wheel question

BMW X5 · #1 08-22-2014, 03:23 PM

guys i'm looking for a set of dedicated winter setup. found what i think is a steal of a deal on style 209 18" with michelin lat hp zp(run flats). any feedback on whether those tires are good or if i should just find bare rims and get winter tyres?

motordavid · #2 08-22-2014, 03:28 PM

Will you be driving around metro NYC vs making runs to NE or Hunter Mtn/upstate during the winter?

Do you absolutely have to get 'out' and be somewhere regardless of a couple bad days in winter?

Do you have TPMS sensors, or will you check those RFs regularly with a gauge?

Nothing beats dedicated snow tires, but if you don't need to be somewhere regardless of the occasional snow storm or aren't making weekend runs to VT, those tires may be ok for most of the metro NYC area driving I remember.
GL, mD

BMW X5 · #3 08-22-2014, 03:31 PM

my wife's daily driver :tear: so yes she will need to be out regardless of weather, rain or shine show or well the alternative. IF i'm lucky will go up to VT for a ski trip but i can probably count on one finger how many times that will happen. otherwise yes NYC daily driver. i had i want to say those on the ML we just returned with 19"s and it wasnt great but we got by even in VT. would the price 1500 for a set of what looks like nearly mint change your mind or would you be cautious? i havent seen anyone selling dedicated setup and feel like time isnt on my side with season somewhat fast approaching especially if we have a repeat of last winter.

motordavid · #4 08-23-2014, 09:21 AM

Those mounted Michey Lat ZP tires may or may not 'work' effectively in any given winter driving situ...none of us can know the situ/driver skill, etc.

They are 'all season' which usually means compromise for any season...

I operated in Metro NYC are for 25+ years and always ran dedicated snows during the season. I did have the benefit of company cars over all that time, and the swapped tires were not on my nickel.

If you get a smaller wheel size/serious winter tires you will probably experience a mild winter, as that the way stuff works.

There is a set of decent/similar 18s for sale on the site, but they are for the E53 and would require a good machine shop to enlarge the wheel hub bore. They come with decent dedicated winter tires, fwiw.

Surprised some of the NYC area posters haven't jumped in with their opins and anecdotes of their winter driving/tire use advice.

No idea if that price is 'good'...
GL, mD