Diamaris in snow?

[qwertzee]

Hey guys,

I've read that the Michelin Diamaris on 20" wheels are bad in snow, but just wondering how bad? I'm heading up to Tahoe this week and it's supposed to snow, probably a few inches. I drive to Tahoe once every couple years, so it's not worth getting snow tires.

I grew up in Chicago so I've got plenty of experience driving in snow, but I'm just wondering how poorly the Diamaris will perform in snow this week. Will it be OK if I drive slowly and carefully, or are they so bad in snow that this is a really stupid idea?

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks

[cmyX6go]

They are sleds in the snow.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...=diamaris+snow

[TowX]

I'm in Chicago and the Diamaris tires are downright dangerous in the snow. You might get some traction, but you won't be able to stop or steer. After 30+ years of winter driving in New England and the upper midwest, the X5 on my 19" Diamaris tires scared me with the first snow. I run 18" TSW wheels with dedicated snow tires.

[LI-X5]

surprisingly enough we had our first snow here this past weekend and my mich's werent all that bad !! if you drop the tire pressure down to like 25 lbs it helps even more !!

[Budget M3]

OP: Your Chicago snow experience will be of little value on the Diamaris. I grew up driving in Maine and thought the same as you--I should be able to handle a little snow as long as I go slow and have AWD. However, my 4.6is was downright scary on the Michelins in the first Colorado snow this year. You have at least two very important things going against you with these tires: 1) extra wide contact patch = very bad...the smaller the footprint (i.e. narrower) the better in the white stuff, 2) high performance rubber compound gets hard and slick (even on dry pavement) when the temp falls below 40F...you really need a rubber compound made to remain pliable in the cold

Agree it seems silly to spend $$$ on snow tires you will use only once or twice a year. I understand there are folks in Cali that will now rent you snow wheels and tires for just this type of situation. If you can't rent some snow tires and wheels for the X, then rent another vehicle for the trips to Tahoe. You won't much like driving a Blazer. Explorer, whatever for the week you are there, but it will make you appreciate your X that much more when you get home!

[X5rolls]

Think about not being able to stop. That's what these are like in the snow. Drive at your own peril. NS.

[gbogh3]

Prefect timing on the this thread.
Thanks for all the input guys, guess its time to clear a section next to the track tires for another set of rims for the X5?

g

[abster641]

I almost killed myself in a local parking lot my first year with my X5. Going downhill, I hit a small ice patch and the tires were like huge skis. The fact that I did not hit a person or an object was due to pure luck. I have the 19" sports wheels with diamaris. I knew I had to get snow tires but it was not time yet. It was so scary, I walked home that day. I replaced the tires the next day with a set of 17" wheels and Hankook Icebears. The ice bears are decent tires but they are really loud this year (2nd year of ownership). They also make a ton of noise at 80mph and over. I know I should not be going that fast on most days anyway.

YMMV

[gbogh3]

Originally Posted by abster641

I almost killed myself in a local parking lot my first year with my X5. Going downhill, I hit a small ice patch and the tires were like huge skis. The fact that I did not hit a person or an object was due to pure luck. I have the 19" sports wheels with diamaris. I knew I had to get snow tires but it was not time yet. It was so scary, I walked home that day. I replaced the tires the next day with a set of 17" wheels and Hankook Icebears. The ice bears are decent tires but they are really loud this year (2nd year of ownership). They also make a ton of noise at 80mph and over. I know I should not be going that fast on most days anyway.

YMMV

Which X5 do you have? I have done some research and it looks like 18 inch in the min I can go with the on the 2004 4.8. Any thoughts?

g

[jaybo12]

I put a pair of Z chains on my 20's and they are getting the job done. I'm in Seattle where the street clearing is non existent and we have plenty of hills.