Tire/Wheel Options

[jfrvlr]

Thanks in advance for your advice.

I have searched forum for 2 days before posting to ask question.

Trying to make decision on:
1. Replace current OEM Tires
2. Replace current tires - optional size?
3. Replace wheels and tires.

Running OEM 17" wheels and 235/65 tires. Goal is softer ride, less road noise, beter handling. My wife's baby. 2002 3.0 black/black

Any advice on optional tire size with OEM 17" Wheels?

If I upgrade wheels and tires - how big should I go? 18,19, 20? Going 17-18 or 19 seems like a waste.

Thanks again for any help!

Jeff
Central FL

[UCrewX5]

If the goal is a softer ride then sticking with 17" is definately your best bet. In general, the bigger the rim size the harsher the ride will be.

In my opinion you should be looking for the 17" right tire and not worry about the tire size (stick with the original size, or close to). Since you are in Florida you don't need to worry about snow, so look for a passenger car tire that doesn't have an agressive tread pattern for the best possible ride and least amount of noise.

What is on the vehicle today?

[Krunk Man]

Go to at least an 18inch wheel. 17s dont work on the x5. Part of your problem is your old tires are probobly low on tread which will give you a harsh, loud ride.

A while ago, i went from 17s to 18s and the difference was night and day, I thought that the 18s actually had a softer ride(new tires) and made the x5 feel much more planted and secure.

Does you X have the sport package?

[AutoXer]

I think that if your goal is a soft ride, stick with the 17's and stock tire sizes. Everything else being the same, more rubber will give you that softer ride. In terms of tires, I would stick with the Michelin's and I think that's what came OEM on your car.

[jfrvlr]

Thanks All. Right now I have Bridgestone Dueller 236/65 - and yes, tread is worn and fronts are cupped on the inside.

I stopped by the first tire store today and they told me I have an alignment problem - hence the un-even wear on tires. I'm also a bit pissed off at Fxxxx's BMW - who in December 05, replaced axle rods, CV Boots - you name it - while under the original warranty when I complained about road noise. I also paid $1,100 for the Interval 2? service (flushed coolant, brakes, etc, etc). I also paid for a full alignment. Took it back to Fxxxx's in March 06 for more warranty work - told them rear tires looked cupped. Reminded them they had just aligned vehicle in December. They proceeded to rotate and balance tires - and told me air pressure was low - causing the "cupping". Yeah - right. BTW - Service Associate who handled my work last 2 times - no longer works there now. Hmmmmm.

I have psi indicator valve stem covers and they are always green at 32. I plan on visiting Fxxxx's next week to discuss my new tires. BTW - car is CPO and I only have 65K on it.

I think I am going to go with a set of 19" stock 4.4 rims (5 spoke with Y where it meets wheel). While at the tire store, I met a guy changing his out and putting on staggered 22" wheels - WOW. I'll add 285/45 or 255/50 tires all around. Should give me a better ride all around - and look better too.

Again - thanks for the advice.

[UCrewX5]

Hate to burst your bubble, but the 19's and 20's will NOT give you a better ride. May improve the handling, but not the ride. I have 19" Y-spokes for my summer driving and 18" style 69's for the winter. The difference in ride quality is night and day, with the 18's blowing the doors off the 19's.

My advise if ride quality is what you are really after is to get the vehicle properly aligned and then put on a set of Michelin Energy MXV4 (the OEM tire for most 17 and 18 applications) in either 17 or 18 inch. Great ride, quiet, and excellent tread life (I got amost 70K from my original set).

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

Hate to burst your bubble, but the 19's and 20's will NOT give you a better ride. May improve the handling, but not the ride. I have 19" Y-spokes for my summer driving and 18" style 69's for the winter. The difference in ride quality is night and day, with the 18's blowing the doors off the 19's.

My advise if ride quality is what you are really after is to get the vehicle properly aligned and then put on a set of Michelin Energy MXV4 (the OEM tire for most 17 and 18 applications) in either 17 or 18 inch. Great ride, quiet, and excellent tread life (I got amost 70K from my original set).

Totally agree. Those stock Michelins are excellent tires in terms of tread wear, comfort, and quietness. I miss mine a little.

For the best balance of looks while still maintaing a nice ride, I would go for 18" wheels with those Michelin Energy MXV4 tires. I had those as standard with my Sport Package before I went +1 to 19" wheels with Pirellis and now Toyos. You could find some nice 18" aftermarket styles or a set of 18" OEM's from somebody who upsized to 19's or 20's. I sold my Style 69's after getting 19's.

[jfrvlr]

Shimizel - I guess I just got overcome by all that bling. I even had my grillz picked out too. It is however, the Missus' Bimmer and she will make the final decision. I will give her all the great insight you have provided. Thanks.