BlackSVT

Absolutely agree.
...But then we go and get 5" of snow yesterday, and with the loads of Chicago road salt, my car is a nasty matte grey this morning. Oh I hate black this time of year!

Transfer

I picked up winter wheels and tires today. I plan on LOTS of ski days if I can help it. I struggled to find decent tires in a correct fitment and the wheels to match this late in the season. My first choice was Dunlop Wintersport 3D but no luck. I was able to find some Pirelli Scorpion Winter tires in 19" and then the wheel search was difficult. After having a few sets fall through due to stock issues, I landed on Hartmann HR8. Looks definitely suffer compared to stock 20s but it's acceptable and they should rock the snow. I think the Pirelli's might run a tad wide as there is more bulge than I normally expect. The sidewalls felt firm before install.

Hartmann HR8-GS:M 19x8.5" ET25
Pirelli Scorpion Winter 255/50/19

Wheels and R13 bolts purchased at Achtuning. At least for Hartmann, you do indeed need different bolts. Stock is R14. I purchased tires and had everything installed at my local Discount Tire and they were pleased to see I had bolts to match the wheels. There is a ton of room for the brake caliper with this wheelset and slightly more aggressive stance, bordering on poke.

JHGold

Well hello, went from TTS to SQ5.

I am also an avid skier (grew up in Truckee, CA) and now reside in Woodinville, WA. Let's go up the slopes sometime!

jdeg

Funny, I went from an m3 (e46) to a Q5. I didn't think that switch would ever occur again.

mariusstrom

Where'd you do the clear bra treatment at? I'm considering Metropolitan Detail out here in Bellevue cause I wanna wrap up the front end before I take my Q5 TDI up to Crystal Mountain for some skiing.

Transfer

I've used Accutint NW quite a bit so I went back there and they did a great job at a good price. I'm in the north end of Seattle as well so it's not too far for me. I don't know about Accutint Bellevue but if I were on that side I would check them out.

JHGold

I second on Accutint. Beautifully done at a good price.

ParadigmDawg

That is one sweet ride.

Check out the 1up-USA racks when it's time to purchase a new one. I have had mine for awhile now and it's hands down the best rack I have ever used. A black one would look great on your ride.

I went with a $135 self installed hitch. It hangs down a lot more than factory but my rack stays on my car 100% of the time so I don't really care.

Transfer

I have a buddy with the same rack and he loves it. I didn't know it came in black but that would be a great option.

Transfer

OEM hitch is installed! I did this on my own and it was a little puckering at times. When I find time, I'll do a write up.

Here she is all stripped down



Hitch installed:



Bike on and going for a ride!