Winter/Snow driving suggestions

sumo · #1 12-08-2006, 01:38 PM

This is my first winter/snow in my 04 X5 4.4i. I don't have snow tires. We had our first snow here in Maine, and the X was much better than the Honda Accord that I had. I did slip on a turn but overall the ride was great! I will really appriciate suggestions from people used to driving their X's in snow and the do and don't!

Thanks in advance!
Sumo

ifly · #2 12-08-2006, 01:40 PM

Congrats, what type of tires are you running??

I use Pirelli Scorpion Assymetriccos!

Eurosport · #3 12-08-2006, 02:06 PM

best suggestion is to get a dedicated winter wheel/tire set

CanadianX5 · #4 12-08-2006, 03:46 PM

Dont use all season tires all year.
If you can afford it........
Pirelli scorpion Snow And Ice for the winter and some high performance ones for summer.
And dont turn of the DSC... its saved my ass a couple times

Boston X5 4.4 · #5 12-08-2006, 03:52 PM

Agree with all posts here. X drive and dedicated snows make a great snow combination.

ek415 · #6 12-08-2006, 03:52 PM

I noticed that when people switch to their snow wheel set, they swap it out to 17" or 18" wheels. Will 19" wheels with Bridgestone Turanza's be okay for going up to Tahoe? thanks.

the head · #7 12-08-2006, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ek415

I noticed that when people switch to their snow wheel set, they swap it out to 17" or 18" wheels. Will 19" wheels with Bridgestone Turanza's be okay for going up to Tahoe? thanks.

swapping to smaller wheels is more the product of the available snow tires as they did not start makeing the snows in the proper sizes over 18 for the x5 until this year

ncx · #8 12-08-2006, 06:42 PM

I have no complaints at all with my 18" Scorpion Snow and Ice. Agree with above, I've had no probs with dry payment on warm days... no unusual wear (no noticeable wear at all yet, 2 short winters). In fact, I was pleasantly surprised that I could actually corner a little with the scorps. I was not expecting that sidewall and tread performance on dry days. Good luck with your purchase.

X5 Meister · #9 12-09-2006, 03:09 AM

Great advice. According to realoem BMW sells chains for 17" X5 wheels only (specifically 235/65R17 only). Would you guys recommend buying 18" snow tires for a larger contact patch or 17" snow tires to retain the option of installing chains when the situation warrants them?

Lastly anyone have experience with any of the BMW OE fitted winter tires?
- Dunlop SP Winter Sport M2
- Continental 4x4 Winter Contact
- Dunlop Grandtrek WT M2