How much difference do Winter tyres make to X5?

[Pete]

What size of tyres will need to go on a set of 17in alloys?

[CondorX5]

235/65R17 s

[Pete]

Thanks CondorX5, would you say that is the best wheel size to opt for in terms of them dealing with the snow? Obviously not very stylish!!

[CondorX5]

I'm not the style guru on here that's for sure, but hey, there's not much style when your X is spinning its tyres upside down in a ditch is there

Yes, OEM 17" wheels are the BMW approved choice for E53 X5s, star spoke 57 is actually the recommended BMW alloy style, but you'll fine that the errr dated ellipsoid "daisy" style 56 wheels fit fine as well and are generally available fairly cheaply on ebay if you are persistant. If you have a V8, (4.4, 4.6, 4. then the 17" wheels will not fit - you need 18" , BMW recommended alloys are star spoke style 99 and tyre size 255/55R18 all round. Note square setup, not staggered.

Also, you can buy winter rubber for original 19" alloys and even 20" if you're mad, but the price rises dramatically and is really expensive for quality winters in the big sizes. And they compromise a winter set up as you want as much sidewall as possible, basically, on as narrow as feasible a base.

Better get a move on as the winter tyre market starts to hot up around Sept / October.

[AW8]

[quote=""CondorX5""]and how pvr ended up with Avons instead of Vredies becuase he dawdled in ordering ) [/quote]

.......& despite my significant past attempts at being a winter tyre/wheel sourcing co-ordinator too

Oh well pvr, at least you acted a bit quicker on those wheels.....To be fair our friend the Ice Ranger has been very happy with his Avons & which seem very good.

I can't take the mickey too much.....

.......... What with my Diamari's I suspect I will be making another starring appearance in this Winter seasons " Humpty On Ice"

.......Best I cut down on the cake & beers before then

[CondorX5]

[quote=""AW8""][quote=""CondorX5""]and how pvr ended up with Avons instead of Vredies becuase he dawdled in ordering ) [/quote]



.......& despite my significant attempts at being the winter tyre/wheel sourcing co-ordinator too.

[/quote]


Well you were pretty darn good at it - one click to Camskills via your linky and I beat pvr to them by miles Just a pity you weren't able to follow own sage advice at the time. Never mind, it'll happen when its time!!

[AW8]

[quote=""CondorX5""]Well you were pretty darn good at it - one click to Camskills via your linky and I beat pvr to them by miles [/quote]
......Why thank you

[quote=""CondorX5""]

........Never mind, it'll happen when its time!! [/quote]


Had provisional plans both last & this coming winter but other car bills, (plus abortive house sellers), keep delaying my cunning plans.


Still...... At least I'm not bitter

[pvr]

You lot are funny ...

However, I have the last laugh as I got the wheels and tyres and had them for the last two winters whilst your car was making an appearance in your front garden

Avons have been very good though, can't comment on the Vredestein but being Dutch they must be superb

[AW8]

[quote=""pvr""]

However, I have the last laugh as I got the wheels and tyres and had them for the last two winters whilst your car was making an appearance in your front garden

[/quote]

Remember it well...Oh the joy - IIrc I spent what seemed like 2 hours sliding across the lawn & amusing my neighbours

[AW8]

Just a quick note - For any new winter tyre queries not specifically prior discussed in this thread CondorX5 has taken time to start a new discussion thread with faq's included. Clicky