OE Tires: Which Is Best?

[PeterNYC]

I just took delivery of a new 06 X3...It came with Michelin Pilot HX MXM4's...which seem to be a good "grand touring" tire.

The dealer said they'd use whatever they had in stock at the factory (we ordered it to spec and bought it, not a lease car), and it could have been Pirelli Scorps, but we got Michelin.

Anybody know which of the 2 or 3 they provide are "best"?

if you've upgraded, what have you gone with? (I want to stay at 17" and don't want to change the wheels)

tx

[Rick in Prescott]

Hi Peter. I'm a complete Michelin fan. We have MMX's on our X3, the 18" variety. I'm sure I'll stick with Michelins when it's time to put on new tires but will most likely look for a bit more of a M/S tire like the LTX. Not sure if Michelin builds one like that in 18" version though. I'd go take a look at Tirerack to see what they offer for our cars. Then I'd look at how they are rated. That will give you a pretty good idea

[PeterNYC]

thanks rick...So did those tires come stock? i guess not
what is an 'm/s' tire? something do with sport (for s)?

[White05X3]

Mine started on the Michelins and I now have the Pirellis. My butt dyno tells me that the Pirellis are a tiny bit better but not materially. I definitely do not think it is worth spending tons of money to change them unnecessarily. Note that even on the all season Michelins there is enough grip to be competitive in auto-x with faster cars on better tires.

I think the Pirellis ride a tiny bit smoother, but my impressions might be tainted by full tread depth vs heavily worn tires. I also think the Pirellis increase the steering effort a touch but again, not by that much.

I hope that helps!

[White05X3]

Originally Posted by PeterNYC

thanks rick...So did those tires come stock? i guess not
what is an 'm/s' tire? something do with sport (for s)?

'm/s' refers to mud and snow...

[PeterNYC]

thanks White X

that does help...doesn't sound like, at this point, it's worth it to do much for now...the stock tires seem great

which Pirelllis did you swap out for?

[mwbbmw]

My '04 had Michelins and my '06 has Pirellis. It feels as though the Pirellis help the vehicle ride a bit smoother and as far as traction goes it's too soon to tell on the Pirellis - but my Michelins did great in rain, dry and snow (4+" deep).

[White05X3]

Originally Posted by PeterNYC

which Pirelllis did you swap out for?

The OEM Scorpion STR's. Until I get more comfortable with the X3 in a competition setting I want to keep all stock engineering.

My advice at this time is to do nothing until something needs to be done. Enjoy your new car, and post some pics!

[judybe83]

Let me be the first to say something nice about Bridgestone Turanza EL42’s


Um, uumm, humm they seem to be lasting a LONG time

ab is going to be spending a lot of time on the couch if he doesn’t get these things off my X3