Tyre Replacement

[PioneerSSM]

Hi All
The time has come round to shoe the horse. This is my first foray into this territory, and i'm in need of advice, so where better than on the forum. I'm down to 4 mm all round (I swapped fronts for rears about 12 months ago) so I'm changing all 4 sometime fairly soon.

I've read most of the posts on RF vs non RF and I'm still keen on staying with the RF. I don't really feel that the ride quality is so bad that I need to make the change. Plus there's the detrimental effect on box to consider as a result of any tyre change.
My milage is currently under 6k annually, and i've the luxury of a second car for short hops around town etc.
My driving style is such that I dont need, or indded warrant a high performance tyre, but Id still like to put on on something decent at the end of the day. Therefore Im looking for a decent price versus quality tyre. (Aren't we all) I've done a net trawl to see what's available.and I'm keen on moving from my current continentals.

I've read a few reviews on here praising the virtues of Goodyears, and these are my preferred choice.

If anyone has any comments or suggestions regarding the goodyears,or indeed any other suggestions, I would be grateful for you cooperation.

Steve

[graemeX5]

Hi

You might want to check the tyre sizes if 18" or 19" run same all round but other X5 E70 with some 19" or the larger 20" run a staggered set up you cant swop round.

The car was specced with RF tyres part is because of a lack of a spare and also for handling as the RF have a harder side wall to help compensate.

On the earlier E53 you needed to make sure they are star rated (BMW approval) to avoid probs with the transmission, but it seems a lot of members have used different tyres non RF on the E70.

As to makes well I've had bridgestones on my E53 non RF and Yokohama which were ok and on E70 bridgestones RF which seem ok. Not sure about the goodyears for a BMW but others have used different makes without problems, but having a matched set is expensive but a difference in wear between wheels and axles can mean there is a risk of problems

Remember whatever you choose you need to ensure the tyres have the correct load and speed ratings for the car.

I found these links may be of help
http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/t ... #msg137060
http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/t ... #msg136807

Hth
Graeme

[PioneerSSM]

Thanks Graeme
Yes I'd read this post, and as stated very helpful.
I've got standard 18" on at the minute, and I was hoping to do a straight change to the goodyears, as stated with same load and speed rating of course. 
I'm not sure if the good years are star rated,it's difficult to ascertain just which one are. But as you say a matched set may well be more expensive initially, but compared to the price of a recon gearbox ouch.

Many thanks

[aldovfr]

Hi Steve. I didn't like the tyres on my X5 40d when I bought it and spent a lot of time researching and price checking. In the end I went for the BMW specified Bridgestone RF's purchased and fitted by Costco, Bristol, around £840 for all four. The first thing I noticed was how much better the car looked and 2mm of wear later, all round, how much better the car drives and rides. That's my experience and opinion, hope it helps. Ian

[Horizon]

[quote="PioneerSSM"]
Thanks Graeme
Yes I'd read this post, and as stated very helpful.
I've got standard 18" on at the minute, and I was hoping to do a straight change to the goodyears, as stated with same load and speed rating of course. 
I'm not sure if the good years are star rated,it's difficult to ascertain just which one are. But as you say a matched set may well be more expensive initially, but compared to the price of a recon gearbox ouch.

Many thanks
[/quote]

As you haven't got the staggered setup you don't have to worry about star marked tyres, as you are replacing all 4 for the same make, same size the rolling circumference will be all the same. Star marked tyres are only needed for the staggered setup.

[PioneerSSM]

[quote="aldovfr"]
Hi Steve. I didn't like the tyres on my X5 40d when I bought it and spent a lot of time researching and price checking. In the end I went for the BMW specified Bridgestone RF's purchased and fitted by Costco, Bristol, around £840 for all four. The first thing I noticed was how much better the car looked and 2mm of wear later, all round, how much better the car drives and rides. That's my experience and opinion, hope it helps. Ian

Hi Ian
Thanks for the reply and comments and thoughts on what is a constant source of emotive discussion.
I've read a review on here stating that new runflats by there very nature are a harsh ride due to the strengthened side walls, and after a few thousand miles the ride improves significantly. As for the cosmetic improvement to the car, certainly it must improve and this in itself is a definite bonus.
I'd looked at the Bridgestone's and I'd read good reviews of  milage and use, my choice of Goodyears was simply due to national tyres having a good deal on at the minute with these.
Regardless of what I end up with, your contribution to my purchase choice is both welcomed and appreciated.
Regards

Steve

[PioneerSSM]

[quote="Horizon"]
[quote="PioneerSSM"]
Thanks Graeme
Yes I'd read this post, and as stated very helpful.
I've got standard 18" on at the minute, and I was hoping to do a straight change to the goodyears, as stated with same load and speed rating of course. 
I'm not sure if the good years are star rated,it's difficult to ascertain just which one are. But as you say a matched set may well be more expensive initially, but compared to the price of a recon gearbox ouch.

