20" vs. 21" | CB vs. DG

[Roundown]

For those that have made the switch (I recall there being early production issues with the 21"), how has the ride changed (noticeably worse)? For context, I spend a lot of time driving into/out of NYC where the roads are horrible.

On color- I'm deciding between these two X5Ms:

Carbon Black/Silverstone w/ 20" Wheels

Donnington Grey/Black w/ 21" Wheels (and satin aluminum roof bars?!)

Leaning towards the Carbon Black but haven't seen many photos (please post if you have some!). I've always been a silver/gray person and I like that DG shows the lines and contrasts well with the M trim...but Carbon Black is classic and I prefer Silverstone for the interior. Are the X5Ms lines and trim lost on CB?

Guidance/thoughts are appreciated!

[JNoSol]

Carbon Black with 20s... There are a lot of DGs, but I haven't seen a single Carbon Black yet. Go with 20s unless you want 2 sets of wheels, one for the summer and one for the winter. You can use DWS06 275/40/20 and 315/35/20 tires.

With 21s, there aren't many good tire sizes available for winter use. And NYC roads will tear up the 21s.

[SuddenDebt]

Originally Posted by cSurf

For those that have made the switch (I recall there being early production issues with the 21"), how has the ride changed (noticeably worse)? For context, I spend a lot of time driving into/out of NYC where the roads are horrible.

On color- I'm deciding between these two X5Ms:

Carbon Black/Silverstone w/ 20" Wheels

Donnington Grey/Black w/ 21" Wheels (and satin aluminum roof bars?!)

Leaning towards the Carbon Black but haven't seen many photos (please post if you have some!). I've always been a silver/gray person and I like that DG shows the lines and contrasts well with the M trim...but Carbon Black is classic and I prefer Silverstone for the interior. Are the X5Ms lines and trim lost on CB?

Guidance/thoughts are appreciated!

IMO, no tire size is safe from the pot holes of nyc unless you pick something with a high sidewall (16" - 18"). I test drove X6M with 21" on a road with lot of pot holes and the ride was comfortable compare to SUV standards. I am think it was because of the air suspension.

SD

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by SuddenDebt

IMO, no tire size is safe from the pot holes of nyc unless you pick something with a high sidewall (16" - 18"). I test drove X6M with 21" on a road with lot of pot holes and the ride was comfortable compare to SUV standards. I am think it was because of the air suspension.

SD

I'm leaning that way as well. These 21" also have a ton of sidewall- more so than the 19" on my current X3.

Given that the 21" are a no cost option, I have a hard time taking the 20".

[JC8233]

I don't think you can get a car built with the 21's. My dealer said that only the 20's are available for builds, might only be temporary but it seems as if something happened.

[tastelid]

I was able to order 21s, but that was a couple of months ago.