Need Snow Wheel/Tire Advice

[jlkohio]

I'm about to buy snow tires and wheels for my 2005 X5 4.4 - Sport+Premium that currently has the 19x9 - 19x10 offset setup with Michelin Diamaris all around. Most say that the recommended winter setup is 18x8.5 with 255-55-18s all around. I was wondering how much snow performance I would lose if I got a set of 19x9 (all around - no offset) with 255-50-19 Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snows.... If I lived in MN or MI, I wouldn't even bother to ask, but here in central Ohio we haven't seen more than 4 inches of snow fall at one time in many, many years. I wonder how much difference is in .5 in of width and 1 inch of wheel height (or 1 inch less tire sidewall)...

Experiences / opinions?

Also, feel free to share your opinions about your Michelin Diamaris. My first set lasted 11k miles before they started cupping. It made my drive sound like I was riding on a train. The dealer talked me into a second set....at $1850 installed with alignment... and now the new set is beginning to do the same at 10k miles. The harmonics are totally irritating at 80 mph as the road noise makes a oscillating "wah...wah...wah..." sound.

[Michelle]

:xoutpost:

Post some pics of your X when you get a chance!!

[ljnlaw]

I would consider 18's with Scorpion Ice & Snows...I am running 18's on my 4.6, although we have not had snow I head they are killer in the snow. I had Hancooks (spelling) on the 18s last year and they went like stink through 15 inches with no problem and stoppen on a dime...they were basically shot so I replaced with the Scorpions. You can't go wrong with the Scorpions.

[CanadianX5]

I have the pirelli ice and snows on the 19" wheels and absolutely love them. They handle great in the snow and are good on dry pavement as well. Money well spent.
I dont think anyone can give them a bad review.

[acattaneo]

I just purchased a set of sport spike spiders for the rear of my X5 . I have 20x9.5 with 275/40 R20s in the front and 20x10 with 315/35 R20's in the rear. I have the spike spiders hubs installed in the rear (per BMW manual). After the hub is installed , it only take about 30 seconds to install the spikes on each wheel when needed. Total Cost is $400 , shipping is free untill the end of December.

I got a set for my 04 Saab 95 two years ago for traveling from Cal to Oregon ever other month.

X5 is taking over the traveling this year , so I will have to see just how they perform.

[longodj]

I have the 255/55/18 Ice an Snows and love them, feels like your driving on dry road even in the worst blizards...