Winter wheels - advice sought

[5wany]

In the market for a set of winter wheels.

Currently run 19"s and they are all getting replaced under warranty for corrosion next week, so made me think about having a second set for winter wheels.  (Did think about asking dealer if I could buy my old set back, but I think BMW take wheels back)

Set of 9J front (255 50 19) and 10J rear (285 45 19) is preferred.

However I seem to find a lot of 18" running 9J front & rear (255 55 19).  Is this set up ok? Would it affect insurance even if wheels are genuine OEM.

Have seen Alutec ones from Germany but think I will hold out for the genuine article, so if anybody's got a set give me a shout.

Cheers.

[X5Sport]

The 'standard' set up is non-staggered but I use a staggered set of 19" in place of my summer 20".  The only stipulation from my insurers was that the wheels and tyres must be 'as offered by BMW'.  Those wheels coupled with (in my case) Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow RFTs is one factory combo so no issues.

Richard

[5wany]

[quote="X5Sport"]
The 'standard' set up is non-staggered ....[/quote]

I take it that 18" or 19" non staggered does not need any spacers on rears as they are 30mm narrower.

[X5Sport]

Depends upon your personal 'wants'.  Mine are not fitted with spacers as the wheels themselves are specifically made by BMW for the X6 and I'm happy with them 'as is'.

The non-staggered version is also for the car so again OEM it needs no spacers unless you want a different look.

Richard

[sid10]

Hi did you get sorted?

[squeaky2]

Just fitted my winters again but fitted with spacers this time as its usually running 315's on the rear and the winters are 255's so looked a bit lost 

actually looks ok compared to last time 

[5wany]

Got sorted, bought set of German e-bay seller 18" (209 style - 5 spoke) with Goodyear Ultra for nudge over £600, tyres with 6-7mm tread.

Seller has these slightly cheaper ones (less tread on tyres) here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Original-Bmw-X5-E70-255-55r18-Kit-Winter-Wheels-6mm-Top-/321608745550?pt=UK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Rims_Car_Wheels_ET&hash=item4ae160024e

Got two delivered yesterday and expecting other 2 on Monday - Wheels are as described and mint.  Shipping is done by each wheel (own tracking nos etc, so not to alarmed that they are split up during delivery

As a side note I got a set of new 19" Bridgestone HP Sport RFlats from Oponeo:
255 50 19 Front @ £165e
285 45 19 Rear @ £186e
£702 in total which I thought was a good price, delivered 3 inside 48hrs and 4th one came the following day.  Tyre's were manufactured in June & September 2014, so not old dusty stock but brand new.  Dealer is going to put Bridgestone's on my new replacement wheels for me, as opposed to removing existing tyre and putting old tyre on new alloys.

Was going to see if my dealer would sell my alloys that are being replaced under warranty back to me, but apparently they go back to BMW UK for assessment / destruction / remanufacture (who knows).

[Moments]

I found that buying individual spare wheels with unused tyres made a good method to put together a spare set of wheels. I got a full set for about £225. Works if you are patient, these wheels come online from time to time.

[tristan]

Recently fitted a set of these from tyremen complete with wintrac xtreme S XL

http://www.tyremen.co.uk/product/72035/ ... 2007-(e70)

Just back from a trip to the Alps, spent 12 hours driving through heavy snow yesterday. I was very impressed with their performance, they provided excellent grip at all times and gave me complete confidence coming down steep mountain roads. I added snow chains to the rear for half the journey - no real need but they did help. In comparison to the 20inch run flats they replaced, under normal conditions the car rides much smoother and accelerates slightly quicker (rear wheels especially must be 30-40% lighter) At high speed on the motorway the car doesn't feel quite as sure footed and stable but for long journeys the improvement in comfort is worth it.