Winter Setup

[dkl]

Originally Posted by Anonymous_X5

So i got this...04' 4.4
Now, im just going locally and to mammoth. Should i...
1. get a new set of snow tires for the 19"s?
2. get a whole different 18" set w/ snows?
3. chains?
4. Or will the michi diamaris be adequate for now.

Thanks.

You do NOT want to get those Diamaris or any summer tires close to near freezing temperatures. I attempted getting up to Big Bear last year on my summer Bridgestones (no snow, just wet roads at about 40F), needless to say that the X skid all over the place and I had to quickly turn around.

I don't know how often you go up to the mountains, but if you do it often enough, snows are much recommended as others have pointed out. In any case, you're required to carry chains regardless (at least to show the CHP) even if you have all-wheel-drive.

[RamVA]

#2 - or you could even go for 17s, which you can find dirt cheap used - OEM BMW wheels with all-season tires under $400.

[CanadianX5]

I've got the pirelli ice&snow on 19"s and they work great.

[X5 in AK]

Dude, get a set of used 17" X5 wheels from eBay, and put a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks on them.
You will spend the same amount of money for the used rims and the new Blizzaks as you will for a set of 19" snow tires. And you won't have to have the tire shop mount and dismount the snow tires from your rims, which, incedentally, will wreck your tires after a few mountings. And cost you a bunch of money

Everything I've heard about the Diamaris is they suck. Get the Blizzaks.

If you don't think I'm qualified on the subject of snow tires, look at where I live. I drive on ice and snow 6 months a year. And we don't use salt on the roads. They are just covered in packed snow and ice all the time.


Lambeau has some good pics of his X5 on Blizzaks driving through snow that he posted a few weeks ago.

[manonskisjr]

agree with X5inAK

[sprocket1200]

craigslist always has tires and rims cheap!