved.

Hopefully I'll be just as pleased with my new set of Contis as I was with my E70

On your E70, how long did the Conti DWS last?

Kief · 10-24-2014, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kzang

On your E70, how long did the Conti DWS last?

I put them on around 20k and sold the E70 around 37k. With 17k on them they still were new with plenty of tread and quiet

Kief · 10-24-2014, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05Mdriver

Thanks !

BTW, thanks to 05Mdriver for taking my Dunlops

10-20-2014, 01:04 PM	#1
Kief Major General 4446 Rep 5,736 Posts Drives: '24 iX50; '23 i4 M50 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika iTrader: (26)	Kief's Winter Conundrum Solved... For the last several weeks, I have been painstakingly inquiring (thanks again Omar, Bill, Mitch) about a separate winter setup for our new X5. The issue was I only needed a "winter setup" for the next 2 winters, as I figured my 20" Dunlops would be shot within 2yrs, 12k miles like they were for my E70 and I would then purchase a set of Conti DWS for all year round. When I had my E70, I got a killer deal on some OE 18" take offs (although I couldn't stand having those tiny 18" on any longer than necessary) from a guy CA for <$1K. They were perfectly surefooted for my "winter" needs for 2 seasons, and I was able to resell them for what I paid 2 yrs later!! I have the luxury of staying at home if the weather is too severe. This go around, I kept looking for a great looking 20" winter setup for $2500 bucks or less, but deep down I really didn't want to spend that kind of coin. Long story short, I figured, why not sell my Dunlops now as a set of "take offs" (less than 500 miles on them) and use the $$$ to offset the Conti DWS purchase--win-win for me. For the price of two sets of Contis, I'll still be saving some $500 bucks by not purchasing a separate winter set. True, I could have survived on a cheap 18" setup, but aesthetically I would have hated it. Question for you guys...Should I get an alignment when I have the Contis installed despite the X5 being so new. Only reason I ask is b/c the E70 factory setting was so out of wack for many of us with the 20" wheels. Are other F15 owners finding their alignments are out of spec from the factory? __________________ __________________ '24-I20 iX 50; '23-G26 i4 M50; '22-G82 M4Cx;20-G05 M50i; '20-F82 M4CS; '18-F80 M3CS; '18-F80 M3CS; '18-F85 X5M; '18-G01 X3M40i; '18-F80 M3ZCP; '17-F80 M3ZCP; '15-F15 X5; '15-F82 M4; '12-E92 335is; '11-E70 X5d; '11-E89 Z435is;'09-E89 Z435i; '08-E92 335i; '06-E90 330i; '05-E83 X3; '04-E83 X3; '03-E46 325Ci* *retired
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10-20-2014, 01:12 PM	#2
stewy604 Lieutenant Colonel 290 Rep 1,547 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW X5 xDrive 35d M Sport Join Date: May 2014 Location: Vancouver, B.C. iTrader: (0)	Unless you see abnormal tire wear, or 'weird' handling characteristics, I would say you're safe in assuming that the X5 is aligned properly. That said, a quick check in most cases is only $100 or so...up to you where and how you want to spend your money. __________________ 2014 BMW X5 xDrive 35d M Sport Mineral White 2011 BMW 135i M Sport Space Grey 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 750
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10-20-2014, 01:17 PM	#4
stewy604 Lieutenant Colonel 290 Rep 1,547 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW X5 xDrive 35d M Sport Join Date: May 2014 Location: Vancouver, B.C. iTrader: (0)	^^ Good to know! __________________ 2014 BMW X5 xDrive 35d M Sport Mineral White 2011 BMW 135i M Sport Space Grey 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 750
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10-20-2014, 02:04 PM	#6
opasha Brigadier General 1329 Rep 3,990 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW X5 50i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I actually think this is a much better idea . Glad you got it solved, buddy! __________________ 2014 X5 50i X-Line // Mineral White
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10-21-2014, 12:58 AM	#7
r33_RGSport General 13021 Rep 18,737 Posts Drives: G09 XM, G05 X5 40, 991.2 T Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (6)	@Kief, glad that you got it solved. As the alignment, if you don't issue with the current alignment, I wouldn't get it checked. Especially since you are running the same size of tires between the stock and the DWS. __________________ Email:sales@rgsport.com \| IG:RGSport_USA \| Web:RGSportShop.com PM for Everyday DEALS!! MSS • iSweep • RaceChip • Sterckenn • AutoTecknic • Akrapovic • Vossen Wheels • Eventuri Active Autowerke • KW • H&R • Ohlins • Remus • and more...
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		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
Kief's Winter Conundrum Solved...

10-21-2014, 10:07 AM	#9
sbkim Lieutenant 59 Rep 529 Posts Drives: 2021 X7 M50i Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (0)	Great info. Please keep us posted on your thoughts on the Conti DWS. I am getting mine installed in a couple weeks before Chicago winter kicks in.
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10-21-2014, 01:55 PM	#10
VMRWheels General 2050 Rep 25,989 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [10.00] 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 BMW F30 [0.00] 2014 BMW F22 [0.00] 2013 BMW F06 [0.00]	Nice, glad to see you were taken care of. Wow didn't realize alignment was covered under warranty.. albeit only for 2K miles. __________________ VMR\|Wheels \| 714.442.7916 \| sales@velocitymotoring.com \| www.velocitymotoring.com \| facebook \| flickr \| Instagram
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10-23-2014, 10:50 AM	#11
Kief Major General 4446 Rep 5,736 Posts Drives: '24 iX50; '23 i4 M50 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika iTrader: (26)	Just had the Contis installed and I'm probably imagining it, but I actually gained some steering feel! The F15 steering has got to be my biggest grip with the car. But now it actually feels weighted and responsive which is surprising as the DWS are rated relatively weaker in this area. If they can manage steering feel w/EPS with the M3/4, why can't they carry it over to the rest of the series? I decided not to waste the tech's time with the alignment as I really had no concerns and my time was limited. If I sense anything, I'll be sure to bring it in before 2k miles so it can be aligned n/c under warranty. Attached Images __________________ __________________ '24-I20 iX 50; '23-G26 i4 M50; '22-G82 M4Cx;20-G05 M50i; '20-F82 M4CS; '18-F80 M3CS; '18-F80 M3CS; '18-F85 X5M; '18-G01 X3M40i; '18-F80 M3ZCP; '17-F80 M3ZCP; '15-F15 X5; '15-F82 M4; '12-E92 335is; '11-E70 X5d; '11-E89 Z435is;'09-E89 Z435i; '08-E92 335i; '06-E90 330i; '05-E83 X3; '04-E83 X3; '03-E46 325Ci* *retired
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10-23-2014, 02:42 PM	#14
Kzang Major General 3243 Rep 5,066 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 35i Msport SG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	There has been some comments in the past by others where the DWS would cause shaking or slight vibrations. Keep an eye on those as well.
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10-23-2014, 09:29 PM	#16
chiplee Captain 307 Rep 971 Posts Drives: 2015 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Ridgecrest, CA iTrader: (0)	I love those tires. The Pirelli's feel good enough for now, but when they get replaced it'll be the Conti's.
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