Many thanks
[/quote]

As you haven't got the staggered setup you don't have to worry about star marked tyres, as you are replacing all 4 for the same make, same size the rolling circumference will be all the same. Star marked tyres are only needed for the staggered setup.

Thanks Graeme
Tremendous piece of information and at last some clarity regarding just what is feasible, regarding tyres and the effects on the gearbox.
Regarding the gearbox and tyre miss match effects, I've read that as well as not fitting staggered, its also not a good idea to fit varying tread depths, as this will have a detrimental effect on the gearbox/ecu and could result in a gearbox failure. If this is to be believed, then surely swapping the fronts for rears mid file to ensure a even spread of wear is advisable? I've done this for many year on all of my vehicles and Ive continued to do so with current one.
Once again many thanks for your clarification and advice.

Steve

[X5Sport]

The gearbox isn't the issue with the E70, it is the front/rear diffs or the xDrive unit (transfer box) that goes.

You can try swapping front to rear as I can't think of any obvious problem.  You are predominantly RWD unless the xDrive thinks it is necessary to switch over.  Non-staggered set ups are far less problematic but you do still to stay within probably 2mm front to rear difference, possibly a bit more but not much.

[PioneerSSM]

Thanks for the information regarding the transfer box, and the swapping of tyres, and the effects of tread depth. Its as I thought regarding this.
I did however suspect that the gearbox would also suffer some detrimental effect via the ECU, as a result of misinformation being generated by differing tyres.

Regarding star rated tyres, is there a definitive list somewhere naming brands & sizes?

Many thanks

Steve

[CondorX5]

There is a wheel and tyre configurator on the BMW.co.uk webiste - that will give you an idea of the tyres and alloys recommended for your model

[X5Sport]

The correct sizes should also be on a tyre pressure plate in one of the door shuts.  That will give you sizes and weight ratings for the approved alloy sizes.

Usual tyre suspects are Bridgestone, Michelin, Dunlop, Pirelli from memory.  I know, the expensive brands 

[PioneerSSM]

Yes unfortunately the most expensive tyres will be the ones recommended no doubt.
I'm still keen on fitting the Goodyear's due mainly to price and quality rating. I was hoping someone on the forum had experience of them.
regardless of this many thanks for all of the comments & suggestions.

Regards

Steve

[Graeme]

I have Good Year F1 run flats on 19" wheels.  When I got them they were about £15 cheaper than Continentals.  According to the stats, they are quieter and more fuel-efficient than Contis or Bridgestones I've had before.  After 8500 miles I've found them more noisy, especially when hitting bumps and potholes, and about 10% less fuel efficient than the Contis they replaced. It's difficult to judge wear as I had both axles re-tracked before they were fitted.  They don't seem to be wearing too much on the outside fronts and inside rears like the Contis did before the tracking was re-set.  The rears do seem to be a bit further down than the fronts but I haven't measured their depths properly.  All in all costs will probably be about the same.  Will I fit them again - I'll probably go back to Contis but we'll see what's available, and the prices post Brexit, when new ones are needed.  The Good Years are in store at the moment - the Vredestein winters (non run flat so more compliant) went on last Friday! Graeme

[PioneerSSM]

Hi Graeme
Many thanks for your comments. Good to hear that the goodyears are a reasonable option. Ive priced both the contis and others. And to be honest there's not a lot in it, especially for my milage currently 6k PA. Taken over life of the tyre its pennies.
Regarding the contis & swapping onto winter vredesteins, I've not really experienced a winter with contis, should I be concerned? It was my belief that unless I do a lot of snow & ice miles, which I won't. I should probably get away without fitting winters.

Regards

Steve

[sid10]

If you are happy with the tyres you have had go with them ! what some people class as acceptable others cant .  Regarding winter tyres they are a different ( softer ) compound / tread pattern so grip in the colder weather much better than summer tyres , unfortunately summer tyres in the winter tend to go brittle so last quite a bit less than ones that are stored correctly every winter  .
  Winter tyres are recommended by BMW some swear by them others have no use for them , I have used winters on both X5 & X1 for the last 6 years and never struggled in snow or icey conditions although I have past many other prestige models stuck by the side of the road even in slushy conditions .
    You dont have to do high mileage to use them , only getting stuck once may change your mind !