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      07-31-2013, 11:25 PM   #51
apw2607
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Drives: 2024 X5 50e M-Sport
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: West Coast, USA

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Quote:
Originally Posted by gplank View Post
Has anyone noticed that the configurator for the X-Line or Luxury Line does not add any wheel well flarings when you spec out the 20" Light alloy Y-Spoke wheels style 451?

That 451 is a staggered setup, with 10 x 20 in the front and super-wide 11 x 20 in the back. For the previous X5, if you order this setup on a non-M-Sport, they'd add black plastic wheel flarings to accommodate the extra width. It would enhance the overall look, giving the X5 a wider, beefier stance from the front and especially the rear. I had this on my 2012 X5.

But the image in the configurator looks like they just add the wheels with no flaring. (See photo, below)

However, if you order the M-Sport option, which has those 451 wheels standard, it adds painted flarings. If you look back and forth between the Luxury or X-line and the M-Sport option, in the image of the X5 you can see how the wheels seem to come out more with the M-Sport, creating a wider stance...and this necessitating the flarings. Whereas with the X-line, the wheels don't stick out more and indeed come in more under the body of the X5.

For me, this makes a big difference in the look. Only thing is, I don't want to pay for an M-Sport option to get it....I would be happy with unpainted flarings...in fact, I liked the look better than the painted ones...and they seemed more durable not being painted.

Also, I'm concerned that the M-Sport comes with a stiffer suspension....and I definitely don't want a harsher ride.

So, can anyone confirm that this all the case, that the wide stance and wheel flarings will only be available on an M-Sport?

If you're worried about a harsh ride with the m-sport you're suppose to be able to add the pricey dynamic handling package which overrides the m sport suspension ... Or adds to it ? Info is a bit vague and the configurator doesn't allow it. Either way I suspect the suspension will be excellent. M cars have come along way since the bone shattering ride in the e46 m3. The e92 m3 with edc was a delight on just about any road surface.
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