Leases and snow tires - what do you do?

twm67 · #1 03-08-2005, 03:52 PM

We're getting a blissfully slick snowfall here in the Northeast today, and it reminded me I need to get snow tires for NEXT winter. (We picked up our '05 the last week of January - figured we wouldn't need snows this year

.)

Anyway, if I had bought the X, I'd get new 18" wheels and summer tires, and put snows on the OE 17"s. Since it's a lease, I'm a bit hesitant to spend a grand or two on a full set up. Should I wait until September / October and get a Tire Rack wheel / tire combo for winter? Should I get second-hand rims and snow tires?

If you're leasing, what do you usually do? A newbie question for sure, but I thought I'd get a consensus here!

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Wagner · #2 03-08-2005, 03:53 PM

check out e-bay or the classifieds...if you don't plan on buying the X out at the end of the lease.

Coffeeman · #3 03-08-2005, 03:59 PM

When I leased my 2002 X5, I bought a set of style 69 18" wheels, with stock Michelin Energy tires mounted. (e-bay). I put the stock 17" Michelins in plastic trash bags, and stored them. I then put 17" Dunlop Wintersport's on the 17" stock wheels. Ran the 17" 's in winter, and the 18"'s in summer. When I turned the X in, I put the OEM 17" Michelins back on the 17" stock wheels and gave it back.

On my 2005, I took off the 17" OEM Michelins, and mounted the Dunlops on the stock 17" wheels. Got a new set of 18" tires for the style 69's, and will put them on this spring. 17" OEM Michelins will go back when I turn in the 2005 in 30 months.

motordavid · #4 03-08-2005, 05:02 PM

twm: sortofa econ/emotive question,lol!
I understand the lease situ in terms of spending dough on winter wheels and tires. OTOH, If you feel the 17s w/snows will give you an edge/safety situ for your mid-Jersey winter season, why not get a set of dedicated snows for your oem 17 wheels,(I read your post as having 17s stock), for winter season and run the oem summer tars in the non-winter season? I suspect TR would have some pricing deals on a set of winter tires in June or July. A "good" shop can pop/switch tires for you in 30 mins and using that teflon plate and some care, can do it w/out wheel savaging.

If you like the look of a set of 18s and wanna spend the dough on that whole set up, you've answered the other aspect of your wonderment. GL,md

rangerfan · #5 03-08-2005, 05:05 PM

I have bought tires and had them mounted and balanced. Looking back on it, I should have just bought the complete rim packages and made the swap myself. I sold my old snows on eBay for about 1/4 the original cost in 3 years (not bad). You can always sell your setup when the car goes back. There might be some deals come this summer as people get out of their leases and want to sell some rims. The classifieds at BF & RF have some good stuff from time to time.

twm67 · #6 03-08-2005, 05:13 PM

Thanks for the responses! MD is right, it is a practical v. economical question. I don't know yet after only 6 weeks of having the X in the household if we're ready to keep it for years and years, but there's no way we'll drive it on A/S tires next year.

From the way I see it, it's going to be tough NOT to get a complete second set of wheels and tires. Second hand BMW wheels are looking like the best choice!! Thanks everyone!!

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