2005 X5 in need of new tires

[indianapolisX5]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

I can't understand why some US BMW owners refuse to install Hankook tires on their vehicles

Hankook Ventus AS RH07
255/50R19 - 34lbs
285/45R19 - 37lbs

Michelin Latitude Tour HP
255/50R19 - 32lbs
285/45R19 - 34lbs

The Ventus is made in South Korea, whereas the Latitude is manufactured in the U.S. Michelin employs over 17,000 Americans and is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina - just down the road from where our X's were built. True, the Ventus does have a higher speed rating, but there isn't an autobahn in Indiana and I don't often [nor do I believe I can] exceed 149mph. I'm sure Hankook makes a great tire and to be honest if it were my only choice, I wouldn't have a problem bolting a set on. But when there is a choice, tires are like condoms - if forced to pick between one made in America and another in Korea, it's U.S.A. all the way

[4.6toddy]

I don't see anywhere the OP said what size he has? did i miss it

Anyways don't be shy on Hankook tires. I sell Hankook although only a few different ones not the full line and have had awesome feedback.

I am a few months into the Vrdestein Ultrac Sessanta on my X5 and LOVE them. previously had Michelin Diamaris. The Mich is a great tire but i'm absolutely amazed by the Vredesetein. If you're on a staggered 20" set up, that's the way to go


For an earlier poster why are 19's expensive, hard to find and discontinued in a lot fo cases....rarity. To my knowledge I can think of a half dozen vehicles that came factory with a 19" tire where as 20's are fairly common. Of course they never tell you that when you buy the vehicle. I had a guy at a BMW stealership try to sell me one bragging about the 19" package. I tuned him in nicely about it.... he was humbled.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by indianapolisX5

Hankook Ventus AS RH07
255/50R19 - 34lbs
285/45R19 - 37lbs

Michelin Latitude Tour HP
255/50R19 - 32lbs
285/45R19 - 34lbs

The Ventus is made in South Korea, whereas the Latitude is manufactured in the U.S. Michelin employs over 17,000 Americans and is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina - just down the road from where our X's were built. True, the Ventus does have a higher speed rating, but there isn't an autobahn in Indiana and I don't often [nor do I believe I can] exceed 149mph. I'm sure Hankook makes a great tire and to be honest if it were my only choice, I wouldn't have a problem bolting a set on. But when there is a choice, tires are like condoms - if forced to pick between one made in America and another in Korea, it's U.S.A. all the way

The OP has Bridgestone Duelers on his X5 at this time, my weight statement was in regard to his tires.
As stated before, any puncture drops the speed rating, that's why many owners go one speed rating over the vehicle top speed. FWIW, my X has seen 147mph on GPS, a 169mph speed rating is cheap insurance.
You could have made the Korea cannot produce a good tire statement 10 yrs ago, but, these days the top Korean manufacturers are using cutting edge materials and manufacturing processes, their moldmaking capabilities are every bit as good as the best tire producers both here and in Europe.
The old Michelins that where on my X needed over three times the weight to balance as the new Hankook ASs.

[4.6toddy]

Also remember, regardless of where the tire is made it must pass the same testing as every other tire. So if it has a Z speed rating, it must meet the standards of Z speed rated tires - Essentially will the tire hold together and retain its shape at X speed.

There is not different standards or testing procedures for Michelin vs. Nexen for example.