New '05 4.4 owner

[themoth]

Originally Posted by killcrap

irmember that car, mirror motor, some wheel rash and door handel peeling?

[04x5dude]

Congrats.

[zachthefcr]

Thanks to all those that replied - your comments are helpful.
Zach

[zachthefcr]

Originally Posted by Michelle

Where in Maryland are you?

Hi. I am located in Bethesda. And you?

[X5 Meister]

Congrats. Yes you should invest in winter tires. Do a thread search for a lot of great info on this topic.

[anerbe]

Originally Posted by sprocket1200

if price and longer milage are issues don't buy crappy winter tires!

buy good winter tires (consumer reports rates them) and save yourself an accident.
no season tires (all seasons) are not good enough for the cold (below 45F) or any snow. Don't believe the BS out there based on ignorance...

good winter tires are expensive. your first statement makes no sense. some people can't afford 200 a tire. there's no point buying crappy winter tires, as "no seasons" can perform close.

Maybe up in Canadia would someone require snow tires, but don't give me the BS that All Season's lose all grip in temperatures under 45F. There have been huge improvements in tire technology which brings all seasons to the snow level of snow tires from 6 years back. Europe is also reviewing All Seasons and seeing if the Winter Tire Law is still required. There are some all seasons with mountain/snoflake ratings.

It's BS to tell others that if you don't spend $800+ tires on your SUV, you'll be screwed in the winter. It's a NO BRAINER that good snow tires are the best, especially for heavy snow. True ignorance is saying if the X5 owner doesn't get good snows, they might as well stay at home all winter, while their neighbors with their jeeps and explorers with old stock tires go to work when it's 40F outside. My X5 did just fine in the Michigan Winters with factory Energy MXV4's. A bit more slip, but was never screwed, including drives to work after HR called it optional to come due to heavy snow. Of course I didn't aim for snow banks and mounds.

Quote from Consumer Reports on Winter Tires: All-season tires aren’t the best in the wake of a severe winter storm, especially if you must be on road before the highway crews. Winter tires have treads with more biting edges for better grip on snow and ice, while their softer compound remains flexible even in extremely low temperatures. On cleared roads, however, they might not grip as well as all-season tires, and they often wear more quickly. They do not have tread-wear warranties or grades and should be removed in the spring.

I assume the author meant all seasons may grip better than winter tires in cleared road during the winter season. I think he also meant as long as you aren't planning on driving in unplowed roads and if wear is an issue, you can get away with good rated all seasons.

[Michelle]

Originally Posted by zachthefcr

Hi. I am located in Bethesda. And you?

I'm in northern Harford County.

[zachthefcr]

Originally Posted by Michelle

I'm in northern Harford County.

Are there Maryland events that may be of interest to an X5 owner? For example, I used to own a Land Rover, and we'd do local off-roading.

[Michelle]

Originally Posted by zachthefcr

Are there Maryland events that may be of interest to an X5 owner? For example, I used to own a Land Rover, and we'd do local off-roading.

None that I know of.

[Dared2Bdfrnt]

CongratS! Mine is new too.