Winter setup for 2004 X5 3.0i

[Last5oh]

Originally Posted by kiskaprince

Do you think that i should get 18" or same as I have now 17'
Would 18" rim and tire get me better ride not so bumpy?
Now I have all season 235/65/17 Bridgestone Duller.
Thank you

There's a thread I stared here about the ride quality for 20" tires.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...e-quality.html

281 views 7 replies (1 mine). I asked becuase I had the chance to get a set of ORIGINAL Style 87 staggered rims for $1000. Other than cosmetic reasons I saw no reason to go for it. I asked the tire-professional about it and was told to steer clear for a number of reasons.

I LOVE the ride and handling on the 18" rims. I don't know if I might consider 19".

Last week (Toronto's 1st snow of 2008) I had the chance to 'drive like a maniac' on the X5's all season tires. It handled BETTER than my previous Ford Explorer on Michelin LTX tires. I don't see you having a problem getting through one winter with the Dueller's on the X.

Here's one thing you might consider. Keep the 17" rims and put snow tires on them (this season or next). Do a search... I read somewhere that the 'narrower' the snow tire is better, and consider getting 18" (or 19") rims with a summer set of tires in the spring.

[kiskaprince]

Don't get me wrong they are good tires if you drive straight in winter as soon you start steering they slide like crazy.
I can get out from any amount of snow.
Thank you.

[patrob]

Originally Posted by kiskaprince

Thank you.
But what do you think about them (DM-Z3)??

We haven't had that much snow yet to really test them, so I cannot comment yet. But they do have a great rating from APA.

I originally considered Yokohama Geolander but they were all sold out by end of October as there was a rebate of $80 I could have applied for

I say use your 17" rims for winter & get a new set of 19" or 20" for the summer

Check out this site for ordering winter tires www.talontire.com
They only charge $9 shipping per tire & only charge 5% sales tax since they are in Quebec.

[realchef]

Originally Posted by patrob

We haven't had that much snow yet to really test them, so I cannot comment yet. But they do have a great rating from APA.

I originally considered Yokohama Geolander but they were all sold out by end of October as there was a rebate of $80 I could have applied for

I say use your 17" rims for winter & get a new set of 19" or 20" for the summer

Check out this site for ordering winter tires www.talontire.com
They only charge $9 shipping per tire & only charge 5% sales tax since they are in Quebec.

GEOLANDERS = suck
Had them on my Tundra. Barely made 15k. Did ok in winter, just fine in summer.

[sprocket1200]

snow? who needs snow to test winter tires? the COLD is the biggest difference. they work way better than 'all seasons'.

[patrob]

Originally Posted by realchef

GEOLANDERS = suck
Had them on my Tundra. Barely made 15k. Did ok in winter, just fine in summer.

Really

Then maybe it was a good thing they were all sold out & I ended up getting Blizzak's

[patrob]

Originally Posted by sprocket1200

snow? who needs snow to test winter tires? the COLD is the biggest difference. they work way better than 'all seasons'.

That's true but it hasn't been that cold here yet to really test them.

[sprocket1200]

Not that cold yet? Then you must think i am nuts. I live on the coast and it hardly ever freezes, yet, winter tires have been my best x5 purchase.

you have to ask yourself, why.....

OK, OK, I'll let you in on the secret. At around 5C 'all-seasons' start turning to hockey pucks and handling is greatly reduced. The winter tires are beautiful.

the general driving public never notices because we are not the ones doing the comparison tests. I use my trusted sources (consumer reports, tirerack tests, etc) to ensure I buy the best value (hardly ever the least expensive).

I did notice however thanks to investments in track days and keen observation (I ride motorcycles too where handling differences are more critical). Don't feel bad. My wife never noticed either and she thinks we wasted our money...haha

[patrob]

Originally Posted by sprocket1200

Not that cold yet? Then you must think i am nuts. I live on the coast and it hardly ever freezes, yet, winter tires have been my best x5 purchase.

you have to ask yourself, why.....

OK, OK, I'll let you in on the secret. At around 5C 'all-seasons' start turning to hockey pucks and handling is greatly reduced. The winter tires are beautiful.

the general driving public never notices because we are not the ones doing the comparison tests. I use my trusted sources (consumer reports, tirerack tests, etc) to ensure I buy the best value (hardly ever the least expensive).

I did notice however thanks to investments in track days and keen observation (I ride motorcycles too where handling differences are more critical). Don't feel bad. My wife never noticed either and she thinks we wasted our money...haha

Your secret is not a secret

Yes, all season/summer tires have extremely reduced grip/handling in colder weather. We buy them here mainly for snow & ice traction, which I still haven't had a chance to experience yet with my X5. So far my Blizzak's in dry slightly above 0 deg. grip well but because of its softness, feels like I am driving a "Crown Victoria"

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....=Blizzak+DM-Z3
Take a look at the highlighted ratings, that's the main reason for winter tires in general.

[sprocket1200]

crown victoria? put some pressure in those tires! it should feel like a race car again...
35psi min