What's tires should I get for my 17" winter set-up?

[benathon]

I have the 20" Toyo Proxies for the summer and it's time to finally change my tires on the 17" stock wheels. I had the stock Michelins on there and I didn't really like the way they performed in snow. I'm lookiing for a better performing tire in the snow but don't know if I should get dedicated snow tires b/c the wear quicker. Thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[cmyX6go]

My Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snows were great. I only had them on one season so I can't comment on the wear.

[Boston X5 4.4]

I have dunlop winter sports on mine and they are awesome in both the deep snow and on dry winter roads.

Don't drive yourself crazy with all of the reviews everyone has a favorite. FWIW - over the years, I have had many different winter/snow tire brands on a number of different cars (all AWD or RWD) and have found little difference between the top tier brands for my winter driving conditions in NE.

Have a look at tire rack for the most popular and for wear comparisons.

[X5Flyboy]

How long snow tires will last depends on how far you drive during the winter - especially on dry pavement - they could last twice as long(or more) as your summer tires - just remember snows are only rated to 99mph - that's the toughest thing I had to adjust for riding on snows

[motordavid]

I had Michey Alpins, a dedicated snow tire on a set of oem 17s;
they worked like glue, and ran well for 3 seasons. Sold them to a
fellow poster here before season 4...still had tread left.

In CO, I don't know why you wouldn't go with some brand of
dedicated snow tires, on your 17s, for winter.

"Wear quicker"? You should get 2-3 seasons minimum from a
set of dedicated snows, imo.

[benathon]

Yeah I definately want to get some dedicated snows for next winter. The michelins sucked in snow here in Colorado.

I'm really trying to get a feel for what people like and didn't like so I can avoid those.

[benathon]

The three I found are Brigestone Blizzak, Dunlop Grantrek, General Altimax Arctics and Goodyear Ultra Grip on Tire Rack. They range from $100-110. I don't see the others that people are talking about. Should I search somewhere else? and what's a good price you think I should be paying for my winter tires? Thank you!

[X5 Meister]

FWIW, BMW Canada officially recommends the Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow for the E53 X5 on 18" rims. Personally I think 17" rims would be a better choice. Just take note of the fact that BMW specs snow chains for the X5 only in 17" and 18" sizes, and no larger, in the event you ever had to mount some.

[TowX]

I ran Hankook IceBears this past winter on the X5 and IceBears on my Audi allroad the two previous winters. On the X5 they were rock solid at close to triple digit speeds, tracked beautifully pulling a 3500 lb trailer half way across the country even when I hit a snow storm in western Pa mountains with the trailer. Very nice in the wet too, and quiet.

[sprocket1200]

Pirelli Ice and Snow here. Made a huge difference even only at temperatures around freezing.

I have heard most 'all seasons' would better to be called 'three seasons'.