Tyre advice - do I need to replace?

[Barroni]

Hello folks

I have recently read a few things in here which prompted me to check the tyres on my X5. 
Its s 2011 SE X40D.  They tyres on the car at time of purchase were almost brand new and I have barely done a thousand miles on them.  I average about 3000 miles a year. 

The current tyres are not run flats.  Its a staggered setup.  All 4 tyres are Accelera

Fronts: 255/50 ZR19 107WXL - (all weather - reinforced)
Back - 285/45 R19 111V XL (all weather - reinforced) 
Are these sizes ok with each other?  Door panel suggests its ok.

The tyres are in very good condition but I dont want to leave them on the car if they have potential to cause issues later on.  I was going to run them for another year or so but looking for advice.  Should I change them asap?  Is there a particular brand/tyre that is recommended

I was hoping not to fork out for tyres so soon but it does seem from posts in here that incorrect tyres could cause significant issues. 

Thanks very much. 

[X5Sport]

Sizes look right.

What are the tread depths front to rear?  Need to be close to each other @~1mm between axles.

If you can carefullymeasure the overall tyre rolling circumference (with a piece of string) to see what the differences are then if they are close (within 1 - 1.5% of each other) the risk is lower.  If it outside that then the risk increases.  At least one member on here found a difference of 32mm - and that is per rotation - which was causing issues.  That was with the correct tyre sizes.

Any unusual noises, or jerkiness at slow speed with full steering lock needs investigating.

[Barroni]

Good evening

Thanks for the confirmation of sizes.  Ill perform the string work at the weekend.
Not had any issues with the car, but I did recall reading tyres should be marked * (which mine are not)
I dont know the brand I have but they are budget - probably put on by the non BMW garage to sell the car.
think ive talked myself into replacing the 4 tyres with a decent bmw approved brand.  I think little change from £800 

Cheers

[X5Sport]

Tyres should be ‘*’ marked especially on staggered sets as the rolling circumference at new is matched to BMW specs.  Audi and Merc have their own equivalents.

Hard call for you I know, but look at it this way.  If something does break, what will it cost you?  Very likely more than a new set of tyres, hassle and disruption.

Most non-franchise Dealers will not know about tyres, assuming they care of course 

[Barroni]

I will go ahead and swap all 4.  Just called the local tyre center and they advise that BMW * tyres are only available in run flats.  Quoted 4 bridgestones for £808.
Just wanted to check before I take their word on this. 

Interestingly they suggested that since the car is out of BMW warranty they suggested to not to worry about BMW * tyres and suggested not to use runflats. 
Quoted for Nexen x4 came out at £436.

Obviously i like the 2nd price but I doubt they are aware of tyre considerations for xdrive. 

[snrbrtsn]

The advise from your tyre supplier is nonesense, options are limited however Michelin Diamaris, Pirelli and Goodyear make * rated tyres
The Bridgestone tyres are OEM supplied as was Dunlop sport maxx

I had the same debate with myself a couple of months ago, I ended up sticking with Bridgestone Duellers (like for like) for no other reason than fear of winding diff up!
The ride on non rfts is said to be more compliant though cost & provision of spare wheel is negligible, my spare wheel well offers handy & much needed storage that prevents the use of Roofbox!

I’d advise sticking with the Bridgestone

[grumpywurzel]

Mine is an E53 but what your Tyre guy said is horse ****. You can get BMW* rated in non RFT, cos I have em (Bridgstones too). But if you haven't got a spare tyre onboard you'll need your head seeing too.

Think my last set was knocking on for £700 so the cost savings isn't massive

[Barroni]

Thanks everyone.  I bit the bullet and went for the bridestones.  Beans on toast until pay day lol. 

[Alan Gunn]

Put the old set on eBay and get some eggs to go with the beans.

[Sit]

Slightly on/off topic but not to do with beans! If you swap out RFT for * marked non RFT will that invalidate BMW warranty or not?

Si

[X5Sport]

No.  They just need to have the ‘*’ mark to be BMW Approved.  Using non-RFT is fine......just remember to either buy a spare wheel or reinflation kit 

[Sit]

Thanks bud thats useful - saw a note about getting a spare wheel which is a good point.

Si

[X5Sport]

If you have a look on Realoem using the last 7 characters of your VIN in ‘Serial Number’ it will pull up the correct version of E70 and you should be able to find the part numbers for the spare wheel kit.  Can’t remember if yours is a 5 or 7 seater  :-[ .  You can’t fit a spare kit to the 7-seater.

Once you have the part numbers you can hunt for it on line cheaper than a main Dealer.  Cotswoldbmwmini is a forum member and main Dealer so you could ping them a PM and see what they charge.  All they’ll need is the same part of your VIN to get the right one 

[lezmtaylor]

Those of us who have fitted lpg have a donut fuel tank instead of a spare wheel.
Most of us have injected a liquid through the valve which repairs any puncture as you drive along.
All I can say is through 10 years of ownership and lpg driving I have never had a flat tyre.
Either I have been very lucky- nail wise-, or the liquid works.

Lez

[Sit]

[quote="X5Sport"]
If you have a look on Realoem using the last 7 characters of your VIN in ‘Serial Number’ it will pull up the correct version of E70 and you should be able to find the part numbers for the spare wheel kit.  Can’t remember if yours is a 5 or 7 seater  :-[ .  You can’t fit a spare kit to the 7-seater.

Once you have the part numbers you can hunt for it on line cheaper than a main Dealer.  Cotswoldbmwmini is a forum member and main Dealer so you could ping them a PM and see what they charge.  All they’ll need is the same part of your VIN to get the right one 
[/quote]

Thanks bud, it's a 5 seater so should have a nice empty hole in the floor. Will use Real OEM and search for a spare kit when required. At present according to the dealer they are all on 5mm across the tyre so once they are up for replacement will look for some * marked non RFT.

Is there a preferred brand and model?

Si