X5 + Snow = ?

[MotoLinz]

I still haven't pulled the trigger on an X5 (though I'm close), and I'm wondering how they fare in snow... I'm not expecting Rover-esque abilities, and I don't plan to take my next auto into anything terribly nasty, but we do enjoy the higher, less maintained roads with some weather, and I'd like a good compromise between the man-friend's diesel Excursion and my sad little four-banger Accord.

[Krunk Man]

Originally Posted by MotoLinz

I still haven't pulled the trigger on an X5 (though I'm close), and I'm wondering how they fare in snow... I'm not expecting Rover-esque abilities, and I don't plan to take my next auto into anything terribly nasty, but we do enjoy the higher, less maintained roads with some weather, and I'd like a good compromise between the man-friend's diesel Excursion and my sad little four-banger Accord.

My 01 x5 with 18s perilli ice and snow does better in the snow than our 03 range rover with 19s on snow tires. The range seems a little floaty on the snow.

but my pick is the x5 in a big storm.

[swissfrank]

Originally Posted by Krunk Man

My 01 x5 with 18s perilli ice and snow does better in the snow than our 03 range rover with 19s on snow tires. The range seems a little floaty on the snow.

but my pick is the x5 in a big storm.

I'd take my X5 back any day!

Same story here, my Land Rover is lousy in the snow, exact same Nokian Snow tire size and model on my X5 runs circles around my Land Rover!

Words of advice, If you have low profile tires, take them off and put on some rubber that works in the cold, leave DSC on unless you get stuck and you'll be golden!

[Lambeau]

Go here: http://www.xoutpost.com/lounge/42611-...w-picture.html
to see my X in the snow last year. I've had full size pick-ups, tahoes etc. WITH dedicated ice/snow tires and they don't compare to the X with Blizzak DM-Z3's. My X has a man-trans but I don't think it makes that much of a difference. We get hundreds of inches of snow/year being in the snow-belt of Lake Superior and nothing has yet to stop my X.

[primetime]

X5 in the snow is excellent....now if you're talking about off road and mud and dirt..thats a different story..

[nrgetic99]

Originally Posted by MotoLinz

I still haven't pulled the trigger on an X5 (though I'm close), and I'm wondering how they fare in snow... I'm not expecting Rover-esque abilities, and I don't plan to take my next auto into anything terribly nasty, but we do enjoy the higher, less maintained roads with some weather, and I'd like a good compromise between the man-friend's diesel Excursion and my sad little four-banger Accord.

Standard repsonse. Its pretty much tire dependant. Don't expect much snow performance with summer high performance tires on 20's. (for back ground, I work part time at a ski resort and spend 12 plus weekends every winter driving on fresh snow, compacted snow, wet snow and ice.)

Many, myself included, have 18" rims with snow tires.

I have read that the stock Michelins on 19's can be down right scary in the snow. I have the 19's standard but have not tried them in the snow.

Of course, driver habits/ability also kicks in.....

I have owned 5 different 4runners in my time, 4 of which were modified for off road use and they are all very capable off road but my 2003 with 18" rims and Cross Terrain Michelins even with all manner of electronic traction control etc, could not hold a candle to my 99 with Bridgestone Dueller Revo All Terrain tires in snow, either compacted or falling snow.

In short, depending on how much of the year you plan on driving in snow, budget for snow tires and you will be fine but try plowing through 6" of fresh with 20's and high performance summer tires and you are going to be dissapointed.

Of course, just my 02 cents
David

[mrkbbd]

A lot of people here drive them quite successfully in the snow sometimes even with the high-performance tires on (not recommended), the RR is a serious off-road car and I find it hard to believe that the X does better in the snow than it - the Range Rover has really soft suspension so it pretty much feels "floaty" on anything and you're also running a more desirable tire size for the snow on the X vs. the RR

[acitydweller]

for winter use, stick with a nonstaggered 18" setup for your x5 and you'll be alright. Save your bling bling for warmer weather.

[nrgetic99]

Originally Posted by acitydweller

for winter use, stick with a nonstaggered 18" setup for your x5 and you'll be alright. Save your bling bling for warmer weather.

Ding Ding Ding !

We have a winner

I would like to get hold of some Grantrek Wintersport M2's for next season to try as the reviews are incredible ... they appear to combine dry road performance with snow traction while being quiet and wearing well... however, they sell out every year by October

David

[Boston X5 4.4]

Originally Posted by nrgetic99

Ding Ding Ding !

We have a winner

I would like to get hold of some Grantrek Wintersport M2's for next season to try as the reviews are incredible ... they appear to combine dry road performance with snow traction while being quiet and wearing well... however, they sell out every year by October

David

Awesome tires

I have these in 17's on my X and they are excellent. I would get them again without any question. I go way up in Maine/Vermont in the winter and regulary hit the 6" + of snow and have never had a problem.