Setting up my winter shoes

[shooter]

I just got a set of 17's to replace my 19's for the winter. I have gone through hours of posts, so if you could kindly not say use the search function it would be very greatly appreciated.
My 19's are staggered, so I was wondering what the pro's and con's are if I were to stagger my 17" winters.
I was thinking:
235/65/17 on the front
255/60/17 on the rear

I currently have 30mm spacers in the back and she's lowered if that makes a difference.

I really don't want to lose any of the performance that the 19's offer, but I live in NW Connecticut and the winters up here are twice as bad as southern CT.
I would like them to be quiet because I commute to Southern CT everyday for work. What is the tradeoff?

Any brand/model suggestions? I see a lot of people use the Blizzaks, but I'm not sure what to go with. I need these socks for my winter shoes asap!!

Thanks again guys.

[Naz24]

i would go with the Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow. you can do a staggered 18inch set up and they'll still be great.

[X5rolls]

Originally Posted by Naz24

i would go with the Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow. you can do a staggered 18inch set up and they'll still be great.

+ 1 - great snow tires.

[motordavid]

You will love the 17s, with the dedicated snows; makes your X
a Mtn Goat. P Scorpions, Blizzaks, Mich Arctic Alpins, they are
all well rated and close enough to make whatever brand a pricing
decision, imo.
GL,mD

[BMWLOVER]

Originally Posted by Naz24

you can do a staggered 18inch set up and they'll still be great.

But you won't have the same performance as your summer 19's. I don't think it will be a huge difference if you go with 18's but with 17's you will notice a difference.

[realchef]

FYI: Wider tires tend to float more on snow. Thinner tires are recommended in winter. Staggered might not be necessary. Currently using OEM 18x8.5, fine on dry roads and snow.

Any of the top of the line tires will work as MD stated.

[Naz24]

I know someone who did a staggered 19 inch set up with the pirelli scorpions and they were awesome. so i mean its totally up to you. i think 17s look lame on the X5.

[Naz24]

http://www.xoutpost.com/classifieds/...ls-e53-x5.html

i would say just buy those (great price) and put the pirellis on. it wont look bad and you'll still have great grip

[mrbmwx5]

No snow tires need for the X5's... My 17'' with all season tires works great.

[gregwx5]

I wouldn't stagger the winter wheels...when not staggered you will be able to roate them normally prolonging the tire life, especially since there will be no performance gains from staggered 17" snow tires.