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Winter Tyres on mixed size Wheels

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MarkyX6
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Winter Tyres on mixed size Wheels

Post by MarkyX6 » Mon Oct 08, 2012 10:11 pm

I may have made a boo boo.

I had a plan to buy a set of wheels, and put some winter tyres on them so that I would have them as a back-up for my X6.

I got hold of a set, and when I got them home, I realised that they were in fact Star Spoke Style 258 which have 9J on the front and 10J on the back. I know I should have checked, but just didn't think at the time.

BMW advised that they do not recommend using mixed size wheels for winter tyres.

Not altogether sure why.

Has anyone got any experience on doing this? Someone suggested that I just use the same width tyres on both sizes, but that sounds a bit questionable to me.

Alternative is that I have to offload them and look for a set of the same size.

Thanks

Mark

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Re: Winter Tyres on mixed size Wheels

Post by Horizon » Mon Oct 08, 2012 10:25 pm

Ive got a 3.0d  Sport E53.
I have put winter tyres on my original rims 19" staggered. Had them on last year and had them refitted last weekend for this winter.
Other members have done the same.
Mine were brilliant in the snow last year. They say use thinner wheels if possible. I couldnt manage to get stuck on mine It didnt even see the traction control light come on unless I booted it from a standing start.
If you have already bought the rims and tyres, id put them on and use them
Last edited by Horizon on Mon Oct 08, 2012 10:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Winter Tyres on mixed size Wheels

Post by snipez999 » Tue Oct 09, 2012 8:43 am

Same width tyres = rears run in same footprint as fronts in snow = better traction.  You should be OK - my greatest fear in winter is meeting idiots on summer tyres trying to get up the road, but ust swinging all over it!
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Re: Winter Tyres on mixed size Wheels

Post by shadrack » Tue Oct 09, 2012 10:27 am

I wouldn't worry, just buy staggered fit winter tyres, if you think every time you corner with the same size tyres they don't follow the same track as the front, last year I managed with road tyres on mine and I went out snow hunting to deep stuff with my mates in landrovers and I managed just fine!
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Re: Winter Tyres on mixed size Wheels

Post by X5Sport » Tue Oct 09, 2012 10:58 am

I have a staggered set on my X6.  No issues at all.  In fact the Winter tyre set for the X6 is staggered anyway (well that's what the Dealer told me was best for my 40D).  Mine are also style 258.  Summer are 214.

It's why I bought the same wheels for mine (from a BMW Dealer and brand new off a brand new X6) and changed to tyres from normal to Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow RFT.  These were the winter tyres recommended for the staggered set - up to 20".  Non-staggered were Bridgestone, Conti and Goodyear.

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Last edited by X5Sport on Tue Oct 09, 2012 3:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Winter Tyres on mixed size Wheels

Post by AW8 » Tue Oct 09, 2012 1:55 pm

Sounds like advice from supplier was LOB - No issue staggered if correct wheels & offset etc for your car. Obvious advantages with smaller widths are cost of rubber & the sometimes contraversial ability to cut move through snow better with narrower footprint.
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Re: Winter Tyres on mixed size Wheels

Post by MarkyX6 » Tue Oct 09, 2012 6:49 pm

Thanks everyone, will start looking for tyres now.

All the best.

Mark

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Re: Winter Tyres on mixed size Wheels

Post by snipez999 » Wed Oct 10, 2012 8:28 am

I have star spoke 232s on my X6 40d which are then shod with 255/50R19 rubber.  Visit http://www.bmw-wintertyres.com/iris/bmw ... UK&lang=EN
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