Tyre opinions

[themoog]

My X5 is in for the mot tomorrow. I hope it passes... Ive borrowed the wifes front wheels as my tyres are probably borderline pass/fail.
So, Im after some new rubber. The tyres on it are Nexen rodian. On my old E39 I had Accelera tyres and I see that they are available for an X5. I have seen photos of them but they dont seem to have a 'chunky' shoulder.
What I am after is a nice flat, broad shouldered tyre. Not one that looks like it belongs on a push bike..
I intend to put 20 mm spacers front and 30 (poss 35) mm at the rear as well to widen the track.
Anyone got any tyre recomendations? I will even consider part worn as I do very few miles and the tyres will last for ages anyway.

[Pinewood]

Did it pass?  What decision did you arrive at regarding tyres?

[SLX530]

I have hankook ventus st on the rear and they look good...nice shape with with rim protection too. I now want too replace the front Bridgestone and saw Blackcircles had them at £108 each fitted. Unfortunately I have just come back from abroad and the entire stock in the UK seems limited with a few left at around £160 each.
Therefore I am now considering these... http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... 65&alt=web

[SLX530]

For anyone who is interested,  I bit the bullet and purchased the Maxxis Marauder 2 mas2 for the front of the e53 and first impressions are pretty good.  Couldn't source the Ventus St as hoped so wanted something with similar tread pattern.
They're not scrubbed in properly yet but they're grippy in the wet, quieter than expected given the reviews.....so much quieter and comfortable than the aged Bridgestone Turanza they replaced..... And they look purposeful with quite square shoulders and tread pattern.
I'll report on wear and handling a bit more when the roads are drier.

[toonarmy]

There not star rated though are you guys of the opinion the star rating is a gimic??

[SLX530]

Not a gimic but maybe an agreement whereby certain manufacturers of service parts come to a financial agreement with car manufacturers. I'm not saying that the compound or manufacturing process of star ratied is no different to non star rated tyres, but is it absolutely necessary to strictly adhere? ..... I THINK NOT!  Car manufacturers have been making financial collaborations with oil companies, tyre manufacturers and the likes for decades only to suddenly start 'recommending' or 'obliging the use of (insert company name here)'.... a totally different company and product. They tend to say that use of anything else will invalidate warranties on new vehicles and thus they line their pockets and those of the collaborator.  A little common sense is always recommended... so with tyres, I'd say, maintain pressures, check tread depths and fit tyres that are load and speed rated accordingly. Budget tyres are OK if you drive accordingly but understand their limitations.  Oh, and with AWD and permanent 4x4 I'd try and maintain a maximum of 2mm difference between tread depths front to rear so as not to strain the diffs/transfer cases otherwise premature knackerage will happen.  As always,  this is merely my opinion and being in my late 40s with lots of BMW, 4x4 and fast motorcycle experience behind me, I believe it to be valid.

[themoog]

Yes it did pass the mot.  Im having the new front tyres fitted tomorrow- Nexens- the same as what is on it already.
£130 fitted.