2005 X5 in need of new tires

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by indianapolisX5

Just had a fresh set of Michelin Latitude Tour HP's bolted on. Disappointed that Pirelli no longer makes the Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico in rear size 285/45-19 - had two sets and was really happy with their performance, and price compared to the Michelins! $1300 at a local shop with Hunter RoadForce GSP9700 balancing - certainly could have saved some $$$ by going with Kumho or Hankook, but I'm a tire snob and refuse to put Korean rubber on my X.

I can't understand why some US BMW owners refuse to install Hankook tires on their vehicles, Hankook is the #1 selling tire in Germany (yeah, that Germany, the one with the Autobahn, has sections with NO speed limits). The Hankook Ventus ASs in the 255-50-19/285-45-19 sizes are all season AND carry a W (168mph) speed rating (high speed driving combined with summer heat will turn most all-season rubber compounds into grease). Many informed owners install higher speed rated rubber due to the fact that once a tire pick up a puncture (roofing nail, etc.) the tire drops a MINIMUM of one speed rating. Hankooks are also lighter, reduced unsprung weight = increased driving dynamics.

[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

[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.