XSeries-forum

I've had my 4.8is about 15 months now and forum freaks me out about things that can go wrong with them. I fitted budget tyres on 20inch rims and after 12 months I had a whine from the transmission that sounded like front wheel bearings I changed them both and the transmission whine was still there, so I changed to Michelin latitude sport tyres and the noise  disappeared.......
It's shit but I think these x5's need BMW approved tyres or at least decent brand tires..

[quote="tricky13"]
I've had my 4.8is about 15 months now and forum freaks me out about things that can go wrong with them. I fitted budget tyres on 20inch rims and after 12 months I had a whine from the transmission that sounded like front wheel bearings I changed them both and the transmission whine was still there, so I changed to Michelin latitude sport tyres and the noise  disappeared.......
It's shit but I think these x5's need BMW approved tyres or at least decent brand tires..
[/quote]

The way I looked at it,  the car is a heavy beast and putting budget tyres on is asking for trouble. Without the added hassle of transmission issues

So how do you know which tyres are approved?

[quote="sleepyfolk"]
So how do you know which tyres are approved?
[/quote]

I believe they have a star on the tyre (will double check if I remember tomorrow ) or go on the tyre websites and they "should " tell you. I know blackcircles do for sure

That's what I was wondering, how do you know if you're pricing up stuff on the net, I can't see any mention of stars

There are only a few brands that meet or make to BMW (or Merc or Audi) specs.  Michelin, Dunlop, Bridgestone, Continental, Pirelli and Hankook plus may be one or two more I think.  All are premium brands and used by the factories at build as OE Suppliers.

Realoem lists the various tyres for different cars which should give you a clue as to what options are available.

If the tyre listing website you are looking doesn't include a marking code such as '*' or 'MO' (Merc) then it suggests that it isn't an 'approved' tyre manufacturer or specific model.

Running a 'Premium' (and I use the term with some cynicism) car means premium running costs.

Thanks, looked at a few websites and can't see any mention of stars but in probably missing it! See some mention of toyo and kumho on the forum, there's seems to be a confusing amount of information on here, are they star rated as they seem slightly cheaper, I'm aware that it's not always good to have the cheapest tyres but my A6 Quattro was fine on a cheaper brand for many years

Other brands may be OK (even if not '*' coded), and not all cars seem to react to bad tyre choice.  Tread depth variance kept to a minimum and having same model tyres all round can mitigate the problem but no guarantee it that.

Which cars in the Audi/Mercedes models needed specific tyres I don't know.  My Škoda, running on VW/Audi hardware, has AWD and is fine on cheaper tyres too.

What really seems to trigger trouble is new tyres of one brand on one axle and almost worn out tyres of either the same or another brand on the other axle.  Anything with an 'agricultural' tread like 'Grabbers' seemed to invite shattered metal!

Like X5Sport has said unfortunately these cars do "prefer" decent rubber, and crucially it seems that the tyres need to be changed as a complete set. It deffo seems that using different makes or mix of age of tyre on the cars seem to be asking for problems.

If you look on blackcircles for instance it doesn't mention star markings but they do have little BMW logos on some makes.

It just seems the the X is a little bit fussy on tyres unlike other cars....

Guess I was just hoping for a website with a box to tick for star rated! Never mind, I'll just have to check the sidewalk or ring up and check before ordering

Sleepyfolk. It is exhausting. This is a major purchase for me and I just want to get it right. I, like some, do not have exhaustive reserves and have never come across such a fickle car in terms of tyre set up.
I will probably look into winter wheels and tyres for next season but for now I just need a good all season, preferably star marked tyre.
It's a compromise I think, so the Michelins probably pip the Toyos.
I take internet reviews with a huge pinch of salt......tales of leaving the tarmac and sidewalls exploding etc.
I should probably start another thread instead of dragging this on but I'm (with major help from Spartacus) doing the initial service and maintenance and 'to do' list.
Bit like the Forth Road bridge. Just some tweeks to suspension, the fuel filter and these elusive tyres and we're ready to start all over again.
Thank Christ I'm on holiday in March with nowt to do but machine polish.

Best winter set up: Go for e70/e71 wheels+ 255/19 all round run on flat tyres. Perfect set up. Here is on mine.

[quote="kkx5"]
Best winter set up: Go for e70/e71 wheels+ 255/19 all round run on flat tyres. Perfect set up. Here is on mine.
[/quote]

So what makes it a"perfect set up"?
Smee

Just an update on the tyres...

I've been to a tyre shop today, loads of new and part worn tyres and hes going to fit me 4 pirelli pzero * marked runflats all with approx 5-5.5mm. DOT dates on them all are from 2015 too and no repairs so i am going to give them a try. Cost is £275 so worth a try....

He did however recommend Hankook tyres as he says these suit the X5 perfectly and he says they are actually OEM for some of the newer X's. Might be a slightly cheaper option for some?