214 messages,
Last post on Aug 04, 2011 at 9:22 AM
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BMW X3 & X5 Forum.
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BMW X5, SUV
#180 of 214 Re: Run Flat Tires EXPENSIVE [daryll44]
by anon3
Jul 30, 2007 (1:32 pm)
I used tirerack.com to learn which tires can be used on my X5. I had a 2005 X5 4.8is with 20 inch wheels and OEM low profile, run-flat tires that are useless in the snow. It took less than 10 minutes to find several options for replacement tires and wheels that are compatible with my X5. I bought a set of non-run-flat, all season tires that were pre-mounted on 18 inch wheels and they worked great (even though the vehicle shipped with run-flat performance tires.)
The correct sizing of the tires and the performance ratings are more important than whether they are run-flat. Just make sure you have a functioning spare tire if you swap out your run flats.
I have heard from several friends that run-flat tires yield a bumpier ride because the side walls are reinforced and stiffer. The ride improved after switching to standard tires. They had BMW and Lexus vehicles.
#181 of 214 Re: iPod USB port [escheng]
by anon3
Jul 30, 2007 (1:54 pm)
Hi escheng,
If your dealer can't fix the problem with the USB controls, you may be able to use your iPod in auxiliary mode. Check under the arm rest to see if your car has an auxiliary stereo input (3.5mm single stereo input) in addition to the USB connector. If it does, you can buy a cable for $10 (from stores like BestBuy) that connects an iPod to the auxiliary input on a stereo. Select Auxiliary on the car's stereo and connect the iPod using the cable. You will have to operate the iPod using its controls and use an external charger, but it will play through your stereo and will sound just as good as the USB connection.
I use this method because 2007 X5s that shipped before April 2007 did not have the USB port to control an iPod through the iDrive or stereo.
#182 of 214 Re: Run Flat Tires EXPENSIVE [kyfdx]
by achonko
Jul 31, 2007 (4:50 pm)
Any runflat that you drive on is ruined..
So, if you have a puncture, your only choice is a tow bill or a new tire..
Other than gaining the option of driving the car to a different location before changing the tire, I've yet to see the advantage to runflats.
regards,
kyfdx
I have had my RFT repaired twice. The key is having enough pressure in the tire to avoid the side-wall taking majority of the load. I just changed out my OEM tires after 28K miles.
#183 of 214 Re: Run Flat Tires EXPENSIVE [achonko]
by kyfdx HOST
Jul 31, 2007 (7:27 pm)
Well.. Although I didn't write it that way, what I meant was.... If your tire is flat, and you drive on it, it's ruined...
Sure, if it holds enough air pressure to get you to the tire shop, then it's just like any other tire.. If the sidewall is okay, then you can repair a puncture.
The difference really isn't in the run-flat part... It's in the no spare tire part. If your run-flat tire is flat, you don't have the option of putting the spare on. It's either a tow bill, or a new tire.
Actually, assuming that a run-flat tire would ride and handle just like a gets-flat-tire, then I'd love to have them.... as long as I still had a spare. That would be the best of all worlds... a CHOICE!!
regards,
kyfdx
#184 of 214 Re: Run Flat Tires EXPENSIVE [kyfdx]
by achonko
Aug 01, 2007 (5:34 pm)
Actually, that is what I have done.
I bought a spare and left that in my garage. The RFT on both occasions has allowed me to drive back home to change out my tire.
I have also noticed that the solid sidewall helps with the slow depletion of tire pressure as it supports part of the load.
#185 of 214 Re: Run Flat Tires EXPENSIVE [achonko]
by kyfdx HOST
Aug 01, 2007 (8:26 pm)
Yeah.. I can't imagine not having a back-up spare, at least at home.. That was a good idea!!
#186 of 214 X5 & bluetooth
by kabbalah
Aug 03, 2007 (2:38 pm)
My new X5 4.8 picks up my new cell phone with the bluetooth but it doesn't pick up the telephone numbers in my phonebook so I have to voice dial after fumbling through looking for the numbers. By the way, the cell phone is a brand new LG Trax, which just came out. Any suggestions on how to download the telephone numbers? thanks
#187 of 214 Re: X5 & bluetooth [kabbalah]
by kyfdx HOST
Aug 03, 2007 (4:18 pm)
If your cell numbers are saved on a SIM card, then bluetooth won't grab them...
You have to have the numbers saved to the phone, itself..
#188 of 214 Re: X5 & bluetooth [kyfdx]
by kabbalah
Aug 04, 2007 (1:55 pm)
I tried that today & it still doesn't work. Any other suggestions?
#189 of 214 Re: X5 & bluetooth [kabbalah]
by kyfdx HOST
Aug 04, 2007 (9:16 pm)
Not really... My wife's car has the bluetooth, but she rarely uses it, as it runs down the battery on her phone so quickly..
Try asking here: Bluetooth Technology
If no luck there, try here: Bluetooth and the 3-Series
Even though that one is 3-series specific, they might be able to give you some BMW-related tips.
regards,
kyfdx
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